Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid distribution layer for absorbent articles which exhibits directional liquid distribution properties and has desirable physical integrity. The liquid distribution layer is a nonwoven web of substantially continuous microfibers that has its fibers substantially aligned along one planar dimension of the web, wherein the fibers are hydrophilically modified or hydrophilic. Additionally, the liquid distribution layer may have an increasing fiber alignment gradient as well as a decreasing fiber thickness gradient in the direction of the web thickness. Further provided are suitable processes for producing the liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: A fabric substrate comprising thermoplastic polyolefin fibers is printed with a printing composition comprising a room temperature curable latex polymer, a pigment and a cure promoter, which retains a colorfastness above 3 when exposed to liquids with a pH between about 2 and about 13. The mixture may be applied to the fabric as an aqueous mixture with a pre-cure pH adjusted to above 8 using a fugitive alkali and then cured at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to elastic fibrous nonwoven web laminates which exhibit elastic properties in at least one direction and, if desired, two or more directions due to the use of at least one fibrous nonwoven web facing layer which contains a plurality of slits. The resultant laminates are useful in a wide variety of applications not the least of which include garments, surgical drapes and other supplies as well as personal care absorbent articles including diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, incontinence garments, bandages and the like. Processes for forming such laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a perforated nonwoven web fabricated from a bonded thermoplastic polymer web. The perforated nonwoven web contains a multitude of self-sustaining sustaining perforations that are substantially free of melt-fused edges and can be characterized as stretch-opened perforations. The invention further provides a process for producing the perforated nonwoven web.

Abstract: A shaped nonwoven fabric comprises continuous spunbond filaments made by directly forming the spunbond filaments into a web in a single process. The fabric has an array of discrete surface features such as apertures or projections, or both. The spunbond filaments are bonded together with an adhesive polymeric component so that the shape of the fabric is retained. The fabric can be engineered to have particular fluid handling properties, strength properties, abrasive properties and aesthetic properties. Articles such as personal care products, garments, medical products and cleaning products are also disclosed.