Abstract: An insulating material comprising a cycloolefin polymer, specifically, an interlayer insulating material for a high-density assembly board having interlayer-connecting via holes at most 200 ?m in diameter, comprising a cycloolefin polymer containing at least 50 mol % of a repeating unit derived from a cycloolefin monomer; a dry film formed from a curable resin composition comprising a polymer having a number average molecular weight within a range of 1,000 to 1,000,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography, and a hardener; and a resin-attached metal foil obtained by forming a film of a cycloolefin polymer on one side of a metal foil. Laminates, multi-layer laminates and build-up multi-layer laminates making use of these materials, and production processes thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing folder sheets with reinforce holes, which comprises unwinding a spindled paper band; printing predetermined graphics on the paper band; causing the paper band to go through corona treatment; applying a reinforcement strip of thermoplastic material to selected areas of the paper band; cutting the printed and partially reinforced paper band in a direction substantially perpendicular to one edge of the paper band in such a fashion as to form a plurality of paper strips each having an elongated reinforced edge area; layering and counting the paper strips until they reach a predetermined number; punching the paper strips in the reinforced edge area in accordance with a predetermined pattern; cutting the punched paper strips in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first cutting to form a plurality of folder sheets; counting and piling the folder sheets to form a block until they reach a predetermined number; and packaging and boxing the folder sheet blocks.

Abstract: Blood separation media include a non-woven web of fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers. The fibrillated synthetic staple fibers will most preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of less than about 300 mL, whereas the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers have a CSF of greater than about 700 mL. Preferably, the fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 20 to 90 wt. %, and the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 80 wt. %. The fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers may be formed of the same, or different, polymeric material, such as polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, poyacrylonitriles, and polyamides. Especially preferred blood separation media will comprise a blend of fibrillated acrylic fibers, and a mixture of non-fibrillated nylon and polyester fibers, wherein the ratio of nylon and polyester fibers in the mixture thereof is between about 1:4 to about 1:2.

Abstract: Methods, manufactures, machines and compositions are described for nanotransfer and nanoreplication using deterministically grown sacrificial nanotemplates. An apparatus includes a substrate and a nanoconduit material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the substrate defines an aperture and the nanoconduit material defines a nanoconduit that is i) contiguous with the aperture and ii) aligned substantially non-parallel to a plane defined by the surface of the substrate. An apparatus includes a substrate and a nanoreplicant structure coupled to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite elements comprising the following layered structure: (i) 2 to 20 mm metal, (ii) 10 to 300 mm plastic, (iii) 2 to 20 mm metal, whereby (i) and/or (iii) optionally comprise a closable opening.

Abstract: A structure having a hole, including a substrate, a first layer including an alumina hole, and a second layer disposed between the substrate and the fist layer, wherein the second layer contains silicon, and has a smaller hole than the alumina hole.

Abstract: A reusable, air-permeable packaging film formed of a layer of resilient and nontoxic material is disclosed. The packaging film includes a plurality of micro-gaps distributed within a pre-selected area on the packaging film, wherein each of the micro-gaps traverses thickness of the packaging film, and wherein, in a static state, i.e., no pressure/stress exerted on the packaging film, each of the micro-gaps comprises a split upper seam portion with edge ridges demonstrated on a top surface of the packaging film and a close lower seam portion communicating with the split upper seam portion. During microwaving, the pressure can be regulated at a relatively lower vapor transferring rate through the pre-selected area.

Abstract: An article having a top sheet, a core layer and, optionally, a barrier layer is configured to provide storage and metered release of a highly viscous fluid to a target surface. The core layer contains an array of three dimensional voids, which may be opened (i.e., apertured) or closed, that are configured to receive and store the fluid, and is formed of a material that is non-absorbent with respect to the fluid.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for cutting and preparation of food items thereon includes a first cut resistant layer having an absorbent ply and a thermoplastic ply, wherein the thermoplastic ply includes a plurality of apertures therethrough. The sheet further includes a second liquid impervious layer including an absosrbent ply and a thermoplastic ply, wherein the absorbent ply of the second layer is disposed below and secured to the absorbent ply of the first layer. The cutting sheet further includes a score line disposed across the substrate for separating the cutting sheet into two portions, wherein the score line extends fully through the cutting sheet near edges of the cutting sheet to create a tear notch. The score line extends through the thermoplastic ply of the cut resistant layer in an area of the cutting sheet between the edges thereof.

