Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for production of novel fused fabrics by treating a feed fabric comprising a substantial portion of thermoplastic fibers with wetting agent then subjecting the wetting fabric to conditions of temperature and pressure suitable to cause fusing together of at least some fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for production of novel fused fabrics by treating a feed fabric comprising a substantial portion of thermoplastic fibers with wetting agent then subjecting the wetted fabric to conditions of temperature and pressure suitable to cause fusing together of at least some fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: A multi-layer nonwoven fabric is provided comprising at least one layer of waste fibers positioned between layers of virgin synthetic fibers joined by, for example, needle punching. A process for producing the fabric comprises the steps of forming a base web of virgin staple fibers, adding a second web of waste fibers, adding a top web of virgin staple fibers, and consolidating the webs as by needle punching to form a composite fabric.

Abstract: A fused nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic fibers having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface is produced by exposing at least one of the first and second surfaces of the fabric to infrared radiation and contacting at least one of the first and second surfaces of the fabric with at least one heated roll having a temperature sufficient to fuse together the fibers of the surface in contact with the heated roll.

Abstract: Synthetic thermoplastic fibers are produced by drawing the fibers, applying a finishing agent to the drawn fibers, and crimping the fibers in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure. Superior crimped products are obtained having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use.

Abstract: The crimped products are produced having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use. Such products are disclosed having deposited on the surface of the fibers a thin coating of a finishing agent comprising distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Such products can be produced by crimping in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is comprised of a blend of fine staple fibers and coarse staple fibers randomly oriented with the fine staple fibers having a higher melt flow than the coarse staple fibers. In the manufacture of the nonwoven fabric, same is needled whereby the needles select the fine fibers and portions of same are positioned in a plane generally transverse to the plane of the fabric. Infrared heat is used to fuse the fine fibers at overlapping portions thereof to provide integrity for the fabric. The coarse staple fibers are held in the interstices of the fabric at least partially by frictional engagement with the fine staple fibers.

Abstract: A finishing agent composition is disclosed made of a major amount of a surface-active material having softening properties for polyolefin fibers, and smaller amounts of a nonionic wetting agent, buffering agent and a corrosion inhibitor, the amounts of the components being such that, when the composition is dispersed in water to provide a dispersion containing from about 1 to about 4 weight percent solids, the dispersion has a pH within the range of 6 to 8.

Abstract: Synthetic thermoplastic fibers are crimped in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure. Superior crimped products are obtained having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use.

Abstract: A finishing agent is provided comprising an organopolysiloxane, a surface-active material having softening properties for polyolefin fibers, a nonionic wetting agent, a buffering agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. A nonscroopy polyolefin fiber is provided.

Abstract: A finishing agent is provided comprising an organopolysiloxane, a surface-active material having softening properties for polyolefin fibers, a nonionic wetting agent, a buffering agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. A nonscroopy polyolefin fiber is provided.