Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate possesses excellent elasticity, softness, water resistance, fuzz resistance and curl resistance, and has less stickiness. The nonwoven fabric laminate includes at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer and mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers on both surfaces of the at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer, the mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers each comprising mixed fibers including 10 to 90 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) and 90 to 10 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic resin (B) other than the thermoplastic elastomer (A) ((A)+(B)=100 wt %).

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven fabric which is bonded at selected points by use of a binder containing particles composed of filler material (a phase change material, among others) and which is not bonded at other selected points. The nonwoven fabric is characterized by a soft touch and good flexibility, and may be used as an interlining material or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric made from a composition prepared by combining a first propylene-based polymer blend, where the first polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where the first blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) equal to or less than 50 dg/min, with a second propylene-based polymer blend, where the second polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where said second blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than 50 dg/min, where the propylene-based elastomers comprise from about 5% to 35% by weight units derived from ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin and have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, and where the propylene-based thermoplastic resins have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, equal to or greater than 80 J/g.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: To obtain a nonwoven fabric which is excellent in the heat resistance and the chemical resistance, of which the fiber diameter is small, and which is excellent in the mechanical strength at a temperature at which it is used; and an electrolyte membrane which is excellent in the dimensional stability when it is swollen by water, and of which an increase in the resistance by a reinforcing material is suppressed. A nonwoven fabric 28 containing fibers 26 of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a storage elastic modulus E? at 25° C. of at least 8×108 Pa and a melt viscosity measured at 300° C. of higher than 60 Pa·s and at most 300 Pa·s, wherein the average fiber diameter of the fibers is from 0.01 to 3 ?m; and an electrolyte membrane reinforced by the nonwoven fabric 28.

Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 contains inelastic fibers having a varied thickness along the length and elastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric 10 preferably includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and a substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layer 2 on at least one side of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fibers with a varied thickness along the length are contained in the inelastic fiber layer 2. The nonwoven fabric 10 is conveniently produced by (a) superposing a web containing low-drawn, inelastic fibers having an elongation of 80% to 800% on at least one side of a web containing elastic fibers, (b) subjecting the webs, while in a non-united state, to through-air technique to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together by thermal bonding the fibers at their intersections, and (c) stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction to draw the low-drawn inelastic fibers, followed by releasing the sheet from the stretch.

Abstract: An elastic laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer of an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer. The meltblown layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%. The laminate suitably has an inter-layer peel strength of less than about 70 grams per 3 inches cross-directional width at a strain rate of 300 mm/min. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous filament strands and/or the facing layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs include elastic filaments such that the web as a whole exhibits elastic properties when stretched. The webs include a multiplicity of nonwoven fibers and at least one elastic filament entangled with at least a portion of the nonwoven fibers to form a self-supporting, cohesive, elastic nonwoven fibrous web. Methods of making such elastic nonwoven fibrous webs using hydro-entanglement, and uses of such webs to form articles are also described.

Abstract: An elastomeric film includes a first layer co-extruded with a second layer. The first layer includes a single-site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having a density of about 0.860 to about 0.900 grams per centimeter. The second layer includes a styrene copolymer selected from styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, or styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene-(ethylene/propylene). The first layer may optionally include filler particles. An extensible laminate including the elastomeric film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber mixture according to the invention comprises fibers A comprising a polymer A containing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and fibers B comprising a thermoplastic polymer B other than the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, said thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and containing 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 ?m in diameter. An elastic nonwoven fabric comprises the fiber mixture.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminate for use in an absorbent article can have a first plurality of elastomeric strands and a second plurality of elastomeric strands bonded to a first substrate. The first plurality of elastomeric strands can be bonded to the first substrate in a first orientation while the second plurality of elastomeric strands is joined to the first substrate in a second orientation. The first and second orientations can be different such that the elastomeric laminate can accommodate tension forces which act on the laminate from different axes. Optionally, a second substrate or a third plurality of elastomeric strands may be added to the elastomeric laminate.