Abstract: A porous structure having a plurality of bonded sheets each sheet having at least one aperture that partially overlaps an aperture of at least one other sheet. A method of producing a porous structure including stacking a plurality of sheets each sheet having a multiplicity of apertures, and bonding each sheet to its adjoining sheet. An open-pore network structure having a multiplicity of sheets each having a repeatable pattern. At least a portion of each sheet is bonded to the web of an adjacent sheet. The porous area of at least one of the sheets is askew to the porous area of at least another of the sheets. An open-pore structure having a multiplicity of bonded sheets, each sheet having a repeatable pattern defining a multiplicity of perforations, and a plurality of apertures defined by the repeatable pattern, the apertures extending through the perforations of at least two adjacent plates.

Abstract: A structural element for use in aerospace applications such as a structural element suitable as an aircraft component is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the composite structure comprises: (a) at least one member having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a rib having a first end and a second end; (c) a rib-receiving member integral to the inner surface of the at least one member, wherein the rib-receiving member comprises a plurality of rib-receiving elements and openings therein for receiving the first end of the rib and at least one cover sheet having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib; and (d) at least one anchoring element interconnecting the rib-receiving elements.

Abstract: An apertured vacuum formed film for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article has raised lands in a stroking direction to impart a silky tactile impression. The stroking direction lands are raised between 15 ? and 145 ? relative to the transverse lands. The stroking direction lands may also include a microtexture to enhance the silky tactile impression. Also, the apertures may form boat shape cells to enhance the silky tactile impression.

Abstract: A heat shield adapted to protect an engine mount is disclosed. The heat shield has a substrate positionable substantially surrounding the engine mount. The substrate has a heat reflecting surface facing outwardly away from the engine mount to block radiant heat transfer to the mount. An attachment member is attached to the substrate. The attachment member is positionable between the engine and the engine mount to fix the substrate in position. The invention further concerns a method including providing a heat shield formed of a flexible substrate, forming the substrate so as to surround the engine mount with the heat reflecting surface facing outwardly from the engine mount and attaching the substrate to the engine mount.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability and R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: A system for improved collection and containment of fluids such as oils that commonly drip from an aircraft during service maintenance operations and during normal periods of storage. The system comprises a ground-supported drip pan incorporating a peripheral cutout adapted to accommodate a landing wheel of the aircraft to permit effective positioning under the engine. An embodiment for exterior use utilizing the weight of the aircraft to prevent movement of the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grooved perforated layer for use in a papermakers' fabric is provided. The grooves serve to diffuse flow at the surface of the perforated layer so as to reduce the pressure drop across the layer and thereby reduce the migration of fines. In this manner, the light/dark pattern associated with the fines is avoided and the quality of the resulting paper sheet is improved.

Abstract: A slat assembly for blind includes a plurality of column-like support rods and board-like support blocks each alternatively arranged in juxtaposition with others with an adhesive layer coated at the bottom surface for a woven fabric of various diagrams to be attached. The weaving spots of the woven fabric and the adjacent joints of the juxtaposed support rods and blocks thereof are securely bound together by the adhesive layer to form a rigid and straight piece of decoration article which is further cut in equal space into a plurality of slat pieces each having a cord passage hole disposed at both lateral sides thereon respectively to form a horizontal-type slat piece, or a hook hole disposed at one lateral side thereon to provide a vertical-type slat piece thereof.

Abstract: A lidded semiconductor device has a first layer applied to the lid, which first layer is chosen of a material which fluoresces upon application of non-visible electromagnetic waves thereto, for example, ultraviolet light. A second layer is provided over the first layer. Openings extend through the second layer and further extend to a substantial depth into the first layer, for example, generally halfway into the first layer, to expose portions of the first layer.

Abstract: A sealing technique is established in which a seal can be easily formed and which is excellent in reliability and a heat cycle property in a high temperature region of 800° C. or higher, so as to provide a composite body preferably used for a device for producing pure oxygen, oxygen-rich air, and the like, a membrane reactor represented by that for partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas, a solid oxide fuel cell, an oxygen purification device, a heat exchanger, or the like. The present invention makes it possible to increase a possibility of practical use in a wide area which has been delayed in development owing to a bottleneck of improvement in a sealing property. Particularly, its application to the device for producing pure oxygen, oxygen-rich air, or the like, the membrane reactor represented by that for partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon gas, the solid oxide fuel cell, the oxygen purification device, the heat exchanger, or the like can greatly contribute to acceleration of the development.

