Abstract: Range-dyed fabrics that possess excellent hand characteristics and simultaneously exhibit substantially nondirectional appearances are provided. Such a combination permits the production and utilization of an extremely comfortable apparel fabric that can be attached to any other similar type of fabric to form a target apparel article without the time-consuming need to align such component fabrics to ensure an overall aesthetic appearance is met for the target apparel article. In general, such a fabric is produced through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or sueding of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure produces a fabric of short pile height and desirable hand. Upon range-dyeing the target fabric exhibits the extra benefit of nondirectional surface characteristics.

Abstract: The invention discloses a textile laminate (1, 400, 450) with a first layer (5) comprising a waterproof and preferably breathable functional layer (10, 20) and a second layer (30) comprising at least a first component and a second component. The first component is stable to a first temperature and the second component melts at a lower second temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the first component is polyester and the second component may be a thermoplastic such as copolyester, polyamide, copolyamide or polyethylene. The textile laminate (1) is particularly advantageous when two of such laminates (1, 400, 450) have to be joined or fused together. In this case a waterproof seam is created at the seam (500) between the two laminates (1, 400, 500).

Abstract: An abrasive sheet for texturing of magnetic recording media which comprises an entangled ultrafine fiber nonwoven fabric made of three-dimensionally entangled ultrafine fiber bundles composed of ultrafine fibers (A) and a high-molecular elastomer occurring in a porous state in spaces among the entangled ultrafine fibers, with the high-molecular elastomer occurring therein without substantially confining most of the ultrafine fiber bundles and which is characterized in that there is a nap consisting of ultrafine fibers (B) having a fineness of not more than 0.03 dtex on at least one side of that sheet is excellent in precision and stability in processing.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a self-sustaining pre-bonded web formed by carding together first relatively thin monocomponent fibers, second relatively thicker monocomponent fibers, and 1-5% bicomponent fibers with the low softening point component thereof bonding together the first, second and bicomponent fibers to form the self-sustaining web. Six to ten percent by weight of cured latex particles are disposed within the fabric and smeared on the outer surfaces of the fabric, the particles being cured in situ to provide enhanced tensile strength to the fabric.

Abstract: A meltblown fiber comprising at least 20% by weight polyester selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.55 dl/g and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.80 dl/g is provided. The meltblown fibers are collected as a web that can be incorporated into composite sheet structures.

Abstract: A polypropylene fibre including at least 80% by weight of a first isotactic polypropylene produced by a metallocene catalyst, and from 5 to 20 by weight of a second isotactic polypropylene produced by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: Spunbond multicomponent filaments and nonwoven webs made from the filaments are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the multicomponent filaments contain a crimp enhancement additive. Specifically, the crimp enhancement additive is added to the polymeric component that has the slower solidification rate. The additive enhances crimp, allows for highly crimped filaments to be made at low fiber linear densities, improves the integrity of unbonded webs made from the filaments, and produces webs with improved stretch and cloth-like properties. The additive incorporated into the filaments is a random copolymer of butylene and propylene.

Abstract: A method of forming 3-dimensional fibers is disclosed along with a web formed from such fibers. The method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2. The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous molten fibers. The molten fibers are then routed through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The cooled fibers are then routed through a draw unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. The solid fibers are then accumulated and stretched by at least about 50 percent. The plurality of stretched fibers are then cut and allowed to relax such that a plurality of 3-dimensional, coiled fibers is formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven fabric made from a nylon and polyethylene blend. The addition of polyethylene enhances specific properties such as softness, lower production cost, improved process capabilities, and ease of further downstream processing such as bonding to other fabrics or itself.

Abstract: A process for drying/heat-treating nonwoven webs in which the web is partially dried under tension in a first drying zone and further heat treated under low tension or in a substantially tensionless state a second drying zone. The process significantly reduces the occurrence of stretch-type defects in the nonwoven webs.