Abstract: An elastic-powered shrink laminate includes a shrinkable layer and an elastic layer bonded together while the elastic layer is in a dimensionally unstable, stretched state. The elastic layer remains substantially in the stretched state prior to shrinkage of the shrinkable layer. When the shrinkable layer is activated, the laminate retracts, and the retraction is aided (i.e. powered) by the elastic layer. The elastic-powered shrink laminate is useful in personal care absorbent articles where latent, post-assembly retraction of a waistband region is desired.

Abstract: To achieve weight reduction while providing elasticity sufficient in a cushioning member for a vehicle seat, an elastic member made of expanded resin beads includes an elastic covering material having stretching properties stuck to an outer face of an expanded bead body. Therefore, when the elastic member made of expanded resin beads is bent or compressed, the respective beads themselves configuring the expanded bead body are elastically deformed according to stretching or compressing of the elastic covering material, and since the elastic deformation is not such deformation that a gap between beads of the expanded bead body largely expands, a crack occurring between beads or permanent deformation does not occur so that bending or compressing becomes possible. Accordingly, the elastic member made of expanded resin beads is suitable as a cushioning member utilizing an elastic recovering force in a bending direction and a thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing an elastic nonwoven fabric, comprising: stretching a nonwoven web in the cross machine direction, machine direction, or both directions to reduce the basis weight and/or denier of the nonwoven web to form the elastic nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven web comprises a plurality of multicomponent strands having first and second polymer components longitudinally coextensive along the length of the strands, said first component comprising an elastomeric polymer, and said second polymer component comprising a polymer less elastic than the first polymer component.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and (1) cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: A stretch laminate comprises a carrier web extending lengthwise in a machine direction and widthwise in a cross direction between opposed side edges, the carrier web including an extensible zone and an inextensible zone disposed side-by-side across the width of the carrier web; and an elastomeric element laminated to the nonwoven layer over at least a portion of the extensible zone.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Heavy weight stretch fabrics comprising ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer are described. The fabric often has a weight of at least 10 ounces per square yard measured according to ASTM 3776 and has a stretch of at least 10 percent measured according to ASTM D3107. These fabrics exhibit excellent chemical, resistance (for example chlorine or caustic resistance) and durability, that is they retain their shape and feel over repeated exposure to processing conditions, such as stone-washing, dye-stripping, PET-dyeing and the like, and industrial laundry conditions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric and disposable articles comprising the same are provided. The nonwoven fabric can include one or more facing layers thermally bonded to one or more inner layers. The facing layers are inelastic or partially elastic nonwoven webs comprising one or more propylene-based polymers. The facing layer has a permanent set above 30%. The inner layers are elastic nonwoven webs comprising one or more propylene-based polymers and one or more slip agents. The inner layer has a permanent set below 28%, and the one or more propylene-based polymers have (i) 60 wt % or more units derived from propylene, (ii) isotactically arranged propylene derived sequences, and (iii) a heat of fusion less than 45 J/g.

Abstract: An elastic laminate having fragrance releasing microcapsules embedded within a nonwoven web layer of the laminate is generally disclosed. The elastic laminate is configured to release the encapsulated fragrance upon stretching the laminate. The elastic laminate can continue to release fresh fragrance even after the first stretching force is applied, effectively extending the life of the elastic laminate. The resulting elastic laminate is useful for many applications, and is particularly useful in the construction of an absorbent article.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition, comprising a blend of components including about 5% to about 50% by weight of an olefin block copolymer; about 10% to about 70% by weight of a first tackifying resin having a softening point of at least about 95° C.; about 0 to 65% of a second tackifying resin that is different than the first tackifying resin; about 0% to about 60% by weight of a plasticizer; about 0% to about 20% by weight of an aromatic reinforcing resin having a softening point equal to or higher than 115° C.; about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a stabilizer; and about 1% to about 40% by weight of a secondary polymer that is different from the olefin block copolymer, the first and second tackifying resins and the reinforcing resin, having relatively low crystallinity, which low crystallinity is equal to or less than 250 Joules/gram, wherein the components total 100% by weight of the composition, and the viscosity of the composition is equal to or less than about 20,000 mPa·s at 163° C.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics, such as spunbond, melt blown and spun-laced fabrics or webs can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and methods for making the same are described, wherein the fabrics comprise two or more propylene-based elastomers in combination with one or more propylene-based thermoplastic polymers. Specifically, the first propylene-based elastomer comprises at least 7% by weight ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin units, the second propylene-based elastomer comprises less than 7% by weight ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin units, the first and second propylene-based elastomers each have a heat of fusion less than 80 J/g, and the propylene-based thermoplastic polymer has a heat of fusion greater than 80 J/g.

