Abstract: Low basis weight films having a heat capacity×density value of greater than about 970,000 Ws/m3K, as measured by the method described herein, the films having a basis weight of less than about 16 gsm and comprising at least about 10% polypropylene.

Abstract: An outer cover for use with an absorbent article having a layer of nonwoven fibrous material and optionally including a polymeric layer laminated or printed onto the layer of nonwoven fibrous material. The outer cover includes at least one plastic component and at least one elastic component in the nonwoven fibrous material and/or optional polymeric layer. The outer cover can have different structural combinations of spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, and/or nanofibers. The combination of plastic and elastic components results in an outer cover that has favorable mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties. The outer cover can be rendered either uniaxially or biaxially stretchable via a mechanical activation process.

Abstract: Low basis weight films having a heat capacity×density value of greater than about 970,000 Ws/m3K, as measured by the method described herein, the films having a basis weight of less than about 16 gsm and comprising at least about 10% polypropylene.

Abstract: Low basis weight films having a heat capacity×density value of greater than about 970,000 Ws/m3K, as measured by the method described herein, the films having a basis weight of less than about 16 gsm and comprising at least about 10% polypropylene.

Abstract: A nonwoven material suitable for use as a wet wipe substrate is disclosed. The nonwoven material comprises thermoplastic fibers and is provided with a pattern of embossments that join at least a portion of the thermoplastic fibers. When the material is treated with a cleaning lotion to provide a wet wipe, the wet wipe has a wet CD modulus that is greater than about 25 N/m and less than about 80 N/m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of loops. At least one of said loops having a loop circumference length to loop base length ratio that is greater than about 4:1. The loops may also have a base length less than 0.5 cm and a base length less than the maximum width of the loops. The present invention also relates to articles selected from the group consisting of disposable hygiene article and wipes comprising a nonwoven web wherein at least one region of the nonwoven web comprises loops in at least about 10% of the surface area of the nonwoven web. A method for producing a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of loops is also included. The method comprises the steps of providing a nonwoven web; providing means for moving fibers of the nonwoven web into the shape of a loop; and moving fibers of the nonwoven web into the shape of a loop.

Abstract: A product comprises an expanded polymeric web includes of between about 0.1 and about 70 weight percent of a compound comprising nanoparticles. The expanded polymeric web includes between about 30 and about 99.9 weight percent of a generally melt processable polymer. The web also includes between about 0.0 and about 50 weight percent of a compatibilizer.

Abstract: Low basis weight films having a heat capacity×density value of greater than about 970,000 Ws/m3K, as measured by the method described herein, the films having a basis weight of less than about 16 gsm and comprising at least about 10% polypropylene

Abstract: An outer cover for use with an absorbent article having a layer of nonwoven fibrous material and optionally including a polymeric layer laminated or printed onto the layer of nonwoven fibrous material. The outer cover includes at least one plastic component and at least one elastic component in the nonwoven fibrous material and/or optional polymeric layer. The outer cover can have different structural combinations of spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, and/or nanofibers. The combination of plastic and elastic components results in an outer cover that has favorable mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties. The outer cover can be rendered either uniaxially or biaxially stretchable via a mechanical activation process.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles from bulk starting polymeric materials including virgin and on-line recycled polymeric materials. The production line includes a continuous process that links the steps of forming the webs with the steps of converting the webs into disposable absorbent articles. The production line recycles non-woven materials produced on the production line back into the production process of producing disposable absorbent articles. The recycling operations can also include a spun-bonded recycling and a melt-blown recycling. The production line can be a single-product-lane operation or a multiple-product-lane operation.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles from bulk starting polymeric materials including virgin and on-line recycled polymeric materials. The production line includes a continuous process that links the steps of forming the webs with the steps of converting the webs into disposable absorbent articles. The production line recycles non-woven materials produced on the production line back into the production process of producing disposable absorbent articles. The recycling operations can also include a spun-bonded recycling and a melt-blown recycling. The production line can be a single-product-lane operation or a multiple-product-lane operation.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles from bulk starting polymeric materials including virgin and on-line recycled polymeric materials. The production line includes a continuous process that links the steps of forming the webs with the steps of converting the webs into disposable absorbent articles. The production line recycles non-woven materials produced on the production line back into the production process of producing disposable absorbent articles. The recycling operations can also include a spun-bonded recycling and a melt-blown recycling. The production line can be a single-product-lane operation or a multiple-product-lane operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing disposable fluid-handling articles including absorbent articles (e.g., baby diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, baby swim diapers, dining bibs, wound dressing) and benefit-component-delivering articles (e.g., wash cloth, body wipes, body wraps, pet grooming articles, cleaning and polishing articles) are disclosed. The present invention can combine the web-forming technology with the web-converting technology into a continuous process for making a disposable fluid-handling article, wherein two or more of the components of the fluid-handling article are formed on the converting line from extruded polymeric materials. Thus, the new method and apparatus can reduce or eliminate the need for continuous webs of fabrics, films, foams, elastics, etc. that have been transported from web producers in a packaged form, e.g., wound rolls and festooned boxes.

Abstract: A process for forming a sheet material having a fibrous surface and the sheet material produced thereby; the fibers are produced by deposition of a heated, thermally sensitive material on to a substrate, which is transported at a velocity approximately equal to the velocity of the material being deposited, by manipulating the fiber density and denier, the sheet material can be made to be either softer or rougher to the touch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions that are biodegradable and that can be melt processed into various forms, including films, fibers, and nonwovens. The compositions include compatible or semicompatible blends of biodegradable polymers and have physical and thermomechanical integrity. Films formed from preferred polymeric compositions are suitable for use as backsheets in disposable absorbent articles. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric composition includes a polyhydroxyalkanoate and at least one other biodegradable polymer selected from aliphatic polyester-based polyurethanes, a polylactide, polycaprolactone, or a mixture of two or more of these polymers. Where the second polymer is polycaprolactone, the composition preferably also includes a third polymer for enhancing the melt processability of the composition.

Abstract: A method of forming apertured webs is provided comprising the steps of: (a) forming a foraminous member comprising gross foramina and fine foramina wherein the gross foramina define a patterned design superimposed on the fine foramina by means of applying and curing a photosensitive resin onto a foraminous element comprising fine foramina in order to form elevated portions on the fine foramina defining the gross foramina, (b) providing a layer of fibers on said foraminous member; and (c) applying fluid streams to said layer of fibers such that the fibers are randomly entangled in regions interconnected by fibers extending between adjacent entangled regions in a pattern determined by the pattern of the gross foramina of the foraminous member to form an apertured web.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a stain receiver article and its use in a fabric cleaning process. The invention also encompasses a kit, comprising: (a) an aqueous fabric cleaning/refreshment composition which is, optionally, releasably contained on a carrier substrate; a re-usable, preferably vapor-venting, containment bag; a stain receiver article according to this invention; optionally, but preferably, a fabric cleaning device, as disclosed herein; optionally, a re-usable holding tray; and optionally, a non-aqueous cleaning composition. The invention also encompasses the stain receiver article, itself.