Abstract: Lightweight self-healing composites comprise region-specific microstructures that dampen ballistic energy wherein the region-specific microstructures include at least one semi-crystalline thermoplastic and at least one nanoparticle nucleating agent. The distinctive region-specific microstructures allow the composites to dissipate high frequency and high amplitude shock wave into heat and reassemble itself into its original microstructure through reversible compression and decompression cycles. The region-specific microstructures comprise soft regions, comprised of highly polymeric entangled chains and hard regions, comprised of lamellae or spherullites anchored onto nanoparticle nucleating agents. The soft regions can trap the incoming energy shock wave while the hard regions provide the anchor sites, to allow the entangled chains to remain in place upon encountering ballistic impact. The anti-ballistic composites can be made in a monolithic form and do not significantly degrade under repeated fire.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: A functional, porous, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) includes a first polymer network in the form of a porogenic support fabric (PSF) composed of linear polymers in the form of a pre-formed network comprising a fibrous composite and a second polymer network synthesized, gelated, and/or cross-linked in the presence of the first polymer network to form a system of polymers which have their respective chains held in place by means of permanent physical entanglements produced by the interweaving of the component polymer networks. The IPN is modified by dissolving and dispersing a portion of the PSF fibers, the dispersible fiber network (DFN) to form a pre-designed interconnected pore structure. The resultant porous, supported, second polymer network has convective flow, diffusive flow, and high capacity, and may include functional capture chemistries to provide an adsorptive media for chromatography and filtration of various compounds including biomolecules.

Abstract: A functional, porous, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) includes a first polymer network in the form of a porogenic support fabric (PSF) composed of linear polymers in the form of a pre-formed network comprising a fibrous composite and a second polymer network synthesized, gelated, and/or cross-linked in the presence of the first polymer network to form a system of polymers which have their respective chains held in place by means of permanent physical entanglements produced by the interweaving of the component polymer networks. The IPN is modified by dissolving and dispersing a portion of the PSF fibers, the dispersible fiber network (DFN) to form a pre-designed interconnected pore structure. The resultant porous, supported, second polymer network has convective flow, diffusive flow, and high capacity, and may include functional capture chemistries to provide an adsorptive media for chromatography and filtration of various compounds including biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: This invention is a surge material having permanent storage properties that results in faster intake and greater saturation capacity and reduced fluid flowback. More specifically the invention is a surge material with a superabsorbent material printed on in a pattern of discrete regions. The objective of the invention is obtained by printing, or other known application process, a liquid superabsorbent precursor solution containing a crosslinkable composition onto a surge material and then curing the printed surge material to crosslink the polymers to get a surge material having discrete regions of superabsorbent material in the surge material. This invention is also useful in making an absorbent core of an absorbent article with improved strength, increased absorbency, and decreased shedding of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrophilic binder fiber. These fibers may be produced by co-spinning an aliphatic polyester material in a side-by-side configuration with a polylactide polymer to obtain a fiber with improved material attributes. A multicarboxylic acid may be incorporated into either or both components of the fiber. The aliphatic polyester polymer may be selected from a polybutylene succinate polymer, a polybutylene succinate-co-adipate polymer, or a blend of these polymers. The biodegradable bicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodegradable properties, yet has improved thermal stability and has significantly reduced shrinkage. The bicomponent fiber may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A breathable, biodegradable/compostable laminate for use in personal care products. The laminates may be produced from polymer blends. The biodegradable/compostable laminates may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrophilic binder fiber. These fibers may be produced by co-spinning an aliphatic polyester material in a side-by-side configuration with a polylactide polymer to obtain a fiber with improved material attributes. A multicarboxylic acid may be incorporated into either or both components of the fiber. The aliphatic polyester polymer may be selected from a polybutylene succinate polymer, a polybutylene succinate-co-adipate polymer, or a blend of these polymers. The biodegradable bicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodegradable properties, yet has improved thermal stability and has significantly reduced shrinkage. The bicomponent fiber may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having high liquid intake rates. The absorbent composites may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an absorbent composite which utilizes multifunctional superabsorbent materials to enhance distribution of fluids within the absorbent composite. More specifically, this invention relates to superabsorbent materials which swell and absorb fluids and also can deswell and release fluids into the surrounding absorbent composite and towards additional superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent materials of this invention deswell and release fluid by means of a triggering mechanism. Triggering mechanisms can include thermal, chemical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and radiation energies. Swelling and deswelling of the superabsorbent materials can be repeated for more than one cycle thereby improving fluid distribution. Multiple swelling and deswelling cycles allow multiple insults to be distributed throughout an absorbent composite, fully utilizing the absorbent capabilities of the full absorbent composite and minimizing leakage.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having high liquid intake rates. The absorbent composites may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is produced from a melt processable polymer. An absorbent composite includes the absorbent fiber in addition to natural fibers and superabsorbent material. A method of producing the superabsorbent fiber and absorbent composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having a superabsorbent material having a high stiffness and a fast absorption rate. The superabsorbent materials of the absorbent composites of this invention have a stiffness index of greater than about 0.87 and a vortex time of less than about 40 seconds. Absorbent composites of this invention can have a high liquid intake rate and a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention can have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cubic centimeter liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: An absorbent composite, useful in an absorbent article, having a high liquid intake rate. The absorbent composite may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having high liquid intake rates. The absorbent composites may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: This invention is a surge material having permanent storage properties that results in faster intake and greater saturation capacity and reduced fluid flowback. More specifically the invention is a surge material with a superabsorbent material printed on in a pattern of discrete regions. The objective of the invention is obtained by printing, or other known application process, a liquid superabsorbent precursor solution containing a crosslinkable composition onto a surge material and then curing the printed surge material to crosslink the polymers to get a surge material having discrete regions of superabsorbent material in the surge material. This invention is also useful in making an absorbent core of an absorbent article with improved strength, increased absorbency, and decreased shedding of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an absorbent composite which utilizes multifunctional superabsorbent materials to enhance distribution of fluids within the absorbent composite. More specifically, this invention relates to superabsorbent materials which swell and absorb fluids and also can deswell and release fluids into the surrounding absorbent composite and towards additional superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent materials of this invention deswell and release fluid by means of a triggering mechanism. Triggering mechanisms can include thermal, chemical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and radiation energies. Swelling and deswelling of the superabsorbent materials can be repeated for more than one cycle thereby improving fluid distribution. Multiple swelling and deswelling cycles allow multiple insults to be distributed throughout an absorbent composite, fully utilizing the absorbent capabilities of the full absorbent composite and minimizing leakage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers having poly(ethylene oxide) in at least a portion of the exposed surface of the fiber. In one embodiment, the PEO is a grafted poly(ethylene oxide). The multicomponent fibers of the present may be used to manufacture nonwoven webs that can be used as components in medical and health care related items, wipes and personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, bandages and the like.