Abstract: A method of preparing an electret by saturating a nonwoven fabric with a liquid, such as water, and removing the liquid via suction to generate charges by friction between the fabric fibers and the liquid is described. The saturating can be carried out, for example, by impinging the bottom side of the fabric with a jet or jets of water while the fabric is being pulled under a solid roller. Excess water can also be applied during a water quenching step of a meltblowing or spunbonding process. An apparatus for preparing an electret according to the presently disclosed methods is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to bi-component continuous filaments and articles made therefrom. In one embodiment, a bi-component continuous filament is disclosed, comprising a first polymer component forming a sheath; a second polymer component comprising a core that is surrounded by the sheath; and a binding agent adhering the first polymer component to the second polymer component along a length of the filament; wherein an elongation of the bi-component continuous filament is between 33.6±5.0?60.4±5.0 percent; and wherein a tenacity of the bi-component continuous filament is between 1.9±0.2?3.9±0.2 grams per denier (GPD). In some embodiments, the first polymer component comprises a polyamide, polyester, or polyolefin material, preferably a cationic polyamide or a cationic polyester, the second polymer component comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the binding agent comprises a polyolefin modified by maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions comprising activated carbon and method of making the polymer compositions that are used for sorption of formaldehyde from air, gas or liquids. The activated carbon is entrained in at least one base polymer with optional channels throughout.

Abstract: This invention relates to a crimped lyocell tow for use in stretch breaking, worsted or semi worsted spinning, its manufacture and use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a bicomponent fiber that includes a first region formed of a condensation polymer and a second region formed from a polyethylene blend. The polyethylene blend includes (i) an ethylene-based polymer having a density of 0.920 g/cm3 to 0.970 g/cm3 and a melt index, I2, as determined by ASTM D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg of 0.5 to 150 g/10 minutes; (ii) a maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene; and (iii) an inorganic Brønsted-Lowry acid having an acid strength pKa value at 25° C. of 1 to 6.5, wherein the polyethylene blend has a 0.03 to 0.5 weight percent of grafted maleic anhydride based on the total weight of the polyethylene blend. The first region is a core region of the bicomponent fiber and the second region is a sheath region of the bicomponent fiber, where the sheath region surrounds the core region.

Abstract: A fiber material combines both stretchability and wear resistance, has a uniform and bump- and streak-free outer appearance, and has a smooth, delicate texture. The eccentric core-sheath composite fiber is characterized in that in the cross-section of a composite fiber composed of two different polymers, an A-component is completely covered by a B-component, a ratio S/D, or the minimum thickness S of the thickness of the B-component covering the A-component to a fiber diameter D, is 0.01 to 0.1, and a perimeter of a portion of fiber, where the thickness is 1.05 times or less the minimum thickness S, is at least one third of the perimeter of the fiber overall.

Abstract: Provided is a cushion for an aircraft seat including at least one antimicrobially active pad made of at least one plastic material, the pad having at least two antimicrobially active substances contained therein. The antimicrobially active substances do not contain silver or silver ions, and at least one antimicrobially active flame retardant fabric covering side at least one pad.

Abstract: Provided are a cloth and a protective product, which allow for any color appearance and have excellent protection performance against electric arcs. The cloth has a woven fabric structure, wherein a front-surface spun yarn containing an infrared absorber- and/or electrically conductive agent-containing fiber and not containing carbon is located on a front surface, while a back-surface spun yarn containing a carbon-containing fiber is located on a back surface, and the cloth has an ATPV value of 8.0 cal/cm2 or more in Arc Resistance Test ASTM F1959-1999.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a nonwoven fabric, comprising the steps of: (a) extruding a plurality of filaments from a spinneret; (b) depositing said filaments in a substantially not-crimped condition to make a nonwoven fabric on an element collecting the filaments; (c) heating said nonwoven fabric to crimp at least part of the filaments, so that the volume of said nonwoven fabric is increased; (d) bonding said nonwoven fabric; wherein said filaments are at least bicomponent filaments.

Abstract: Provided are a thermosetting resin composition, and a prepreg, a laminate and a printed circuit board using same. The thermosetting resin composition comprises a resin component comprising a modified cycloolefin copolymer and other unsaturated resins. The modified cycloolefin copolymer is a reaction product of maleic anhydride and a cycloolefin copolymer; the cycloolefin copolymer is a copolymerization product of a monomer A and a monomer B; the monomer A is selected from one of or a combination of at least two of norbornene, cyclopentadiene, dicyclopentadiene, tricyclopentadiene, and (I); and the monomer B is selected from one of or a combination of at least two of C2-C3 olefins and C2-C3 alkynes. The laminate prepared by using the provided thermosetting resin composition has good dielectric properties, peel strength and thermal resistance, and can satisfy the current requirements of properties for printed circuit board substrates in the field of high-frequency and high-speed communications.

Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.

Abstract: A preform includes a stack of a plurality of fiber materials. The fiber materials each include a first fiber layer including a reinforcing fiber and having a sheet shape, in which the reinforcing fiber has a melting point and a tensile strength that are higher than a melting point and a tensile strength of an aliphatic polyamide fiber, and a second fiber layer including the aliphatic polyamide fiber and having a sheet shape, and provided on at least one of surfaces of the first fiber layer. The aliphatic polyamide fiber includes a first polyamide resin and a second polyamide resin having a melting point higher than a melting point of the first polyamide resin by 7 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade.

Abstract: Illustrative examples of forming and using suitably adapted material in an additive manufacturing process includes operations of: exposing a first polymer sheet to a first plasma, such that an amine-functionalized sheet surface is formed; exposing a second polymer sheet to a second plasma, such that an epoxide-functionalized sheet surface is formed; and combining the amine-functionalized sheet and the epoxide-functionalized sheet, such that the amine-functionalized sheet surface contacts the epoxide-functionalized sheet surface. The workpiece is subsequently heated to form a structure, where heating of the workpiece causes covalent chemical bonds to form between the plasma-treated first polymer sheet and the plasma-treaded second polymer sheet.

Abstract: A yarn comprising a plurality of bicomponent filaments having a first region comprising a first polymer composition and a second region comprising a second polymer composition, each of the first and second regions being distinct in the bicomponent filaments; each bicomponent filament comprising 5 to 60 weight percent of the first polymer composition and 95 to 40 weight percent of the second polymer composition; wherein the first polymer composition comprises aramid polymer containing 0.5 to 20 weight percent discrete homogeneously dispersed carbon particles and the second polymer composition comprises modacrylic polymer being free of discrete carbon particles; the yarn having a total content of 0.1 to 5 weight percent discrete carbon particles.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber for a wetlaid non-woven fabric, said fiber can be the basis ingredient of a paper that maintains uniform mass per unit area and fiber dispersion and has unprecedented bulkiness. The fiber for a wetlaid non-woven fabric has 30 to 100 wt % of apparently crimping fibers with a fiber diameter of from 3 to 40 ?m and 0 to 70 wt % of latently crimping fibers with a fiber diameter of from 3 to 40 ?m.

Abstract: A crimped conjugated fiber having a cross-sectional configuration wherein: a cross section of the fiber comprises at least a portion (a) comprising a propylene polymer (A) and a portion (b) comprising a propylene polymer (B), the mass ratio of the portion (a) and the portion (b) is in the range of 10:90 to 55:45, the propylene polymer (A) has Mz/Mw (A) and the propylene polymer (B) has Mz/Mw (B) wherein the difference thereof is in the range of 0.30 to 2.2, the absolute value difference of the melting points of the propylene polymer (A) and the propylene polymer (B) is in the range of 0 to 10° C., and the ratio of MFR (A) of the propylene polymer (A) to MFR (B) of the propylene polymer (B) is in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. A nonwoven fabric of crimped conjugated fiber is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crimped conjugated fiber having a crimpable cross-sectional configuration wherein a cross section of the fiber comprises at least two portions: a portion (a) and a portion (b); the portion (a) comprises a propylene polymer (A) and the portion (b) comprises a propylene/?-olefin random copolymer (B); the propylene polymer (A) has Mz/Mw(A) and the propylene/?-olefin random copolymer (B) has Mz/Mw(B) wherein the difference thereof is in the range of 0.10 to 2.2; and the propylene polymer (A) has a melting point [Tm(A)] and the propylene/?-olefin random copolymer (B) has a melting point [Tm(B)] wherein the difference thereof exceeds 10° C. The present invention also provides a non-woven fabric comprising the crimped conjugated fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament suture and a preparation method thereof, more specifically, to a novel monofilament suture wherein two polymers having identical inherent properties are spun to have a cross-sectional structure of conjugated filaments, and said cross-section has interfaces between the spun polymers. The interfaces form a discontinuous cross-section along the radial direction and are distributed continuously along the fiber axis direction, thereby offering improved knot security and applicability to a variety of medical materials, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a nanofiber-nanowire composite includes a polymer nanofiber; and a plurality of nanowires of a metal oxide extending from inside to outside of the polymer nanofiber and covering the polymer nanofiber. According to example embodiments, a method of fabricating a nanofiber-nanowire composite includes forming a nanofiber including a metal seed; and growing nanowires of a metal oxide from the metal seed to the outside of the nanofiber.

