Abstract: The barrier properties of crystalline polyolefin film can be improved substantially by incorporating a precise amount of a partially incompatible wax into the polyolefin. When the polyolefin is polypropylene or polybutylene, the wax is preferably a paraffin wax. The precise amount of wax, which produces optimum improvement in barrier properties, lies in the range of about 3 to 10 percent based on the weight of the polyolefin. The range in which excellent results are obtained can be broadened by contacting the film with a cooling medium immediately after it is extruded. The film may be annealed to further improve the barrier properties.

Abstract: The barrier properties of a coextruded film having a surface layer comprising a crystalline polyolefin can be improved substantially by incorporating a precise amount of a partially incompatible wax into the polyolefin. The film has an interior layer comprising a polymer that prevents migration of the wax to the other surface of the film so that wax does not interfere with the printability or heat sealability of the other surface. The wax-containing polyolefin layer also protects the interior layer from adverse effects of moisture, such as when the interior layer comprises EVOH. An interior layer of EVOH may be sandwiched between wax-containing polyolefin layers to fully protect it from moisture.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable elastomer having a first length is produced by uniaxially orienting a copolymer having hard block and elastomeric soft block polymer segments to a second length which is substantially greater than a third length at which partial permanent deformation occurs. Upon removal of the tensioning force, the stretched elastomer naturally relaxes to the third length which is substantially greater than the first length but less than the second length. Upon application of heat, the elastomer shrinks and recovers its elastic properties. The heat-shrinkable elastomer can be coextruded by conventional techniques as a core layer disposed between nonelastic outer layers or skins, and the resulting coextruded elastomer can be uniaxially tensioned as above. Articles or garments such as disposable diapers advantageously use the heat-shrinkable elastomer of the present invention as a means to shirr portions thereof, such as waistbands.

Abstract: A multi-layered absorbent tissue having a plastic inner layer is prepared by substantially overall bonding the plastic layer to no more than one of two adjacent layers.

Abstract: A multi-layered absorbent tissue having a plastic inner layer is prepared by substantially overall bonding the plastic layer to no more than one of two adjacent layers.

Abstract: A sanitary device, e.g. a sanitary napkin is provided which has an absorbent matrix and a fluid impervious baffle. Part of the fluid impervious baffle is a heat fusible sheet which is adhered to the absorbent component by fusing. The absorbent component may have heat fusible material interspersed therein and may have a fluid pervious upper layer which is essentially coterminous with or wraps about the absorbent component or the absorbent component and baffle combination. When a fluid pervious wrap is used, it is preferred that the wrap be fusible and also be fused to the baffle. The fusing is preferably accomplished in random sites across the surface of the sanitary appliance, e.g. by embossing.