Abstract: A web-making fabric for producing a high caliper fibrous web and the fibrous web produced thereby. The web-making fabric comprises a reinforcing structure and a framework joined to the reinforcing structure. The framework defines a plurality of deflection conduits, at least one deflection conduit is a negatively radiused deflection conduit, and at least one deflection conduit is a positively radiused deflection conduit. The positively radiused deflection conduits are sized, shaped, and arranged to maximize fiber deflection along the periphery of the conduits. The web comprises three regions, a first region a second region and a third region. The first region is immediately adjacent to at least one of the second region and the third region. The second region comprises a plurality of negatively radiused domes. The third region comprises a plurality of positively radiused domes.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: A partitioning device for sealingly closing an opening in a working surface is provided. The partitioning device generally includes a panel having a sealing side including a perimeter portion. An adhesive trim is disposed about the perimeter portion on the sealing side. A package trim is removably attached to the adhesive trim, such that when the package trim is removed to expose the adhesive trim the partitioning device can be sealingly adhered to a wall surface surrounding a wall opening.

Abstract: Security strips for identifying the genuineness of sheet material such as documents, securities and banknotes. The security strips are constructed of several different components, encoding means and electrically conductive layers connected in different arrangements on a support substrate. Layers of known per se electrically conductive polymers are being used. The security strips are applied on the sheet material or they are integrated in the sheet material. These security strips constitute insurmountable technological obstacles for a forger.

Abstract: Layered silicate materials and applications are disclosed. In one aspect, the invention features layered silicate materials having pores that run generally perpendicular to the layers. In another aspect, the invention features composite materials including layered framework materials (e.g., layered silicate materials, layered Aluminophosphate materials, layered tin sulfides) having pores or openings that run generally perpendicular to the layers.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in elasticized portions of disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote from first surface. An elastomeric web of the present invention preferably comprises a formed film having at least two polymeric layers, with at least one of the layers being an elastomer and at least one of the other layers being a substantially less elastomeric skin layer. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length.

Abstract: An information-bearing laminar assembly, suitable for use as an identification card, is disclosed. The assembly is characterized by the provision therein of an embedded halftone image security feature that becomes visible essentially only when the assembly is view in transmitted light. The information-bearing laminar assembly comprises an inner information-bearing layer interposed between a first and a second light-transmissive protective outer layer. The inner layer contains both visible information-bearing indicia and an imagewise halftone pattern of laser-ablated microholes. The light-transmissivity of the information-bearing inner layer within said half-tone pattern is imagewise differentiated at each microhole as a function of the microhole's penetration depth. Sandwiched between the protective outer layers, the halftone pattern is imperceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in reflections and perceptible when the information-bearing laminar assembly is viewed in transmission.

Abstract: An apertured elastic member having a first direction, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a substantially constant thickness dimension. The apertures are aligned in a pattern of rows substantially parallel to the first direction. A nonapertured region extends uninterrupted between adjacent rows of apertures parallel to the first direction. The member has a plurality of repeating units, each having substantially the same amount of material everywhere along the repeating unit in a direction parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically variable marking comprising a semiopaque substrate with a first surface that is covered with an optically variable layer that is for example a liquid crystal polymer layer or a layer comprising pearlescent pigments, and a second surface that is partially covered with a metal layer in the shape of a pattern, to methods of its preparation and to its use for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: A method of making, and the resultant mask, comprises developing resist layers over surfaces of a masking layer to transfer significantly reduced sized openings within glass masters attached to the surfaces of the masking layer into the resist layers. These significantly reduced sized openings within the resist layers are then transferred into the masking layer within a first etch bath by simultaneously monitoring and controlling both etchant activity and concentration of a byproduct within the etch bath formed between the masking material and the etchant. The openings may be etched to completion within the first etch bath, or alternatively, the openings may be etched to a pre-finished image size. Wherein the openings are etched to a pre-finished image size, the masking layer is immersed into a second etch bath for further micro-etching of these openings to a final desired image size.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for Processing food items thereon includes a cut-resistant layer including a thermoplastic material ply and an absorbent ply, wherein the first layer has a surface area and wherein the thermoplastic material of the first layer includes a plurality of apertures therethrough. The cutting sheet further includes a second layer including an absorbent ply selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic material, an oleophilic material, or a composite material having hydrophilic and oleophilic properties and a barrier ply including a thermoplastic material ply. The absorbent ply of the first layer is disposed atop and secured to the absorbent ply of the second layer such that portions of the thermoplastic and absorbent plies of the second layer form a border completely surrounding the first layer.

