Abstract: A method for processing a sacrificial material of an intermediate microfabricated product includes forming a hydrogen-containing carbon layer on a surface of a base structure and releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen-containing carbon layer to obtain a hydrogen-released (i.e., densified) carbon layer with low shrink. The method further includes forming a structural layer on at least a portion of a surface of the hydrogen-released carbon layer, and oxidizing the hydrogen-released (densified) carbon layer to release the structural layer. In this manner, a cavity is formed between the base structure and the structural layer. The ashing of the hydrogen-released carbon layer leaves substantially no residues within the cavity of the intermediate or final microfabricated product. Further embodiments provide a method for manufacturing a microfabricated product, to an intermediate microfabricated product, and to a microfabrication equipment.

Abstract: To manufacture a ceramic article, a ceramic body comprising Al2O3 is roughened to a roughness of approximately 140 micro-inches (?in) to 240 ?in. The ceramic body is subsequently cleaned and then coated with a ceramic coating. The ceramic coating comprises a compound of Y4Al2O9 (YAM) and a solid solution of Y2-xZrxO3. The ceramic coating is then polished.

Abstract: A process for producing a part containing an embedded pattern includes preparing a first and a second substrate, at least one of which is transparent, wherein preparing the first substrate includes forming at least one trench in a surface thereof, the surface being a surface intended to be bonded to the second substrate; joining the first substrate and the second substrate by molecular bonding, the trench bounding a hollow volume that defines the embedded pattern, the hollow volume communicating with an exterior of the joined first and second substrates; and causing a fluid dye to flow in the hollow volume in order to dye at least certain walls.

Abstract: Laminated articles that include a first textile and a functional film layer bonded together by an adhesive layer having a non-uniform adhesive pattern is provided. The non-uniform adhesive pattern creates regions free or substantially free of adhesive that permits the laminate to preferentially bend in those regions. The adhesive regions, together with the non-adhesive regions, create a visible pattern on the surface of the laminate. A second textile may optionally be bonded to the functional film layer opposing the first textile by an adhesive. The first textile or the film layer may be elastic, shrinkable, or expandable. In such embodiments, raised portions of the laminate corresponding to the non-adhesive regions and curled portions corresponding to the adhesive regions are visible. The laminated article is waterproof, liquid-proof, breathable, and aesthetically pleasing and demonstrates a reduction in stiffness, improved insulation properties, and a reduction of noise associated with bending the article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight structural trim part is comprising the following steps: (A) inserting a plurality of layers into a molding tool comprising a first molding half (6) and a second molding half (7). The second molding half (7) comprises a plurality of cup-like indentation (8). The plurality of layers at least comprises a first air permeable skin layer (1) facing the first molding half (6), a second air tight skin layer (3,4) facing the second molding half (7), and a film layer (2) between the two skin layers. (B) Closing the molding tool and discharging gas from one side in order to press the first skin layer against the first molding half. (C) Shaping and consolidating the first porous skin layer. (D) Charging with pressurized air the first space in order to press the second skin layer against the second molding half. (E) Shaping and consolidating the second skin layer.

Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a corrugated layer with at least one core layer (structure) made of a periodic array of adjacent truncated upward facing peaks and truncated downward facing valleys. Each truncated peak has a bonding land of an area A1. Each truncated valley has a bonding land of an area A2. A ratio of A1/A2 is less than 2. A distance D is between neighboring peaks, and a distance D is also between neighboring valleys. The corrugated layer is made from an initially flat sheet thickness of t. A first sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated peaks. A second sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated valleys.

Abstract: An article (1) of a medical and technical nature intended to be affixed to skin, or a component for affixing a medical article or part thereof to skin, which article or component comprises a layer of carrier material (2) that has a layer (3) of a soft skin-friendly adhesive on one side, and a protection layer (4) that protects the adhesive layer before use of the article or component and is affixed to the adhesive layer in such a way that it is releasable. According to the invention, the protection layer (4) is provided with a pattern of projections (6) on the side facing towards the adhesive layer (3) and a reinforcing layer (5) is arranged on the layer of carrier material (2), on the opposite side to the side that has the layer of soft skin-friendly adhesive, in such a way that it can be removed.

