Abstract: Composite fabrics particularly suited for upholstery backings and furniture decking comprise at least one layer of a needlepunched web of nonwoven staple fibers adhered to at least one layer of a substantially continuous filament nonwoven web comprising substantially randomly disposed filaments. The filaments comprise a multi-phase, thermoplastic, elastomeric olefin copolymer.

Abstract: Improved nonwoven fabrics comprise a web of randomly disposed, substantially continuous filaments comprising a multi-phase, thermoplastic, elastomeric olefin copolymer. The webs exhibit improved friction and/or softness and hand properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven composite and a process for making a nonwoven composite suitable for making shoe counters comprising: (1) dispersing an effective amount of a thermoplastic resin throughout the interstitial space of a nonwoven fabric having two fabric surfaces wherein the first fabric surface has a velvety or felt texture and the second fabric surface has a fused surface thereby forming a thermoplastic resin-loaded nonwoven fabric; thereafter heating said thermoplastic resin-loaded fabric in a manner which impregnates said thermoplastic resin onto the nonwoven fabric thus forming said nonwoven composite with one velvety or felt surface substantially free of thermoplastic resin in the absence of buffing.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric and a process for making a nonwoven fabric consisting essentially of:(a) forming a carded web of staple fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene fibers, cellulose acetate fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, and combinations of two or more thereof, having a denier in the range of from about 11/2 denier to about 10 denier;(b) crosslapping said carded web to for a suitable batt;(c) needling said batt with a needle punch density of from about 500 to about 2000 needle punches/square inch to form a fabric having a first smooth fabric surface and a second fabric surface opposite to said first surface;(d) fusing said second surface in a manner which provides a light fusion of the staple fibers making up said second surface;thereby providing a nonwoven fabric weighing in the range of from about 6 ounces/square yard to about 10 ounces/square yard with a thickness of from about 65 millimeters to about 90 millimeters.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for production of novel fused fabrics by treating a feed fabric comprising a substantial portion of thermoplastic fibers with wetting agent then subjecting the wetting fabric to conditions of temperature and pressure suitable to cause fusing together of at least some fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for production of novel fused fabrics by treating a feed fabric comprising a substantial portion of thermoplastic fibers with wetting agent then subjecting the wetted fabric to conditions of temperature and pressure suitable to cause fusing together of at least some fibers of the fabric.