Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain crimped conjugated fibers having excellent crimp properties. The present invention provides a crimped conjugated fiber having a crimpable cross-sectional configuration, wherein a cross section of the fiber includes at least two portions: a portion (a) and a portion (b); the portion (a) includes an olefin polymer (A) and the portion (b) includes an olefin polymer (B); the olefin polymer (A) differs from the olefin polymer (B) in at least any one of Mz/Mw, melting point and MFR; and a specific fatty acid amide is added to the olefin polymer (A) and/or the olefin polymer (B). The present invention also provides a non-woven fabric including said crimped conjugated fiber.

Abstract: Filter pipette tip with a small tube with a relatively large aperture at one end for attaching to a pipette, a relatively small aperture at the other end for the passage of liquid and a through-channel between the large aperture and the small aperture and a porous filter arranged in the through-channel, filling up a portion of the through-channel and comprising at least two layers arranged in series in the direction of the through-channel of which a fine-pore layer has a pore size of a maximum of approximately 20 ?m and a coarse-pore layer a pore size of approximately 20 to 50 ?m, the two layers having different pore sizes.

Abstract: Compositions of biobased polymer blends of polymers of polybutylene succinate (PBS) or polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate (PBAT) and a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer are described. In certain embodiments, the copolymer is a multiphase copolymer blend having one phase a glass transition temperature of about ?5° C. to about ?50° C. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a moldable, flame retardant acoustical fiber system including a nonwoven, moldable layer of a blend of fibers, with a flame retardant coating applied on both top and bottom sides of the moldable layer. The system also includes a spun bond nonwoven black surface adhered to the flame retardant coating on one side of the nonwoven layer. The moldable, flame retardant acoustical fiber system is configured to meet the UL 94 V-0 flame test standard.

Abstract: Non-woven fabrics are made in a spun-melt process, in which a PLA resin blend is melt-spun into filaments, which are pneumatically drawn and then deposited onto a surface to produce the fabric. The PLA resin includes 1-25% of certain aliphatic or aliphatic-aromatic polyesters that have a number average molecular weight from 4,000 to 70,000 g/mol.

Abstract: An insect repellent compound that includes naturally occurring oil that emits an odor which repels insects is described. The compound is not harmful to animals, to humans or to the environment. The compound may be incorporated into materials such as yarn that is woven to form a mesh. The material may be used for making an animal mask, for screen doors and other applications. A method of making the compound and incorporating it into materials and products is described.

Abstract: A method of making a biocompatible, implantable medical device, including a vascular closure device is disclosed. The method includes forming a biocompatible polymer into at least one fiber and randomly orienting the at least one fiber into a fibrous structure having at least one interstitial spaces. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as antibacterial agents. In such instances, at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, is incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one fiber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hygiene product comprising at least one layer of a nonwoven wherein the nonwoven layer comprises man-made cellulosic fibers wherein the layer or the layers has or have a rewet value of equal to or less than 30% and a liquid strike through time of equal to or less than 6 seconds for the use in disposable hygiene products, such as diapers, feminine pads and incontinence products or in wet wipes like toilet wipes, facial wipes, cosmetic wipes, baby wipes and sanitary wipes for cleaning and disinfection.

Abstract: A bi-component fiber (1), in particular for the production of spunbond fabrics (4), has a first component (2) and a second component (3), whereby the first component (2) has a first polymer as an integral part and the second component has a second polymer as an integral part. It is provided that the difference between the melting points of the first component (2) and the second component (3) is less than or equal to 8° C.

Abstract: A bi-component fiber (1), in particular for the production of spunbond fabrics (4), with a first component (2) and a second component (3), whereby the first component (2) has a first polymer as an integral part and the second component has a second polymer as an integral part. It is provided that the difference between the melt-flow indices of the first component (2) and the second component (3) is less than or equal to 25 g/10 minutes and that the melt-flow indices of the first component (2) and the second component (3) in each case are less than or equal to 50 g/10 minutes.

Abstract: A bi-component fiber (1), in particular for the production of spunbond fabrics (4), with a first component (2) and a second component (3), whereby the first component (2) has a first polymer as an integral part and the second component has a second polymer as an integral part. The first component (2) has an additive, and the second component (3) has a percentage by weight of the additive that is smaller than that in the first component (2).

Abstract: A composite material assembly (1) comprises a) a surface enhancing layer (5) comprising at least one layer of fibers, having a length to width aspect ratio of more than 5:1 and b) a structural layer (7) comprising at least one reinforcing fiber and at least one polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides composite components, structures and method for producing composite components. A composite component has a negative effect Poisson's ratio and comprises a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component extend longitudinally relative to an axis, the first component being provided around the second component through one or more turns which are spaced longitudinally relative to the axis. A variation in the tensile load on the first component causes the radial position of the second component relative to the axis to vary.