Abstract: A multilayered material and a container (such as a beverage capsule) formed of at least one multilayered material is provided. A method for making a beverage container is also provided. The multilayered material comprises a barrier layer formed of a material adapted for deterring one or more undesired elements from passing through the barrier layer and a sealing layer formed of a material adapted for forming a seal with another surface. The multilayered material or container also comprise a gasket layer or gasket strips formed of a material having a plurality of channels adapted for receiving at least a portion of the material for said sealing layer.

Abstract: A sheet insulator is attached to an item of wearing apparel to provide thermal insulation. The sheet insulator has a fiber reinforced aerogel composite encapsulated within a plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting is secured to the aerogel composite, surface to surface. The plastic sheeting and the aerogel composite have surface upsets such as elongated depressions or burrows positioned and oriented at a flexing position of the wearing apparel so that the sheet insulator is able to flex with the apparel enabling a more natural movement of the apparel.

Abstract: A logistics strip defining at least one opening therethrough may be bonded to an inner surface of a storage container side wall. At least one channel may be formed in the inner surface of the side wall. A bonding medium may be applied to an underside of the logistics strip along opposite sides thereof with the at least one opening positioned therebetween. The at least one opening may then be aligned over the at least one channel. The underside of the logistics strip may then be contacted with the inner surface of the side wall such that the bonding medium contacts and bonds to the inner surface of the side wall on both sides of the at least one channel.

Abstract: A panel module is provided, including a first substrate, a second substrate, a first optical glue, and a second optical glue. The first and second optical glues are disposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the first optical glue protrudes from the first substrate, and the second optical glue adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. Specifically, the viscosity of the second optical glue is smaller than the first optical glue before solidification.

Abstract: A plastic composite comprises a first plastic substrate, an adhesive layer formed on the first plastic substrate, and a second plastic substrate formed on the adhesive layer. The first plastic substrate is made of thermoplastic resin material. The second plastic substrate is made of thermosetting resin material. The adhesive layer mainly comprises amino silane coupling agent. A method for manufacturing the plastic composites is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a nano-structure (100, 100?) includes forming a multi-layered structure (10) including an oxidizable material layer (14) established on a substrate (12), and another oxidizable material layer (16) established on the oxidizable material layer (14). The oxidizable material layer (14) is an oxidizable material having an expansion coefficient, during oxidation, that is more than 1. A template (16?), including a plurality of pores (18), is formed out of the other oxidizable material layer (16). An oxide structure (14?) is grown from the oxidizable material layer (14) through each of the pores (18) and over a template surface. Growing the oxide structure (14?) includes forming an individual nano-pillar (20) inside each of the pores (18) that is oriented in a position that is substantially normal to the substrate (12).

Abstract: A joined unit of glass base members is provided, comprising first and second glass base members and a joining member which extends along opposing surfaces of the first and second glass base members, wherein glass base member is elastically deformed while being depressed in an internal direction of the glass base member in the vicinity of an end portion in a widthwise direction of the joining member, a boundary surface between the elastically deformed glass base member and the joining member and a surface of the elastically deformed glass base member, which are disposed in the vicinity of the end portion in the widthwise direction of the joining member, are positioned on an internal side of the glass base member, and an area, in which a residual stress is a compressive stress, is formed in the vicinity of the end portion in the widthwise direction of the joining member.

