Abstract: A spinneret for melt-spinning polymeric fibers including a spinneret body including a plurality of spinning orifices formed through a thickness of spinneret body is provided. The plurality of spinning orifices include (i) a plurality of multicomponent spinning orifices comprising a first multicomponent opening and a separate second multicomponent opening, and (ii) a plurality of monocomponent spinning orifices comprising a single monocomponent opening. Nonwoven fabrics having regions of monocomponent and multicomponent fibers are provided as well as methods of forming such nonwoven fabrics utilizing a zoned-spinneret.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having liquid barrier properties are provided. The nonwoven fabrics may include one or more nonwoven layers, in which one or more of the nonwoven layers may include a liquid-barrier-enhancing-additive (LBEA) comprising an amide. The nonwoven fabrics may be suitable for use in a wide variety of liquid barrier applications, including facemasks, surgical gowns, surgical drapes, lab coats, and barrier components of absorbent articles (e.g., barrier leg cuffs).

Abstract: Self-crimped multi-component fibers (SMF) are provided that include (i) a first component comprising a first polymeric material, in which the first polymeric material comprises a first melt flow rate (MFR) that is less than 50 g/10 min; and (ii) a second component comprising a second polymeric material, in which the second component is different than the first component. The SMF includes one or more three-dimensional crimped portions. Also provided are nonwoven fabrics comprising a plurality of SMFs. Methods of manufacturing SMFs and nonwoven fabrics including SMFs are also provided.

Abstract: Self-crimped multi-component fibers (SMF) are provided that include (i) a first component comprising a first polymeric material, in which the first polymeric material comprises a first melt flow rate (MFR) that is less than 50 g/10 min; and (ii) a second component comprising a second polymeric material, in which the second component is different than the first component. The SMF includes one or more three-dimensional crimped portions. Also provided are nonwoven fabrics comprising a plurality of SMFs. Methods of manufacturing SMFs and nonwoven fabrics including SMFs are also provided.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics are provided that include (i) a plurality of continuous matrix fibers comprising a first polymeric material having a first melting point and including a first polymer component, in which the first polymer component comprises a first recycled-polyester, and (ii) a plurality of binder fibers having an irregular cross-section randomly dispersed throughout the plurality of matrix fibers, in which the plurality of binder fibers comprising a second polymeric material having a second melting point including a second polymer component. The second melting point being less than the first melting point.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics are provided that include a plurality of crimped bicomponent fibers having a first component comprising a first polymeric material comprising a first polymer or a first polymeric blend and a second component comprising a second polymeric material, in which the second polymeric material comprises a second polymeric blend of (i) at least one polypropylene polymer, (ii) at least one polyethylene polymer, and (iii) at least one compatibilizer comprising or consisting of at least one polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics are provided that include a plurality of mono-component spunbond fibers comprising a polymeric material including a polymeric blend of (i) a TS7 value of at most about 30 as determined by a Tissue Softness Analyzer (TSA) from Emtec Innovative Testing Solutions; (ii) a HF value of at least about 40 as determined by a Tissue Softness Analyzer (TSA) from Emtec Innovative Testing Solutions; (iii) a delta value of at least 20, wherein the delta value is determined by subtracting the TS7 value from the HF value; (iv) a TS7 value that is from about 5% to about 35% lower than that of an identically constructed nonwoven fabric formed from 100% polypropylene; and (v) a HF value that is from about 5% to about 35% larger than that of an identically constructed nonwoven fabric formed from 100% polypropylene.

Abstract: A filtration media including at least a first nonwoven fabric having at least one meltblown layer in provided. The at least one meltblown layer includes a plurality of meltblown fibers having an average diameter from about 1 to about 5 microns. Methods of making a filtration media are also provided. Facemasks including such filtration media are also provided.

Abstract: Self-crimped multi-component fibers (SMF) are provided that include (i) a first component comprising a first polymeric material, in which the first polymeric material comprises a first melt flow rate (MFR) that is less than 50 g/10 min; and (ii) a second component comprising a second polymeric material, in which the second component is different than the first component. The SMF includes one or more three-dimensional crimped portions. Also provided are nonwoven fabrics comprising a plurality of SMFs. Methods of manufacturing SMFs and nonwoven fabrics including SMFs are also provided.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having liquid barrier properties are provided. The nonwoven fabrics may include one or more nonwoven layers, in which one or more of the nonwoven layers may include a liquid-barrier-enhancing-additive (LBEA) comprising an amide. The nonwoven fabrics may be suitable for use in a wide variety of liquid barrier applications, including facemasks, surgical gowns, surgical drapes, lab coats, and barrier components of absorbent articles (e.g., barrier leg cuffs).