Abstract: A fire retardant thermally insulative, vandalism and damage resistant panel for the building exteriors includes a relatively low density foam layer having relatively high thermal resistivity, a relatively high density foam layer having relatively high impact strength and resistance to bending facingly contacting the low density foam layer, a porous fabric contacting the high density foam layer at a surface thereof facing oppositely from the low density foam, and a weather resistant, water impermeable exterior layer contacting the fabric at a surface facing in a direction opposite from where the high density foam contacts the fabric, where the high density foam substantially occupies at least parts of some of the pores of the fabric and the exterior layer material substantially occupies at least parts of at least some of the pores of the fabric such that sufficient pores of the fabric are filled with the high density foam, the exterior surface material and chemical reaction products thereof to create a bond be

Abstract: A slip-proof tile manufacturing method, comprising following steps: stacking sequentially from bottom to top a bottom layer having a plurality of first mineral particles; a decoration layer; and an enhanced wear-resistance layer having a plurality of second mineral particles, such that the second mineral particles are exposed out of a top surface of the enhanced wear-resistance layer; and forming a laminating wear-resistance layer having a plurality of third mineral particles on the top surface of the enhanced wear-resistance layer, so as to embed the exposed second mineral particles, so that the third mineral particles are distributed evenly inside and on the top surface of the laminating wear-resistance layer, hereby realizing said slip-proof tile. The slip-proof tile thus produced having the characteristics of high wear-resistance, scratch-resistance, and high slip-proof.

Abstract: A method of controlling corrosion at an interface formed between at least two metal components includes applying a blend of magnesium particles and one of an adhesive or a sealant to the interface. The magnesium particles have a diameter sufficient to span a distance between the metal components. The method further includes exposing the metal components to a substantially corrosive environment, where the corrosive environment at least partially dissolves the magnesium particles. At least partial dissolution of the magnesium particles i) cathodically protects the metal components at the interface, ii) alkalizes the corrosive environment, and iii) generates hydrogen bubbles that substantially block a crevice formed at the interface.

Abstract: A method for connecting an electronic part, which contains: mixing a dispersing solvent, an adhesive resin which is dissolved in the dispersing solvent, conductive particles, and insulating particles which have smaller particle diameters than those of the conductive particles so as to prepare an anisotropic conductive adhesive; placing a terminal of a substrate and a terminal of an electronic part so as to face each other via the anisotropic conductive adhesive, and applying heat and pressure to the substrate and the electronic part so as to sandwich the conductive particles between the terminal of the substrate and the terminal of the electronic part to thereby deform the conductive particles, in which the pressure is smaller than pressure at which the conductive particles are destroyed, and smaller than pressure at which the particle diameters of the conductive particles become equal to the particle diameters of the insulating particles.

Abstract: A composite material structure includes a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer, a resin layer between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer and a plurality of chopped fibers provided in the resin layer.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a composite product, as well as the composite product. The composite product comprises at least two layers. At least one of the layers is of wood or another cellulose-containing material. The process comprises differentially treating the layers prior to, during, or after the lamination of the layers into a composite product.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an absorptive article according to the present invention includes: placing a continuum of the elastic members 4A and 5A in a desired layout, on at least one surface of a web 7A being transported continuously, while swinging the continuum of the elastic members 4A and 5A in a direction crossing a moving direction of the web 7A; feeding the web 7A on which the continuum of the elastic members 4A and 5A are placed, between a first roll 8, which is rotating in the moving direction, and a second roll 9; and pressing the continuum of the elastic members 4A and 5A, and the web 7A between the first roll 8 and the second roll 9.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent composite that includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and particles positioned between the two fabrics and absorbent articles made from the absorbent composite. The particles are secured between the two fabric using adhesive, thermal plastic or combinations thereof. The fabrics are bonded together in a manner that limits particle movement between the fabrics. The bond pattern may define pockets or other shapes. In applications in which the bond pattern forms pockets, the particles may be positioned in the pockets. The particles may be SAP particles or other particles with advantageous properties.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermally expandable base material for a vehicle interior, the method includes needling a web to produce a fiber mat. The web includes an inorganic fiber, a thermoplastic resin fiber, and a thermally expandable microcapsule. The fiber mat is heated to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin fiber is melt and which is lower than a thermal expansion starting temperature of the thermally expandable microcapsule. The fiber mat is hot-pressed. The fiber mat is cooled.