Abstract: An extensible nonwoven fabric comprises a fiber comprising at least two olefin-based polymers. These olefin-based polymers are of the same kind and have different induction periods of strain-induced crystallization as measured at the same temperature and shear strain rate. A composite nonwoven fabric of the invention comprises at least one layer comprising the extensible nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: An elastic composite includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven, and two elastic films sandwiched between the first and second nonwoven. The elastic composite also includes a lateral edge portion where the first nonwoven is bonded to the second nonwoven, a lane between the elastic films that is free of the elastic films, and a first bond joining the first nonwoven to the elastic film, and a second bond joining the second nonwoven to the elastic film. The elastic composite may be used as a component of a disposable garment.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. In addition, at least one via is provided in the functional stretch laminate allowing the functional element to extend or loop outwardly from the at least one via when the laminate is in a relaxed or unstretched state. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: Knit fabric compositions have now been discovered that often have a balanced combination of desirable properties. Said fibric compositions comprise fibers of olefin block interpolymers or homogeneous branched ethylene polymers or a combination thereof. The fibers are characterized by an amount of crosslinking such that the fabric is capable of being molded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article imparting superior comfort during wearing without inhibiting an absorbent property of an absorbent body, and a manufacturing method thereof. In the stretchable non-woven fabrics composed of a stretchable thermoplastic fiber and a heat-adhesive fiber having a lower melting point than that of the thermoplastic fiber which is arranged on a skin non-contacting side of a chassis, a low-stretchability portion is formed, in which the stretchability of the stretchable non-woven fabrics is lowered, at least in a portion thereof which overlaps an absorbent body in a thickness direction. The low-stretchability portion is formed by heating and pressurizing the portion of an elasticized non-woven fabric being extended.

Abstract: A composite sheet that has a low basis weight and can inhibit adhesives from flowing out is provided. The composite sheet 1 according to the present invention is formed by bonding a stretchable nonwoven fabric 2 and a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric 3 to each other with adhesives 4. The stretchable nonwoven fabric 2 in an extended state is bonded to the non-stretchable sheet. The stretchable nonwoven fabric 2 has a plurality of strip-shaped non-dense regions 21 and a plurality of strip-shaped dense regions 22 formed on both its surfaces alternately and alternately in the transverse direction such that the dense regions 22 on one of the surfaces and the dense regions 22 on the other surface are not overlapped with each other. The stretchable nonwoven fabric 2 includes thermoplastic fibers that have been stretched at least partially and elastomer fibers.

