Abstract: The present invention provides a durable hydrophilic fiber and fabric using said fiber having superior durable hydrophilicity being able to utilize preferably in the medical or hygienic material sections. The durable hydrophilic fiber of the invention can be obtained by applying 0.2 to 1.5% by weight of a fiber treating agent to a thermoplastic fiber based on the thermoplastic fiber. The fiber treating agent contains at least 40% by weight of a mixture comprising 80 to 20% by weight of (A) betaine ampho-ionic surface active agent and 20 to 80% by weight of (B) di-carboxylic acid ester compound from polyalkylene adduct of hydroxy-fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A surfactant and skin wellness composition useful for imparting durability and wettability to a substrate as well as skin wellness, includes a first surfactant in combination with aloe vera. The first surfactant includes a compound selected from ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oils, monosaccharides, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives, and combinations thereof. Other ingredients can also be added. The composition can be applied as an aqueous emulsion to a substrate such as a nonwoven web, to provide enhanced wettability combined with skin enhancement to the wearer.

Abstract: A process for making synthetic fibers or nonwoven substrates hydrophilic made from the synthetic fibers comprising applying an effective amount of a finish composition onto the fibers or nonwoven substrates, the finish composition containing: (a) from 50 to 95% by weight of a hydrophobicizing agent selected from the group consisting of at least one quaternary ester amine salt corresponding to formula I: wherein R1 is an aliphatic alkyl group containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 is either (CH2)n—O—COR1 or an alkyl group containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, R3 and R4, independently of one another, represent (CH2)n—R5, where R5 is H or OH and n is a number from 1 to 3, and X is either a halide, methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion, a quaternary ester amine salt corresponding to formula II: wherein COR6 is an aliphatic acyl group containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2 or 3 double bonds, R7 is H or OH, n has a value of 1, 2 or 3 and X

Abstract: A water absorbing agent comprising water absorbent resin particles having a particle size of 1000 .mu.m or less, with a two-peak mode particle size distribution, which has an inflection point in the range of 750 to 250 .mu.m particle size prepared by plotting the mass cumulative content percentage from the larger side of the particle size of the particle size distribution on a logarithmic normal probability paper; and an absorbent material utilizing the water absorbing agent. Since the water absorbing agent of the present invention applied in an absorbent material can realize excellent absorption rate of a liquid and planar diffusion, an absorbent material with an excellent surface dryness can be obtained even for a long time use or when the ratio of the water absorbent resin is high due to a thin shape of the product, without the risk of leakage. Accordingly, the water absorbing agent of the present invention can be preferably used in an absorbent material such as a disposable diaper.

Abstract: A fabric for plant life contains fibrous material which contains not less than 5% by weight of an organic polymer fiber having a fineness of not less than 30 deniers, a moisture-absorbent polymer; and a binder polymer, the moisture-absorbent polymer and the binder polymer being adhered to the fibrous material. The fabric has a water absorption per volume of from 0.02 to 10 g water/cm.sup.3, shows an apparent density of from 0.001 to 0.3 g/cm.sup.3 under elevated pressure of 20 g/cm.sup.2 and has a thickness of not less than 1.5 mm under elevated pressure of 20 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A chemically enhanced paper structure having a discrete pattern of a chemical composition is disclosed. The paper structure comprises a cellulose substrate, such as tissue paper. The substrate has a topography comprising at least two different elevations. The chemical composition may include a chemical softener composition or a surface-active composition and is selectively disposed in register with one of the elevations of the cellulose substrate, preferably the higher elevation regions. The paper structure is suitable for use as bath tissue or facial tissue.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that comprises a mixture of a polyethylene oxide polymer, a polyolefin polymer, a polyester polymer, and, optionally, a compatibilizer for the polymers. One embodiment of such a thermoplastic composition is a mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer, poly(lactic acid) polymer, and polyethylene polymer. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being extruded into fibers that may be formed into nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed are head bands comprising a sliver of spontaneously wettable staple fibers. The fibers are of an irregular, grooved shape in cross section and are lightly bound together to permit easy separation into suitable lengths for head bands.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fabric exhibiting excellent hygroscopicity, pliable handling touch and shape memory.An aspect of the present invention for achieving the foregoing object lies in a fabric comprising cellulose fibers, wherein hydrophilic vinyl monomers are graft-polymerized with the cellulose fibers, and the ratio B/W of bending rigidity (B) measured by KES (Kawabata Evaluation System) and weight (W) is 0.0001 or higher and 0.005 or lower.Another aspect of the present invention lies in a fabric comprising the cellulose fibers and polyester fibers.A still further aspect of the present invention lies in a fabric comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the percentage of laundry shrinkage is 3% or lower and the ratio B/W of bending rigidity (B) measured by KES and weight (W) is 0.0001 or higher and 0.005 or lower.

