Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 contains inelastic fibers having a varied thickness along the length and elastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric 10 preferably includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and a substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layer 2 on at least one side of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fibers with a varied thickness along the length are contained in the inelastic fiber layer 2. The nonwoven fabric 10 is conveniently produced by (a) superposing a web containing low-drawn, inelastic fibers having an elongation of 80% to 800% on at least one side of a web containing elastic fibers, (b) subjecting the webs, while in a non-united state, to through-air technique to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together by thermal bonding the fibers at their intersections, and (c) stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction to draw the low-drawn inelastic fibers, followed by releasing the sheet from the stretch.

Abstract: A substrate for artificial leathers which is composed of a nonwoven fabric made of fiber bundles of microfine fibers having an average single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and an elastic polymer impregnated into the nonwoven fabric. The substrate for artificial leathers satisfies the following requirements 1 and 2: (1) the number of fiber bundles which are oriented to a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric is 75 to 300 per 1 cm of width which is perpendicular to the thickness direction, when measured on a cross section parallel to the thickness direction; and (2) the number of cross sections of the fiber bundles which are oriented to the thickness direction is 30 to 800 per 1 mm2, when measured on a cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite article and to a process for manufacturing the composite article. The composite article comprises multiple layers including high tenacity fibers incorporated into a fabric and a core thermoplastic resin. The fabric may be coated with a surface treatment agent, a polymer matrix resin. Single or multiple layers of the composite articles may be formed into a composite part having high strength, rigidity, fast molding cycle time and extremely good conformability in a 3-dimensional mold. The composite parts formed by this process have high part strength in all directions.

Abstract: A press fabric for a machine for the production of web material, especially paper or cardboard, including a carrying structure and a plurality of layers on one web material contact side of the carrying structure, whereby polymeric material is contained in at least one of the layers of fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame-retardant leather-like sheet having a soft hand, excellent surface touch and excellent appearance, which includes an entangled nonwoven fabric of microfine polyester fibers having an average single-fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less, and an elastic polymer contained inside the nonwoven fabric, wherein a flame-retardant is exhausted into the elastic polymer and wherein a flame retarder solution containing bubbles forcibly formed is applied to a back surface of the leather-like sheet so that the flame retarder is present in a region extending from the back surface to an inside of the leather-like sheet but is not present on side of a front surface of the leather-like sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent structure made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least 575×10?9 cm2. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g, an absorbency under load (AUL) at 0.9 psi as determined by an Absorbency Under Load Test of at least 18 and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 350×10?9 cm2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from multicomponent fibers which are partially split. The partially split multicomponent fibers have at least one component of the multicomponent fiber separated from the remaining components of the multicomponent fiber along a first section of the longitudinal length of the multicomponent fibers. Along a second section of the longitudinal length of the multicomponent fibers the components of the multicomponent fibers remain together as a unitary fiber structure. In addition, part of the second section of the multicomponent fibers is bonded to part of a second section of an adjacent multicomponent fiber.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fabric for use in structural applications, having a first layer of structural yarns comprising first structural yarns aligned in a first direction, a second layer of structural yarns comprising second structural yarns aligned in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction, the second layer of structural yarns disposed on top of the first layer of structural yarns, first encapsulating yarns disposed on the second layer of structural yarns, the first encapsulating yarns being aligned with the first structural yarns, and second encapsulating yarns being aligned with the second structural yarns, the second encapsulating yarns being alternatively woven above one of the first encapsulating yarns and below one of the first structural yarns such that the first encapsulating yarns and second encapsulating yarns cooperate to secure the first layer of structural yarns to the second layer of structural yarn.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous nonwoven structure comprising meltblown fibrous materials and at least one secondary fibrous material and method of preparing. In one aspect, the fibrous nonwoven structure has a formation index of between 70 and 135. In another aspect, the fibrous nonwoven structure has an opacity that is greater than 72 percent at a basis weight of between about 35 and 55 grams per square meter. The fibrous nonwoven substrate may be utilized as a moist wipe.

Abstract: Absorbent structures with nonwoven meltblown lyocell fiber webs are described which have excellent liquid distribution properties. The absorbent structures comprise at least two nonwoven meltblown lyocell fiber webs with superabsorbent polymer intermediate the two webs. Methods for making the structures are also described. The structures are particularly useful for use in disposable hygienic products.

