Abstract: A bonded web of multi-component strands that include a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component is capable of overcoming a number of problems associated with nonwoven webs including both stickiness and blocking. The first polymeric component and second polymeric components are arranged in substantially distinct zones extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the strands which make up the web with the second component containing a zone constituting at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the strand. Moreover, the first polymeric component has an elasticity which is greater than that of the second polymer component. A process producing elastomeric spunbonded nonwoven fabrics which utilizes air in attenuating and/or drawing of strands is also provided.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which comprise biodegradable fibers and fabrics made therefrom. The fibers are made from starch-based biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, which preferably include a an additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer blended with thermoplastic starch for improved chemical and physical properties. Threads or fibers for the manufacture of these articles are drawn in a process that improves their mechanical properties, particularly their strength. These threads or fibers can be used in the manufacture of articles that have open, semi-densely packed or densely packed structures.

Abstract: A laminated panel-type structure particularly suited for vehicle interior applications such as headliners and door panels has a multiple denier polyester fiber core and randomly oriented structural reinforcing fibers. The laminated structure has superior sound attenuation properties resulting from a core of intertwined polyester fibers of differing deniers, with preferably relatively larger denier fibers on exterior areas of the core and some bicomponent fibers, short non-woven reinforcing fiber strands which are randomly attached and intertwined with the core on opposing major sides of the core, an impervious polymer film with a low melt layer which retains the reinforcing fibers against one side of the core and is attached to a scrim layer, and a polymer web on an opposite side of the core which retains the reinforcing fiber strands on the opposing major side of the core and to which a cover stock is applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber containing remarkably high heat resistance and softness and fiber-processed products using the same. A fiber formed from a polypropylene serving as at least one raw material, wherein the polypropylene is confirmed with NMR spectrometry that an isotactic pentad fraction (mmmm) of 0.950-0.995, a syndiotactic pentad fraction (rrrr) of 0-0.004, different bonds due to 2,1-insertion reaction and 1,3-insertion reaction in an amount of 0-0.3 mol %, and absence of terminal double bonds, and has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 50,000-1,000,000, and has a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1.5-3.8; and fiber-processed products using the fiber.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs prepared from a blend of polymer and a migrating internal additive are heat treated only in selected regions to cause surface migration of the additive in those regions. The nonwoven webs have a desired property attributed to the additive in the selective regions. Regions surrounding the selected regions are not heat treated, and are either devoid of the desired property, or manifest the property to a lesser extent than in the heat treated regions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to fibers comprising; (A) from about 50 to 100 wt % (based on the combined weights of Components A and B) of at least one substantially random interpolymer having an I2 of from about 0.1 to about 1,000 g/10 min, a density greater than about 0.9300 g/cm3, and an Mw/Mn of about 1.5 to about 20; which comprises; (1) from about 0.5 to about 65 mol % of polymer units derived from; (i) at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer, or (ii) at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, or (iii) a combination of at least one aromatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer and at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, and (2) from about 35 to about 99.5 mol % of polymer units derived from ethylene and/or at least one C3-20 &agr;-olefin; and (B) from 0 to about 50% by weight (based on the combined weights of Components A and B) of at least one tackifier.

Abstract: A water-retentive sheath manufactured from a cellulose based fiber of high water-retentivity. The cellulose based fiber of high water rententivity includes a component of a non-cellulose based material of high absorbency uniformly contained in a cellulose fiber and a single component of cellulose; and these two components are attached together side by side. The cellulose fiber can be viscose rayon and the non-cellulose based material of high absorbency can be polyacrylate salt.

Abstract: A laminated nonwoven fabric having a good texture, providing no rough touch, and having a high strength and a large delamination strength are provided. A nonwoven fabric of a multi-layer structure comprises (a) a composite spun bonded nonwoven fabric composed of a low melting point resin component and a high melting point resin component and (b) a composite melt blown extra-fine-fiber nonwoven fabric having a fiber diameter of 10 &mgr;m or less and being composed of a low melting point resin and a high melting point resin; both of the nonwoven fabrics are laminated, and the fibers in each of the nonwoven fabrics and both of the nonwoven fabrics are thermally fused. A method of manufacturing a nonwoven fabric having a multi-layer structure comprises laminating each of the nonwoven fabrics in a multi-layer structure and heating the laminate at a temperature higher than the thermal fusion temperature to cause thermal fusion of the both layers.