Abstract: A method of coating the surface of a substrate, such as a film or a fibrous web, which is composed of a hydrophobic polymer. The method involves providing a solution of a first polyelectrolyte having ionizable groups and a solution of a second polyelectrolyte having ionizable groups. The two solutions then are mixed under conditions adapted to result in the formation of a nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex. Finally, the surface of the hydrophobic polymer substrate is contacted with a solution of the complex under conditions sufficient to result in the coating of the surface of the substrate with the complex. The ionizable groups of the second polyelectrolyte have a latent charge opposite the latent charge of the ionizable groups of the first polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: An improved textile material having a hydrophilic finish which is made by a method comprising applying to a fibrous web an aqueous solution comprising an anhydride based graft copolymer, and drying the fibrous web at a temperature sufficient to cure the anhydride based graft copolymer in the fibrous web. The anhydride based graft copolymer is the reaction product of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an anhydride monomer selected from maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride, either a monofunctional polyglycol having a hydroxyl or amine terminal group or a polyfunctional polyglycol having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 5,000 and at least one terminal hydroxyl group, and a free radical initiator. The hydrophilic finish eliminates the shortcomings inherent in certain textile materials such as their high affinity for oils, staining during washing, static cling problems, and wearer discomfort.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material of polymeric fibers having at least one internal surfactant and at least one topical surfactant. The internal surfactant is an organosilicon compound. The topical surfactant is at least one of an ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oil, a monosaccharide, a monosaccharide derivative, a polysaccharide, and a polysaccharide derivative. The nonwoven web material treated with internal and external surfactants has improved durability and processability over conventional materials treated with only internal or topical surfactants.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved composition and method for treating substrates such as nonwoven fabrics to impart durable properties such as wettability. The composition includes a viscosity modifier that provides reduced viscosity to normally viscous treating agents allowing them to be applied at room temperature without adversely affecting the desired properties of the treated substrate. Advantageously the treating composition includes an alkyl polyglycoside having 8 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and a surfactant such as a blend of ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil and sorbitan monooleate. Nonwovens treated in accordance with the invention with high solids treating compositions at room temperature have a durability of at least 2 cycles in accordance with the runoff test. The treating compositions of the invention are stable and adapted to many conventional treating systems. As little as 1 part in 20 of the addition of the alkyl polyglycoside is effective.

Abstract: A surfactant composition useful for imparting durability and wettability to a substrate includes first and second surfactants in combination. The first surfactant includes a compound selected from ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oils, monosaccharides, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives, and combinations thereof. The second surfactant includes an organosilicon compound. The surfactant composition can be applied as an aqueous emulsion to a substrate such as a nonwoven web, to provide enhanced wettability after repeated washing cycles.

Abstract: A composition for the permanent hydrophilation of polyolefin fibers and filaments and non-woven textile articles (non-wovens) produced therefrom, contains 15 to 75 parts by weight of at least one non-ionic surfactant, and 25 to 85 parts by weight of at least one quaternary ammonium compound and/or at least one cationically modified polydimethyl siloxane. The composition has excellent permanent hydrophilating properties, an excellent cohesion effect and good antistatic properties. When diluted with water, these compositions can therefore be used particularly satisfactorily as spinning preparations for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of polyolefin fibers, polyolefin filaments and non-wovens produced therefrom, in particular fleeces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet printing cloth comprising a thickening surfactant in an amount of from 0.1 to 30% by weight and an aqueous auxiliary for thickening the thickening surfactant in an amount of from 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the weight of the cloth, respectively.