Abstract: Included is a tip end portion being a feeding position from which a filiform elastic member is fed. By an arm member guiding the elastic member, the tip end portion is alternately moved in a first direction and a second direction, and thereby the elastic member is brought into contact with the web and is arranged in a gather waveform. Here, the first direction is from the center portion of a web being conveyed in a predetermined direction and having sequentially-arranged component parts forming one part of an absorbent article, to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing with a conveyance direction, and the second direction is from the center to a second end portion which is an end portion opposite to the first end portion. At this time, in a planar view of a composite web, when a nip point exceeds a position where an angle between the conveyance direction and a tangent to the gather waveform is largest, a distance between the tip end portion and the nip point is largest.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a guide mechanism having a feeding portion for feeding an elastic member. The feed portion is alternately movable in a first direction and a second direction, and the elastic member is brought into contact with a web conveyed in a machine direction and is ananged in a waveform. The first direction is from a center portion of the web to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing the machine direction. The second direction is from the center portion to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. A distance between the feeding portion and a nip point at which the elastic member comes in contact with the web is largest when the nip point exceeds a position in the waveform where an angle between the machine direction and a tangent to the waveform is largest.

Abstract: A stimulation material is partially bonded to a pressure-sensitive adhesive to form a stimulation blend. The stimulation blend, with or without pressure-sensitive adhesive, may be juxtaposed between two substrates to form a stimulation composite. When the pressure-sensitive adhesive is present within the stimulation composite, there are regions of the adhesive that do not contain a significant amount of stimulation material. By arranging regions of stimulation blend with respect to the pressure-sensitive adhesive regions, a pattern defined by the stimulation blend is formed. This pattern may deliver a stimulation effect that is at least as effective as using one-hundred percent stimulation blend within the stimulation composite, it not more effective. The stimulation composite may be cut into countless varieties of pledget shapes for use in personal-care absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method for making a disposable absorbent core comprises depositing absorbent particulate polymer material from a plurality of reservoirs in a printing roll onto a substrate disposed on a grid of a support which includes a plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between the plurality of cross bars. The plurality of reservoirs in the first peripheral surface are arranged in an array comprising rows extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another. The support and printing roll are arranged such that the plurality of cross bars are substantially parallel to the rows of the plurality of reservoirs and the absorbent particulate polymer material is deposited on the substrate in a pattern such that the absorbent particulate polymer material collects in rows on the first substrate formed between the first plurality of cross bars.

Abstract: A composite article may comprise a plurality of fibers. Each one of the fibers may have upper, lower and side surfaces. The fibers may be embedded within a matrix. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of at least one of the fibers may include a notch region and a pair of side regions on opposite sides of the notch region. The plurality of fibers may be arranged in layers. At least one of the fibers of one of the layers may be received within the notch region of at least one of the fibers of another one of the layers.

Abstract: In an outer covering sheet of an absorbent product, first, second and third adhesive layer elements each extending in a left-right direction are formed on a second covering sheet by spiral spray application. Each of these adhesive layer elements has wide width parts and narrow width parts which are continuous with the wide width parts, respectively. Therefore, hot melt adhesive can be stably discharged across the entire length of the adhesive layer element, unlike in the case where only wide width parts are formed intermittently. As the result, it is possible to obtain the outer covering sheet which is a sheet member having the adhesive layer elements with desired shapes where unevenness is decreased. And in the absorbent product which is manufactured with use of the sheet member, comfort level of the wearer can be prevented from decreasing due to unevenness of thickness of the adhesive layer elements.

Abstract: A method of forming a roofing product can include providing a ceramic base material having an open structure. The method can also include filling the open structure of the ceramic base material with a bituminous material, wherein the bituminous material has no greater than approximately 5 weight % of abrasive particles. The method can further include applying a recycled roofing material adjacent to the ceramic base material after filling the open structure of the ceramic base material with the bituminous material. In a particular embodiment, an open structure of the ceramic base material is filled with a bituminous material that has no greater than approximately 2 weight % of abrasive particles or 0.1 weight % metal content. The recycled roofing material can be applied along one or both sides of the ceramic base material. The bituminous material may have a characteristic particle size that is smaller than a characteristic particle size of the recycled roofing material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped body in which a powder particle layer is sandwiched between a base sheet to which a bonding agent is applied and a covering sheet so as to be bonded into an integral body, is provided with the steps of: shifting the base sheet, the powder particle layer and the covering sheet, with each of the sheets and the layer being held on the respective roller face, and after the powder particle layer has been transferred onto the base sheet, bonding the base sheet, the powder particle layer and the covering sheet into an integral form. Thus, the powder particle layer can be fixed to a predetermined position in a stable manner.

