Abstract: A nonwoven web contains an even distribution of its composite materials by the separate application of particulate material such as superabsorbent particles into a forming head outside the air stream for deposition of thermoplastic fibers in the forming head. The thermoplastic fibers are distributed by air entertainment through tubular forming screens having rotary distribution members therein. The particulate absorbents are generally placed in the forming box by distribution units which may have metering devices and outlet chutes extending into the forming head.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a fibrous mat from a heated die source wherein the produced mat includes a first layered, preselected fiber portion of substantially straight fibers produced by directing such fibers directly to a collector source and a second layered preselected fiber portion of substantially curled fibers produced by diverting and exerting an external vertically creative curling force thereon before reaching the collector source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing particle deposited body comprising supplying, under sucking condition, particles entrained by air on a continuous carrier sheet which is running at a prescribed direction to deposit the particles on the carrier sheet, thereby obtaining a particle deposited body comprising the particles and the carrier sheet, the carrier sheet having an air-permeability of 4.0 seconds/(300 ml·32 pcs.) or less.

Abstract: A self-crimping multicomponent fiber is manufactured utilizing the same-polymer components including at least one polymer component having a higher viscosity than at least one other polymer component. Crimping of the fiber is induced during fiber formation by achieving an effective crystallinity differential between the differing viscosity polymer components. The effective crystallinity differential may be obtained by varying a number of parameters during fiber formation, including the viscosity differential between polymer components and the transverse cross-sectional geometries of the differing viscosity components. Other factors, such as selecting a suitable drawing tension for the fiber can influence the crystallinity differential between differing viscosity components and thus resultant fiber crimp.

Abstract: Melt blown nonwoven webs are formed by supplying fiber-forming material to a planetary gear metering pump having a plurality of outlets, flowing fiber-forming material from the pump outlets through a plurality of inlets in one or more die cavities, and meltblowing the fiber-forming material. Each die cavity inlet receives a fiber-forming material stream having a similar thermal history. The physical or chemical properties of the nonwoven web fibers such as their average molecular weight and polydispersity can be made more uniform. Wide nonwoven webs can be formed by arranging a plurality of such die cavities in a side-by-side relationship. Thicker or multilayered nonwoven webs can be formed by arranging a plurality of such die cavities atop one another.

Abstract: Melt blown nonwoven webs are formed by supplying attenuating fluid to a meltblowing die through an attenuating fluid distribution passage whose distribution characteristics can be changed while the die and manifold are assembled. By adjusting the distribution characteristics of the passage, the mass flow rate of attenuating fluid to channels in the meltblowing die and the temperature of the attenuating fluid at the die outlets can be made more uniform.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed with at least one layer of absorbent material, and it may include a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent material. The moisture content of the web is increased so as to increase the web density. Then, the web is compacted at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also effect hydrogen bonding within the web. In one embodiment a tissue layer is provided, is wetted with water, and is bonded to the layer of absorbent material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant used to form an air-laid web of fibers and a powder on a running endless forming wire that is air-permeable and operates mainly horizontally, wherein the plant includes a suction unit positioned under the forming wire; a forming head with a perforated base positioned above the forming wire; at least one fiber feed duct using air flow from the fiber source to feed the fiber into the forming head; and at least one powder feed duct to feed powder by means of air flow from the powder source into the forming head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting particles or granules in discrete cavities spaced along an article or articles such as a cigarette filter rod moved underneath the compacting system. The compacting system can be provided with spaced lugs or other protrusions that selectively compact particles within cavities, or a smooth outer periphery that results in progressive compaction of the entire article being moved underneath the compaction system. The article having cavities with particles that need to be compacted can be supported on a support rail with side support rails that maintain the shape of the article during the compaction process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for forming a fibrous web (50) includes a movable, foraminous forming surface (22) and a substantially stationary, vacuum-commutator duct system (24) which is located substantially subjacent the forming surface (22). The vacuum-commutator duct system (24) has an entrance opening (26) that changes in configuration along a longitudinal dimension (30) of the entrance opening (26).

