Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet comprises a moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymersynthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the dessiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/2 hr.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymersynthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the dessiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material comprising a fibrous substrate and a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film layer. The moisture vapor permeable film has an average thickness of less than 25 microns, a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, a hydrostatic head of at least 60 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 2800 g/m2/24 hr. The moisture vapor permeable film is preferably comprised of at least about 50% by weight of polymer selected from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. A method for making such a sheet material is also provided.

Abstract: Multi-layer puncture-resistant biaxially oriented coextruded films or tubings are disclosed for use in dilatation balloon catheters. The catheter balloons so formed comprise a first, inner layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin; a second layer of a thermoplastic inomeric olefin copolymer secured to the outside surface of the first layer; and an optional third layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin secured to the outside surface of the second layer. Processes for forming the dilatation catheter balloons herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compatible polymer compositions and optically clear, degradable films containing from 55 to 90 wt % of a poly(hydroxy acid) polymer composition and from 10 to 45 wt % of one or more compatible thermoplastic polymers are disclosed. The films are prepared by melt processing the materials to obtain uniform composition, and forming the composition into a film of thickness from 0.01 to 2 mm. The films can be used in packaging and conventional applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene products. The present invention further relates to such absorbent articles having outer coverings designed to provide breathability and promote more healthy internal environmental conditions for the wearer. More specifically, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises a non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material. Preferably, the composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward said absorbent core. Where the film layer of the composite sheet comprises a substantially hydrophilic elastomer film layer, the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film is preferably located in contact with the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: Multi-layer puncture-resistant biaxially oriented coextruded films or tubings are disclosed for use in dilatation balloon catheters. The catheter balloons so formed comprise a first, inner layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin; a second layer of a thermoplastic inomeric olefin copolymer secured to the outside surface of the first layer; and an optional third layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin secured to the outside surface of the second layer. Processes for forming the dilatation catheter balloons herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surface treated articles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are disclosed having low self-adhesion and high bondability to other surfaces. The articles comprise oriented PET and about 100-5000 ppm of a particulate additive uniformly dispersed therein. The additive is chemically inert to PET and has an average particle size of about 0.03 to 0.6 micrometers. A process for the preparation of such articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Blow-molded thermoplastic articles such as bottles are produced from preforms while measuring the pressure in the article and comparing the measured pressure with standard values. Articles having measured pressure values which deviate from standard are rejected.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.