Abstract: Compositions useful for imparting durable hydrophilic polymer coatings to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers or fabrics comprising A) an aqueous dispersion of 1) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 2) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300; B) a mixture of 1) an organic solvent, 2) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 3) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or monoester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300; C) an aqueous dispersion of 1) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 2) a polypropylene glycol having an

Abstract: There is provided a water-absorptive composite comprising a fibrous substrate bearing water-absorptive polymer particles. A process for producing the water-absorptive composite comprises the steps of: allowing an aqueous monomer solution containing a polymerizable monomer capable of providing a water-absorptive polymer to initiate polymerization by the use of a redox polymerization initiator; applying the resultant reaction mixture, which is in the course of polymerization, dropwise onto a fibrous substrate; and allowing the polymerization to proceed and finish on the substrate.

Abstract: A patient bathing system in the form of a sealed, flexible outer package and having at least one impregnated washcloth disposed therewithin. The washcloth is formed of a blended cloth comprising rayon and polyester fibers which have been mechanically entangled, with the quantity by weight of the rayon fibers being much greater than the quantity by weight of the polyester fibers. A cleansing solution impregnates the blended cloth with the cleansing solution being generally uniformly distributed throughout the cloth and being generally non-migratory. The amount of the cleansing solution is far less than the absorbency of the washcloths.

Abstract: A face cloth for a thermal barrier of a firefighter's garment made from a fabric woven from fire resistant yarns. The yarns are woven into a twill pattern with, preferably, filament yarns in the filling direction and spun yarns in the warp direction and a finish is applied to the fabric. The finish is accepted by the fabric and renders the face cloth both wickable and hook-and-loop compatible. The face cloth has a smooth and slick surface and is wickable and hook-and-loop fastener compatible.

Abstract: A permeable, liquid flow control material composed of: 1) a permeable sheet having a plurality of individual exposed surfaces, at least a portion of which have a surface energy of less than about 45 dynes/cm; and 2) amphiphilic proteins adsorbed onto at least some individual exposed surfaces to define a gradient distribution of amphiphilic protein coating along at least one dimension of the permeable sheet so that the adsorbed amphiphilic protein coating provides controlled wettability along at least one dimension of the liquid flow control material. Desirably, the liquid flow control material is substantially free of fugitive amphiphilic proteins. The material may be used as a permeable, bodyside cover material for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven based on thermoplastic filaments, wherein all the filaments of which it is composed are completely manufactured from a polymer or from a blend of polymers derived from lactic acid, said nonwoven being permanently hydrophilic.The filaments of which the nonwoven according to the invention is composed are continuous filaments.They may furthermore be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment using a surface-active agent.

Abstract: An article made from a fabric layer permeable to a first liquid such as water, blood or urine. The article has one side that repels the liquid and another side which absorbs the liquid. The article can be disposed of by heating in a selected liquid, which dissolves or disperses the article. The article may also have a plastic layer affixed thereto to provide additional impermeability. Two of the fabric layers may be affixed with the impermeable sides facing each other to provide an article capable of absorbing fluids from both sides, yet preventing fluids from penetrating from one side to the other. An optional plastic layer may be juxtaposed between the facing sides to provide a further fluid barrier. A method of disposing of such articles comprising contacting the articles with a sufficiently hot second liquid for a sufficient period of time to disperse or dissolve substantially the articles.

Abstract: Cellulose fibers and products comprising such fibers treated to absorb body secretions and to substantially decrease microbial growth, said fibers being chemically treated with a water soluble salt of a transition metal and an alkali and after this with a solution of a bisbiguanide compound, forming a bond between the fibers, the transition metal and the bisbiguanide. Preferred are water-soluble cupric salts as a suitable hydroxide. A preferred bisbiguanide is chlorhexidine. The products can be yarns, knitted, woven, non-woven fabrics, paper gauze and especially bandages, wound dressings, pads, diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, bed sheets, pants, garments, towels, socks, shoe linings and underwear. Preferably between 0.1 to 3.0 weight per cent copper calculated on the cellulose is bonded to the cellulose.

