Abstract: An elastic laminate fabric useful for applications including apparel, sanitary products, and the like has an elastic vinylidene isoprene polymer film sandwiched between two outer non-woven layers. The laminate elastic fabric has CD elongation of at least 120%, and has recovery of at least 85% after several cycles of 100% elongation. A method of making the non-woven elastic laminate fabric includes extrusion coating a non-woven web having CD elongation of at least 120% with a vinylidene isoprene polymer film, and then thermocalendaring a second non-woven layer having a CD elongation of at least 120% to the exposed film surface. The mode of thermocalendering includes the use of an engraved calender roll having a discontinuous roll pattern and a land area no greater than 15%.

Abstract: An elastic laminate fabric useful for applications including apparel, sanitary products, and the like has an elastic vinylidene isoprene polymer film sandwiched between two outer non-woven layers. The laminate elastic fabric has CD elongation of at least 120%, and has recovery of at least 85% after several cycles of 100% elongation. A method of making the non-woven elastic laminate fabric includes extrusion coating a non-woven web having CD elongation of at least 120% with a vinylidene isoprene polymer film, and then thermocalendaring a second non-woven layer having a CD elongation of at least 120% to the exposed film surface. The mode of thermocalendering includes the use of an engraved calender roll having a discontinuous roll pattern and a land area no greater than 15%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing continuous filament nonwoven fabric which comprises the steps of providing a single polymeric resin having an MFR of between about 6 to 16, spinning said single polymeric resin using commercially available continuous filament spinning equipment, to yield a continuous filament nonwoven fabric exhibiting a tensile strength improvement of at least 30% when compared to similar resin of greater than 35 MFR.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the combined use of a dispersant as an internal melt additive and a surfactant as an outer topical additive to impart or improve the wettability of extruded thermoplastic constructs. A dispersant is provided to, and blended with, a thermoplastic polymer which is then formed into a thermoplastic construct. A surfactant is then applied to the thermoplastic construct to impart or improve the wettability of the thermoplastic construct.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing continuous filament nonwoven fabric which comprises the steps of providing a single polymeric resin having an MFR of between about 6 to 16, spinning said single polymeric resin using commercially available continuous filament spinning equipment, to yield a continuous filament nonwoven fabric exhibiting a tensile strength improvement of at least 30% when compared to similar resin of greater than 35 MFR.

Abstract: A method of making a spunbond nonwoven fabric embodying the principles of the present invention contemplates use of an aliphatic-aromatic polyester resin, such as Eastar BioGP, for formation of fabrics which exhibit desirable softness and drapeability characteristics, excellent gamma-radiation stability and, where required, desirable elasticity. In distinction from previous formation techniques, the present invention contemplates formation of such fabrics by spunbonding at relatively low filament spinning speeds, thus facilitating practice of the present invention with generally available and conventional spunbonding equipment.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric/film laminate material is particularly suited for use as a “housewrap”, or in like building construction applications. The laminate material comprises a spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabric, and a breathable, polymeric film which is extrusion-coated onto the nonwoven fabric layer. Both the fabric layer and extrusion-coating can be formed in a cost-effective manner on conventionally available processing equipment. By appropriate selection of the nonwoven fabric layer and film properties, the present laminate material acts as an effective barrier to liquid water and air infiltration, while providing desirable permeability to water vapor.

Abstract: An elastic laminate fabric useful for applications including apparel, sanitary products, and the like has an elastic vinylidene isoprene polymer film sandwiched between two outer non-woven layers. The laminate elastic fabric has CD elongation of at least 120%, and has recovery of at least 85% after several cycles of 100% elongation. A method of making the non-woven elastic laminate fabric includes extrusion coating a non-woven web having CD elongation of at least 120% with a vinylidene isoprene polymer film, and then thermocalendaring a second non-woven layer having a CD elongation of at least 120% to the exposed film surface. The mode of thermocalendering includes the use of an engraved calender roll having a discontinuous roll pattern and a land area no greater than 15%.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene. The melt additive is a polyethylene oleiyl ether having the formula: R—O—{—CH2—CH2—O}x—CH2—CH2—O—H where x is an integer from 1-15, and R═CH3—(CH2)7—CH═CH—(CH)8— When the foregoing ether is added to a melt of polypropylene at levels of 2-15% by weight prior to the extrusion of the fibers or filaments, and the fibers or filaments are formed into fabrics, the fibers, filaments, or fabrics will exhibit permanent wettability, as well as excellent drape and softness. Such fabrics are useful, for example, as the skin contacting inner lining fabric of sanitary articles such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and the like.