Abstract: A forming receptacle and method for receiving particulate material thereon, and thereby fabricating particulate congregates for use as absorbent cores in personal care absorbent articles is disclosed. The forming receptacle can comprise sheet material defining bottom and side walls of the receptacle. The bottom and side wall have first and second major surfaces and a thickness. The forming receptacle also comprises an array of apertures connecting first and second major surfaces, and further comprises a matrix of sheet material between apertures defining outer perimeters of respective apertures. Respective aperture walls taper from the first major surface toward the second major surface. Aperture walls of adjacent apertures intersect the second major surface without intersecting each other. The array of apertures can be arranged in a series of parallel rows wherein spacing between apertures is substantially constant from row to row.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for scarfing a fibrous web (22) can include a scarfing housing (24) which has been provided with a web entrance portion (26), a web exit portion (28), a discharge conduit (30), and an air flow inlet (32, 54). A rotatable scarfing roll (34) can be located in the scarfing housing (24), and in a particular feature, the discharge conduit (30) can be configured with a distinctive conduit angle (36).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second moving screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second moving screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

Abstract: A breathable barrier film laminate having a microporous multilayer film formed by extruding a polymer loaded with a filler having a particle size suitable for pore formation, hot blowing the extruded film, forming a hot blown film bubble, collapsing the hot blown film bubble, forming a multilayer film and stretching the multilayer film, forming a plurality of micropores, and a nonwoven web material layer bonded to at least one surface of the microporous multilayer film. The breathable barrier film laminate is particularly suitable for use in protective apparel such as surgical gowns, surgical drapes, and coveralls.

Abstract: A nonwoven web contains an even distribution of its composite materials by the separate application of particulate material such as superabsorbent particles into a forming head outside the air stream for deposition of thermoplastic fibers in the forming head. The thermoplastic fibers are distributed by air entertainment through tubular forming screens having rotary distribution members therein. The particulate absorbents are generally placed in the forming box by distribution units which may have metering devices and outlet chutes extending into the forming head.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent composite including absorbent fibers, superabsorbent polymer and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers and other ingredients is provided. The synthesis (i.e., polymerization) of the superabsorbent is completely integrated into the process for forming the absorbent composite. Specifically, the polymerization of superabsorbent is initiated from within a plurality of absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, which are then formed into a web. The integrated process eliminates the need for separate manufacture of superabsorbent polymer prior to the fiber forming and web forming processes. Also, the superabsorbent polymer thus formed tends to disperse better and remain adhered to the absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, providing a stable and uniform absorbent composite for various end use applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting particles or granules in discrete cavities spaced along an article or articles such as a cigarette filter rod moved underneath the compacting system. The compacting system can be provided with spaced lugs or other protrusions that selectively compact particles within cavities, or a smooth outer periphery that results in progressive compaction of the entire article being moved underneath the compaction system. The article having cavities with particles that need to be compacted can be supported on a support rail with side support rails that maintain the shape of the article during the compaction process.

Abstract: A process is provided for making an absorbent material. A web is formed with at least one layer of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent material. The moisture content of the web is increased so as to increase the web density. Then, the web is compacted at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and to effect hydrogen bonding within the web.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second oppositely rotating screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second oppositely rotating screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an article (94) includes a moving of a forming surface (22) through an operative forming chamber (24) along a forming path length (40). A first fibrous stratum (26) of fiber material (96) can be deposited onto the forming surface (22), and the first fibrous stratum (26) can have a first stratum thickness (28). A first quantity of a first superabsorbent material (30) can be directed to form a selected combination with the first fibrous material to provide a first superabsorbent-containing stratum. A second fibrous stratum (32) of fibrous material can be deposited to overlie the first fibrous stratum (26), and the second fibrous stratum (32) can have a second stratum thickness (34). A second superabsorbent material (36) can be directed to form a selected combination with the second fibrous material to provide a second superabsorbent-containing stratum.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second moving screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second moving screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