Abstract: A batt, which may be used for a mattress, a seat cushion or a ground pad for a sleeping bag, is compressed so that it has reduced false loft and reduced false support, and is therefore more durable for consumer use. The batt is compressed so that, when subjected to use for an average life cycle (usually six years), it has a thickness reduction of less than 15% and a reduction of load-at-half-height of less than 40%.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable barrier membrane for guided tissue regeneration which is useful for regeneration of animal tissues, including those of humans, the absorbable barrier membrane being superior in heat stability, processability, reproducibility, storage stability, bioabsorbablity, and tissue regeneration effects, and further provides a method for regeneration, using the absorbable barrier membrane, of a mandible, periodontal tissue, or defective tubulous bone, and particularly a defective tubulous bone which possesses a segmental bone defect in which both ends of the bone are in separate segments. The above objects are attained by an absorbable barrier membrane for use in guided tissue generation, comprising a lactic copolyester in which a polymerization catalyst is deactivated, as an essential component.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with the present invention a lofty filter medium for filtering fluid-borne particles, which comprises a nonwoven fiber web of crimped fibers selected from the group consisting of spunbond fibers and staple fibers, wherein the filter medium has a density between about 0.005 g/cm3 and about 0.1 g/cm3. The lofty filter medium is highly suitable for fluid-borne particle filtration applications, such as filtration media for transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, swimming pool water, coolant oil or cutting fluid for metalworking, metal forming and metal rolling, air-borne particle filtration and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrous acoustical material for reducing noise transmission. This fibrous acoustical material comprises first, second and third fibers. The first fiber has a first fineness of 1.5-20 deniers and a first softening point. The second fiber has a second fineness of 1.5-15 deniers. At least a surface of the second fiber has a second softening point which is at least 30.degree. C. lower than the first softening point. The third fiber has a third fineness of 1.5-15 deniers. At least a surface of the third fiber has a third softening point which is lower than the second softening point and at least 80.degree. C. lower than the first softening point. The first, second and third fibers are respectively in amounts of 10-90 wt %, 5-85 wt % and 5-85 wt %, based on a total weight of the first, second and third fibers. The first, second and third fibers are each within a range of from 20 to 100 mm in average fiber length. The fibrous acoustical material has an average apparent density of from 0.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried and thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of polymeric staple fibers, a first binder fiber consisting, at least in part, of a first thermoplastic binder material which melts at a first melting temperature less than and a second binder fiber consisting, at least in part, of a second polymeric material which has second melting temperature which is higher than the first melting temperature. The first polymeric material is selected to have a first melting temperature less than the temperature to which the first material will be subjected in the papermaking machine. The melted first polymeric material gives the web strength on the papermaking machine. The second polymeric material is selected to have a second melting temperature less than the temperature to which the second material will be subjected in the calendar rolls.

Abstract: A wet paper friction material, mainly used for a slip lock-up of an automatic transmission, obtained by impregnating a paper material with a thermosetting resin, thermosetting, and molding under pressure, to attain compatibility between a good frictional characteristic and good fatigue strength under compression, wherein the paper material, in addition to a cellulose pulp and a filler, contains 30 to 80 wt % of aramid pulp with its drainability being adjusted to 250 to 440 ml in a total amount of pulp, and further contains, as a friction modifier, diatomaceous earth cylindrically formed so as to be net-like in the cylinder part and having its mean length 4 to 6 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoformable ion-sensitive compositions having improved processability. In addition, the present invention is directed to a process of making water-dispersible fibers, films and fabrics, which maintain their structural integrity and strength when in use, but dissolve and disperse when placed in contact with large amounts of water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products such as personal care products, diapers, incontinence devices, release liners, feminine napkins, product packaging, etc., which contain fibers, films and fabrics formed from the water-sensitive compositions.