Abstract: A magnetic decorative cover for metal office furniture. The cover is a lamination of a decorative layer to a magnetic sheet. The decorative layer is selected from a wide variety of materials to provide a desired appearance, to coordinate an office decor, or to blend office furniture together. Suitable decorative materials include fabric, vinyl, leather, wood veneer, marker-board surface, and high-pressure laminate. In the preferred manufacturing method, the laminated materials are laser cut and/or die cut to provide crisp, sharp, non-raveling edges.

Abstract: An acoustic barrier that achieves excellent noise insulating properties, and is relatively thin and relatively light in weight includes a flexible thermoplastic barrier layer having a plurality of apertures defining a latticed structure which includes apertures for pass-through components and non-pass-through apertures. The non-pass-through apertures are located where noise levels are expected or known to be relatively low. Effective acoustic performance can be maintained by completely eliminating material from the relatively thick and dense barrier layer at the low noise levels areas, and providing only absorptive decoupler material and/or lightweight sheet material such as plastic films in those areas.

Abstract: A process for producing paper webs having a pattern formed into the web is disclosed. The pattern is formed during formation of the web and is made by varying the basis weight of the web. The paper web is produced by depositing an aqueous suspension of fibers between two forming surfaces. One or both of the forming surfaces include lower permeability areas that create lower basis weight areas in the web. The lower permeability areas are contained in the forming surface according to a particular pattern. For instance, the lower permeability areas can be formed into a drainage roll sleeve contained on a drainage roll which contacts a forming surface. The drainage roll can be a forming roll or a breast roll.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for processing food items thereon includes a first cut-resistant layer having a first surface area and including a first absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply. The cutting sheet further includes a second layer having a second surface area and including a second absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply, wherein the absorbent ply of the first layer is disposed atop and secured to the absorbent play of the second layer such that portions of the thermoplastic and absorbent plies of the second layer form a border completely surrounding the first layer. Preferably, the thermoplastic material ply of the first layer includes passages therethrough and means for lowering the surface tension of a liquid.

Abstract: A cutting sheet for cutting and preparation of food items thereon comprises a first cut-resistant layer having a width and including a first absorbent ply and a first thermoplastic material ply. The thermoplastic material ply of the first layer includes a plurality of apertures disposed in parallel rows. The cutting sheet also includes a second layer having a second absorbent ply and a second thermoplastic material ply, wherein the second absorbent ply is disposed below and secured to the first absorbent ply. A plurality of adhesive portions are disposed in parallel rows to secure the first layer to the second layer between the first and second absorbent plies. The rows of apertures in the thermoplastic material ply of the first layer and the rows of adhesive portions between the first and second absorbent plies are parallel to one another such that the rows alternate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional spacer fabric resin infusion medium and reinforcing composite lamina for use in the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer composites is disclosed. The use of the three-dimensional spacer fabric as a composite lamina aids in both the resin infusion rate and resin uniformity throughout the laminate.

Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: A label is bonded to the inner ply of a two ply barrier film in which an outer ply of the barrier film is removable, leaving the label in place against the inner ply of the barrier film.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for cutting and preparation of food items thereon includes a first cut-resistant layer having a first surface area and including an absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply, wherein the thermoplastic material ply includes a plurality of apertures therein. The cutting sheet further includes a second layer having a second surface area and including an absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply. The absorbent ply of the first layer is disposed on and secured to the absorbent ply of the second layer such that portions of the thermoplastic and absorbent plies of the second layer extend beyond a surface area of the first layer to form a border completely surrounding the first layer. The thermoplastic material ply of the second layer is tinted a certain color for indicating absorption of the absorbent ply of the second layer.

Abstract: A stuffed textile article and method of manufacturing the same has at least one compartment having a baffle gate which receives a tube-like stuffing tool through which loose stuffing is blown into the compartment. Upon removal of the tool, the surrounding layers and panels which define the compartment are placed under tension by the stuffing causing the baffle gates to automatically close upon removal of the tool permanently preventing migration of the stuffing out of the compartment. The gate has a primary panel secured to the top and bottom layers of the article and an adjacent secondary panel at least partially covering the primary panel. The primary panel has a slit and the secondary panel has a slot. Taken individually, the slit and slot are each preferably longer than the thickness of the stuffed textile article and longer than half the circumference of the stuffing tool.

