Abstract: A contamination avoidance garment for emergency egress during nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) events is described. The garment is comprised of a single item, or of multiple garment pieces, and is configured so as to afford the wearer a high degree of barrier to a toxic environment while evacuating to a toxic free area. The garment is designed for easy donning and doffing, and combines the performance characteristics of both continuous film-based barrier composites and toxic vapor adsorbing fabrics. The garment is configured to reduce the influx of toxic chemicals by preferentially controlling pressure differentials within the garment by filtering the air entering various garment openings such as sleeve-ends, neck openings, front openings, leg-openings, and/or specifically designed environmental filtration panels.

Abstract: The nonwoven composite fabric of the invention provides a barrier to blood and viral challenges, and also provides breathability for comfort. The fabric is particularly suited for use as a disposable surgical gown. The fabric comprises a first microporous ply comprising a microporous formable resin that has been extrusion coated onto a nonwoven fabric substrate and subsequently stretched to impart microporosity, and at least one additional ply positioned adjacent the first microporous ply. The nonwoven composite fabric has barrier properties passing the ASTM F1671 viral barrier test, and the MVTR of the composite fabric is at least 300 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: A landscape fabric is disclosed that maximizes the use of natural and irrigated water. The landscape fabric includes at least one layer of fluid pervious material, and a plurality of hydration dams attached to the surface of the pervious material. The hydration dams capture irrigation and natural water run-off, which provides more efficient moisture control to the underlying surface and landscape plantings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a readily disposable hazardous chemical and medical waste protection wear suitable for human use through utilization of a breathable, stand alone or combination laminant utilizing polyvinyl alcohol sheet material which is water soluble at various temperatures providing disposal of the stand alone or outer coating of a laminate material if utilized with reusable protection wear. The polyvinyl alcohol stand alone provides the wearer with comfort through having a MVTR rate of at least 450 grams/meter squared per 24 hours. In addition, a combination of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylidene chloride provides a readily disposable splash suit which is most suitable for a variety of chemicals while yet being readily disposable ie. the PVA being readily soluble in warm water and the PVDC being dispensable in water and being biodegradable.

Abstract: A breathable non-woven composite fabric having barrier capabilities to biological liquids comprised of at least one non-woven layer bonded to at least one surface of a thermoplastic microporous film, the non-woven composite fabric providing a barrier to passage of biological liquid when the composite fabric is subjected to contact with synthetic blood under the dictates of testing procedure ASTM ES21-92 and ES22-92 while maintaining a moisture of vapor transmission rate of greater than about 450 grams per square meter for 24 hours at about 75.degree. F. and about 65% relative humidity, the non-woven composite fabric having a breaking strength of at least about 14 pounds.

Abstract: A breathable non-woven composite fabric having barrier capabilities to biological liquids comprised of at least one non-woven layer bonded to at least one surface of a thermoplastic microporous film, the non-woven composite fabric providing a barrier to passage of biological liquid when the composite fabric is subjected to contact with synthetic blood under the dictates of testing procedure ASTM ES 21 92 while maintaining a moisture of vapor transmission rate of greater than about 450 grams per square meter for 24 hours at about 75.degree. F. and about 65% relative humidity, the non-woven composite fabric having a breaking strength of at least about 14 pounds.

Abstract: A portable shower and catch basin assembly for use in performing chemical decontamination procedures has a catch basin made of a highly effective chemical barrier fabric and a support framework of plastic tubing parts that may be erected quickly on site. The framework has vertical posts and horizontal support members provided with mating fittings that snap together. One of the posts has a vertical extension with a cradle that supports a shower pipe. The catch basin fabric is made up of a composite multilayer material resistant to permeation by a wide range of toxic chemicals.

Abstract: Seaming tape made up of a composite multilayer material of specified composition is used to form bonded seams between pieces of composite chemical barrier fabrics. The tape includes a base multilayer material made up of a stacked, laminated array including an outside layer of ethylene vinyl acetate and successive layers of polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, and chlorinated polyethylene. Tape of this composition may be bonded to a variety of polymeric materials and provides an effective seam for some applications. A second multilayer film sheet bonded to the base sheet provides a more effective seam for forming a barrier to a wide spectrum of chemicals. The second film sheet includes an interior layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol sandwiched between layers of nylon or polyethylene.

Abstract: Bonded seams for joining nonwoven, spunbonded polyolefin fabric to itself are prepared by overlapping of edge regions of the fabric with linen sides of the fabric in contact with one another and first applying heat and pressure along a seam line by means of ultrasonic energy and an embossed wheel, giving a lightly bonded strip. The strip is then folded against an adjacent surface, and heat and pressure are applied from the opposite side of the fabric and over the underlying folded-over strip. This procedure in effect merges the bond produced by the second application of heat and pressure with the first bond, giving a strong bond. Cleanroom and protective garments may be fabricated to include such seams, with the side of the seamed fabric that has a remaining cut edge at the seam being disposed on the inside of the garment. Such garments avoid release of microscopic particles such as occurs for stitched seams.

Abstract: A multilayer chemical barrier fabric is made up of a base sheet of nonwoven polypropylene laminated on one side to a multilayer film sheet having a film of ethylene vinyl alcohol sandwiched between films of nylon with a surface film if linear low-density polyethylene bonded to the outer film of nylon and laminated on the other side to a multilayer film sheet having a central film of polyvinylidine chloride, an inner film of ethylene vinyl acetate, and an outer film of low-density polyethylene. Fabrics having this structure show resistance to breakthrough within eight hours for all fifteen chemicals listed on the ASTM F1001 chemical test battery. A composite fabric having the above structure, but omitting the multilayer film that contains polyvinylidine chloride, is also disclosed.