Abstract: There is provided pressure-sensitive adhesive coated breathable nonwoven tape backing substrate where the nonwoven tape backing comprises a fibrous nonwoven web formed in part by multicomponent fibers having an adhesive component region. The multicomponent fibers are distributed throughout the width dimension of the nonwoven tape backing such that adhesive component region is exposed on both outer faces of the nonwoven tape backing. The adhesive component region is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive region formed by hot melt coextrusion of at least two components to form the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: An outdoor protective fabric is disclosed having (i) a UV stable outer nonwoven web of multicomponent sheath/core fibers having a polyethylene polymer sheath component and a polypropylene polymer core component; (ii) a breathable barrier layer such as a meltblown web or microporous film; and (iii) an interior nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers comprising a polyethyfene polymer component and a nylon component.

Abstract: A filament non-woven fabric comprising thermoplastic conjugated filaments comprising at least one low melting point resin or low softening point resin selected from the group consisting of olefin binary copolymer or olefin terpolymer as the first component and crystalline thermoplastic resin as the second component. The thermoplastic conjugated filament contains inorganic powder in at least the first component, wherein the content of the inorganic powder is 500 to 50000 weight ppm with respect to the fibers. The present invention can provide a filament non-woven fabric that is excellent in the high adhesive property, low temperature adhesive property, hand feeling such as softness or touch etc., and uniformity. Furthermore, operating efficiency such as the spinning property is good. Absorbent articles can be produced using the above mentioned filament non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet filter medium having autogenously bonded uncrimped conjugate fibers which contain a polyolefin and another thermoplastic polymer that have different melting points. The filter medium has a density between about 0.07 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.2 g/cm.sup.3. The invention additionally provides a three-dimensionally thermoformed filter medium that has a density between about 0.07 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.5 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibers and products produced therefrom, including nonwoven webs and adhesive articles. The fibers, which can be multilayer fibers, include a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising an acrylate copolymer comprising copolymerized monomers comprising at least one monofunctional alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer and at least one monofunctional free-radically copolymerizable reinforcing monomer having a homopolymer glass transition temperature higher than that of the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer.

Abstract: Undrawn, tough, durably melt-bondable, macrodenier, thermoplastic, multicomponent filaments, such as sheath-core and side-by-side filaments, comprising a first plastic component and a second lower-melting component defining all or at least part of the material-air boundary of the filaments. The filaments can be made by melt-extruding thermoplastics to form hot filaments, cooling and solidifying the hot filaments, and recovering the solidified filaments without any substantial tension being placed thereon. Aggregations of the filaments can be made in the form of floor matting and abrasive articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monofilament made from a blend of a polyester having a polyhydric alcohol of 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol, a polyamide, and a polyolefin. This blend is useful as an article of paper making machine clothing when the blend is in the form of a fiber structure. Particularly, this blend is useful in spiral fabrics having good dry-heat strength and hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: A composite elastic material comprises a non-woven fabric secured to an elastic member. The non-woven fabric is elastically stretchable by about 100% or more. The sheet-like elastic member has an elastic recovery of about 60% or more and a break-down elasticity of about 200% or more. The elastic member and the non-woven fabric are secured together at a plurality of points in the stretchable direction of the non-woven fabric. The composite elastic material has multiple-stage elongation characteristics including a first stress lowering point caused by changes in the structure of the non-woven fabric, and a second stress lowering point occurring at an elongation larger than that of the first stress lowering point, caused by the fracturing of the sheet-like elastic member. The elastic material clearly shows a break-down point when stretched, and increases the flexibility of designing various products.

