Abstract: Compostable polymeric sheets of biodegradable or environmentally degradable polymers are included. These composite sheets may be made by extrusion and are compostable in municipal solid waste treatment facilities.The composite film is formed by coextrusion of top and bottom water insoluble thermoplastic films having a water soluble polymer therebetween and stretching the composite along line space substantially uniformally across and through the depth of the composite for weakening the strength of the composite while maintaining its water impermeability.

Abstract: Novel, unstretched synthetic papers being virtually free of mechanically produced microvoids and having a porous surface for writing and printing thereon are disclosed. The unstretched synthetic papers of the instant invention are formed typically by extruding from pellets a film or sheet material formed with a continuous olefin resin matrix containing an effective amount of a particulate filler having pre-existing microvoids inherent thereto, such as a diatamaceous earth. The microvoid particulate filler is dispersed somewhat uniformly yet randomly throughout the continuous olefin resin matrix of the unstretched synthetic papers to provide non-mechanically produced microvoids in communication with the surfaces of the unstretched synthetic papers to render said surfaces porous for imparting writeability and printability thereto.

Abstract: An embossed plastic film is made ultra soft and cloth-like by providing a plurality of post-embossed stretched areas along lines that are spaced uniformly across its width and length. The stretched areas are thinner than the unstretched areas. Films also have unique textures and offer cloth-like or non-woven appearances.

Abstract: An improved barrier cuff for disposable absorbent articles such as a diaper is disclosed. A diaper has a liquid-pervious liner, a liquid-impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the liner and backsheet, and elastically contractible leg cuffs. The cuff has a proximal edge and a distal edge and is disposed adjacent margins of the disposable diaper and defines a waste containment pocket with the backsheet and liner frontsheet. The cuff being made of an embossed plastic film having a pattern of stretched and unstretched regions. The plastic film provides ultrasoft cloth-like and quiet material for use as a cuff in comparison to known plastic film or laminates. Leakage prevention and comfort to the user are increased because the body exudates are less capable of leaking out of the absorbent article prior to absorption into the core and the wearing comfort is provided by the ultrasoft cuff.

Abstract: An embossed plastic film is made ultra soft and cloth-like by providing a plurality or post-embossed stretched areas along lines that are spaced uniformly across its width and length. The stretched areas are thinner than the unstretched areas. Films also have unique textures and offer cloth-like or non-woven appearances.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic film is disclosed comprising a blend of an alkanoyl polymer and polyvinyl alcohol. The film can be stretched providing opacity and enhancing its biodegradability.

Abstract: Compostable polymeric sheets of biodegradable or environmentally degradable polymers are disclosed. These composite sheets may be made by extrusion and are compostable in municipal solid waste treatment facilities.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic sheet materials for permitting positionable and repeated repositionable use of tape fasteners therewith without experiencing substnatial loss of tape adhesion therebetween are disclosed. A novel thermoplastic sheet material generally comprises an ethylene polymer and an anti-popoff polymer in an effective amount for increasing and substantially maintaining the tape adhesion. The increase in and substantial maintenance of the tape adhesion is accomplished without adversely affecting the properties or cost of the thermoplastic sheet material. A preferred formulation for producing the novel thermoplastic sheet material comprises polyethylene as the ethylene polymer and a polypropylene or alpha-methyl styrene as the anti-popoff polymer. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are especially suitable for use as films which can be used as backsheets in absorbent articles, such as, disposable diapers, bandages, surgical dressings or drapes and catamenial pads.