Abstract: A laminate having health-benefit agents therein is made by particle stabilization within the lamination process. By changing the substrate type (tissue, nonwoven, film) and/or the physical composition and/or attributes of the laminate layers, the release of the health-benefit agents can be controlled. The laminate, sometimes referred to as a liner, may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, and the like.

Abstract: In order to fasten a silicon block on a support for improved further handling, fiber material is introduced into an adhesive joint between the silicon block and the support. The fiber material is impregnated with adhesive and consists of glass fibers. The silicon block is then positioned on the support. The fiber material assures that the adhesive joint is not pressed together too far and is more stable.

Abstract: Some methods, and corresponding apparatus, for manufacturing photovoltaic subassemblies cause a plurality of desiccant beads to be adhered to an adhesive surface of sheet-like material; the sheet-like material is then, preferably, adhered to an exposed surface of a flexible and electrically non-conductive film, that covers a photovoltaic coating of a first substrate of the subassembly, such that the desiccant beads are held between the sheet-like material and the exposed surface. Some other methods, either alternatively or in addition to the above, include steps for applying the film, that covers the photovoltaic coating, wherein an opening, through the film, is cut, and then aligned, with lead wires of the photovoltaic coating, in the midst of applying the film.

Abstract: The agent basically consists of Saxolith, a crystalline marble-based filler, and Erkamar, a binder having adhesive properties. The agent preferably also contains dimethylethanolamine to improve the dissolution of resins and to stabilize the pH, as well as isopropanol as the diluent, Sipernat to improve the flow properties, Agitan as defoaming agent and coagulant, as well as Byk to improve the flow properties and as a filler. The agent is produced by adding Erkamar to at least the same quantity of water, mixing it and stirring it for a few hours, cooling the mixture to room temperature, and adding at least the same quantity of Saxolith as that of Erkamar added previously and stirring until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Abstract: In the absorber forming and transferring mechanism 100, at a core reception time, the rotational velocity V4 of the rotary transfer member 160 is same as the rotation velocity V3 of the forming drum 150. At a core transfer time, the rotational velocity V5 of the rotary transfer member 160 is same as the conveyance velocity V2 of the web 9A. During a period from the core reception time to the core transfer time, the rotational velocity V5 of the rotary transfer member 160 becomes higher than the rotational velocity V3 of the forming drum 150. During a period from the core transfer time to the core reception time, the rotational velocity V5 of the rotary transfer member 160 becomes lower than the conveyance velocity V2 of the web 9A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing composite products having a surface effect. In some examples described, a composite product has a simulated surface, for example a stone-effect surface formed by pressing a particulate-form surface material (30) and a sheet-form curable material (40) onto a substrate (44) having an open-celled structure. In other examples, a laminate product having a veneer is formed by pressing a veneer and a sheet-form material onto a substrate including a porous structure. The veneer may comprise a wood material. In other examples, a surface effect material is bonded to a skin by pressing a sheet-form curable material to a mould surface and the surface effect material. Where the surface effect material has a high thermal conductivity, the composite product formed can feel cool to the touch.

Abstract: Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.

Abstract: Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g.