Abstract: A composition having repellency to low surface tension fluids comprising a material prepared by forming a mixture of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyacrylate, and blends and copolymers thereof, and a fluorochemical compound comprising a fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon ester of the formulae:R.sub.f --O--C(O)--R.sub.1 or R.sub.f --C(O)--O--R.sub.1whereinRf is selected from the group consisting of:1) F(CF.sub.2).sub.x --(CH.sub.2).sub.m wherein x is from about 4 to about 20 and m is from about 0 to about 6; and2) F(CF.sub.2).sub.x --SO.sub.2 N(R.sub.2)--R.sub.3 where x is a positive integer from about 4 to about 20, R.sub.2 is an alkyl radical of from about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is an alkylene radical of from about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; andR.sub.1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from about 12 to about 76 carbon atoms; andprovided that said fluorochemical compound is other than perfluoroalkylethyl stearate; andmelt extruding the mixture.

Abstract: Fibrous webs of bicomponent fibers are made by extruding a layered molten mass through a row of side-by-side orifices into a high-velocity gaseous stream. Bicomponent fibers of small size can be obtained, and the webs offer unique properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wiping sheet composed of two pieces of spunlace nonwoven fabrics containing heat-shrinkable fiber which are fusion-bonded together with fusion-bonding lines which extend in the cross direction perpendicular to the machine direction. The fusion-bonding lines are formed such that their pitch in the machine direction is shorter than one half of the fiber length so that each fusion-bonding line intersects a single fiber at 3 or more points. This structure prevents surface fluffing and imparts a high surface frictional strength and a high bending resistance for comfortable wiping work.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven fabric of stretched filaments of different kind polymers, having a strength equal to that of a woven fabric and features including an elongation, a uniformity, good feeling, a bulkiness and a thinness, characterized in that the nonwoven fabric is provided with stretched filament webs comprising long filaments formed out of a plural kinds of thermoplastic polymers of different properties, the long filaments as a whole being aligned in one direction, and a method for manufacturing the same. The invention provides also a nonwoven fabric of stretched filaments having a high strength as well as a high bulkiness and comprising different kind polymers which is provided with a first web layer of crimped filaments and a second web layer of substantially non-crimped, stretched long filaments, and a method for manufacturing the same.

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: The invention relates to drylaid nonwoven materials comprising bicomponent fibres comprising a low melting polyolefin component and a high melting polyolefin component, the low melting polyolefin component constituting at least a part of the surface of the fibre and comprising a non-grafted polyolefin component and a grafted polyolefin component, wherein the grafted polyolefin component has been grafted with an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof, e.g. with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. The bicomponent fibres fibres have an excellent bonding affinity for natural fibres such as cellulose pulp fibres and allow the production of airlaid nonwovens with reduced generation of dust during the production process and with improved nonwoven strength properties.

Abstract: A thermoformable sheet material as made by use of homogeneously dispersed bicomponent fibers of polyester (12, 12A) and lower melting co-polyester (14, 14A) that are formed as a felt, heated to melt the lower melting component and resolidification of the melted fibers as blobs locking in cross over points of the polyester fibers and deifying and strengthening the felt as a whole into an enhanced thermoformable materials, with adhesives optionally applied to one or both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a wiper comprising a first web of fibers of at most 50 microns in diameter wherein said web has been bonded using a point unbonded pattern having a bond area between about 25 and 50 percent. The wiper can be made from thermoplastic polymer nonwoven fibers made by the meltblowing, spunbonding, carding and bonding, or airlaying processes. The wiper may be a laminate of various thermoplastic layers joined with the point unbonded pattern and may be a coform web of thermoplastic polymer and pulp or other material.

Abstract: An extruded polyester fiber comprising aromatic ester units of at least terephthalate and 2,6-naphthalate where the 2,6-naphthalate units comprise about 10 mole percent to about 90 mole percent of the total aromatic ester units in the polyester.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component will permit bonding of the fibers to themselves and other types of fibers and wherein the same first component is also degradable in an aqueous medium. Such fibers can be used to form fibrous nonwoven webs which can be used as components in such end-use products as medical and health care related items, wipes and personal care absorbent articles.

