Abstract: This invention relates to a new nonwoven material which has very high Frazier permeability while having substantial hydrostatic head liquid barrier properties. The material is comprised of fibers which are approximately one denier and finer fibers which have sufficient strength properties so as not to need a support scrim. The fabric is quite comfortable because of its breathability, quite soft because of its construction, and protective from liquids from rain to hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven sheet material with high air permeability and substantial hydrostatic head liquid barrier properties. The sheet material is comprised of at least 90%, by weight, melt spun substantially continuous filament polymer fibers having an average cross sectional area of less than about 90 square microns. The sheet material has a basis weight of less than 125 g/m2 and a grab tensile strength of at least 0.7 N/(g/m2). The invention is also directed to a process for melt spinning polymer fibers that can be used to make the nonwoven sheet material of the invention.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a bonded nonwoven sheet from a lightly consolidated fibrous polyolefin sheet wherein the sheet is preheated on one or more preheating rolls, is bonded in one or more calendering nips, and is cooled on one or more cooling rolls. The process is used to make bonded polyolefin fibrous sheets that are smooth, are substantially impermeable to air and water, and are moisture vapor permeable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new nonwoven material which has very high Frazier permeability while having substantial hydrostatic head liquid barrier properties. The material is comprised of fibers which are approximately one denier and finer fibers which have sufficient strength properties so as not to need a support scrim. The fabric is quite comfortable because of its breathability, quite soft because of its construction, and protective from liquids from rain to hazardous chemicals.