Abstract: A chemically enhanced paper structure having a discrete pattern of a chemical composition is disclosed. The paper structure comprises a cellulose substrate, such as tissue paper. The substrate has a topography comprising at least two different elevations. The chemical composition may include a chemical softener composition or a surface-active composition and is selectively disposed in register with one of the elevations of the cellulose substrate, preferably the higher elevation regions. The paper structure is suitable for use as bath tissue or facial tissue.

Abstract: A dryer fabric for use in a dryer section having a closed transfer in a papermaking machine. The dryer fabric has a structure of woven threads with one side, called the paper side, being adapted to support and abut against a paper web in the dryer section. At least some of the threads contacting against the paper web are hydrophilic, thereby providing for adhesion between the dryer fabric and the paper web.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fibers rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is made from hygroscopic fibers for absorbing moisture.

Abstract: A coated porous substrate composed of a hydrophobic polymer which is substantially uniformly coated with a hydrophilic polymeric material. The substrate may be a sheet-like material, examples of which are foams, fibers, and fibrous webs. The fibrous webs desirably will be nonwoven webs. The coating on the substrate is durable to an aqueous medium at a temperature in a range of from about 10.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. and does not significantly suppress the surface tension of an aqueous medium with which the coated substrate may come in contact. The hydrophobic polymer may be a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The hydrophilic polymeric material with which the polymer fibers are coated may be a polysaccharide or a modified polysaccharide. Also provided is a method of preparing a coated porous substrate which involves providing a porous substrate composed of a hydrophobic polymer. At least a portion of the substrate then is exposed to a field of reactive species.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes identical first and second fabric layers, and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. Both the layers of the fabric have their surfaces napped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable conjugate fiber containing at least two incompatible polymers that are arranged in distinct segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber. The fiber can be characterized in that the segments of the fiber dissociate in less than about 30 seconds when contacted with a hot aqueous fibrillation-inducing medium. The invention also provides a fabric containing the split fibers produced from the precursor splittable conjugate fiber and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a fully elastic, breathable, barrier fabric comprising a nonwoven web layer of fibers, where the web has a hydrohead of at least 4 mbar, a basis weight of less than 68 gsm and which is made from an elastic polyolefin. If the fabric is a laminate it may be an SMS, SBL or NBL laminate. This fabric is particularly well suited to use as a containment flap for personal care products such as diapers, incontinence products and feminine hygiene products and in infection control products. The fabric may also be used as a liner in personal care products.

Abstract: An absorbent material and method for making same comprising a fiber web, including a fiber blend comprising from about 50 to about 75 weight percent of a fiber having fineness less than about 3 denier and from about 25 to about 50 weight percent of a fiber having fineness ranging from about 3 to about 5 denier wherein the fiber web is bound together by fiber bundles transverse to the plane of the web. The fiber blend may further comprise from about 3 to about 7 percent by weight of a fiber having fineness greater than about 5 denier. The fibers comprising the fiber blend may be entirely hydrophobic, or the about 3 to about 5 denier fiber may be hydrophilic. The absorbent material exhibits a high degree of absorption and fluid retention and does not wet back even under compression. The transverse fiber bundles formed during the mechanical bonding of the web function as wicks for transferring fluid from the surface of the material to the inner portion of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interior base material suitable for a pigment ink printing process on which an organic-solvent-soluble synthetic resin (A) and a water insoluble-water absorbing resin having water absorption ability against pure water of 50 to 1,000 ml/g (B) are applied, the interior base material having a printed image with a pigment ink. The invention further relates to a method of printing an interior base material comprising the steps of, applying 0.01 to 50 weight percent with respect to the base material of each of an organic-solvent-soluble synthetic resin (A) and a water insoluble-water absorbing resin having water absorption ability to pure water of 50 to 1,000 ml/g (B), applying a pigment ink having viscosity of 5 to 10,000 cps by ink-jet printing or gravure printing, and drying.This invention enables printing with excellent sharpness, uniformity to the deep part of the interior base material, and excellent build up.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-moistened, dispersible, and biodegradable wet wipe comprising a web of non-woven fibers contacted with a PVOH containing binder. The binder-contacted web further comprises an aqueous lotion solution comprising from about 0.1 to about 0.9 percent by weight of the lotion of boric acid and from about 5 to about 8 percent by weight of the lotion of an alkali metal bicarbonate. The resulting wet wipe has a pH between 7 and about 9 and a wet strength between about 8 and about 20 oz/in.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composition comprises an aqueous medium, a surfactant, and a resin and filler dispersed in the aqueous medium by the surfactant. The surfactant comprises a first high molecular weight compound having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 10000 and a second high molecular weight compound having a weight-average molecular weight of not less than 150 and less than 10000. In the synthetic resin composition, a solid material is well dispersed and the viscosity doesn't remarkably increase even if a solid content is increased. So, the increased amount of a non-volatile matter may be used and the storage stability improves. Further, flame retardation, deodorization, heat resistance and light fastness also improve. In addition, an interior material which is a fabric coated with the synthetic resin composition is provided. In the interior material, the texture, flame retardation, deodorization and light fastness improve without the deterioration of workability.