Abstract: Bicomponent spunbond filaments and non-woven webs made from the filaments are disclosed. The spunbond filaments include a core polymer and a sheath polymer. Both the core polymer and the sheath polymer are made primarily from polypropylene polymers. For instance, the sheath polymer can be a randomized copolymer of polypropylene and ethylene. The ethylene can be present in the sheath polymer in an amount of less than about 2% by weight. The core polymer, on the other hand, can be a polypropylene polymer having a melting temperature than the sheath polymer.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs in accordance with the present invention include multicomponent fibers bonded by a multiplicity of bond sites to form a coherent web. The multicomponent fibers include a first component formed of a hydrophobic polypropylene and a second component formed of a blend of a hydrophobic polyolefin and a hydrophilic melt additive. This second component is disposed at the surface of the fibers. The hydrophilic melt additive-modified polyolefin component can be arranged in various configurations in the cross-section of the fiber and the fibers can have various cross sections. For example, the hydrophilic component can occupy a portion of the surface of the fiber, as would occur for example with a side-by-side or segmented pie multicomponent fiber configuration. Alternatively, the modified hydrophilic polyolefin can occupy substantially the entire surface of fiber, as for example by producing the fibers in a sheath core configuration with the hydrophilic modified component forming the sheath.

Abstract: A moldable batt is disclosed that comprises a fire-retardant cellulose, a fiber component, and a binder component. In one version of the invention, the fiber and binder components are provided as a conjugate fiber material. The batt is compressed and heated to form panels or other products that are particularly useful in the office furniture industry.

Abstract: An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining splittable bicomponent thermoplastic filaments with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers extending the length of the filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the bicomponent filaments are caused to split lengthwise along boundaries between the regions of different polymers, resulting in a web or matrix of finer filaments which entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require durability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web material (10) comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The web material has properties desirable for use on machinery having conventional heat sealing stations (26). Also, disclosed is a nonwoven infusion web material comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The infusion web material has properties desirable for use in making infusion packages.

Abstract: Polyolefin fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (A) a polyolefin; and (B) at least one polyetheresteramide which contains aromatic diol-derived sections, exhibit excellent durable dyeability. The fabrics are useful in woven garments, carpeting, furniture and automobile upholstery, woven industrial fabrics, non-woven absorbents used in disposable diapers, non-woven garments including disposable medical garments, filter media, synthetic paper and the like.

Abstract: A base web is comprising a base web consisting of synthetic fibers, air-laid cellulose fibers or synthetic fibers or cellulose fibers mixed with synthetic fibers air-laid in form of fluff on the base web, and a structure obtained by hydroentangling the fluff on the base web. The weight of the web is between 80 and 2000 g/m2. The heavy-duty webs of the invention can advantageously be used for producing e.g. corrugated board and heat- and/or sound-insulating materials.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Making suitable nonwoven webs requires good adhesion between the binder and the absorbent material. The present invention relates to a nonwoven web having improved adhesion based on tackifiers present in the binder. Optionally, the binder with tackifier may also contain an adhesion promoter, usually grafted polyolefins, and an enhancement agent, usually inactive inorganic compounds in powder form. The web comprises from about 5 to about 25% by weight binder fiber and from about 75 to 95% by weight absorbent. The absorbent may be a natural absorbent or a super absorbent polymer or a combination of these. The binder fiber contains less than about 40% by weight tackifier. Tackifier is selected form the class of rosin, rosin esters, terpene based, piperylene based, and hydrocarbon based compounds.

Abstract: A loop material of a hook-and-loop fastener, comprised of a nonwoven base and a number of loops which are formed at least on one plane side of the nonwoven base. The nonwoven base is formed by accumulating a number of filaments or fibers. An antislipping agent is deposited at least on the surface of the loops, thereby the surface of the loops become uneven. Or, by deformation on the surface of the loops due to thermal plasticity, the surface of the loops become uneven. Due to this unevenness, projections of the hook material are difficult to get out of the loops and a hook-and-loop fastener having high joining strength is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable multicomponent fiber containing at least two polymer components arranged in distinct non-occlusive segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber, and wherein at least one of the polymer components comprises about 10 percent to about 95 percent by weight of filler material. The invention also provides split fibers, and fabrics containing the split fibers produced from the splittable multicomponent fiber, and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers and fabrics.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric useful as a topsheet is produced from polypropylene filaments including a high level of reclaimed polypropylene, while maintaining a product quality, including superior formation, comparable to that obtained when using 100 percent virgin polymer. The spunbond nonwoven fabric is made with multicomponent filaments having at least two different polymer components occupying different areas within the filament cross section, and wherein one of the polymer components comprises reclaimed polypropylene recovered from previously spun polypropylene fiber or webs comprised of previously spun polypropylene fiber. In a specific embodiment, the filaments are sheath-core bicomponent filaments and the reclaimed polypropylene is present in the core component. The core of the bicomponent filament can be comprised of up to 100% reclaimed polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional printed surface which is achieved by screen printing the fabric with a puff pigment to create an inexpensive, textured fabric. The fabric is preferably printed with a puff pigment of contrasting color, when compared with the color of the base fabric, so that an aesthetically pleasing two-tone fabric is produced. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous multi-component fibers that are at least partially split along their length. The fabric may be manufactured into such end-use products as automotive interior fabric, apparel, drapery, cleaning cloths, upholstery, and office panels. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional printed surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a patterned nonwoven fabric, wherein the pattern comprises an arrangement of discrete regions that project outwardly from a median plane of the nonwoven fabric. The outwardly projecting pattern may be created on one or both sides of the fabric, although the pattern may project further on one side than the other. In one embodiment, the patterned nonwoven fabric further includes a second arrangement of discrete regions, these regions projecting inwardly toward the median plane of the nonwoven fabric. Again, the pattern of inwardly and outwardly projecting regions may occur on one or both sides of the nonwoven fabric. The patterned nonwoven may be used in a variety of applications, such as drapery, upholstery, apparel, and office panels, for example.