Abstract: An embossing roll for producing fibrous products, has a structurized embossing surface suitable to run against an anvil roll. The structurized embossing surface includes male protrusions or female depressions starting from a base circumferential surface of the roll. The embossing pattern is characterized by the following features: the base areas of selected male protrusions or female depressions in the base circumferential surface are different; the heights or depths of selected male protrusions or selected female depressions in a radial direction of the roll and starting from the base circumferential surface are different; and the angles between sidewall sections and the adjacent base circumferential surface of selected male protrusions and/or female depressions are different.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. An internal sipe is formed by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion. Siped devices can be used in most existing products, including footwear; orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding and cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and other structural or support elements in mechanical, architectural, or other products.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multilayer optical sheet module including an upper optical sheet comprising a first structural pattern projected upward; a lower optical sheet disposed under the upper optical sheet, the lower optical sheet comprising a second structural pattern projected toward the upper optical sheet; and an adhesion layer provided between the upper optical sheet and the lower optical sheet, wherein the second structural pattern includes a light transmitting part having a traverse cross section getting smaller along an upward direction; and an embedded part continuously connected to an upper portion of the light transmitting part, with a predetermined portion embedded in the adhesion layer, and a circumference of a cross section possessed by the embedded part, contacting with the adhesion layer, is larger than a circumference of a virtual cross section locus formed by extending the light transmitting part upward, with a continuous slope.

Abstract: A composite for geotechnics and building, with an impermeable layer, comprising a sheet element that is impermeable to fluids and has, monolithically therewith, elements that protrude on the first and second faces, on at least one of the faces there being a layer that is integrally coupled to the protruding elements to form, at the first and/or second faces, two separate drainage and/or protection and/or grip systems adapted to withstand intense compression along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the sheet element.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to multi-layer sealing films, methods of making such films, materials for inclusion in such films, retroreflective sheeting and articles including such films, and methods of making retroreflective sheeting and articles including such films. The multi-layer sealing film may include two or more layers. One exemplary embodiment of a two-layer film includes a first layer including a thermoplastic polymeric material including reaction products of alkylene and reaction products of at least one non-acidic comonomer and a second layer including one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polymethyl methacrylate, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, an ethylene-methacrylic acid, and a polyurethane. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers of the multi-layer sealing film has an elastic modulus of at least 3.5×105 kPa and the flexural rigidity of the retroreflective article is less than about 4.0×10?8 N·m2.

Abstract: A permeate carrier for a spiral wound membrane element has two or three layers, for example of tricot construction. The two outer, or only, layers resist movement of the membrane sheet into permeate channels in the permeate carrier. The total thickness of the permeate carrier sheet may be similar to the thickness of typical tricot permeate carrier sheets. The permeate carrier sheet may be coated to make its surfaces hydrophilic. The coating may be, for example, a cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). In the spiral wound element, a permeate carrier sheet may be wrapped in one or more layers around a central tube. Channels in the permeate carrier sheet are oriented helically relative to a longitudinal axis of the central tube.

Abstract: Nanowires suspended from a substrate surface and methods of making nanowires suspended from a substrate surface are provided. The suspended nanowires are comprised of a variety of materials, including metals and mixtures of metals. Suspended nanowires supply large surface areas for applications such as, for example, energy storage and catalysis. Embodiments of the invention provide three dimensional nanowires attached to a substrate surface and arrays of three dimensional nanowires.

Abstract: An insulation board for a resistor grid and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The insulation board consists of a plurality of longitudinal voids. One or more longitudinal structural members are disposed in the longitudinal voids. The longitudinal structural members may be shaped to conform to the shape of the longitudinal voids. The method of constructing the insulation board includes providing a profiled block and inserting one or more longitudinal structural members in the longitudinal voids. Alternatively, the insulation board may be constructed by providing one or more longitudinal structural members and molding a profiled block over the longitudinal structural members. One or more rows of transverse pin holes may be provided along the length of the insulation board for engaging pins of resistive elements of the resistor grid.

Abstract: An article including at least one first layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces is a structured surface; and a cap layer in contact with a structured surface of the first layer.

Abstract: Methods of preparing adhesive-backed articles and methods of applying adhesives backed articles are described. The adhesive-backed articles include a compliant film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a microstructured surface opposite the compliant film.

