Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a corrugated polymer layer and a thermoplastic elastomer layer. Filler materials may be included in either the corrugated polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.

Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a plurality of corrugated polymer layers and a plurality of thermoplastic elastomer layers. Filler materials and surfactants may be included in either the corrugated polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to personal care products comprising biodegradable films. The biodegradable films display enhanced breathability and ductility, and contain a biodegradable polymer and a water soluble polymer. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, or a copolymer thereof. The biodegradable film of the present invention has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 2500 g/m2/24 hrs.

Abstract: Polymer resin/dispersed modifier compositions are provided. The polymer resin/dispersed modifier compositions have improved melt processability and properties and may be used to thermally process films, fibers, and articles having improved properties. In one embodiment, the polymer resin/dispersed modifier compositions are further grafted with one or more monomers, which graft onto the polymer resin and/or the dispersed modifier. In a further embodiment, the polymer resin is a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer, such as polyethylene oxide; the modifier is a styrene butadiene polymer, a carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer, or a combination thereof; and the grafted monomer is poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEG-MA), or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a degradable polymer layer and a thermoplastic elastomer layer. Filler materials may be included in either the degradable polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: Novel breathable environmentally stable, water weakenable films, fibers, and articles, useful for disposable applications and methods for making them are disclosed. The films, fibers and articles are manufactured from novel polymer blends and demonstrate improved stability and enhanced strength when exposed to environmental conditions of increased humidity and elevated temperature. The breathable, environmentally stable, water weakenable films, fibers, and articles manufactured from the novel polymer blends are particularly useful for the manufacture of disposable products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The films contain a biodegradable polymer and a water soluble polymer. The biodegradable polymer is preferably polycaprolactone, and the water soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide. The precursor film of the present invention preferably has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 500 g/24 hrs/m2. The biodegradable film of the present invention preferably has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 2500 g/24 hrs/m2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: Novel polymer blends useful for manufacturing breathable, environmentally stable, and water weakenable disposable films, fibers, and articles, and methods for making the blends are disclosed. The films, fibers and articles manufactured from these novel blends demonstrate improved stability and enhanced strength when exposed to environmental conditions of increased humidity and elevated temperature. Films, fibers, and articles manufactured from the novel polymer blends are particularly useful for the manufacture of disposable products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses water-responsive, and optionally flushable compositions with improved stability to aqueous fluids comprising water or water vapor. The compositions of the 10 present invention comprise a water-responsive polymer and organically modified clay particles. In one embodiment, the water-responsive polymer is a polymer of ethylene oxide, specifically poly(ethylene oxide) and specific graft copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide). Films of the present invention are water-responsive and breathable and are especially useful for personal care applications including disposable diapers, feminine pads, pantiliners and training pants. Advantageously, compositions of the present invention have reduced melt viscosity and are more easily melt processed into films, fibers and other articles.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel water-responsive compositions with improved stability to aqueous liquids and an improved method of making the compositions. The addition of organically modified clay to poly(ethylene oxide) significant improves the liquid stability and melt processability of the PEO. The PEO compositions can be produced using an economical one step process comprising blending a dry mixture of PEO and organically modified clay particles and melt processing the dry mixture. The melt processing of a mixture of PEO and organically modified clay particles facilitates the melt processing of PEO over a broad range of molecular weights, most notably high molecular weights. Advantageously, the process described herein eliminates expensive and complex processing steps and is useful for manufacturing flushable articles such as disposable diapers, feminine pads, pantiliners, etc.