Abstract: A process for imparting flame resistance and the flame resistant fabrics produced by such process are provided. The process for imparting flame resistant properties involves treating a target fabric with one or more flame retardant chemicals (and, preferably, a softening agent) and then curing the treated fabric to durably affix the flame retardant to the fabric. In many cases, it may be desirable to subject the treated fabric to mechanical face finishing to increase softness. Optionally, stain release agents, soil repellent agents, permanent press resins, and the like may be added to the bath of flame retardant chemicals, eliminating the need for one or more additional manufacturing processes. Alternately, soil repellent agents may be applied to only one side of the treated fabric after the application of the flame retardant chemicals. The present fabrics exhibit improved performance and tear strength, even after repeated launderings, as compared to conventionally treated fabrics.

Abstract: Mattress panels and mattresses (including mattress foundations) that satisfy the rigorous requirements of new and promulgated state and federal regulations regarding flammability of mattresses, such as Technical Bulletin 603 of the State of California department of Consumer Affairs (TB-603) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress/Foundation Sets (16 CFR 1633), are provided. A mattress includes one or more panels of material assembled as a non-quilted, non-perforated, multi-layered structure, wherein the mattress maintains flame and heat resistant integrity when impinged with a gas flame in accordance with the testing protocol set forth in Technical Bulletin 603 of the State of California department of Consumer Affairs (TB-603) and/or in accordance with the testing protocol set forth in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress/Foundation Sets (16 CFR 1633).

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.

Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate (e.g., film, nonwoven web, etc.) that contains a thermoplastic starch formed from a starch and plasticizer is provided. The starch and plasticizer are melt blended together in the presence of a weak organic acid (e.g., lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, etc.). By selectively controlling certain parameters of the melt blending process (e.g., extrusion temperature, content of the components, etc.), the present inventors have discovered that the starch may be hydrolyzed in a highly efficient manner to form compositions having a comparably lower weight average molecular weight, polydispersity index, and viscosity, which are particularly suitable for use in the formation of melt-extruded substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid penetration-resistant water-vapor-permeable multi-layer composite material and process for making the same comprising a porous nanofiber web of polymeric fibers, wherein the polymeric fibers of the nanofiber web have a diameter of less than 1000 nanometers and wherein the nanofiber web has a basis weight of 5 to 40 grams per square meter and a surface roughness (?RMS) of 5 to 15 micrometers and where, the porous nanofiber web is coated on a surface with a layer of water-vapor-permeable, hydrophilic, monolithic, water transport material.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-stratified, or homogeneous, non-woven composite having (a) strength-imparting fibers of a relatively high denier and (b) binder fibers of a lower denier that adhere the composite together and that form a smooth, stiff skin on the outer surfaces of the composite. In one instance, the strength-imparting fibers are staple fibers and the binder fibers are bicomponent fibers having a low melt component. In a variation, the composite also contains a small percentage by weight (that is, less than 20%) of flame retardant fibers that impart flame resistant properties to the composite. Preferably, all of the fibers are comprised of the same polymeric material (e.g., polyester), so that the composite is recyclable. The resulting composite exhibits excellent flame retardance, strength, and stiffness, as well as having a smooth surface for attachment of a decorative fabric or other material. A process for manufacturing such composites is also provided.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is provided having a plurality of semi-crystalline filaments that are thermally bonded to each other and are formed of the same polymer and exhibit substantially the same melting temperature. The fabric is produced by melt spinning an amorphous crystallizable polymer to form two components having different levels of crystallinity. During spinning, a first component of the polymer is exposed to conditions that result in stress-induced crystallization such that the first polymer component is in a semi-crystalline state and serves as the matrix or strength component of the fabric. The second polymer component is not subjected to stress induced crystallization and thus remains in a substantially amorphous state which bonds well at relatively low temperatures. In a bonding step, the fabric is heated to soften and fuse the binder component. Under these conditions, the binder component undergoes thermal crystallization so that in the final product, both polymer components are semi-crystalline.

Abstract: An electrically conductive non-woven fabric (10) for heating applications is described and comprises a three-dimensional network (11) of non-woven synthetic fibers (12) which are non-electrically conductive and electrically conductive strands (13) of synthetic fibers or fine metal wires consolidated therewith. The fabric has an intrinsic resistivity in the range of from about 0.05 to 5 m2/kg.

Abstract: A fabric includes a first yarn having a UV-A transmission of between 10 and 50% while substantially blocking UV-B transmission, and at least a second yarn different from the first yarn, the yarns being interweaved such that the fabric has regular mesh openings that give rise to a transmission of the fabric of between 20 and 65% for UV-A and between 3 and 20% for UV-B.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from an aliphatic polyester polymer which has sufficient tear strength and is biodegradable. Biodegradable nonwoven webs of the present are prepared from a polymer blend having from about 65% by weight to about 99% by weight of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and from about 1% by weight to about 35% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a lower melting point than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer, a polymer having a lower molecular weight than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, the nonwoven webs of the present invention have a tear strength greater than the tear strength of a nonwoven web prepared from the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer alone.