Abstract: Adhesive structures are disclosed which enable easy release of a strongly adherent dry adhesive pad or film. The adhesive pads or films are fabricated into structures or composites which exhibit a directional flexural modulus due to the incorporation of a plurality of spaced-apart, aligned, elongated reinforcements. The adhesive structure or composite will adhere strongly when loaded along the direction of the highest flexural modulus but release more readily when loaded along the direction of lowest flexural modulus.

Abstract: A transfer film including a protection layer and a substrate is provided. The substrate has a first surface with a first three-dimensional pattern and a second surface. The first three-dimensional pattern has at least one protrusion portion or at least one recess portion. The protection layer is disposed on the substrate and has a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface contacts the first surface and has a second three-dimensional pattern complementary to the first three-dimensional pattern. The second three-dimensional pattern of the third surface is formed by covering the first three-dimensional pattern of the first surface. The protection layer and the substrate are separated after transfer, so as to expose the second three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A lid for a MEMS device and the relative manufacturing method. The lid includes: a first board with opposite first and second surfaces having first and second metal layers disposed thereon, respectively, wherein a through cavity extends through the first board and the first and second metal layers; a second board with opposite third and fourth surfaces; an adhesive layer sandwiched between the second surface of the first board and the third surface of the second board to couple the first and second boards together such that the through cavity is closed by the second board, thereby forming a recess; and a first conductor layer coating the bottom and the side surfaces of the recess.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for releasably attaching support members to microfeature workpieces to support members are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for processing a microfeature workpiece including a plurality of microelectronic dies comprises forming discrete blocks of material at a first side of a support member. The blocks are arranged on the support member in a predetermined pattern. The method also includes depositing an adhesive material into gaps between the individual blocks of material and placing a first side of the workpiece in contact with the adhesive material and/or the blocks. The method further includes cutting through a second side of the workpiece to singulate the dies and to expose at least a portion of the adhesive material in the gaps. The method then includes removing at least approximately all the adhesive material from the support member and/or the workpiece with a solvent.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a film product using thermal roll imprinting and blade coating. A method of manufacturing a film product using thermal roll imprinting and blade coating according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a preparing step of preparing a first transparent film; an imprinting step of transporting the first transparent film between a thermal roll provided with an imprint mask and a support roll to form a groove of a fine pattern on the first transparent film; and a blading step of filling a filling material of a paste state having at least one property of light blocking and conductivity in the groove of the first transparent film by a doctor blade.

Abstract: Crosslaminates of thermoplastic films have at least one of the films formed as a fluted structure, and two films are laminated to one another in such a manner that pockets are formed which contain gas. The pockets allow passage of gas between at least two adjacent flutes, whereby the product has an improved handle, and bags formed of the laminate have good stacking properties when filled with coarse particulates. The flute pitch is generally no more than 3 mm, while the pocket length is less than 50 mm. The bonding method involves spot bonding between the films, achieved by adhering the films together between crown portions of bosses on one film with molten material on the other film under a low pressure process, for instance achieved by provision of air pressure through adaptation of production apparatus, for instance die portions.

Abstract: An epitaxial substrate is provided, the epitaxial substrate is used to grow epitaxial layer. The epitaxial substrate includes a base having a number of grooves to form a patterned epitaxial growth surface. The patterned epitaxial growth surface is referred as an epitaxial growth surface. A carbon nanotube layer covers on the epitaxial growth surface, and the carbon nanotube layer corresponding to the grooves is suspended on the epitaxial substrate.

Abstract: A carbon-based composite material includes a graphite substrate and a carbon-based sheet. The carbon-based sheet is adhered to a surface of the graphite substrate with a heat-resistant adhesive. The carbon-based sheet has at least one of slits and grooves.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: An article including at least one first layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces is a structured surface; and a cap layer in contact with a structured surface of the first layer.