Abstract: The current invention involves a dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, the current invention involves multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.

Abstract: A binding fiber having, as at least one first thermoplastic component, a copolyamide which has a relative viscosity of at least 1.50 (measured at 0.5% in m-cresol at 25° C.), a MVR of maximum 20 cm3/10 min at 190° C. and 2.16 kg load, a hydrophobicity of less than 7.2, a melting temperature lower than 105° C. in the water saturated condition and a higher melting temperature in the dry condition. The binding fiber can, on the one hand, be activated with hot steam at approximately ambient pressure during the manufacture of flat materials containing natural fibers, such as paper, cardboard, wood fiber boards, or fiber mats. The finished flat material can, on the other hand, be subjected to higher temperatures, and the copolyamide develops good bonding with respect to the cellulose fibers normally used in the indicated flat materials.

Abstract: A water-disintegrable composite fiber comprising: a phase containing a polyglycolic acid resin; and a phase containing another resin having a mass loss of 25% or greater after immersion for 7 days in 80° C. pure water and having a glass transition temperature Tg of 25° C. or higher; the two phases extending continuously in the lengthwise direction; and the fiber having a side surface in which a region formed from the phase containing the polyglycolic acid resin is 50% or less in terms of area ratio, and a cross section in which a region formed from the phase containing the polyglycolic acid resin is 50% or greater in terms of area ratio.

Abstract: In general, the current disclosure relates to multicomponent fibers that have accelerated degradation in water in low temperature conditions, and their various industrial, medical and consumer product uses. Such materials are especially useful for uses in subterranean wells in oil and gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions of materials have accelerated degradation even at Ultra Low Temperature (“ULT”) (?60° C.) in subterranean formations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber assembly obtained by electrifying a resin in a melted state by application of voltage between a supply-side electrode and a collection-side electrode so as to extend the resin into an ultrafine composite fiber by electrospinning, and accumulating the ultrafine composite fiber, wherein the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least two polymeric components and the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least one type of composite fiber selected from a sea-island structure composite fiber and a core-sheath structure composite fiber as viewed in fiber cross section, at least one selected from an island component and a core component has a volume specific resistance of 1015?·cm or less, and at least one selected from a sea component and a sheath component has a volume specific resistance exceeding 1015?·cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset resin fiber components, composite materials including thermoset resin fiber components, composite articles manufactured using such composite materials and methodologies for manufacturing same. The thermoset resin fiber components may include a single fiber of thermoset resin or a plurality of fibers commingled together. The properties and characteristics of the thermoset resin used are chosen according to the material to be produced therefrom. The thermoset fiber components may be woven into reinforcement fibers to form prepregs. Thermoplastic fibers may be commingled and co-woven with the thermoset fiber components.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic hybrid fibers and methods for the preparation of such fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: An extruded component formed from an extruded material having antimicrobial components is disclosed. The extruded material may be formed from polymers and formed into a generally elongated shape. The antibacterial components may be included within at least a portion of the material forming the extruded component. The extruded component may be a filament and may include silver glass particles. In some embodiments, the extruded component may be a single component system, a bi-component system, or a tri-component system.

Abstract: A laminated base material includes a lamination and integration of prepreg base materials each of which includes many reinforcing fibers arranged substantially in one direction and a matrix resin adhered to the reinforcing fibers, wherein at least one of the laminated prepreg base materials is formed with a prepreg base material having, throughout its whole surface, many incisions each extending in a direction crossing the reinforcing fibers, substantially all of the reinforcing fibers divided by incisions, and wherein a length L of each of reinforcing fiber segments formed by the incisions is 10 to 100 mm, a thickness H of the prepreg base material is 30 to 300 ?m, and a fiber volume content Vf of the reinforcing fibers is 45 to 65% and arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers between one and another laminated prepreg base materials have at least two directions different each other.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber that contains two or more components arranged in distinct zones across the cross-section of the multicomponent fiber is provided. The components are arranged in a sheath/core configuration in which the core component is substantially surrounded by the sheath component. One of the sheath and the core is formed from a polyarylene sulfide composition and the other of the sheath and the core is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic polymer other than a polyarylene sulfide. Further, the polyarylene sulfide is “functionalized” in that it contains at least one functional group in its molecular structure (e.g., at its molecular terminal end). Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such functional groups can improve the adhesion between the core and sheath components, thereby resulting in a fiber having improved thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A fine denier poly(trimethylene arylate) spun drawn fiber is characterized by high denier uniformity. A process for preparing uniform fine denier yarns at spinning speeds of 4000 to 6000 m/min is further disclosed. The poly(trimethylene arylate) fiber hereof comprises 0.1 to 3% by weight of polystyrene dispersed therewithin. Fabrics prepared therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: This woven/knit fabric contains composite yarn comprising a multifilament yarn A2 and a multifilament yarn B2, which satisfies the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the ratio (WA2/DA2) of the yarn length of the multifilament fiber A2 during absorption of moisture and humidity (WA2) to the yarn length of the multifilament yarn A2 under conditions of 20° C. and 65% humidity (DA2) is 1.02 to 1.30; (2) the ratio (WA2/DB2) of the yarn length of the multifilament yarn A2 during absorption of moisture and humidity (WA2) to the yarn length of the multifilament yarn B2 under conditions of 20° C. and 65% humidity (DB2) is 0.9 to 1.1; and (3) the drying shrinkage stress (DS value) of the multifilament yarn A2 is 0.08 cN/dtex or more.

Abstract: The fiber cross-section of an island-in-a-sea composite fiber perpendicular to the fiber axis, the island component and sea component are arranged such that the sea component surrounds the island components. The composite cross-section is very consistent, and the fiber has excellent post-processibility. The island-in-a-sea composite fiber wherein diameter of the island component is 10 to 1000 nm, variation of the island component diameter is 1.0 to 20.0%, modification ratio is 1.00 to 1.10, and variation of the modification ratio is 1.0 to 10.0%.

Abstract: A composite rod for use in various applications, such as electrical cables (e.g., high voltage transmission cables), power umbilicals, tethers, ropes, and a wide variety of other structural members, is provided. The rod includes a core that is formed from a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fiber rovings embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The present inventors have discovered that the degree to which the rovings are impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer matrix can be significantly improved through selective control over the impregnation process, and also through control over the degree of compression imparted to the rovings during formation and shaping of the rod, as well as the calibration of the final rod geometry. Such a well impregnated rod has a very small void fraction, which leads to excellent strength properties. Notably, the desired strength properties may be achieved without the need for different fiber types in the rod.

Abstract: A method of spinning a polyacrylonitrile PAN-based precursor fiber comprises extruding a spinning solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyacrylonitrile polymer through a multi-filament spinnerette where the solution has a viscosity of between about 100 and about 300 Pa-sec (at a shear rate of 1 l/sec) at a dope extrusion temperature of between about 20° C. and about 26° C., producing a fiber having a diameter of between about 4 and about 10 micron, a tensile strength of between about 500 and about 1100 MPa, and an elastic modulus between about 13 and about 18 GPa.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elongate insert configured to be integrated by CIC in a metal container, including coated yarns bonded together, the coated yarns being formed from metal-coated ceramic fibers. The method includes placing the coated yarns side by side in a bundle and pulling the fiber bundle through a shaping element so as to compact the fiber bundle transversely while forming the fiber bundle so as to have a defined cross section. A metal part incorporating a fibrous insert can be manufactured by the CIC technique.

Abstract: Multi-component fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof are described. In one embodiment, a multi-component fiber includes a fiber body formed from a set of elongated members, and at least one of the set of elongated members includes a temperature regulating material having a latent heat of at least 40 J/g. The temperature regulating material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature. The multi-component fiber can be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and can be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers and nonwovens made from plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin, a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer and a slip agent.

Abstract: A composite prepreg yarn designed and constructed is a very large, strong yarn with resin infused throughout, which can be used to prepare composite preforms via conventional Maypole braiding or other textile processes. The invention increases the loads that can be transmitted by the cured yarn in a composite structure, decreases the stickiness that can prevent their use in braiding and other textile processes, provides protection to the high-strength fibers from abrasion that is encountered during and after composite preform manufacturing via braiding.

Abstract: A process for the production of a yarn is disclosed, the process comprising providing a bundle comprising continuous filaments of a thermoplastic polymer, contacting the bundle with a sliver comprising fibres of a heat resistant material to form a mixed bundle, and applying a gas jet to the mixed bundle to distribute the fibres of the heat resistant material in the bundle. Also disclosed are yarns comprising filaments of a thermoplastic polymer and fibres of a heat resistant material, wherein the fibres are distributed between and among the filaments. Preferably, the heat resistant material is a non-thermoplastic polymer, especially an aramid. Yarns according to the invention find use in technical fabrics especially transmission belts.

Abstract: A non-woven material and method of formation thereof is provided to form a substantially flat or planar self supporting core of an inorganic base fiber and an organic binding fiber preferably using an air-laid forming head. In certain preferred embodiments, the organic base fiber has a fiber strength with a break load of about 10 grams or less and an elongation of about 20 percent or less. Preferably, the organic binding fiber has a binding component and a structural component within unitary fiber filaments. In one aspect, the structural component of the organic binding fiber has a composition effective to provide a strength thereof so that the non-woven material can be manually cut with minimal effort. In such form, the non-woven material is suitable to function as an acoustic ceiling tile.

Abstract: A viscose fiber comprises a fiber body including a regenerated cellulosic material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed in the regenerated cellulosic material. The regenerated cellulosic material is derived from an organic plant material and the plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material has a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C., the phase change material providing thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of latent heat at the transition temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) or a combination of such members, said bicomponent staple fiber having: a) a scalloped oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio a:b of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein ‘a’ is a fiber cross-section major axis length and ‘b’ is a fiber cross-section minor axis length; b) a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis; c) a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core; d) a plurality of longitudinal grooves; and e) a groove ratio of about 1.05:1 to about 1.9:1. Additionally, the invention provides a spun yarn comprising cotton and the polyester bicomponent staple fiber of the invention, as well as fabrics and garments comprising the spun yarn of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resorbable multifilament comprising a number of individual resorbable filaments of a first type having a first degradation time and a number of individual resorbable filaments of a second type having a second degradation time, wherein the filaments of the first type and the filaments of the second type are arranged in close relationship to form a composite multifilament having a length and a specific composite cross-section comprising cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first type and second type, wherein the cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first and second type are located at determined relative positions, wherein the relative positions amongst the individual cross-sections of the filaments of the first and second types are invariant over the length of the composite multifilament.

Abstract: Cloth, in which air permeability is variable by energization, includes: a fibrous object composed of composite fibers, each of the composite fibers including: an electrical-conductive polymeric material; and a material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material, the different material being directly stacked on the electrical-conductive polymeric material; and electrodes which are attached to the fibrous object, and energize the electrical-conductive polymeric material. Each of the composite fibers has a structure in which the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material is stacked on at least a part of a surface of the electrical-conductive polymeric material, or a structure in which either one of the electrical-conductive polymeric material and the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material penetrates the other material in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided are fiber fabrication method and the fiber fabricated thereby. In this method, different monomer solutions are electrospun through nozzles whose outlets are stuck to each other and simultaneously interfacially polymerized to form a polymer fiber without a complicated process of preparing a polymer solution. Therefore, a polymer fiber can be simply prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bicomponent fiber, a nonwoven fabric comprising said new bicomponent fiber and sanitary articles made therefrom. The bicomponent fiber contains a polyethylene-based resin forming at least part of the surface of the fiber longitudinally continuously and is characterized by a Co-monomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45, a recrystallization temperature between 85° C. and 110° C., a tan delta value at 0.1 rad/sec from about 15 to 50, and a complex viscosity at 0.1 rad/second of 1400 Pa.sec or less. The nonwoven fabric comprising the new bicomponent fiber according to the instant invention are not only excellent in softness, but also high in strength, and can be produced in commercial volumes at lower costs due to higher thoughputs and requiring less energy.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of tow band processing lines and a master air jet in communication with the tow band processing lines to receive a plurality of processed tow bands from the tow band processing lines to form a bulked web. The system may be used to form a bulked web that itself is a nonwoven material or that may be further processed into a nonwoven material.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to fabrics composed of micro-denier fibers wherein said fibers are formed as bicomponent fibrillated fiber. The energy is sufficient for fibrillating as well as entangling (bonding) the fibers. These fabrics can be woven or knitted and made from made from bicomponent islands in the sea fibers and filaments or can be nonwovens and formed by either spunbonding or through the use of bicomponent staple fibers formed into a web by any one of several means and bonded similarly to those used for the spunbonded filament webs.

Abstract: A composite material as a sheet material is described, being relatively cheap, most useful as a raw material of a sanitary product or the like, such as underwear, dust-proof mask or dispensable paper diaper, etc., and good in processability, stretchability, gas-permeability, softness, and touch. The composite material is formed by laminating a stretchable layer and a conjugate spunbonded nonwoven fabric including conjugate fibers including a low-melting-point component and a high-melting-point component. The conjugate fibers are partially bonded to each other by thermocompression, wherein each bonded portion has fine folded structures including alternate hill and valley regions in the CD, and the distance between neighboring hills is 100-400 ?m in average. The conjugate spunbonded nonwoven fabric exhibits stretchability through the spread of the fine folded structures, and has, at 5% elongation, a CD-strength of 0.1 N/5 cm or less and an MD/CD strength ratio of 200 or more.