Abstract: Fibers having two or more alternating polymer layers are formed by co-extrusion followed by electroprocessing. The fibers can be used as a non-woven mat or other substrate for a variety of applications. Delamination of the fibers using ultrasonication yields separated, micro and nanolayer, fiber ribbons which may also be used a non-woven mat or other substrate.

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

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

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having an exposed outer surface with the fiber having at least a first component of polyarylene sulfide polymer; and at least a second component of a thermoplastic polymer free of polyarylene sulfide polymer, wherein said thermoplastic polymer forms the entire exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber and is a copolymer of norbornene with polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent thermoplastic fibers that are biodegradable and that are capable of forming strong bonds in air bonding processes. In various embodiments, the multicomponent fibers can include a first polymer component that includes a first aliphatic polyester, and a second polymer component also including an aliphatic polyester, wherein the first polymer component comprises at least a portion of an exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber. The first polymer component can be a fully amorphous polylactic acid and the second polymer component can be a semicrystalline polylactic acid. The multicomponent fiber can have cross-sectional area comprising the first polymer component and the second polymer component in about a 1:1 ratio, wherein the first polymer component and the second polymer component are configured in a sheath/core arrangement.

Abstract: The instant invention provides bi-component fibers and fabrics made therefrom. The bi-component fiber according to the present invention comprises: (a) from 5 to 95 percent by weight of a first component comprising at least one or more first polymers, based on the total weight of the bi-component fiber; (b) from 5 to 95 percent by weight of a second component comprising at least an ethylene-based polymer composition, based on the total weight of the bicomponent fiber, wherein said ethylene-based polymer composition comprises; (i) less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and (ii) less than 30 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein said ethylene-based polymer composition is characterized by having a Comonomer Distribution Constant in the range of from greater than from 100 to 400, a vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.

Abstract: A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of tea bags and other infusion beverages. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides infusion properties, strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to coextruded tapes, films, yarns and the likes of polylactic acid (PLA) and methods of preparation thereof. The present invention is directed to an extruded tape, film or yarn comprising a first phase, in particular a first layer, based on PLA and a second phase, in particular a second layer, also based on PLA, but having different sealing properties, wherein the peak melt temperature or seal initiation temperature of the second layer is lower than the peak melt temperature and/or the melt seal initiation temperature of the first layer, or wherein the Vicat softening point of the second layer is lower than the Vicat softening point of the first layer.

Abstract: Composite materials having favorable acoustic and vibration damping properties, while maintaining or improving other composite mechanical properties, include an interleaf layer comprising at least two different nonwoven materials in a specific sequence such that a gradient is formed in the z direction upon curing or an interleaf with a compositional gradient within its structure such that a resin interpenetration gradient is achieved upon curing. Composite materials that contain multilayered nonwoven interleaves are useful, for example, in structures found in aircrafts, such as fuselage skins, stringers and frames. Also contemplated are methods of making the composite material and the structures and aircrafts that contain the composite material.

Abstract: A polyester or polyester copolymer based composition, such as a polylactic acid based composition, is provided herein. The polyester or polyester copolymer based composition may include a plasticizer, such as an ether based, an ester based, and/or an ether-ester based plasticizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber having starch and a high polymer, and a web employing such a fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are highly extensible bonded webs or multilayered sheets containing these. These products can be processed in a ring-roll process without damage. The bonded webs or multilayered sheets can be used, for example in the manufacture of diapers.

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

Abstract: An arrangement having a plurality of moistened cosmetic pads based on nonwovens which are piled into a closable packaging container in order to distribute to the final consumer and to prevent evaporation. The pads have, on average, a moisture content of at least 200% of the dry weight thereof in the arrangement, the pads have a fiber structure made of staple fibers, are individually moistened and have a homogeneous moisture content such that the difference of the average moisture content of the pads which are arranged in the upper and in the lower quarter of the stack is, at a maximum, 30% of the average moisture content of all of the pads.

Abstract: There is provided a nonwoven fabric laminate that is capable of being disinfection-treated with e.g., electron beam and is excellent in tensile strength, barrier properties, low-temperature sealability, and softness. The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric laminate obtained by laminating a spunbonded nonwoven fabric on at least one surface of a melt-blown nonwoven fabric (A), the melt-blown nonwoven fabric (A) including fibers of an ethylene-based polymer resin composition of an ethylene-based polymer (a) and an ethylene-based polymer wax (b), the spunbonded nonwoven fabric including a conjugate fiber formed from a polyester (x) and an ethylene-based polymer (y) such that at least part of the fiber surface is the ethylene-based polymer (y).

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

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric composite containing coir fibers and a method for producing such composites. The non-woven fabric composite is comprised of coir fibers, which are large diameter, lignin-rich fibers, with a high viscous flow temperature and a high degradation temperature combined with fibers made of a thermoplastic polymer with a lower viscous flow temperature such as polypropylene (“PP”), polyethylene (“PE”), polylactic acid (“PLA”), and polyester (“PET”) or mixtures thereof. A hot-pressed non-woven fabric composite material prepared from the non-woven fabric composite.

