Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer composite material which consists of at least two thermoplastic layers. At least one first layer is a of thermoplastic fiber fleece. The layers are bonded to one another at bonding zones by thermal bonding and the materials of the layer are at least partially fused together in the area of the bonding zones. Said bonding zones impart a three-dimensional structure to the composite material. The inventive composite material is characterized in that the three-dimensional structure of at least one bonding zone has the shape of a curvate edgeless trough in the cross-section and the longitudinal section. Said trough is configured by a bottom area forming a bonding center and by lateral areas which are attached thereto without transition. The layers are thermobonded to one other only in the bottom area of the trough.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure; and a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure are described.The multilayered elastic sheetlike structure comprises at least one elastomeric layer of a film, a sheet or a fibrous structure and at least one layer of bonded, inelastic fibrous web connected to the elastomeric layer at permanent connection sites. The inelastic layer of fibrous web, prior to its connection with the elastomeric layer, is initially drawn, so that the fibers of the inelastic layer of fibrous web essentially are aligned in the direction or initial drawing and that the inelastic layer of fibrous web in the initially-drawn state is connected to the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A multilayered elastic sheetlike structure and a process for producing it are described.The sheetlike structure consists of at least one elastomeric layer of a homogeneous film/sheet and at least one inelastic fibre or filament layer which is connected to the elastomeric layer at mutually spaced-apart connection sites. Between the connection sites the fibre or filament layer is in folds when the elastomeric layer is in an untensioned or partially tensioned state and smooth when the elastomeric layer is in the completely tensioned state. The inelastic fibre or filament layer consists of an originally smooth, undrawn or partially drawn material which has been melted or adhered to the untensioned elastomeric layer at the connection sites and, after conjoint extension therewith, exhibits a persistent extension.

Abstract: A composite flat structure having a high degree of absorption for medical and hygiene purposes, the structure comprising at least two layers having differing moisture absorption characteristics. One of the layers is a cover layer comprised of a composite synthetic bonding agent-free non-woven fibre and another of the layers is a storage layer located below the cover layer. The storage layer has a higher degree of moisture absorption than the cover layer which has such a degree of moisture absorption that, after adaptation to normal climate in accordance with DIN 53 802, it has a moisture content of less than 6% relative to its dry weight in accordance with DIN 53 800. The surface of the fibres of the cover layer is capable of being wetted by the liquids to be absorbed.