Abstract: A bi-component staple or short-cut fibre includes a core and a sheath, the sheath and the core have different melting points, with the sheath melting point being lower than the core melting point, the bi-component fibre having an outer trilobal shaped cross-section. The core of the bi-component fibre can have a cross-section whereby the outer trilobal shaped cross-section is created by a conformal layer of sheath material applied to the core. The fibres can be used, in dry or wet wipes, absorbent articles, hygiene products, filters, carpets, rugs or mats, etc.

Abstract: An automotive carpet is described having a needlefelt structure which can be low in weight but having good abrasion resistance. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention the automotive carpet comprises at least a needle punched facing layer as top layer made of staple fibers, wherein the staple fibers comprise at least 50% by weight of solid multilobal fibers, and at least a partial binding. A process for making this automotive carpet is described comprising the steps of: conveying a fibrous card web to a crosslapping machine and crosslapping the card web into a batt of material, wherein the multilobal nonwoven crosslapper travelling distance is less than 20% and larger than 10% bigger than the final width of the needle punched facing layer.

Abstract: An event or exhibition carpet is described having a needlefelt structure which can be low in weight but having good abrasion resistance. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention the event or exhibition carpet comprises at least a needle punched facing layer as top layer made of staple fibers, wherein the staple fibers comprise at least 50% by weight of solid multilobal fibers, and at least a partial binding. A process for making this event or exhibition carpet is described comprising the steps of: conveying a fibrous card web to a crosslapping machine and crosslapping the card web into a batt of material, wherein the multilobal nonwoven crosslapper travelling distance is less than 20% and larger than 10% bigger than the final width of the needle punched facing layer.