Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods to prepare paper pulp from non-wood fiber sources, and preferably from a variety of different non-homogeneous fiber sources. The methods use a unique combination of caustic and temperature without a digestor to improve performance of the resulting fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods to prepare paper pulp from non-wood fiber sources, and preferably from a variety of different non-homogeneous fiber sources. The methods use a unique combination of caustic and temperature without a digestor to improve performance of the resulting fibers.

Abstract: An elastic laminate having topographical features and a method of making an elastic laminate that includes topographical features is described. The elastic laminate includes a plurality of elastic strands made up of an elastomeric adhesive composition to provide topographical features that can withstand compression. In one particularly desirable embodiment the elastic laminate is treated so that the laminate is fluid permeable. Such laminates are useful as intake layers in personal care products, for example bodyside liners in diapers.

Abstract: An extensible fluid permeable substrate having at least one direction of extensibility in an X-Y plane is provided with improved retraction to make the composite material suitable for disposable garment applications with minimal application of coalesced elastomeric materials. A pattern of untensioned coalesced elastomeric stripes is applied on an X-Y plane surface of the substrate in low add-on amounts of between about 20% to about 100% of the substrate basis weight to make the composite material. The longitudinal axes of the coalesced elastomeric stripes are oriented substantially along the direction of substrate extensibility and desired retraction of the composite material. By applying the minimal amount of elastomer necessary in an open pattern, the economical composite material also avoids negative by-products of elastic coatings or films such as bad hand, bad drape, loss of fluid transfer or intake ability and lack of breathability.

Abstract: Bicomponent spunbond filaments and non-woven webs made from the filaments are disclosed. The spunbond filaments include a core polymer and a sheath polymer. Both the core polymer and the sheath polymer are made primarily from polypropylene polymers. For instance, the sheath polymer can be a randomized copolymer of polypropylene and ethylene. The ethylene can be present in the sheath polymer in an amount of less than about 2% by weight. The core polymer, on the other hand, can be a polypropylene polymer having a melting temperature than the sheath polymer.