Abstract: A multicomponent fiber that contains a high-melting aliphatic polyester and a low-melting aliphatic polyester is provided. The multicomponent fibers are substantially biodegradable, yet readily processed into nonwoven structures that exhibit effective fibrous mechanical properties.

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: The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising a surge management layer comprising a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web includes a filler fiber and a binder fiber. A portion of the cross-sectional area of the filler fiber is hollow, and the binder fiber includes a sheath component and a core component.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid intake region, a liquid retention region, a barrier region, and plural strips of microlayer material located adjacent to the liquid retention region.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprises a multi-microlayer film having a plurality of coextruded microlayers that can perform the multiple functions of acquisition, retention and distribution of fluids. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a coextrusion process. Each microlayer is manufactured from either a high-recovery polymer or a low-recovery polymer and may be in a substantially alternating configuration within the film. A disruptive force, such as a stretching force, can be applied to at least one portion of the multi-microlayer film to partially delaminate the low-recovery microlayer from the high-recovery microlayer to form corrugations in that portion. The multi-microlayer film can be apertured and additives may be included in either polymer layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing body liquids, comprising a unitary system of microlayered film constructed and arranged to carry out the multiple functions of liquid intake, liquid uptake and distribution, liquid retention and liquid barrier requisite for such an absorbent article. The unitary system comprises a series of sequentially arranged topside, inside and bottom side regions having different properties needed to perform the functions of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive method and process for making polymer fibers (62) and nonwoven fabric webs (60). The method can include providing a fiber material that exhibits a low crystallization rate. In a particular aspect, the fiber material can be subjected to an anneal-quench at an anneal-quench temperature that approximates a prime-temperature at which the polymer material most rapidly crystallizes. In another aspect, the fiber material can be subjected to a fiber-draw at a selected fiber-draw temperature, and in a further aspect, the fiber-draw temperature can be configured to approximate the prime-temperature of the polymer material. In still other aspects, the fiber material can be subjected to a relatively small amount of fiber-draw, and the fiber-draw can be provided at a relatively low fiber-draw speed.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive article which includes a plurality of fibers (62), wherein the fibers include a selected polymer, fiber material. In a particular aspect, the fiber material can exhibit a “low” crystallization rate. In other aspects, the fiber material has been subjected to a low fiber-draw percentage, and the polymer in the fibers can have a high crystallinity. Further aspects can include a fiber material which has been subjected to a low fiber-draw speed, and can include fibers which have a high tenacity. In still other aspects, the fibers can be configured to provide a fibrous web (60), and the fibrous web (60) can have a distinctive tensile strength quotient, with respect to tensile strengths along its machine-direction (22) and cross-direction (24).

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: A multilayer film includes a plastic layer and an elastomeric layer. The plastic layer can contain a co-polyester of terepthalic acid, adipic acid and butanediol, and the elastomeric layer can contain a polyurethane elastomer. The plastic layer and/or the elastomeric layer can contain filler particles, and may be present as a bilayer laminate. The plastic layer and a filled elastomeric layer can also be combined with an unfilled elastomeric layer to form a tri-layer laminate. The multilayer films can provide breathable films with improved degradability, stretchability and recoverability, and tactile feel.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a plastic layer and an elastomeric layer. The plastic layer and/or the elastomeric layer can contain filler particles, and may be present as a well bonded bilayer laminate. The plastic layer and a filled elastomeric layer can also be combined with an unfilled elastomeric layer to form a tri-layer laminate. The film has an average roughness of about 500 to about 1,000 nanometers. The multilayer films can provide breathable films with improved degradability, stretchability and recoverability, and tactile feel.

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: Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic films are disclosed. The films comprise filler particles and a copolyester. The films have high vapor permeability and tensile strength and are suitable for use in absorbent and non-absorbent products.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a laminated outer cover is disclosed. The laminated outer cover comprises an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester film including a filler material. The aliphatic-aromatic copolyester films have suitable breathability, vapor transfer and tensile strength properties while being substantially biodegradable.

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: Compositions of high and low performance elastomer are formed using a process that chemically reacts some of the high and low performance elastomers together to form a graft copolymer. The elastomeric compositions provide intimately mixed elastomeric compositions which are thermodynamically stable and do not phase separate. The elastomeric compositions exhibit a variety of improved properties compared to simple blends of the same high and low performance elastomers in the same weight proportions. The elastomeric compositions are useful for producing films, fabrics, and laminates for use in a wide variety of personal care and medical articles.

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: An absorbent article for absorbing body liquids, comprising a unitary system of microlayered film constructed and arranged to carry out the multiple functions of liquid intake, liquid uptake and distribution, liquid retention and liquid barrier requisite for such an absorbent article. The unitary system comprises a series of sequentially arranged topside, inside and bottom side regions having different properties needed to perform the functions of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from an aliphatic polyester polymer which has sufficient tear strength and is biodegradable. Biodegradable nonwoven webs of the present are prepared from a polymer blend having from about 65% by weight to about 99% by weight of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and from about 1% by weight to about 35% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a lower melting point than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer, a polymer having a lower molecular weight than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, the nonwoven webs of the present invention have a tear strength greater than the tear strength of a nonwoven web prepared from the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer alone.

Abstract: Breathable, flushable, porous films and articles made therewith and a process for making these films. The present invention is directed to composites comprising a polymer that is water-soluble or water-degradable and a filler. The films are made by extruding the composite materials into a precursor film and, preferably, stretching the precursor film to achieve the desired breathability and water-dispersibility of the finished film. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises a polymer of ethylene oxide and a filler such as calcium carbonate.