Abstract: The invention provides a glass fiber facing sheet for engineered surfaces such as cement boards which reduces the pitting associated with open mesh glass scrims. The glass fiber facing sheet comprises an open mesh glass scrim having a plurality of intersecting continuous multifilament yarns which are bonded at their crossover points to provide dimensional stability to the scrim. A melt blown polymer web is preferably joined to one face of the glass scrim and covers the mesh openings in the scrim. The opposed face of the scrim defines an exposed grid profile surface which is available for mechanical interaction between the scrim and the cementitious slurry used in cement boards. In cement boards, the glass fiber facing sheet of the present invention is preferably mechanically integrated into a surface portion of the cement core along the exposed grid profile of the scrim.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-woven fabric having a high recovery after elongation and a substantially uniform surface including the steps of microcrepeing the fabric between about 20% and 35%, and heat setting the fabric to a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its melting temperature. A non-woven fabric having a recovery of at least 40% after five cycles of 35% elongation is made from a microcreped fabric of basis weight from 1-3.5 osy. The non-woven fabric has a uniform surface that is substantially free of bunching, gathering, and that is otherwise substantially flat to the eye and touch.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a nonwoven cellulose fabric is disclosed. The fabric is made from fibers formed by extrusion of a solution of cellulose through a spinning jet. The extruded fiber is attenuated with a high velocity gas flow, and the attenuated fiber is collected on a surface (such as the curved surface of a rotating drum) on which the fiber web is subsequently coagulated. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus permit the manufacture of a nonwoven lyocell fabric web in which fibers are bonded together without the use of a binder.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant used to form an air-laid web of fibers and a powder on a running endless forming wire that is air-permeable and operates mainly horizontally, wherein the plant includes a suction unit positioned under the forming wire; a forming head with a perforated base positioned above the forming wire; at least one fiber feed duct using air flow from the fiber source to feed the fiber into the forming head; and at least one powder feed duct to feed powder by means of air flow from the powder source into the forming head.

Abstract: Method for forming an air laid fibrous web, wherein an air born fiber stream is laid on a web shaped forming member, such as at wire (12;17), and the air laid fibrous web is bonded together. The air laid fibrous web is fed between two web-shaped forming members (11,12;17,18;19,20) and bonding of the fibrous web takes place either when this is located between the two web-shaped forming members or immediately after one forming member has left the fibrous web.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A composite filtration medium web of fibers containing a controlled dispersion of a mixture of sub-micron and greater than sub-micron diameter polymeric fibers is described. The filtration medium is made by a two dimensional array of cells, each of which produces a single high velocity two-phase solids-gas jet of discontinuous fibers entrained in air. The cells are arranged so that the individual jets are induced to collide in flight with neighboring jets in their region of fiber formation, to cause the individual nascent fibers of adjacent jets to deform and become entangled with and partially wrap around each other at high velocity and in a localized fine scale manner before they have had an opportunity to cool to a relatively rigid state. The cells are individually adjusted to control the mean diameters, lengths and trajectories of the fibers they produce.

Abstract: Soft wood pulp sheets, soft absorbent cores, and methods for making the soft wood pulp sheets or soft absorbent cores by addition of non-ionic plasticizers before, during or after the pulp or core manufacturing process are disclosed. Preferred non-ionic plasticizers are ethers or esters such as triacetin, citrates or glycol derivatives.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming composites comprising filler materials and thermoactive materials, particularly waste cellulosic materials and waste thermoplastics, are described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes either a batchwise or continuous mixer, such as a cyclone, for forming mixtures comprising filler and thermoactive material. The mixtures are conveyed to a continuous consolidation apparatus. Alternatively, the mixtures may be densified in a densifying apparatus before entering the consolidation apparatus. The consolidation apparatus includes a hot-gas distribution system having plural paired gas cells, such as rollers or hoods, for applying hot air to the charge. A first cell of each pair applies gas to the mixture. The second cell of each pair operates at a pressure less than that of the first cell, thereby creating a pressure differential across the charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within the cross direction of a fibrous web includes a conveying mechanism for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring mechanism directs the particulate into a delivery gas stream to provide a flow volume of the particulate material a delivery conduit and a delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing mechanism provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber, and a directing mechanism controls the flow of particulate material from the delivery conduit and the delivery nozzle into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the web forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web which includes a substantially uniform distribution in the cross direction of the particulate material therein.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and process for making. The reconstituted leather product can be finished to have the look and feel of real leather and physical properties equivalent thereto. The process is essentially dry and involves reducing leather materials to fibers, preferably not longer than one inch. The process further involves blending these fibers with synthetic fibers, a resin and optionally other additives, forming the mixture into a mat, curing the mat and pressing the mat into a reconstituted leather product.