Abstract: A 3-dimension thermoformed bicomponent fiber nonwoven material comprising a lofty bicomponent material layer forming a plurality of peaks separated from one another by channels and having a basis weight in the range of about 0.5 to 7.0 ounces per square yard. The bicomponent material layer comprises a structural component and a heat activatable adhesive component suitable for thermoforming. Also disclosed are various configurations of this material suitable for use in absorbent personal care articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, incontinent-care pads and the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypropylene fiber which is suitable for hot rolling and which is used for producing a non-woven fabric having high tenacity and good feel by heat rolling within a wide range of processing temperatures.A polypropylene fiber contains boiling n-heptane extract in the amount of 1.5 to 5 percent by weight after extraction with boiling n-hexane, and the extract has a melting point peak of 140.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly smooth fiber comprising a fiber produced from a thermoplastic resin on which a mixed composition is deposited in an amount of 0.1 to 2.0 percent by weight of said fiber, said mixed composition comprising 50 to 85 percent by weight of a composition (A) consisting of an alkyl phosphate salt having an average number of carbon atoms of 6 to 14 and/or an alkyl phosphate salt having an average number of carbon atoms of 10 to 22 to which a polyoxyalkylene group is added; and 15 to 50 percent by weight of a composition (B) consisting of a polyoxyalkylene modified silicone containing amide group.The present present invention also relates to a fabric or formed articles produced from such a highly smooth fiber.

Abstract: A nonwoven lap of very fine continuous filaments, crimped or not, obtained by means of a controlled direct spinning process, with a weight between 5 g/m.sup.2 and 600 g/m.sup.2, and formed, after napping, of composite filaments separable in the direction of their length, characterized in that said composite filaments have a filament number between 0.3 dTex and 10 dTex and are formed, each, of at least three elementary filaments of at least two different materials and comprising between them at least one plane of separation or cleavage, each elementary filament having a filament number between 0.005 dTex and 2 dTex, the ratio between the cross-sectional area of each elementary filament and the total cross-sectional area of the unitary filament being between 0.5% and 90%.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to split fibers and improved means and methods for obtaining them as well as their use in nonwovens and incorporation into personal care and other products. Multicomponent filaments are formed including at least two incompatible components. These filaments are drawn under hot aqueous, for example, steam, conditions causing them to split into fibers containing the incompatible components. These fibers are collected as a fine fiber nonwoven which finds utility as a component of sanitary napkins, diapers and other products.

Abstract: An improved wet-laid nonwoven fabric for a battery separator wherein 20 to 95% by weight of thermoplastic staple fibers having a single fiber diameter of 20 .mu.rm, or less are three-dimensionally entangled with hot-melt fibers having a melting point lower by 20.degree. C. than that of the thermoplastic staple fibers so that a mean fiber entangling point interval is 300 .mu.m or less, wherein at least part of the hot-melt fibers are fused to bond the fibers with each other to fix the nonwoven structure. The nonwoven fabric has a basis weight in a range from 10 to 350 g/m.sup.2, a thickness in a range from 30 to 1000 .mu.m and an apparent density in a range from 0.26 to 0.7 g/cm.sup.3, and is excellent in uniformity and mechanical strength. The wet-laid nonwoven fabric is particularly excellent in air permeability, liquid holding capability, liquid retention capability and liquid absorption rate and satisfies the requirement for a battery separator.