Abstract: A splittable conjugate fiber comprising a polyester segment and a polyolefin segment, wherein the splittable conjugate fiber comprises two or more parts of the polyester segment extending from a center of the fiber toward an outer edge of the fiber in a cross-sectional configuration perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, in which at least one of the two or more parts of the polyester segment extending from the center of the fiber toward the outer edge of the fiber is exposed at the outer edge of the fiber and at least one of the two or more parts of the polyester segment extending from the center of the fiber toward the outer edge of the fiber is unexposed at the outer edge of the fiber.

Abstract: To produce a nonwoven fabric comprising a conjugated fiber comprising a plurality of resins which are different in thermal shrinkage and form a phase separation structure. In the nonwoven fabric, the conjugated fibers are arranged in a direction approximately parallel to a surface direction of the nonwoven fabric and crimped. In addition, the conjugated fibers have an average curvature radius of fiber crimp of 20 to 200 ?m and the crimps are distributed approximately uniformly in a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric is substantially free from an adhesive agent. In the nonwoven fabric, each fiber is substantially not melt-bonded to another. The conjugated fiber may comprise a polyalkylene arylate-series resin and a modified polyalkylene arylate-series resin and have a side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core form.

Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides high strength nonwoven wipe materials and the process of making the materials. The high strength nonwoven wipe materials contain cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof, with bicomponent fibers and optionally, a binder. The present invention provides a high strength, high elongation, reduced stiffness nonwoven wipe material with superior tensile strength.

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

Abstract: A non-woven fabric laminate that is excellent in strechability, flexibility, and bulkiness, and that is less sticky and is suitable for a mechanical fastening female material. The non-woven fabric laminate includes 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 includes a continuous fiber of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) in the range of 10 to 90% by weight and a continuous 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: The present invention provides an aggregate of nanofibers having less spread of single fiber fineness values that can be used in wide applications without limitation to the shape and the kind of the polymer, and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention is an aggregate of nanofibers made of a thermoplastic polymer having single fiber fineness by number average in a range from 1×10?7 to 2×10?4 dtex and single fibers of 60% or more in fineness ratio have single fiber fineness in a range from 1×10?7 to 2×10?4 dtex.

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

Abstract: A leather-like sheet composed of a microfine-fiber entangled body made of bundles of microfine fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The bundles of microfine fibers are composed of microfine monofibers having an average cross-sectional area of 0.1 to 30 ?m2 and have an average cross-sectional area of 40 to 400 ?m2. The bundles of microfine fibers exist in a density of 600 to 4000/mm2 on a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the microfine-fiber entangled body. The elastic polymer contains 30 to 100% by mass of a polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is composed of a soft component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than ?5° C., a crosslinkable component, and optionally a hard component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of higher than 50° C. and another component. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is bonded to the microfine fibers in the bundles of microfine fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is provided having a plurality of semi-crystalline filaments that are thermally bonded to each other and are formed of the same polymer and exhibit substantially the same melting temperature. The fabric is produced by melt spinning an amorphous crystallizable polymer to form two components having different levels of crystallinity. During spinning, a first component of the polymer is exposed to conditions that result in stress-induced crystallization such that the first polymer component is in a semi-crystalline state and serves as the matrix or strength component of the fabric. The second polymer component is not subjected to stress induced crystallization and thus remains in a substantially amorphous state which bonds well at relatively low temperatures. In a bonding step, the fabric is heated to soften and fuse the binder component. Under these conditions, the binder component undergoes thermal crystallization so that in the final product, both polymer components are semi-crystalline.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

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

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

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a running and hiking shoe includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, snowboard boots, cross country, hiking boots, protective gear and helmets, along with appropriate variations for each application.

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

Abstract: A non-woven fabric composite containing coir fibers and a method for producing such composites. The non-woven fabric composite is comprised of coir fibers, which are large diameter, lignin-rich fibers, with a high viscous flow temperature and a high degradation temperature combined with fibers made of a thermoplastic polymer with a lower viscous flow temperature such as polypropylene (“PP”), polyethylene (“PE”), polylactic acid (“PLA”), and polyester (“PET”) or mixtures thereof. A hot-pressed non-woven fabric composite material prepared from the non-woven fabric composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides bicomponent fibers, a method of producing bicomponent fibers, nonwoven materials comprising one or more such bicomponent fibers, and a method for making such nonwoven materials. The bicomponent fibers according to the present invention comprise (a) a first component comprising a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide; and (b) a second component comprising a polyethylene composition comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and less than 20 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein the polyethylene composition has a density in the range of from 0.945 to 0. 965 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 1.70 to 3.5, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.2 to 150 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of from less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation in the range of from less than 0.