Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided from a multiplicity of substantially continuous filaments which form a web having a length dimension and a width dimension. The filaments are arranged to define a substantially uniform web basis weight along one of dimension of the fabric, while in the other dimension, the filaments are arranged to define adjacent zones of a relatively lower web basis weight and a relatively higher web basis weight which is at least 25 weight percent greater than the basis weight of the lower basis weight zone. The spunbond nonwoven fabric can be combined with one or more additional layer to form a composite nonwoven fabric. The fabric is useful in various articles that utilize nonwovens, such as diapers, protective clothing, and hygiene articles.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric having at least one hydrophobic microporous layer and at least one other layer formed of multicomponent fibers. The multicomponent fibers comprise a lower melting thermoplastic resin component and one or more higher melting thermoplastic resin components, wherein a substantial proportion of the surfaces of the multicomponent fibers consists of the lower melting thermoplastic resin component. The microporous layer is composed in substantial part of at least one thermoplastic resin which is thermally miscible with and adherent, upon thermal activation, to the lower melting thermoplastic resin component of the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A translucent nonwoven fabric composite, suitable for use as a housewrap, is disclosed. The composite comprises a meltblown fabric layer laminated to a reinforcing fabric layer and may include tacking strips. The composite may be prepared by calendering a meltblown fabric and a reinforcing fabric together in a nip equipped with a resilient roll.