Abstract: A fastener strip for diapers has a center part that is elastic in the longitudinal direction of the strip when the fastener strip is pulled, a non-elastic end part to which a hook element is attached, and a non-elastic connector part for attachment to a diaper. The end part and the connector part are attached to the center part. The center part has a layer of an elastic spun-bonded non-woven fabric, which possesses preferred stretching properties in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The spun-bonded non-woven fabric is made of filaments that have a filament core of a thermoplastic elastomer and a filament mantle of a non-elastic thermoplastic polymer, stretched by means of stretching the spun-bonded non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A process of preparing an elastic thermally bonded nonwoven web, whereby the process is characterized by the following steps: (i) providing a thermally bonded nonwoven precursor web containing thermoplastic fibers, (ii) subjecting the precursor web of step (i) to a drawing treatment in a machine direction at a drawing rate of from 45 to 70%, and a strain rate within a range of from 1000 to 2400%/min at a temperature between the softening point and the melting point of the fibers for preparing the elastic thermally bonded nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spinning of thermoplastic polymers for obtaining nano and microfibers, is introduced. The method if characterized by the following steps: solving the thermoplastic polymer in a corresponding solvent; adding a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to this solution, and introducing the solution into an electric field and spinning under the effect of the electric field to nano and microfibers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a non-woven fabric laminate that is excellent in stretchability, flexibility, and bulkiness, and that is less sticky and is suitable for a mechanical fastening female material. The non-woven fabric laminate in accordance with the present invention comprises a mixed fiber spunbonded non-woven fabric and a non-woven fabric comprising a crimped fiber that is laminated on at least one face of the mixed fiber spunbonded non-woven fabric, which comprises a long fiber of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) in the range of 10 to 90% by weight and a long fiber of a thermoplastic resin (B) in the range of 90 to 10% by weight (where (A)+(B)=100% by weight). The non-woven fabric laminate can be suitably used for a sanitary material and other materials. More specifically, there can be mentioned for instance an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper and a menstrual sanitary product as a sanitary material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a mixed-fiber nonwoven fabric laminate being excellent in strechability, flexibility, touch feeling, and formability and being less sticky. The mixed-fiber nonwoven fabric laminate of the present invention comprising at least two mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers whose fiber mixing ratios of long fibers of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) and long fibers of a thermoplastic resin (B) are different from each other can be suitably used not only in sanitary materials but in medical materials, hygienic materials, industrial materials, and so on. Specific examples of the sanitary materials include absorptive articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: An elastic composite having a high tearing strength made of an elastomeric material and a consolidated entangled web, wherein the consolidated entangled fabric has at least 2 lbs of tearing strength in the machine direction and the composite has 70-95% elastic recovery from a 100% elongation in the cross direction and greater than 50% elastic recovery from a 150% elongation in the cross direction.

Abstract: A method for increasing the thickness of a fibrous sheet including stretching the sheet beyond its relaxed length and returning the sheet to about the relaxed length, causing the sheet to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The sheet can be a wet-wipe. The wet-wipe includes an elastic layer and a fibrous layer, which increases in thickness when stretched then relaxed. The wet-wipe can be stored in a container which causes the wet-wipe to stretch as it is removed from the container.

Abstract: A stretchable elastic laminate including at least one nonwoven fabric layer, and at least one elastomeric material extruded as a melt onto a major surface of the nonwoven fabric to form an elastic layer bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric layer has first and second bonding zones formed on the surface thereof, which have first and second bonding strengths. The elastic layer is bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric such that the elastic layer forms a stronger bond with the first bonding zone on the surface of the nonwoven than the bond formed between the elastic layer and the second bonding zone on the surface of the nonwoven. The lightly bonded areas of the elastic laminate provide increased elongation in the cross direction and improved recovery after stretch, while the more strongly bonded areas provide adhesive strength. Also disclosed is a method of forming a stretchable laminate having increased elongation and improved recovery after stretch.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric includes thermoplastic elastomer fiber and thermoplastic polyolefin fiber. A variation of b-value appearing in laboratory color specifying system before and after irradiation of the thermoplastic elastomer fiber with 5000 KJ/m2 of UV radiation is 20 or higher, a variation of b-value appearing in the laboratory color specifying system before and after irradiation of the nonwoven fabric with 5000 KJ/m2 of UV radiation is 10 or less.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises fibers formed from a polymer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and contains 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g as counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 ?m in diameter, and wherein the fibers have diameters such that the standard deviation of fiber diameters (Sn) divided by the average fiber diameter (Xave) (Sn/Xave) gives a value of 0.15 or less.

Abstract: Multicomponent fiber and fabrics made therefrom are provided, wherein the multicomponent fibers may incorporate one or more elastomers or additive-containing polymers in a bicomponent core. The fiber includes a multilobal sheath fiber component surrounding the bicomponent core, wherein the components are sized such that the fiber can be fibrillated to expose the core fiber components and split the fiber into multiple microdenier fibers.