Abstract: Hydrophilic glass fibers are formed by coating glass fibers with a blend of an amine-aldehyde with an acrylic. Evaporative cooler pads are produced by coating glass fibers with a blend of an acrylic and an amine-aldehyde during hot melt spinning of the glass fibers into a web, followed by drawing the web to expand the web or mat into a porous pad, and curing the pad to produce a dimensionally stable, hydrophilic, porous, glass fiber pad. Preferably, the glass fibers are coated with a binding/hydrophilic coating formed of a blend of a urea-formaldehyde with an acrylic. A method for cooling air using the hydrophilic, porous, glass fiber pads, and an improved evaporative cooler utilizing hydrophilic, porous, glass fiber pads is disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric fabric having enhanced wettability, a method for producing such wettable polymeric fabric, and a composition for use in the method. The polymeric fabric is preferably a nonwoven. In one embodiment, the fabric includes a succinate surfactant substantially uniformly distributed on the surface of the fabric. The succinate surfactant is applied with a co-wetting aid which reduces the surface tension of the surfactant composition. In another embodiment, the polymeric fabric comprises multiple surfactants on the surface of the polymeric fabric. The first surfactant has a cloud point less than 50.degree. C. and a low solubility in water and is dispersible in water. The second surfactant comprises a succinate surfactant. The first and second surfactants are applied to the fabric in an aqueous solution preferably with a co-wetting aid such as a primary or secondary alcohol.

Abstract: A polymeric fabric treated with a composition for increasing the resistance to removal by an aqueous liquid of surfactants from the fabric. The fabric is made of fibers having a plurality of fiber-fiber interstices at junctions of two or more fibers. The composition includes water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is structurally dissimilar to and less soluble in water than the first surfactant. One of the first and second surfactants has a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. no greater than about 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the water. The first and second surfactants are adapted to preferentially locate in the fiber-fiber interstices and resist removal therefrom by aqueous liquid. The preferential location of the surfactants in the fiber-fiber interstices of the fabric is accomplished by working the fabric after application of the composition to the fabric.

Abstract: A functionalized macroporous poly(styrene divinylbenzene) particle comprises at least one ionic functional group covalently bonded thereto, the functionalized particle having sorptive capability towards an analyte, said functional group being present in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 milliequivalents per gram of poly(styrene divinylbenzene). The functionalized particles can be used in a packed column or enmeshed in a nonwoven web for utility in solid phase extraction applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an topically appliable active agent impregnated nonwoven pad, and the pad is fabricated from a nonwoven web that contains crimped conjugate fibers of spunbond fibers or staple fibers, wherein the nonwoven web is characterized as having autogenous interfiber bonds at the crossover contact points of its fibers throughout the web. The invention additionally provides a method of cleaning or buffing a solid surface with the nonwoven web.