Abstract: A method of durably rendering a polymeric fabric, e.g., a polyolefin fabric, wettable and resistant to protein adsorption. The method involves providing a polymeric fabric having a surface, applying to the surface of the polymeric fabric a composition which includes water and a surfactant adapted to durably render the polymeric fabric resistant to protein adsorption, and drying the polymeric fabric. The surfactant has a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. no greater than about 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the water, and is present on the polymeric fabric in an amount of the surfactant sufficient to reduce the adsorption of the protein by the fabric. The coated fabric not only exhibits durable reduced adsorption of protein but also has durable wettability by aqueous liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of coating a permeable sheet with amphiphilic proteins, the method including the steps of: 1) providing a permeable sheet having a plurality of individual exposed surfaces, at least a portion of which having relatively low surface energies; 2) providing an aqueous solution containing amphiphilic proteins, the solution having a relatively high surface tension; and 3) contacting the solution containing amphiphilic proteins under shear stress conditions with the matrix of fibrous material so that at least a portion of the amphiphilic proteins are adsorbed onto at least some individual exposed surfaces.

Abstract: A method of reducing the adsorption of protein by a polymeric fabric; e.g., a polyolefin fabric, which involves providing a polymeric fabric having a surface, applying to the surface of the polymeric fabric a composition including water and a surfactant adapted to reduce the adsorption of protein by the polymeric fabric, and treating the fabric to which a surfactant has been applied by air corona discharge at a corona energy density of from about 10 to about 280 kilojoules per square meter. The surfactant is present on the fabric in an amount sufficient to reduce the adsorption of protein by the fabric. The coated fabric is especially suited for incorporation in such disposable absorbent articles as diapers; feminine care products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons; incontinent care products; training pants; and wipes.

Abstract: There is provided a nonwoven fabric having durable wettability comprising fibers formed from polyolefin blended with hydrophilic additives of the formula; ##STR1## wherein x is an integer from 1 to 15 and R is an alkane or alkene with up to 18 carbon atoms, A, B, and C are integers equal to or greater than one arranged in any order or repetitive series, z is an integer at least equal to one, and wherein the fibers which have been formed are polyolefin provided with hydrophilic additives prior to fiberization. Such fabrics have been found to provide surprisingly durable wettability.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nonwoven fabric laminate formed from an olefin copolymer, olefin terpolymer, or a blend of olefin polymers. Particularly, the improved fabric laminate is formed from a polymer having a crystallinity of less than 45% and preferably between 31-35% and most preferably about 32%. The fabric laminates formed from layers that are spun-bonded or melt-blown have improved characteristics including higher tear strength, greater tensile energy, greater abrasion resistance, better fabric drape and softness, and less particulate emission. There is also disclosed a low particle emission, sterilizable garment for use in clean rooms, paint rooms, and operating rooms.

Abstract: A nonwoven laminiferous structure is provided which has at least two melt-extruded nonwoven layers:(A) a first layer which includes at least a portion of a first nonwoven web; and(B) a second layer adjacent to said first layer which includes at least a portion of a second nonwoven web; in which,(1) the boundary between any two adjacent melt-extruded nonwoven layers is distinct in that fibers at or near the surfaces of such adjacent layer are not significantly intermingled;(2) the fibers of at least one of such first and second layers are prepared by melt extrusion through a die at a shear rate of from about 50 to about 30,000 sec.sup.-1 and a throughput of no more than about 5.4 kg/cm/hour of a mixture of an additive and a thermoplastic polymer, which additive (a) is present at a level of from about 0.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite structure is provided which has at least two melt-extruded nonwoven layers:(A) a first layer which includes at least a portion of a first nonwoven web; and(B) a second layer which includes at least a portion of a second nonwovfen web;in which,(1) the boundary between any two adjacent melt-extruded nonwoven layers is indistinct in that fibers at or near the surfaces of such adjacent layers are significantly intermingled;(2) the fibers of at least one of such first and second layers are prepared by melt extrusion through a die at a shear rate of from about 50 to about 30,000 sec.sup.-1 and a throughput of no more than about 5.