Abstract: Fibrous webs of bi-component fibers are made by extruding a polymer through one set of nozzles arranged in multiple rows, and another polymer through a second set of nozzles each of which surround a nozzle of the first set. In the design of having a nozzle inside a nozzle, contact between polymer pairs can be avoided inside a spinnerette, and bic-omponent fibers of unique properties can be produced. Polymer pairs can be grouped together which could not be co-extruded in traditional designs where laminar flow of layered molten masses of different polymers is rerquired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article comprising said polymer composition. Said molded article may be used packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates which is achieved by exposing the fabric to a deionized water wash, preferably, in-line with the nonwoven production process, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing, the need for an expensive and time consuming cleanroom laundering. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous filament fibers and may be manufactured into such end-use products as cleaning wipes and protective clothing for cleanrooms and surface coating operations, such as automotive paintrooms. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates which is achieved by exposing the fabric to a deionized water wash, preferably, in-line with the nonwoven production process, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing, the need for an expensive and time consuming cleanroom laundering. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous filament fibers and may be manufactured into such end-use products as cleaning wipes and protective clothing for cleanrooms and surface coating operations, such as automotive paintrooms. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web containing superfine microfibers. The web contains a blend of a first group of split microfibers which contains a first polymer component and a second group of split microfibers which contains a second polymer component, wherein at least one of the polymer components is hydrophilic. The invention additionally provides a meltblown fiber web having at least two groups of fibers, wherein each group of the fibers has a distinct cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the abrasion resistance of a spun-bonded nonwoven without substantially adversely affecting its hand or drape characteristics, by incorporating low melt binder fibers into the web during the laydown phase of the spun-bonded nonwoven production process. More specifically, improved abrasion resistance is achieved by intimately blending continuous binder fibers with the primary extruded fibers in a spun-bonded nonwoven web. Also encompassed within this invention is a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric having improved abrasion resistance and comprised of primary extruded fiber and low melt binder fiber such that the binder fiber comprises between about 1 and about 50 weight percent on weight of the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: An insulating material is constructed in weight percent from about 20-60% low melt bicomponent fiber, 10-40% high melt bicomponent fiber and 20-60% staple fiber. The material provides a unique combination of strength, acoustical insulating and even thermal insulating properties heretofore unavailable in the art.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric contains extra-fine fibers which contain linear bonded regions and/or dot-like bonded regions, and non-bonded regions on a surface of the extra-fine fibers. The bonded regions account for from 10 to 80% of a surface area of the nonwoven fabric. A distance between neighboring bonded regions is at most 20 mm. The nonwoven fabric has an excellent ability to wipe off dirt including oily stains and persistent stains, it well follows even three-dimensionally patterned faces of the articles to be wiped with it. Its feel and its washing resistance are good.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven fabrics formed of hollow filaments and/or hollow staple fibers and processes for producing the same. The hollow spunbonded filaments and hollow staple fibers are formed of a polypropylene composition. The resultant fabrics of the invention can be useful in numerous applications, such as components of medical garments and disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A multiple component spunbond nonwoven web is provided which is formed from continuous multiple component fibers which include a polyester component and a polyethylene component. The polyethylene component is a linear low density polyethylene composition which has a density, melt index, and polydispersity falling within specified ranges to provide an improved balance of spinning and spunbond fabric properties compared to similar spunbond fabrics which are formed from a linear low density polyethylene having a density and/or melt index and/or polydispersity falling outside the specified ranges. The spunbond fibers are preferably formed in a sheath-core configuration with the polyester component in the core and the linear low density polyethylene component in the sheath.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs of continuous filaments are provided having a mixture or blend of first and second continuous filaments wherein the first and second continuous filaments are different from the first continuous filaments in one or more respects such as size, cross-sectional shape, polymer composition, crimp level, wettability, liquid repellency, and charge retention. The second continuous filaments can be substantially surrounded by the first continuous filaments wherein the ratio of first continuous filaments to second continuous filaments exceeds about 2:1.