Abstract: An anisotropic elastic web, particularly an anisotropic elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction and having a thickness of from 20 to 300 microns formed of an extruded blend of a block copolymer elastomer portion and a polyolefin polymer portion blended in a ratio of from 10:1 to 0.4:1, respectively. The elastomer portion generally is a block copolymer elastomer formed of A blocks and B blocks, the A blocks are formed predominately of monoalkenyl arene and the B blocks are formed predominately of conjugated diene. The polyolefin portion is comprised predominately of an inelastic fiber forming polyolefin polymer, copolymer or blend. The anisotropic film layer has a F10 force Ratio (MD to CD) of at least 1.5. This anisotropic elastic web is usable in a variety of garment applications where an elastic is supplied in roll form and requires strength in a machine direction and elastic properties in a cross direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new nonwoven material which has very high Frazier permeability while having substantial hydrostatic head liquid barrier properties. The material is comprised of fibers which are approximately one denier and finer fibers which have sufficient strength properties so as not to need a support scrim. The fabric is quite comfortable because of its breathability, quite soft because of its construction, and protective from liquids from rain to hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to melt-spun monofilaments of polyamide, polyester or polypropylene as filament-forming polymers with improved abrasion resistance and their use for producing technical materials or use as wire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pattern-unbonded nonwoven fabric having continuous bonded areas defining a plurality of discrete unbonded areas, which is suitable for use as an improved loop fastening material for hook and loop fastening systems. The fibers or filaments within the discrete unbonded areas of the present invention are dimensionally stabilized by the continuous bonded areas that encircle or surround each unbonded area. The spaces between fibers or filaments within the unbonded areas remain sufficiently open or large to receive and engage hook elements of a complementary hook material. The hook material can be any of a wide variety of commercially available hook components which, as is known in the art, typically include a base material from which a plurality of hook elements project.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet filter medium having autogenously bonded uncrimped conjugate fibers which contain a polyolefin and another thermoplastic polymer that have different melting points. The filter medium has a density between about 0.07 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.2 g/cm.sup.3. The invention additionally provides a three-dimensionally thermoformed filter medium that has a density between about 0.07 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.5 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven fabric of stretched filaments of different kind polymers, having a strength equal to that of a woven fabric and features including an elongation, a uniformity, good feeling, a bulkiness and a thinness, characterized in that the nonwoven fabric is provided with stretched filament webs comprising long filaments formed out of a plural kinds of thermoplastic polymers of different properties, the long filaments as a whole being aligned in one direction, and a method for manufacturing the same. The invention provides also a nonwoven fabric of stretched filaments having a high strength as well as a high bulkiness and comprising different kind polymers which is provided with a first web layer of crimped filaments and a second web layer of substantially non-crimped, stretched long filaments, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An improvement in the sealing of bonded batts of fiberfill is obtained by providing a barrier layer of bonded bicomponent binder fibers on one or both faces of the remainder of the batt to prevent or reduce the tendency of the fiberfill to leak through such faces.

Abstract: A novel ignition resistant or fire blocking composite is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of biregional fibers with a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, wherein each said biregional fiber comprises an inner region of a thermoplastic polymeric core and an outer region of a carbonaceous sheath, and wherein said biregional fibers are present in the composite in an amount of from 10 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite. In one embodiment, the multiplicity of biregional fibers are treated with up to 20% of a polymerizable silicone resin. In a further embodiment the thermoplastic or thermoset polymer is in the form of a sheet or panel and said multiplicity of biregional fibers are distributed throughout the polymeric matrix of the sheet or panel in an amount of from about 20 to 75%.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric characterized in that it contains:1) a fiber comprising a copolymer of propylene and ethylene; and2) a fiber comprising a polypropylene homopolymer is disclosed.

Abstract: A breathing mask fabric is provided which has between 50 and 95 weight percent of a through-air bonded, electret treated, nonwoven microfiber first web of fibers where the fibers have an average diameter of between about 10 and 25 microns and where the first web has a Frazier Permeability above about 100 CFM/SF, a density of between about 0.015 and 0.15 gms/cc, and a basis weight between about 67 gsm and about 340 gsm, and between about 5 and 50 weight percent of an electret treated microfiber second web of fibers where the fibers have an average diameter of less than about 10 microns.

Abstract: Degradable multilayer melt blown microfibers are provided. The fibers comprise (a) at least one layer of polyolefin resin and at least one layer of polycaprolactone resin, at least one of the polyolefin or polycaprolactone resins containing a transition metal salt; or (b) at least one layer of polyolefin resin containing a transition metal salt and at least one layer of a degradable resin or transition metal salt-free polyolefin resin. Also provided is a degradable web comprising the multilayer melt blown microfibers.