Abstract: A conductive silicone material for human skin electrode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conductive silicone material comprises a mixture of silicone and carbon powder such that the mixture has a resistivity of 0.08 to 0.12 ?·m and a Shore A hardness of 50 to 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the mixture comprises 60 to 80 weight percent silicone and 20 to 40 weight percent carbon powder. A sensor for detecting human biological signal using a conductive silicone electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of more precisely and easily realizing cooling channels constituting a ceramic brake disk rotor. In order to achieve an object of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a ceramic brake disk rotor having internal cooling channels, comprising the steps of: (a) producing loading portions 110, 210, frictional surfaces 120, 220, and vanes 300 of the disk rotor respectively through separate processes using a carbon fiber reinforced carbon-carbon composite; (b) fabricating the loading portions 110, 210, frictional surfaces 120, 220, and vanes 300 respectively produced through separate processes into one structure and (c) performing a liquid silicon-melt infiltration process for the fabricated one structure.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers coated with an olefin block copolymer containing resin, the olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C. and laminates comprising polymeric tapes embedded in a resin of olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a laminate absorbent structure, and a resulting package containing a single continuous running web of the laminate material. Notably, formation of the material is effected by blending a curtain of adhesive fibers with a curtain of particulate material, and depositing the mixture on a moving substrate, preferably provided in the form of a tissue layer. A second substrate, also preferably comprising a tissue layer, is applied on top of the deposited mixture, and pressure applied to form the laminated structure. Notably, attendant to packaging of the laminated material, adjacent layers of the material tend to nest into one another, to form a sandwich in which the density of the material in the package is more than 1.5 times the density of the material after its removal from the package.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the thermal conductivity of fabrics by surface coating of the fabrics with high thermal conductivity materials 6. The fabrics may be surface coated when they are individual fibers or strands 4, bundles of strands, formed fabric or combinations therefore. A particular type of fibrous matrix used with the present invention is glass. Some fabrics may be a combination of more than one type of material, or may have different materials in alternating layers. HTC coatings of the present invention include diamond like coatings (DLC) and metal oxides, nitrides, carbides and mixed stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric combinations that can be applied to the host matrix.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for manufacturing core composite layer workpieces (sandwich structures) from at least one first and at least one second cover sheet (1, 2) between which a core sheet (30) including especially short cut fibers (9) is provided, are disclosed with which a continuous and substantially break free manufacture can be conducted which leads to composite layer structures with reasonable costs. Single manufacturing parameters can specifically be varied with different embodiments so that in a relatively simple manner composite layer structures with desired physical properties can be obtained, for example with respect to their strength, stiffness, flexibility, mechanical and acoustic absorption capabilities, working properties, and so on. Composite layer structures for new applications can be manufactured as well.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive adhesive sheet comprising at least a curing agent, a curable insulating resin and conductive particles, wherein in a region extending from a one-side surface of the anisotropic conductive adhesive sheet along the thickness direction to a position of not greater than 2.0 times the average diameter of the conductive particles, 90% or more of the sum of conductive particles are present, the 90% or more of the sum of conductive particles being present without contact with other conductive particles, and wherein the average diameter of conductive particles is in the range of 1 to 8 ?m, the average particle distance between adjacent conductive particles being in the range of 1 to 5 times the average particle diameter and not greater than 20 ?m, and wherein the thickness of the anisotropic conductive adhesive sheet is at least 1.5 times the average particle distance but not greater than 40 ?m.

Abstract: A composite material structure includes a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer, a resin layer between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer and a plurality of chopped fibers provided in the resin layer.

Abstract: A composite structure includes at least one resin matrix layer having a resin material and a plurality of fiber elements and a plurality of titanium particles provided in the resin material. A method of toughening a resin matrix layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to fasten a silicon block on a support for improved further handling, fibre material is introduced into an adhesive joint between the silicon block and the support. The fibre material is impregnated with adhesive and consists of glass fibres. The silicon block is then positioned on the support. The fibre material assures that the adhesive joint is not pressed together too far and is more stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of sheet molding compounds (SMC) in which the required glass fiber nonwovens are manufactured in-line and have an inhomogeneity of 10% or less, a weight per unit area of 400 g/m2 or higher and a strength of less than 10 N. Furthermore, the present invention describes resin mats that comprise the glass fiber nonwovens in accordance with the invention that represent valuable intermediate products.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent pad, and the absorbent pad so made, including a porous under layer and an absorbent body including a pulverized pulp and a super-absorbent materials bonded to and between the porous layers; characterized in that the absorbent body is applied between the porous layers before bonding thereto by: applying a first layer of pulverized pulp to the porous under layer; applying a layer of the super-absorbent material over the first layer of pulverized pulp; and applying a second layer of the pulverized pulp over the super-absorbent material layers. One or more of the above layers also includes a deodorizer material which may include a deodorizer agent, to reduce odors, an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent skin erythema, and/or a perfume fragrance.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent core comprises first and second absorbent layers each comprising an absorbent particulate polymer material such that the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across an absorbent particulate polymer material area. A disposable absorbent article and method for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayered flexible laminate comprising: a first lamina having a inlet channel; a second lamina having a outlet channel; the first and second laminas joined to one another about an unbonded valve region having open and closed orientations; wherein the first and outlet channels are in gaseous communication when the valve region is in the open orientation.

