Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.

Abstract: A method for producing cardable, hydrophobic polyolefin-based staple fibers by applying to spun filaments a first spin finish comprising at least one cationic antistatic agent, in particular a quaternary ammonium salt, stretching the filaments, applying to the stretched filaments a second spin finish in the form of a dispersion comprising at least one hydrophobic lubricant selected from a fatty acid amide condensation product and a hydrocarbon wax, the second spin finish optionally further comprising a polydiorganosiloxane in an amount of up to 15% by weight, and crimping, drying and cutting the filaments to obtain staple fibers; as well as textured, cardable, polyolefin-based staple fibers prepared by the method and hydrophobic nonwoven materials produced from such fibers.