Abstract: A panel module is provided, including a first substrate, a second substrate, a first optical glue, and a second optical glue. The first and second optical glues are disposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the first optical glue protrudes from the first substrate, and the second optical glue adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. Specifically, the viscosity of the second optical glue is smaller than the first optical glue before solidification.

Abstract: An easy to use epoxy-mount base plate assembly has components of a two-part epoxy adhesive pre-dispensed on the assembly's base plate in a plurality of alternating segments and prepackaged with a protective adhesive cover that keeps each epoxy component segment separated from one another until ready for use. To attach the base plate of the assembly to a surface, the adhesive cover is removed exposing the epoxy segments. The base plate is then pressed against a mounting surface and twisted thus mixing the epoxy components and initiating a curing process for the epoxy.

Abstract: A method of making a microfluidic device, includes: providing an optically transparent bottom substrate and an optically transparent top substrate, each made of glass. Recesses are made in the top substrate and the top and bottom substrates are bonded together. Then, material is removed from the top substrate to expose the recesses, and a lid is attached to the top substrate so as to cover the recesses whereby channels are formed. At least that surface of the lid facing towards the recesses in the top substrate has a surface roughness of <5 nm, preferably <2 nm. A microfluidic device, including a body of an optically transparent material, and at least one channel extending inside the body, the channels having a bottom surface, a top surface and side walls is also described. The top and bottom surfaces both exhibit surface a roughness <5 nm, preferably <2 nm.

Abstract: A cut or precut absorbent sheet intended in particular for wiping includes at least two plies or groups of plies of creped absorbent paper with a basis weight ranging between 12 and 35 g/m2 per ply, at least one of the plies having an embossed pattern made up of protrusions directed towards the inside of the sheet and forming cavities between them. Some of the protrusions are distributed over at least one of the plies in such a way as to define portions of curves which in particular form concentric circles around or near the geometric center of the outline of the sheet; and the set of protrusions belonging to one ply of the sheet forms alignments which constitute an embossed pattern with central symmetry with respect to the geometric center of the outline of the sheet.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating coated components using multiple types of fillers are provided. One method comprises forming one or more grooves in an outer surface of a substrate. Each groove has a base and extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate. The method further includes disposing a sacrificial filler within the groove(s), disposing a permanent filler over the sacrificial filler, disposing a coating over at least a portion of the substrate and over the permanent filler, and removing the first sacrificial filler from the groove(s), to define one or more channels for cooling the component. A component with a permanent filler is also provided.

Abstract: A hollow structure forming substrate includes: a surface on which a plastic-deformation film is formed by using a plastic-deformable material; a plurality of regularly-arranged gas-retaining spaces; a plurality of gas leading-out parts each having a first opening which faces corresponding one of the gas-retaining spaces and a second opening which faces the surface, the gas leading-out parts leads out gas retained in the gas-retaining spaces toward the surface under depressurized environmental condition; and a plurality of infiltration preventing spaces each provided in a space between corresponding one of the first openings and corresponding one of the second openings, in which the infiltration preventing spaces prevent infiltration of the plastic-deformable material from the surface into the gas-retaining spaces.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure 12 includes a plurality of layers (e.g., 16, 18, 20) of ceramic fibers. The CMC structure 12 further includes a plurality of spaced apart objects 22 on at least some of the plurality of layers along a thickness of the composite structure. The inclusion of the objects introduces an out-of-plane fiber displacement arranged to increase an interlaminar shear strength of the structure.

Abstract: A scent emitting patch remains securely attached to the skin of a wearer and is appointed for controlled release of scents. The patch is constructed having an external top layer and backing layer with a skin-contacting portion. The skin-contacting segment contains an adhesive. At least one reservoir comprising pockets or microcapsules containing a scent is disposed in at least one portion of the backing layer. These pockets or microcapsules are operative to rupture upon application of pressure or scratching by the patch wearer. Upon rupture, scent is delivered to the skin to emit aroma. Pockets containing the scent are formed in the backing layer. Microcapsules, if present, are preferably incorporated in the adhesive. A plethora of aromas are provided in the form of a perfume or cologne and correlating shapes can be used to form the patch. Scent is released at the skin-contact interface when pressure is applied ruptures the pockets or microcapsules, permitting controlled release at the wearer's election.

