Abstract: A highly conformable and deformable nonwoven web comprising melt-blown microfibers having multiple layers of a relatively low modulus material and a high modulus material.

Abstract: A nonwoven elastomeric web is provided. The web comprises thermoplastic elastomeric melt-blown small diameter fibers having a diameter of less than about 50 microns, the small diameter fibers being randomly arrayed and bonded at points of contact such that the tensile strength of the web in the direction of web formation is no greater than about 2.5 times the tensile strength of the web in a direction perpendicular to the direction of web formation and the web recovers at least about 85% in the machine direction after being stretched 50%. The web is particularly useful as wound dressing or bandaging materials.

Abstract: A method for forming melt-blown fiber webs which webs have multiple layers of polymeric material. The method provides novel webs and control over web properties.

Abstract: A high modulus nonwoven web is produced using a high modulus material and a self-bonding material formed as multi-layer melt-blown microfibers where the web modulus is greater the MX.sub.1 +MX.sub.2 where M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 represent the modulus values of webs formed from the two materials and X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 represent the respective volume portions of the materials in the web fibers.

Abstract: A method for preparing melt-blown microfibers comprising extruding fiber-forming material through the orifices of a die into a high-velocity gaseous stream where the extruded material is rapidly attenuated into fibers, directing the attenuated fibers into a first open end of a tubular chamber disposed near the die and extending in a direction parallel to the path of the attenuated fibers as they leave the die, introducing air into the tubular chamber at a velocity sufficient to maintain the fibers under tension during travel through the chamber, and collecting the fibers after they leave the tubular chamber.

Abstract: Polypropylene articles are provided. The polypropylene articles include non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene having olefinic unsaturation-containing monomers graft-polymerized thereon by ionizing radiation in a dosage sufficient to degrade crystalline polypropylene. The irradiated polypropylene articles retain useful tensile properties after storage periods of as long as at least about four months.

Abstract: A polyolefin BMF web made from a mixture of polypropylene and surfactant can have high wet strength when a) the surfactant is nonionic and b) the surfactant is mixed with the polypropylene at a static mixer that interconnects the extruder and the BMF die. By so postponing the addition of the surfactant, it is protected from both the exceedingly high temperatures of the extruder and from the high shearing forces within the extruder. The surfactant also is heated to high temperatures for a much shorter time than if it were premixed with the polypropylene.

Abstract: Elastomeric nonwoven fibrous fluid filter media for removal of particulate contaminants from the fluid are provided. The filter media comprises thermoplastic elastomeric melt-blown small diameter fibers, the small diameter fibers being randomly arrayed, the filter media having substantially uniform stretch properties in all directions and whose filtration properties are independent of filter media elongations sufficient to increase the filter media surface area at least about 10 percent. The filter media is particularly useful as a prefilter on respirators.

Abstract: Oriented microfibers and processes for making them are disclosed, together with blends of such microfibers with other fibers such as crimped staple fibers and non-oriented microfibers.

Abstract: Polypropylene articles are provided. The polypropylene articles comprise non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene having olefinic unsaturation-containing monomers graft-polymerized thereon by ionizing radiation in a dosage sufficient to degrade crystalline polypropylene. The irradiated polypropylene articles retain useful tensile properties after storage periods of as long as at least about four months.

Abstract: A polyolefin BMF web made from a mixture of polypropylene and surfactant can have high wet strength when (a) the surfactant is nonionic and (b) the surfactant is mixed with the polypropylene at a static mixer that interconnects the extruder and the BMF die. By so postponing the addition of the surfactant, it is protected from both the exceedingly high temperatures of the extruder and from the high shearing forces within the extruder. The surfactant also is heated to high temperatures for a much shorter time than if it were premixed with the polypropylene.

Abstract: Irradiated polypropylene articles of non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene and a method for preparing the articles are provided. The articles are irradiated with a sterilizing dosage of ionizing radiation. The irradiated articles such as films and blown microfiber webs are substantially undegraded after storage periods of as long as six months.

Abstract: A nonwoven thermal insulating stretch fabric is provided. The fabric comprises 10 to 90 weight percent elastomeric melt blown microfiber web, the microfibers having an average diameter of less than about 25 micrometers, and 10 to 90 weight percent crimped bulking fibers. The microfibers are bonded to the bulking fibers at points of contact and the fabric has substantially uniform stretch properties such that the fabric will recover to at least 90 percent of the original dimensions within one hour after being elongated to 125 percent of the original length.

Abstract: Biocomponent fibers, and webs made therefrom, are taught in which one component of the fibers is a crystallizable material. When a web of the fibers is heated in a mold above the temperature at which crystallization occurs, the fibers tend to be set in the position they are held in the mold. A preferred fiber comprises blown fibers comprising as one component amorphous, crystallizable polyethylene terephthalate, and as the other component polypropylene. A web of such fibers not only becomes formed into a shape-retaining form by crystallization during the molding process, but also can be further established in its shape-retaining character by heating the web above the softening point of the polypropylene, whereupon the fibers become bonded at their points of intersection.

Abstract: Sorbent sheet products are prepared comprising a coherent fibrous web that includes entangled blown fibers and liquid transport fibers intermingled with the blown fibers and an array of solid high sorbency liquid-sorbent polymeric particles uniformly dispersed and physically held within the web. The particles swell upon sorption of liquid, and the transport fibers cause increased and more rapid sorption of liquid by conducting the liquid from external portions of the web to internal portions of the web.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers, and webs made therefrom, are taught in which one component of the fibers is a crystallizable material. When a web of the fibers is heated in a mold above the temperature at which crystallization occurs, the fibers tend to be set in the position they are held in the mold. A preferred fiber comprises blown fibers comprising as one component amorphous, crystallizable polyethylene terephthalate, and as the other component polypropylene. A web of such fibers not only becomes formed into a shape-retaining form by crystallization during the molding process, but also can be further established in its shape-retaining character by heating the web above the softening point of the polypropylene, whereupon the fibers become bonded at their points of intersection.