Abstract: A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in sediment, soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, that is needlepunched to an outer geotextile sheet layer to provide a high loft, structurally secured, pre-formed geotextile having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g.

Abstract: A first clad layer is formed on a first substrate, and further first cores extending in parallel to each other in one direction are formed on the first clad layer. Separately from this, a second clad layer is formed on a second substrate, and further second cores extending in parallel to each other in a direction parallel to the first cores are formed on the second clad layer. Next, the first substrate and the second substrate are integrated with a third clad layer interposed therebetween in such a manner that a surface of the first substrate having the first cores formed thereon faces a surface of the second substrate having the second cores formed thereon, to thereby form an optical waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the thermal conductivity of fabrics by surface coating of the fabrics with high thermal conductivity materials 6. The fabrics may be surface coated when they are individual fibers or strands 4, bundles of strands, formed fabric or combinations therefore. A particular type of fibrous matrix used with the present invention is glass. Some fabrics may be a combination of more than one type of material, or may have different materials in alternating layers. HTC coatings of the present invention include diamond like coatings (DLC) and metal oxides, nitrides, carbides and mixed stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric combinations that can be applied to the host matrix.

Abstract: A process for preparing an animal incontinence device comprises: providing a base layer of tissue; applying a uniform layer of superabsorbent polymer particles to a major surface of the base layer of tissue; applying water to the base layer of tissue having the uniform layer of superabsorbent polymer particles thereon; applying a cover layer of tissue over the base layer of tissue having the uniform layer of superabsorbent polymer particles thereon, to form an absorbent layer assembly; passing the absorbent layer assembly between a heated nip roll and a laminating roll, to at least partially adhere together the cover layer of tissue, uniform layer of superabsorbent polymer particles, and base layer of tissue, to form an absorbent layer; inserting the absorbent layer intermediate a base layer of liquid-impervious polymer film and a top layer of porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fibers, to form an animal incontinence device assembly; and laminating together at least a portion of the animal inconti

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnesium-based composite material includes at least two magnesium-based metallic layers; and at least one magnesium-based composite layer respectively sandwiched by the at least two magnesium-based metallic layers. The present invention also relates to a method for fabricating a magnesium-based composite material, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least two magnesium-based plates; (b) providing a plurality of nanoscale reinforcements; (c) sandwiching the nanoscale reinforcements between the at least two magnesium-based plates to form a preform; and (d) hot pressing the preform to achieve the magnesium-based composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite sabot for use in APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) which has improved strength to weight ratio with low weight and high strength by using one-directional fiber prepreg ply lamination method. In order to prevent delamination of the radially laminated composite sabot, short fibers are deposited on the interfacial plane thereby spreading the expansion force to fiber as well as the resin.

Abstract: The bonding of polymeric panels with thermosetting adhesive compositions may lead to an unsightly image of the adhesive bond line on an external surface of the joined articles. This bond-line read-out is reduced or eliminated using an adhesive material with filler particles characterized by nanometer size clay platelets when the content of the filler particles does not exceed about five percent by volume of the uncured adhesive. Selective placement of the adhesive extending to the edges of the bonding surfaces of the polymeric members also reduces bond-line read-out.

Abstract: A method of assembling an appliance using a curable silicone composition optionally containing spacer beads of an appropriate size to permit adhesively joining the appliance parts in a desirably spaced-apart arrangement.

Abstract: The air-cooled thermal management of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cooling plate apparatus for an air-cooled fuel cell stack, where the cooling plate comprises a body configured to receive heat from one or more fuel cells in thermal communication with the body, and airflow channels formed in the body and configured to allow a flow of a cooling air to pass across the body. An insulating structure is disposed in the airflow channels, wherein the insulating structure has decreasing thickness from a cooling air inlet toward a cooling air outlet.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.