Abstract: A process for making non-thermoplastic starch fibers comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-thermoplastic starch composition comprising from about 50% to about 75% by weight of modified starch and from about 25% to about 50% of water and having a shear viscosity within the at least one nozzle from about 1 to about 80 Pascals-second at the processing temperature and at a shear rate of 3,000 sec−1; (b) extruding the non-thermoplastic starch composition through at least one extrusion nozzle terminating with a nozzle tip, thereby forming at least one embryonic starch fiber; (c) attenuating the at least one embryonic starch fiber with an attenuating air having an average velocity at the nozzle tip greater than about 30 meters per second, to cause the fiber to form an average equivalent diameter of less than about 20 microns; (d) dewatering the at least one embryonic starch fiber to a consistency of from about 70% to about 99% by weight, thereby producing at least one non-thermoplastic starch fiber, wher

Abstract: A melt spinnable fiber is provided that comprises a first component comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second component comprising thermoplastic starch where the second component is not encompassed by another component or components or if encompassed by another component or components then the second component encompasses a hollow core. A particular use of such a fiber is for removal of the second component in the presence of a solvent in order to produce fibers with desired properties. An agent may be present in the second component for controlling the rate of removal of the second component thereby allowing for physical manipulation of the fiber prior to complete removal of the component. The invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; a bilayer disrupter and a high polymer. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. The high polymer adds “stringiness” to the composition opening the air pressure operating window for spray application of the softening composition.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers. The fibers may be in a side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea configuration, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The configuration of the multicomponent fibers may be side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to highly attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers. The fibers may be in a side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea configuration, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; a bilayer disrupter and a high polymer. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. The high polymer adds “stringiness” to the composition opening the air pressure operating window for spray application of the softening composition.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to highly attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The configuration of the multicomponent fibers may be side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; a bilayer disrupter and a high polymer. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. The high polymer adds “stringiness” to the composition opening the air pressure operating window for spray application of the softening composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified cellulosic fibers having a dry zero span tensile index that is substantially less than the dry zero span tensile index of the corresponding unmodified cellulosic fibers. Fibers having reduced dry zero span tensile may provide fibrous structures having improved hand feel compared with fibers prepared from unmodified fibers. In particular, such modified fibers provide fibrous structures with improved flexibility, which is perceived as improved softness. The reduced dry zero span tensile is preferably achieved by reacting the fibers with one or more cellulase enzymes and one or more debonders. The invention also relates to a fibrous structure having a density of not more than about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles useful in cleansing, and particularly wet-like cleansing wipes and toilet tissue. These articles are essentially dry to the touch prior to use, but deliver liquid when subjected to in-use shear and compressive forces. In one aspect, the articles of the present invention comprise a carrier and an emulsion applied to the carrier, the emulsion comprising a continuous external nonpolar phase and an internal polar phase dispersed in the external nonpolar phase, wherein the article is capable of retaining fluid prior to use. In another aspect, the emulsion-treated articles exhibit improved ability to release fluid when subjected to in-use pressures. The articles of the present invention offer a number of significant advantages over prior cleaning products when in the form of wet-like cleansing wipes such as those used for cleaning of hardsurfaces (e.g., floors, countertops, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and the like) and wet-like toilet tissue.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad exhibits the ability to initially delay absorption of cleaning fluid, soil and the like, but then absorb those materials after this initial delay.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier comprising at least one polarpliobic region, an optional, preferred substrate such as tissue paper web, and an emulsion applied to the carrier. The emulsion comprises a continuous external lipid phase and a dispersed internal polar phase. The continuous lipid phase of the emulsion is sufficiently brittle that it ruptures when subjected to low shear pressures during use to release the dispersed internal phase. Inclusion of the polarphobic region allows the ability to control flow of the internal water phase components following rupture of the emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles useful in cleansing, and particularly to wet-like cleansing wipes that are especially useful for hard surface cleaning, and in personal cleansing such as baby wipes and particularly for removal of perianal soils. These articles comprise: a carrier; and an emulsion applied to the carrier. The emulsion comprises (1) from about 2 to about 60% of a continuous solidified lipid phase comprising a waxy lipid material having a melting point of about 30.degree. C. or higher, (2) from about 39 to about 97% of an internal polar (e.g., water) phase dispersed in the lipid phase; (3) an effective amount of a non-silicon containing emulsifier, where the emulsifier has a viscosity at 55.degree. C. of greater than about 500 centipoise; and (4) and an optional second emulsifier having a viscosity at 55.degree. C. of less than about 400 centipoise.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier substrate such as tissue paper web and a emulsion applied to the substrate, wherein the emulsion comprises a continuous external lipid phase and a dispersed internal polar phase (e.g., water). The continuous external lipid phase of this emulsion is sufficiently brittle that it ruptures when subjected to low shear during use to release the dispersed internal polar phase.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier substrate such as tissue paper web that is treated with a high internal phase inverse emulsion made with an organopolysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene emulsifier. The organopolysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene emulsifiers provide better internal polar phase retention than other organic emulsifiers used in formulating high internal phase inverse emulsions, as well as better hand feel aesthetics for the wipe treated with the emulsion.