Abstract: A breathable laminate has a liquid-resistant backing film layer having varied vapor permeability that includes breathable thinned localized regions and thicker non-breathable regions, wherein the film layer is co-extensively directly joined with a liquid- and vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric. The breathable laminate can have unidirectional air permeability. The present invention also relates to disposable apparel and absorbent products which incorporate the breathable laminate, and methods of making the breathable laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: Nonwoven web products containing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically nonwoven web products having sub-micron fibers formed by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them, and methods of producing these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion, post-doping annealing, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion, post-doping annealing, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: A spinneret, apparatus, and method are provided for making filaments for fibrous nonwoven fabrics with more uniform filament and fabric formation while minimizing filament breaks and hard spot defects in webs and fabrics made therefrom. The spinneret has a spinneret body that has an overall length to hydraulic diameter ratio and defines orifices that extend through the spinneret body, wherein the orifices comprise capillaries that open at a face of the spinneret body for polymer filament extrusion therefrom, wherein the capillaries are arranged in a plurality of different rows at the face of the spinneret body, and wherein the plurality of different rows are arranged into a plurality of different zones at the face of the spinneret body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making hydrolyzed cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by polymerizing vinyl acetate (VAc) monomers to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) polymer network by chemical-crosslinking and hydrolysis. The invention also provides methods for including pendant chains in the hydrogel during the polymerization process. Materials produced and use of the cross-linked hydrolyzed PVA hydrogels also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: Processes for producing nonwoven web products containing sub-micron fibers are provided, and more specifically processes for producing nonwoven web products having sub-micron fibers formed by fibrillation of polymer films are provided.