Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a fibrous matrix with surrogate particles fixed to the fibrous matrix, is provided. Functionally active, fine particles are immobilized on the fixed surrogate particles.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a fibrous matrix with immobilized surrogate particles, is provided. A labile active substance is selectively deposited on the immobilized surrogate particles. In one embodiment, the surrogate particles are porous and have surface cavities, and the labile active substance is deposited in the pores and surface cavities. In another embodiment, the labile active substance is in attractive association with or attached to the surrogate particles.

Abstract: A patterned fibrous web and a process for making the patterned fibrous web are disclosed. The patterned web includes a plurality of functional particle-loaded areas forming a pattern of functional particles. Beneficially, when cut, the patterned fibrous web does not release functional particles from the cut edges.

Abstract: A novel, high performance yet permeable, tough, fibrous structure, and a process for making the structure are disclosed. The fibrous structure includes a stabilized microstructure of improved uniformity of fiber and particulate distribution. Beneficially, the fibrous structure is of improved structural integrity and stiffness, as a result of being reduced in thickness.The process includes the steps of dry forming a fibrous web including crimped staple composite fibers, thereafter distributing and entrapping the functional particles in the web, and thereafter heating the fibrous web to form a microstructure-stabilized fibrous web. According to the process, the microstructure-stabilized fibrous web is thereafter by an additional heat treating step carried out without application of pressure to the web, heated to a thermoforming temperature, and thereafter the heated web is reduced in thickness and yet microstructural relative geometry is maintained. IR heat may be used.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a composite fiber matrix loaded with immobilized functional particulate and including void spaces forming tortuous flow paths, is provided. The particulate is beneficially distributed in the interior of the fibrous structure in three dimensions and fused to a low melting component of the composite fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particulate. A filtration structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the fiber matrix, and including a microfiber web located within the structure, is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a composite fiber matrix loaded with immobilized functional particulate and including void spaces forming tortuous flow paths, is provided. The particulate is beneficially distributed in the interior of the fibrous structure in three dimensions and fused to a low melting component of the composite fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particulate. A filtration structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the fiber matrix, and including a microfiber web located within the structure, is specifically disclosed.