Abstract: Bulked and liquid-permeable fleeces are used in the hygienic products industry for diapers and bandages. These fleeces have the purpose of rapidly absorbing fluid secreted from the body, storing it, and slowly giving it up to the absorber located beneath, uniformly over the entire surface of the absorber. As a result of the idea according to the invention, a fleece is formed from shrunk and/or crimped fibers together with non-shrinking man-made fibers, and the fleece is then compacted by a hydrodynamic compacting method without using binders, after which the fleece is dried and the shrinking ability present in the shrinking fibers and/or the crimping ability present in the crimping fibers in latent form are triggered immediately and/or subsequently by the action of temperature. This fleece can be manufactured economically and meets all of the requirements imposed upon it.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.

Abstract: A composite filtration medium web of fibers containing a controlled dispersion of a mixture of sub-micron and greater than sub-micron diameter polymeric fibers is described. The filtration medium is made by a two dimensional array of cells, each of which produces a single high velocity two-phase solids-gas jet of discontinuous fibers entrained in air. The cells are arranged so that the individual jets are induced to collide in flight with neighboring jets in their region of fiber formation, to cause the individual nascent fibers of adjacent jets to deform and become entangled with and partially wrap around each other at high velocity and in a localized fine scale manner before they have had an opportunity to cool to a relatively rigid state. The cells are individually adjusted to control the mean diameters, lengths and trajectories of the fibers they produce.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and filter unit product wherein filter media fibers are fed from a media supply source to a mat forming interchangeable and movable contoured surface to contour shape a filter media mat into a preselected form for subsequent movement to a transfer zone for further contour shaping and processing into filter unit products with preselected frame arrangements.

Abstract: A method for making an absorbent member is disclosed. The method includes introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture. This air-fiber mixture is then directed to a porous media having a first surface. The air-fiber mixture contacts the first surface and the fibers collect on the first surface and forms a fibrous mat. The air passes through the first surface and can be recovered and recycled, if desired. The air-fiber mixture is then terminated or diverted so that the fibrous mat can be removed from the first surface. The fibrous mat is wetted by water to obtain a desired moisture content. Finally, the wetted fibrous mat is compressed to a predetermined thickness to form an absorbent member, which has unique expansion properties.

Abstract: A process for producing meltblown polyolefin fibres having an effective diameter of less than 5 microns, comprising providing a polyolefin having a melt flow index of at least 1000, mixing a fluorochemical with the polyolefin in order to increase the melt flow index of the polyolefin to at least 2000, and meltblowing the polyolefin with the fluorochemical in order to produce the meltblown polyolefin fibres, and the polyolefin being such that during the meltblowing the fluorochemical is able to migrate to the surface of the formed polyolefin fibres without the need for a separate annealing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die for use in textile processes involving nonwoven melt blown fabrics. In a melt blown process, molten polymer resin is injected into a melt blown die and ejected from the die in the form of filaments. The present invention is directed to an improved die nosepiece comprising a multiplicity of adjacent holes offset with respect to each other at an angle greater than or equal to 5.degree. and less than 90.degree., through which resin filaments are ejected.

Abstract: A method, die apparatus and product wherein a layered web of melt blown fibrous filter media is produced by a unitary die including several die sources with facing layers of the fibrous filter media being attenuated by opposed fluid streams at preselected included angles and with the fiber layers being free from bonding together and with the fibers in each layer being minimally bonded.

Abstract: Fine fibers are formed and carried in a high energy, high temperature gaseous stream to a primary fine fiber collection surface where fine fibers are collected from the gaseous stream. Gases of the gaseous stream along with fine fibers not removed from the gaseous stream by the primary collection surface are drawn through the primary collection surface and formed into an exhaust gas stream which is passed through a secondary fine fiber collection surface to remove additional fibers from the exhaust gas stream before it is discharged to the atmosphere. To reduce the operating temperatures at and surrounding the primary and secondary collection surfaces, the gas streams are cooled by evaporative cooling. Water is sprayed into the gas streams by nozzles, shielded from the gas streams by scoops, so that fibers do not collect on the nozzles and form fiber wads.