Abstract: To provide a laminated fabric having an air permeability and a filtering capability, the laminated fabric includes a supporting layer and a protective layer bonded together. The protective layer includes a stretchable nonwoven fabric comprises an ultra-fine fiber. This laminated fabric has an air permeability of 2 cc/cm2/sec. or higher and a 1 ?m quartz dust collecting efficiency of 90% or higher. The laminated fabric may also have a water resistant layer which is positioned on the protective layer so that the protective layer is employed as an intermediate layer between the water resistant layer and the supporting layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a web of an elastic non-woven composite material including the following steps: Feeding and delivering a first non-woven layer in a longitudinal direction; feeding and delivering a plurality of elastic filaments; connecting the plurality of elastic filaments to a first side of the non-woven layer to form a composite material; at least in some regions overstretching of the first non-woven layer in the longitudinal direction by feeding the composite material through the gap of a pair of profiled, intermeshing stretching rollers, by which the composite material is stretched in the longitudinal direction, wherein the elastic filaments are arranged in the non-woven composite material such that they are substantially oriented in the longitudinal direction, so that they have at most about 10 intersecting points with each other per cm2.

Abstract: An elastic composite formed from a lightweight nonwoven facing that has a low degree of strength in the cross-machine direction (“CD”) is provided. Through selective control over certain parameters of the materials employed in the composite and the formation process, the present inventors have discovered that such low strength and lightweight facings may be readily laminated to an elastic film without significantly damaging their integrity. For example, in one embodiment, the elastic film may possess a multi-layered construction that includes an elastomeric elastic layer positioned adjacent to a strength-enhancing thermoplastic layer. The polymer content and thickness of the thermoplastic layer are generally selected to impart additional strength and integrity to the film. Likewise, the polymer content of the elastic layer may also be selected so that the film possesses a sufficient tack for adhering to the facing.

Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 having substantial inelasticity on the respective sides of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fiber layers 1, 2, and 3 are joined together over the entire area by thermal fusion at fiber intersections while the fibers of the elastic fiber layer 1 remain the fibrous form. The inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 have part of their fibers enter the elastic fiber layer 1 and/or the elastic fiber layer has part of its fibers enter the inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3. The stretch nonwoven fabric is preferably produced by stacking an elastic fiber web and an inelastic fiber web on each other, applying a through-air system hot air treatment to the stack while the webs are in a non-united state to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together, stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction, and releasing the fibrous sheet from the stretched state.

Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite entails conveying a first sheet on a conveyor, and wrapping a section of elastic about the first sheet and the conveyor, thereby applying elastics cross directionally across the sheet. A second sheet is then applied onto the first sheet thereby creating a subcomposite including the two sheets and elastics sandwiched therebetween, wherein two elastics extend outward from one side of the subcomposite, about the conveyor, and return into an opposite side of the subcomposite. The subcomposite is cut through the first and second sheets and the elastics, thereby separating the subcomposite into a first carrier and a second carrier, each carrier including a material layer, whereby spaced apart elastics extend from the first carrier to the second carrier, the first and second carriers defining an exposed elastic region therebetween formed by the elastics.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from a multi-layered, elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity is imparted to the composite through the use of at least one base layer that contains a thermoplastic elastomer and at least one skin layer that contains a propylene/?-olefin copolymer. During formation, the film is stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the propylene/?-olefin copolymer. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated at or above the softening point of the copolymer) to soften the crystalline domains and allow the chains to return to their unoriented state.

Abstract: The spunbonded nonwoven (W) has high elastic recovery properties and comprises a plurality of multi-component filaments. Each filament, preferably of the sheath/core type, comprises at least a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component. The first polymeric component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, and the second polymeric component comprises an elastic propylene-based olefin copolymer, and more particularly an ethylene propylene copolymer, preferably comprising at least 80 wt % of propylene units. Said spunbonded nonwoven (W) can be easily thermal-bonded with polyolefin-based nonwoven layer(s), especially polypropylene-based layer(s), in order to make a composite nonwoven, particularly suitable for the hygienic industry (diapers, . . . ).