Abstract: A latent heat storage material is formed of at least two plies of a compressible graphitic material in which graphite wafers are arranged substantially in layer planes lying one on the other and which is infiltrated with at least one phase change material. The surface of each ply is provided with a structuring reaching the outsides of the graphite material bundle. The evacuation and infiltration travel lengths in the layer planes, due to the structuring, amounts to a maximum of 200 mm.

Abstract: A formed core comprising a first and second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases, the first plurality of pyramidal frustum bases extending in a first direction and the second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases extending in a second direction, and wherein each pyramidal frustum base comprises: a node comprising a convex regular polygon, the convex regular polygon comprising a plurality of sides oriented in a first plane and wherein each side of the polygon of the node of each of the first plurality of pyramidal frustum bases is parallel to a side of the polygon of the node of at least one of the second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases; a plurality of faces extending from each of the sides of the polygon of each node of the first plurality of frustum bases to a side of the polygon of each of the second plurality of frustum bases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate made of a thermoplastic material including two planar outer sheets and one thermoformed central sheet having bosses on at least one surface, which is bonded to both planar sheets, the plate incorporating a dyeing agent in a sufficient quantity so as to render the plate opaque. The plate is characterized in that the dyeing agent is incorporated into 80 to 100% of both planar outer sheets, wherein both outer sheets are opaque, and at most, incorporated into 20% of the thermoformed central sheet, wherein the center sheet is translucent. The plate of the invention can be used as a printing substrate.

Abstract: An adhesive article and a method of making the adhesive article are described. The adhesive article includes a facestock film having a first surface, a second surface and end edges wherein the second surface has a plurality of recesses formed therein that provide a path for fluid egress to at least one end edge; and a continuous layer of adhesive adhered to the second surface of the facestock film. The adhesive layer can compress, collapse or flex into the recesses of the embossed surface in response to a force to create a path for fluid egress.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first structure, a second structure, a first layer, and a second layer. The first structure has a first plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the first structure. The second structure has a second plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the second structure. A first side of the first structure is connected to a first side of the second structure. The first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels have an orientation with respect to each other. The first layer is connected to a second side of the first structure. The second layer is connected to a second side of the second structure.

Abstract: A display panel includes a sheet having first and second spaced apart surfaces defining a space therebetween and a plurality of partitions extending from the first surface to the second surface and dividing the space into a plurality of cells, wherein the thickness of each partition is in a range of 0.01 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of suspending a graphene membrane on a support structure includes attaching graphene to a substrate. A pre-fabricated support structure having the gap is attached to the graphene. The graphene and the pre-fabricated support structure are then separated from the substrate which leaves the graphene membrane suspended on the pre-fabricated support structure. An embodiment of a method of depositing material includes placing a support structure having a suspended graphene membrane under vacuum. A precursor is adsorbed to a surface of the graphene membrane. A portion of the graphene membrane is exposed to a focused electron beam which deposits a material from the precursor onto the graphene membrane. An embodiment of a graphene-based structure includes a support structure having a gap, a graphene membrane suspended across the gap, and a material deposited in a pattern on the graphene membrane.

Abstract: An embossed sheet is composed of at least a first and a second ply of creped tissue having a basis weight between 12 and 30 g/m2 according to which the first ply has a first embossed pattern composed of a series of first aligned protrusions of frustoconical overall shape, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, and the second ply has a first and a second series of protrusions, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, the second series having a height greater than that of the first series of protrusions. The protrusions of the first ply and the highest protrusions of the second ply are nested inside one another, and the lowest protrusions of the second ply are arranged between the protrusions of the first ply so as to create empty spaces between the two plies and promote a rapid absorption of liquid.