Abstract: A composite filter media includes a fibrous filtration layer of randomly oriented fibers and one or more pleatable stiffening layers which enable the composite filter media to be pleated and hold or retain its pleats. The pleatable stiffening layer(s) may enhance the dirt holding capacity of the composite filter media especially when positioned upstream of the fibrous filtration layer. The composite filter media may also include a flexible covering layer which functions to block the loss of fibers from the fibrous filtration layer. Preferably, the mean fiber diameter of the fibers in fibrous filtration layer increases and the density of the fibrous filtration layer decreases throughout the thickness of the fibrous filtration layer from one major surface to the other major surface of the fibrous filtration layer.

Abstract: An arrangement for fibre-laying on a moving air-permeable conveyor path (2) fibre bodies which are comprised of at least two different layers. The arrangement includes for each fibre layer a succession of air-laying units disposed sequentially in the direction of movement of the conveyor path, wherein each of the units includes elements (6, 7) for passing a stream of air-borne fibres to a region above the moving conveyor path (2), elements (3, 4) for generating a subpressure beneath the air-permeable conveyor path in the proximity of the region in which the stream of air-borne fibres is delivered, and elements (6, 7) for shielding the stream of air-borne fibres from ambient air.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of forming an air laid paper web. Superabsorbing powder is introduced at an intermediate stage between the initial supply of the fibers to the air laying unit and the final formation of the web. A first coarse distribution of the powder is effected in a compulsory manner, independently of the initial supply of fiber material while the final distribution of powder is effected by means of the same air flows which cause the final distribution of the fiber material for forming the even web layer. In this manner the powder is effectively mixed evenly into the fiber material.

Abstract: A method of directing extruded synthetic fibers toward at least one surface of a mineral fiber insulation batt, and corresponding apparatus and resulting product. In certain embodiments, a row of extrusion heads is provided for directing extruded synthetic fibers (e.g. fibers including ethyl vinyl acetate or EVA) toward a surface(s) of the batt(s) to be impregnated with same. optionally, extrusion heads may be provided all around the batts so as to impregnate substantially all surfaces thereof with the extruded synthetic fibers. As the fibers exit the heads, they are hit with pressurized heated air streams which cause them to go into an insipid spin which increases directional tensile strength of the resulting batt in all directions. In certain embodiments, every other batt of a plurality of batts passes over an elongated member which extends over top of the conveyor in order to more efficiently impregnate edge surfaces of the batts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making stretchable absorbent diaper articles. An absorbent material is provided and entangled with a stretchable material to form a stretchable network incorporating the absorbent material. In one embodiment a plurality of foam absorbent material particulates are drawn or accelerated by gravity, vacuum or forced air through a stream of a meltblown adhesive that contacts and entangles the particulates and forms a stretchable network incorporating the particulates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a heteroconstituent nonwoven web including a mixture of different filament types simultaneously formed into the same web. The filament types may differ as to polymer composition, additive loadings, fiber size, fiber shape, and/or degree of crimping. The invention is also directed to a method of forming a multilayered nonwoven structure in which different filament types constituting different layers are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: A method for forming a web structure having a pore size gradient which utilizes a spunbond process for producing fibers. The fibers are deposited on a contoured collection surface. Preferably, the surface is shaped as an elongated dome, having the central zone at the apex and the peripheral zones along the curved sides. The fibers are deposited onto the central zone and accumulate until they flow down the sides onto the peripheral zones. Fibers deposited onto the central zone have greater average pore size and fibers deposited onto the peripheral zone have smaller average pore size and greater fiber alignment. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of dies in a row is used, each providing extruded fibers of distinct composition. Pore size gradient formation permits improved control of wicking and absorption over a web structure, such as a diaper or similar absorptive article. An alternative embodiment comprises providing a meltblown source of attenuated fibers, preferably co-formed with fluff.