Abstract: Nonwoven polymer materials and articles made therefrom. Materials of the invention include at least one nonwoven polymer web with at least one layer of at least about 50% by weight of a multi-lobal fiber. Materials and articles of the invention have improved properties, such as particle retention capacity, acoustic absorption, stiffness, crop color uniformity, and crop yield, when compared with nonwoven polymer materials and articles made with round fiber in place of all of the multi-lobal fiber.

Abstract: Nonwoven polymer materials and articles made therefrom. Materials of the invention include at least one nonwoven polymer web with at least one layer of at least about 50% by weight of a multi-lobal fiber. Materials and articles of the invention have improved properties, such as particle retention capacity, acoustic absorption, stiffness, crop color uniformity, and crop yield, when compared with nonwoven polymer materials and articles made with round fiber in place of all of the multi-lobal fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making a graphically-printed component for an absorbent disposable article. The method comprises providing a molten polymer by feeding polymer chips into an extruder and melting the polymer chips. The molten polymer is extruded in the form of a thermoplastic polymer film onto a provided nonwoven fabric in an in-line process, in which the film has a basis weight of about 10 gsm, to provide a backsheet comprising the film and the nonwoven fabric. The backsheet on the film is graphically printed with printing means to provide a graphically printed backsheet. The graphically printed back sheet is wound into a roll good, or an absorbent core is positioned between it and a liquid permeable topsheet to provide an absorbent disposable article.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate embodying the principles of the present invention is configured as a multi-layer construct of a plurality of melt-extrusion layers, including at least one, and preferably a pair of outer spunbond layers, and a central, melt-blown barrier layer juxtaposed to the outer spunbond layers. At least one fo the layers, preferably the melt-blown layer, comprises a barrier-enhancing melt additive compound having a fluoroalcohol with a non-derivatized additive such as a fatty acid, more preferably a derivatized perfluoroalcohol with a non-derivatized additive, with a stearic ester of perfluoroalcohol in a hydrogenated tallow amide additive being presently preferred.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven laminate printed with graphics, which exhibits a soft cloth-like feel, is lightweight, and impermeable, and suitable for application as a backsheet in disposable absorbent hygiene articles, in addition to medical/industrial protective end-use articles. In accordance with the present invention, the graphically printed nonwoven laminate is produced in-line, wherein the weight of the construct can be considerably reduced due to direct extrusion of the film onto the nonwoven. Subsequent to the laminating process, the laminate is immediately printed with the desired graphical designs and wound as a rolled good.

Abstract: A protective cover for protection of agricultural products comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient vapour permeability to permeability to permit transmission of gases through the cover while retarding passage of dust and insects. The protective cover is provided in a tubular configuration sized to permit the cover to be positioned generally about associated agricultural products, with the cover being particularly suited for use on products prior to harvest, such as bananas. The cover may be formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and may be formed from fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven fabric may be formed with protection-enhancing agents such as insecticidal, fungicidal, algaecidal, decay-inhibiting, and UV-protective agents. The nonwoven fabric may be pigmented as desired.

Abstract: A process of making a protective composite wrap, which exhibits the ability to protect metallic objects from corrosion environments, wherein a first thermoplastic resin and a vapor corrosion inhibitor are blended into a homogenous blend, wherein the homogenous blend is extruded into continuous thermoplastic filaments, which are collected into a nonwoven fabric, wherein a second thermoplastic resin is extruded into a continuous thin film, and wherein the nonwoven fabric and the thin film are affixed into a face to face juxtaposition to form the protective composite wrap.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate embodying the principles of the present invention is configured as a multi-layer construct of a plurality of melt-extrusion layers, including at least one, and preferably a pair of outer spunbond layers, and a central, melt-blown barrier layer juxtaposed to the outer spunbond layers. At least one fo the layers, preferably the melt-blown layer, comprises a barrier-enhancing melt additive compound having a fluoroalcohol with a non-derivatized additive such as a fatty acid, more preferably a derivatized perfluoroalcohol with a non-derivatized additive, with a stearic ester of perfluoroalcohol in a hydrogenated tallow amide additive being presently preferred.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film, and the articles thereof, consisting essentially of vinyl copolymer which exhibits sufficient structural durability and enhanced drapeability suitable for application as a breathable barrier layer in disposable end-use articles such as disposable hygiene and protective medical/industrial products. A preferred form of the vinyl copolymer are those selected from the ethylenic acrylates, with ethylene methyl acrylate being most preferred. Melt additives can be compounded with the ethylene methyl acrylate prior to extrusion include colorants, softening agents, UV stabilizers, and surface energy modifiers such as anti-static, hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds.