Abstract: A permanently flame-retardant and anti-microbial air-textured yarn is formed of a plurality of substantially longitudinally extending, permanently flame-retardant filaments defining a core, and a plurality of substantially randomly extending, permanently anti-microbial filaments disposed at least about the core, the anti-microbial filaments at least partially defining a boucle-like sheath about the core. A knit or woven fabric formed with the yarn and having at lease 5% by weight of the anti-microbial filaments is characterized by an ability to pass, both after one commercial laundering and after 100 commercial launderings, both National Fire Protection Agency vertical flame retardancy test NFPA 701-1989 and at least the 85% reduction level of gram positive and gram negative bacteria of anti-microbial test NYS 63.

Abstract: Slickened polyester cut fibers are provided in slivers that are suitable for processing on worsted or woollen system, and provide fabrics of improved aesthetics. The slivers may be of 100% polyester cut fiber or of blends of such fiber with wool, such as are conventionally used in worsted or wool processing from sliver to spun yarn, which is formed into fabrics and garments.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibrous structures comprised of shaped fibers wherein the thickness of the compressed fibrous structure at 1.00 psi is .gtoreq.1.3 times that of a similar compressed structure having the same area density and made from round cross section fibers of the same dpf as the shaped fibers. The invention is useful in articles such as coats, gloves, boats, shoes, etc. made using the structures disclosed herein. The surprising feature of structures according to the present invention is the thickness retention at high pressures. This retained thickness under pressure translates directly into decreased heat transfer or improved insulation.

Abstract: A pliable tackified tow comprises a plurality of fibers having a tackifier present at about 1-15 per cent by weight uniformly distributed among the fibers. The tackifier is a solid material which has been fractured through fiber displacement such, as by physical bending, to produce a fiber tow that is pliable. The pliable tackified tow can be used in braiding, weaving, or filament winding operations to produce dry fabric which contains a tackifier between the individual fibers such that preforms produced using the tackified tow can be readily shaped and hardened to retain that shape prior to molding.

Abstract: To provide a PTFE composite fiber having remarkably improved thermal bonding property, PTFE cotton-like materials which can be used for producing a non-woven fabric by thermal bonding method, processes for production thereof, a process for producing a split yarn, a process for producing a monofilament and a process for producing a multifilament having loop and/or branched structure.A thermofusing resin layer is provided on the surface of the PTFE fiber. After lamination of the PTFE film and the thermofusing resin film, uniaxial stretching is carried out at a temperature between the melting points of the respective films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber product having reflective threads, and a reflective implement provided by using the fiber product having reflective threads. The fiber product having reflective threads consists of flat threads and natural or synthetic fiber threads. Triangular pyramid-like or otherwise shaped micro-prisms are formed consecutively, and the incident light from the light source is reflected three times at the surfaces of each of the micro-prisms so that the reflected light is reflected back in a direction opposite to the direction of incidence. The fiber product is formed as a woven fabric or the like, and reflective implements provided by using the fiber product having reflective threads of this invention are formed with a woven fabric, woven fabric strip, Jacquard woven fabric, braided string, knitted string, twisted string, crosswise wound thread, crosswise wound string, knitted fabric or knitted lace consisting of the flat threads and natural fiber or chemical fiber threads.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable polymeric strand with altered physical properties formed by extruding an emulsion comprising a melt-extrudable polymer and an immiscible component while subjecting the emulsion to ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, a melt-extrudable polymeric strand has a plurality of fissures in the surface of the strand such that the strand has a B.E.T. surface area to six times the B.E.T. surface area of an otherwise identical strand lacking the plurality of fissures. Desirably, the strand of this embodiment has a B.E.T. surface area of within a range from about 0.10 to about 0.18 m.sup.2 /g. In a method for making such a strand, the immiscible component of the extrudable emulsion comprises a substance that is an expandable gas upon extrusion. The expandable gas forms the fissures in the strand. According to another aspect, a polymeric strand has a continuous phase which is a melt-extrudable polymer and a disperse phase which is immiscible with the continuous phase.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an air freshener composition containing a fiber pad comprising at least one needle-punched, nonwoven, hydrophilic fiber wherein the fiber has a capillary structure and deep grooves or channels along the longitudinal axis of the fiber, a fragrance incorporated into said fiber pad, wherein the fiber pad is enclosed by a container having air passageways to allow for the fragrance to escape into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol-based hollow fiber membrane having a ratio between the size of particles of 90% rejection and that of particles of 10% rejection of not more than 5, thus proving to have a sharp fractionating property, is produced by a process which comprises, on producing a polyvinyl alcohol-based hollow fiber membrane by dry-jet wet spinning or wet spinning, using a spinneret having heat insulating structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coextruded monofilament having a core material made of a first resin and a sheath material made of a second resin, with the second resin being different from the first resin, and a pocket formed in the end of the monofilament. This invention also relates to a method of forming a pocket in the end of a coextruded monofilament by chemical or mechanical means, or a combination of chemical and mechanical means.

Abstract: A porous fiber includes a distinctive configuration of voids therein to achieve advantageous levels of wettability, liquid penetration and mechanical properties. The fiber has a denier of not more than about 50, and a percent elongation at break of not less than about 30%. The fiber can also have a tensile strength at break of not less than about 200 MPa.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber capable of basic gas absorption and easy regeneration. Disclosed also herein is a process for producing said fiber. The basic gas absorptive fiber is an acrylic fiber characterized by a specific amount of nitrogen which is increased by crosslinking with hydrazine, a specific amount of carboxyl groups and amido groups resulting from modification of nitrile groups, and a specific value of tensile strength. It is prepared from acrylic fiber by crosslinking with hydrazine and subsequent hydrolysis and conversion of hydroxyl groups into carboxylic acid. It has good processability and can be used repeatedly.

Abstract: Tow that is suitable for processing on a worsted or wollen system and that consists essentially of continuous polyester filaments that have a scalloped-oval cross-section with grooves or channels that run along the length of the filaments. Such polyester tows provide improved processing on the worsted system to provide spun yarns of polyester and blends with wool, and downstream articles, such as fabrics and garments.

Abstract: A strand of individual filaments has a primary cross-sectional shape and periodic flat spots with a flat cross-sectional shape which is more elongated than the primary cross-sectional shape. The primary cross-sectional shape preferably has an aspect ratio within the range of from about 1:1 to about 6:1, and the flat cross-sectional shape preferably has an aspect ratio greater than about 6:1., with the period of the periodic flat spots being within the range of from about 0.2 to about 6 meters.

Abstract: There is provided an elongate fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite which comprises a multiplicity of filamentary fibers, each extending longitudinally of the composite and a thermoplastic resin matrix impregnating and surrounding the filamentary fibers. The composite has alternating lobes and valleys on its surface defining a fluted cross section. The lobes and valleys extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite. In a preferred form of the invention, the filamentary fibers also extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite, and desirably, the helical pitch of the filamentary fibers is substantially the same as that of the lobes and valleys. The helical pitch may suitably range from about 1.5 to about 8 inches and the elongate composite may have a diameter of from 0.125 to 8 inches. The fibers may comprise from about 20 to about 80 percent by weight of the composite. The number of fibers in the elongate composite may be within the range of 2,000 to 70,000,000 filaments.

Abstract: A process for rapidly improving the flowability, in pellet form, of a molding composition is disclosed. Accordingly, the crystalline content of an amorphous or a semi-amorphous version of a crystallizable thermoplastic resin is increased by subjecting the resin to infra-red radiation to an extent which induces the formation of crystals in the irradiated amorphous resin or the increase of the level of crystals in the semi-amorphous irradiated resins. The resin modified by the inventive process is rendered more suitable for processing: in dried, pellet-form, the modified resin is characterized by its improved flowability. An article molded from the thus modified resin exhibits better properties than does a corresponding article made from a unmodified resins which has been subjected to similar drying conditions.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate fiber excellent in gloss and feeling, formed from a mixture which consists essentially of (a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate and (b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which can plasticize the cellulose acetate, wherein, in a cross-sectional form at right angles with the lengthwise direction of the fiber,(i) the cross-sectional form is non-circular,(ii) the cross-sectional form has 1 to 4 axes of symmetry, and(iii) the cross-sectional form has a contour formed of smooth curves or formed of smooth curves and straight lines.The above cellulose acetate fiber can be produced by dry-spinning a spinning dope consisting essentially of(a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate,(b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which is soluble in solvent and can plasticize the cellulose acetate, and(c) a solvent which can dissolve the above (a) and (b).

Abstract: Molded articles of an aromatic polymer are described having at least a portion of the surface layer of the polymer modified by a heterogeneous reaction of the solid polymer and a reactive solution. The polymer to be treated may contain different repeating units in the said surface layer. The treatment to produce the molded article may comprise casting, injection molding, extending or otherwise shaping the polymer to mold the polymer into a desired shape. The heterogeneous treatment to produce the heterogeneously modified molded article may comprise treating a surface layer of a flat cast sheet in the form of a flat membrane, spirally wound membrane, hollow fiber, or tubular material.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component forms an exposed surface on at least a portion of the multicomponent fiber which will permit thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers. The multicomponent fibers comprise two poly(lactic acid) polymers with different L:D ratios which provide biodegradable properties to the multicomponent fiber yet which allow the multicomponent fiber to be easily processed. The multicomponent fiber is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Polymers which form ultrathin, chemically adherent, anisotropic films on substrate surfaces impart useful properties to the surface. The polymers can be functionalized with any of a wide array of side chains and groups to impart properties and/or uses to the substrate.

Abstract: Polymers which form ultrathin, chemically adherent, anisotropic films on substrate surfaces impart useful properties to the surface. The polymers can be functionalized with any of a wide array of side chains and groups to impart properties and/or uses to the substrate.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: An improved adhesion or bonding between diamond fibers and a matrix of at least one organic polymer such as a resin is achieved in a composite material reinforced with vapor-deposited diamond. To improve bonding to the matrix, hydrogen is removed from the surface of vapor-deposited diamond fiber. This can be achieved by heating the diamond under an oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of about 150.degree. C. to about 800.degree. C., or under a non-oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of about 800.degree. C. to about 1500.degree. C. The surface of the vapor-deposited diamond, which contains not more than about 1.times.10.sup.15 /cm.sup.2 of hydrogen atoms, is bonded to the matrix of resin for example with sufficient strength. To further improve bonding, diamond doped with B or N is employed as the reinforcing material or at least a surface layer thereof.

Abstract: An unwoven metal fabric suitable for use as a battery electrode, a catalyst or a filter, and a method of manufacturing such fabric. An unwoven carbon fabric made up of carbon fibers bound together by a resin is heated to carbonize the binder resin and thus to impart electrical conductivity to the resin, and at the same time finely roughen the surfaces of the carbon fibers and the resin. A plating layer is directly formed on the unwoven carbon fabric thus formed by electroplating. Then, the unwoven carbon fabric is removed by roasting to provide an aggregate of metal fibers joined together and having their voids communicating with one another.

Abstract: A pelletized composition and method of using this composition for removing pollutants from storm water runoff. A bed of the pellets has a useful initial permeability to storm water runoff, and retains a significant proportion of this permeability for a period of several years. Preferably, the pellets are dried to a moisture content of less than 25 wt. % so that they are able to withstand a crush force of at least 7 lb., without structural failure. Optionally, the pellets may contain gravel that forms a core of the compost pellet and that assists in causing the compost to agglomerate into a rounded pellet. When immersed in water, the pellets retain the original dry shape and maintain a significant proportion of the crush strength while providing interstitial spaces through which storm water can flow thereby reducing the problem of sedimentation that is encountered in unpelletized beds of compost used in this service.

Abstract: A hollow fiber fabric comprising hollow fibers having a high hollowness ratio of at least 20% and composed of a polymer of a single composition, and the hollow fibers having slits as traces of a removed polymer and the slits being formed in the longitudinal direction of the fibers in such a state that the slits communicate to hollow portions. The fabric is produced by treating a fabric comprising hollow fibers having a high hollowness ratio of at least 20% and composed of a polymer of a single composition with a solvent or solution which dissolves the polymer, to partially dissolve the polymer at low orientation and/or deformation strain concentrated portions, to form slits as traces of a removed polymer in such a state that the slits communicate to hollow portions, along the longitudinal direction of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn guidance rod and to a device for the laying of a yarn on a cross-wound bobbin in a textile machine. A plurality of winding stations installed next to each other is serviced by a yarn guidance rod made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic which can be moved back and forth. The yarn guidance rod is provided with a sheathing. The yarn guidance rod has segments made of a highly heat-expandable material in order to achieve heat compensation as compared with the textile machine.

Abstract: Tow that is suitable for processing on a worsted or woollen system consists essentially of continuous polyester filaments that are a mixture of filaments of higher denier and of lower denier and that have a scalloped-oval or other cross-section that is of generally oval shape, but with grooves or channels that run along the length of the filaments. Such polyester tows provide improved processing on the worsted system to provide spun yarns of polyester and blends with wool, and downstream articles, such as fabrics and garments.

Abstract: The ski described is characterized by the use of a selected fiber reinforced material comprising a sheetlike textile material and a thermoset resin, the fiber content being 30-70% by weight and the fiber being not less than 30% by weight synthetic. This material is notable for high flexibility and high restoring forces and confers excellent properties on the ski, for example good vibration damping.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric having at least one junction portion in the internal portion thereof may be obtained by forming, and maintaining a distance between, linear junction portions in a piece of starting non-woven fabric or in a laminate of a plurality of layers of starting non-woven fabric, followed by cutting the formed non-woven fabric at a position or along a line between one linear junction portion and another linear junction portion; or by forming dot-like junction portions in a piece of a starting non-woven fabric or in a laminate of a plurality of layers of a starting non-woven fabric, followed by cutting the formed non-woven fabric into a desired shape so as to include the dot-like junction portion. The three-dimensional non-woven fabric has a large strength, excellent shape stability, large surface area, thereby being advantageously utilizable as a carrier for fixing or immobilizing microorganisms or in various other applications.

Abstract: Reinforcement fibers are formed from a single crystal garnet body--suitably an aluminum garnet, desirably a rare earth aluminum garnet--having an epitaxial surface layer of a second garnet having a lattice constant larger than that of the body garnet so as to provide a compressive strain, to thereby strengthen the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-woven layer that consists substantially of short polyolefin fibers the nonwoven layer being a felt with in the plane of the layer substantially randomly oriented fibers with a length of 40-100 mm, a tensile strength of at least 1.2 GPa and a modulus of at least 40 GPa. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of this felt and to layered structures in which the felt is used. Layered structures comprising a non-woven layer according to the invention have improved specific energy absorption on impact of ballistic projectiles.

Abstract: The present invention is a lenticular sheet having lenticles over only a portion of the sheet. The lenticular sheet is formed by bonding a base substrate to a thermosetting polymer sheet having a lenticular array on its top surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a lenticulated image is printed on the top surface of the base substrate. In a second embodiment of the invention, the lenticulated image is printed on the bottom surface of the base substrate. In another embodiment of the invention, which can be used with either of the first two embodiments, text or other material is printed on a portion of the base substrate not underlying lenticles and not having the lenticulated image printed thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polycarbonate-based block polymer, and to fibers and bioresorbable implantable medical devices fabricated from said fibers.

Abstract: A process for the production of structural and semi-structural composites formed by compressing planar layers of nonwoven preform materials formed from aqueous blends of reinforcing fibers and thin thermoplastic fluoropolymer flake. The flakes have an irregular periphery with microfibrils extending therefrom, having a Canadian Standard Freeness greater than 800. The planar layers which are unconstrained in the in-plane direction are preconsolidated by heating the layer to above the melting point of the fluoropolymer, the applying pressure normal to the plane of the layer causing the fluoropolymer to flow thus orienting the fibers in the plane of the layer. The composites are useful in applications which require higher strength and/or modulus, and where chemical and/or heat resistance is needed, as in chemical processing.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible fabric composed of a fibrous matrix of ribbon-like, conjugate, spun filaments. The method includes the following steps: 1) providing a fibrous matrix composed of individual, spun filaments bonded at spaced-apart bond locations, the filaments themselves being composed of: (i) a core formed of at least one low-softening point thermoplastic component; and (ii) a sheath formed of at least one high-softening point component; and 2) applying a flattening force to the fibrous matrix to durably distort the core of individual filaments into a ribbon-like configuration having a width greater than its height so that: (i) the individual filaments are substantially unattached between the spaced-apart bond locations, and (ii) the width of individual filaments is oriented substantially in the planar dimension of the fabric. Also disclosed is a flexible fabric composed of a fibrous matrix of ribbon-like, conjugate, spun filaments joined at spaced apart bond locations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying fabric and fiber by impaction with particles that create axially aligned micro-cracks and increased porosity allowing penetration of dyestuffs into the fiber or fabric without the need for swelling agents or carriers.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent composite comprises (a) a water-absorbent polymer, (b) a water-insoluble inorganic material and (c) a water-insoluble hydrophilic fibrous material at a weight ratio between (a), (b) and (c) in the range of 100:5-1200:5-1200. It is very useful as the absorbent component for a sanitary napkin and a medical pad.

Abstract: By mixing a high-melting polyvinyl alcohol type polymer (A) and a low-melting water-soluble polymer (B) in a solvent for the polymer (A) to prepare a spinning solution and then subjecting the solution to low-temperature spinning so that the resulting filaments are solidified uniformly in the cross-sectional direction, there is formed a fiber of sea-islands structure comprising said high-melting polyvinyl alcohol type polymer (A) as the sea component and said low-melting water-soluble polymer (B) as the islands component. In this fiber, at least part of the islands component is present in a fiber zone ranging from the fiber surface to 2 .mu.m inside and the fiber surface contains substantially no islands component. This fiber ordinarily shows the performance of the matrix phase, i.e.

Abstract: A viscose rayon fiber provided with a superior appearance such as a silk-like appearance by arranging a number of microfine stripes over all of the surface of the fiber, and a manufacturing method thereof. This fiber can be used as a fiber constituting a filament, and as a staple fiber.A viscose rayon filament provided with a superior appearance such as a uniform appearance without nonuniformity by forming each fiber of the filament with a cross sectional shape which is independently different from an irregular state in an axial direction of the filament, and a manufacturing method thereof. This application includes a viscose rayon filament including the features of the two above inventions and a manufacturing method. The viscose rayon fiber and the viscose rayon filament in accordance with the present invention can be broadly used for various applications as products having a superior appearance and quality.

Abstract: Composite materials formed from bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and structural fibers are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a braid or mesh of interwoven bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and structural fibers is impregnated with a polymeric material to provide a composite of suitable biocompatibility and structural integrity. Most preferably, the mesh or braid is designed so that the bioactive fibers are concentrated at the surface of the implant to create a surface comprised of at least 30% bioactive material, thereby providing enhanced bone ingrowth. The interweaving between the bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and the core of structural fibers overcomes the problems found in prior composite systems where the bioactive material delaminates from the polymer. Preferred bioactive materials include calcium phosphate ceramics and preferred structural fibers include carbon fibers. Improved prosthetic implants and methods of affixing an implant are thus also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are napped fabrics with naps comprising a tapered fiber of a sheath-core polyester fiber with the sheath component having larger alkali hydrolysis rate than the core component, the core of the tapered fiber being exposed at its end part and having smooth surface, the sheath of at least the tapered part having minutely roughened surface. The napped fabrics are of high quality, having good hand and excellent color developing property without unnatural luster such as dark fading or white appearance and being difficult to soil, and are hence markedly suited for car seat cover.

Abstract: In a polyester multi-filament yarn consisting of at least two kinds of false twisted filament yarns having different sectional shapes, the present invention relates to a combined and multi-component false twisted filament yarn which comprises at least one kind of filament yarns having a specific sectional shape not having a recess and the other kind of filament yarns having a specific sectional shape having recesses, and wherein the filament yarns having the respective sectional shapes are dispersedly mix-woven. The present invention relates also to a method of producing such a combined and multi-component false twisted multi-filament yarn and a knitted/woven fabric obtained by using such a yarn.

Abstract: A nonwoven web for absorbing and transporting a liquid, which web is capable of both interfiber and intrafiber liquid transportation. The web includes shaped fibers, which fibers define a notch, which notch defines an angle alpha such that .alpha.<180.degree.-2.theta. wherein .theta. is the contact angle between said liquid and the shaped fiber. The nonwoven web further includes high-absorbency material in fluid communication with said nonwoven web in an area wherein intrafiber liquid transport occurs.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a fibrous texture for producing a composite material article. The fibrous texture is formed of a yarn comprising discontinuous fibers which are made of a refractory material or a precursor thereof. The discontinuous fibers are disposed parallel to one another, without twist. A covering yarn made of a fugitive material is disposed over the discontinuous fibers to provide integrity to the yarn. The covering yarn is eliminated after formation of the fibrous texture.

Abstract: Thermoplastic monofilament sutures having improved flexibility and handling characteristics are obtained by a melt spinning process which includes the step of drawing the filaments in a heated zone maintained at a temperature above the melting temperature of the filament. The resulting monofilament sutures have a higher elongation and lower modulus than comparable monofilament sutures obtained without the heated drawing step, and are characterized by a crystalline structure which is more highly ordered in the core of the monofilament suture than in a surrounding annular area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive decorative material which includes:(a) a layer of a resin containing an electrically conductive fiber rendering the resin layer electrically conductive, and(b) a plurality of pattern pieces spaced apart one from another and embedded in the resin layer, the pattern pieces containing an antistatic agent,the fiber-containing conductive resin penetrating into and filling interstices between the pattern pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for edge coating amorphous ribbon transformer cores comprising the steps of applying to at least one face exclusive of the distributed gap portion, a first porous material having a porosity sufficient to permit a liquid having a viscosty greater than about 100,000 cps to impregnate the porous material to produce a composite structure; and applying a bonding material having a viscosity of at least about 100,000 cps to the first porous material such that the bonding material substantially contacts the core. Coated cores having good magnetic properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polypropylene three-dimensional plexifilamentary fiber having a microwave birefringence of 0.07 or more and an Mw/Mn of 4.3 or less. Although a spreading agent is not included in this fiber, the fiber has a superior fiber spreadability and dimensional stability. The fiber in accordance with the present invention can be spun from a dope composed of an isotactic polypropylene having an Mw/Mn of 4.3 or less and an MFR of 20 or less, and a halogenated hydrocarbon, by a flash spinning technique. Further, the present invention provides a spinning dope and a method of manufacturing the fiber which effectively prevent ozone layer destruction by using a 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, a 1,2-dichlorotrifluoroethane or a solvent blended a dichloromethane with either of the above two solvents as the halogenated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.