Abstract: A packaging material is provided that can provide a packaging bag or container cover in which the contents is shielded from the atmosphere and tightly sealed, a small hole is formed in the appropriate locations, without special processing of the heat seal portion, and the internal pressure is maintained with high stability at a level above the normal pressure. The packaging material is suitable, for example, for heating in a microwave oven. The packaging material uses a film in which a heat sealing agent (4) with a low melting point is applied to a prescribed zone of an oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin, a cutting line (5) is cut in the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin in the form of a solid or broken line passing through the zone coated with the heat sealing agent (4), and a cast film (3) made of a synthetic resin and having heat sealing properties is affixed to the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin. Such film is used for a packaging bag (1) or a container cover.

Abstract: A packaging laminate and method of production are demonstrated by using a single face corrugated cardboard. The single face corrugated cardboard is supplied in rolled form and is processed through a conventional corrugated cardboard shredder to create a flexible resilient packaging material. The method of manufacture is more efficient than conventional manual feeding of standard corrugated cardboard sheets through the shredder. Various embodiments of the invention can be manufactured by adhesively bonding two or more packaging laminates and by the addition of a support layer.

Abstract: A fibrous reinforcement including a fibrous support treated throughout or covered at least partially on one of its surfaces with a compound containing: i) one or more thermosetting prepolymers having a softening temperature of 150° C. or lower and/or one or more thermoplastic polymers having a glass transition temperature lower than 300° C.; and ii) one or more inorganic phosphorus compounds. The treatment ratio of the fibrous support with the inorganic phosphorus compound(s) falls within the range of 2%–20% by weight. The fibrous reinforcement is suitable for use as a fireproofing agent.

Abstract: A long glass fiber filler reinforced resin material for molding includes a masterbatch formed of a composite of a matrix resin with a polypropylene (PP) component and a long glass fiber filler and a diluent resin made from an ethylene-propylene block copolymer. The above-described matrix resin of the masterbatch includes the PP component having a pentad isotactic index of at least 95%, and a melt flow rate (MFR) of the matrix resin of the masterbatch is 100 to 500 g/10 min and larger than six times a melt flow rate of the diluent resin. The long glass fiber filler is in a content of 30 to 50 mass percent with respect to a total mass thereof.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having elongation to break. A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion molding system for continuously extrusion molding a weather strip for an automobile includes a prickly gear, rotatable while pressed in contact with the weather strip being extruded, and disposed so as to be adjacent to a mouth piece of an extruder. Tiny holes having a depth reaching a core bar are defined preferably in a groove bottom of a U-like shape of a part of a slightly foamed solid rubber portion, in such a way as to be arranged in line along the longitudinal direction of the weather strip by use of the prickly gear.

Abstract: A crystalline substrate based device including a crystalline substrate having formed thereon a microstructure and at least one packaging layer which is formed over the microstructure and defines therewith at least one gap between the crystalline substrate and the at least one packaging layer and at least one opening in the packaging layer communicating with the at least one gap.

Abstract: Laminates of improved wear resistant are made using decor sheets prepared by treating printed décor paper with a mordant so that decorative ink is bonded to the paper. The decor sheets are then suitable for use in high pressure or low pressure laminates.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for cutting and preparation of food items thereon includes a first section having a plurality of apertures therethrough and a cut resistant surface, a second liquid impermeable section disposed adjacent the first section, and a fold line disposed between the first section and the second section, wherein folding along the fold line forms the cutting sheet. The cutting sheet further includes an absorbent material, wherein the first and second sections are folded along the fold line and moved relative to one another to form a pocket therebetween such that the absorbent material is disposed in the pocket between the first and second sections. One of a surface of the first section that faces the absorbent material in a folded position and a surface of the second section that faces the absorbent material in a folded position is roughened or textured in order to prevent slippage of the absorbent material within the sheet when folded.

Abstract: A disposable cutting sheet for cutting and preparation of food items thereon includes a first cut-resistant layer having a first surface area and an absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply, wherein the first layer includes a plurality of non-circular apertures therein. The cutting sheet further includes a second layer having a second surface area and including an absorbent ply and a thermoplastic material ply, wherein the absorbent ply of the first layer is disposed on and secured to the second layer such that portions of the thermoplastic and absorbent plies of the second layer extend beyond the surface area of the first layer to form a border completely surrounding the first layer.