Abstract: This invention relates to specific, improved spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics comprised of continuous multi-component longitudinally splittable fibers. The resulting nonwoven fabrics exhibit enhanced flexibility, drape, softness, thickness, moisture absorption capacity, moisture vapor transmission rate, and cleanliness in comparison with other nonwovens of the same fiber construction. These improved aesthetic and performance characteristics permit expansion of high-strength nonwoven fabric materials into other markets and industries currently dominated by woven and knit fabrics that exhibit such properties themselves, but at high cost and requiring greater manufacturing complexity. Such enhanced fabrics are subjected to certain air impingement procedures, for instance through directing low-pressure gaseous fluids at high velocity to the surface of the targeted nonwoven fabric. Also encompassed within this invention is the method of treating such a specific nonwoven fabric with this air impingement procedure.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric comprised of conjugate yarns to an acidic treatment, which degrades a portion of one component of the conjugate yarns and to dyeing. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component results in a fabric has enhanced dyed appearance, especially when dyed a dark shade. In an alternate embodiment, the fabric may also be treated with a basic solution to improve its moisture transport properties.

Abstract: A chemically modified nonwoven textile article and method for producing the same is provided that exhibits pilling resistance, soil release, strength, and abrasion resistance properties, thus rendering the article less prone to the formation of objectionable pill balls, staining, or loss of strength, thereby increasing wearer comfort and retaining the desired appearance of the article, and thereby extending the useful life of the article. A composition of matter for chemically modifying a nonwoven textile article to achieve pilling resistance, soil release, strength, and abrasion resistance is also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric is provided which is composed of filaments of a polylactic acid based polymer. The polylactic acid based polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, copolymers of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid, copolymers of D-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, copolymers of L-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and copolymers of D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, which have melting points of not lower than 100° C., and blends of any of these polymers which have melting points of not lower than 100° C. The filaments of the polylactic acid based polymer have a birefringence of 10×10−3 to 25×10−3, a degree of crystallinity of 12 to 30 wt %, and a crystal size of not greater than 80 Å as measured axially of the filaments. The nonwoven fabric has a boiling water shrinkage percentage of not higher than 15%.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting the nonwoven fabric both to an acidic treatment and to a caustic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The caustic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only caustic solution may be employed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns absorbent articles. This invention concerns in particular an absorbent article comprising cellulose fibers (14) present at least partially in the form of granules. Furthermore, the present invention also concerns the use of cellulose fibers (14) present at least partially in the form of granules as a material in an absorbent article.

Abstract: A melt spinnable fiber is provided that comprises a first component comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second component comprising thermoplastic starch where the second component is not encompassed by another component or components or if encompassed by another component or components then the second component encompasses a hollow core. A particular use of such a fiber is for removal of the second component in the presence of a solvent in order to produce fibers with desired properties. An agent may be present in the second component for controlling the rate of removal of the second component thereby allowing for physical manipulation of the fiber prior to complete removal of the component. The invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the fibers.

Abstract: Adhesive materials and articles containing adhesive materials are disclosed. Adhesive articles include adhesive fibers, adhesive films, an adhesive layer of fibers, adhesive nonwoven webs, and articles containing one or more of the adhesive materials. Stretched adhesive materials are also disclosed. Methods of making and using the adhesive materials and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A staple fiber non-woven fabric is provided which comprises, as constituent fibers, first and second split staple fibers composed of first and second fiber formable polymers, respectively, and water-absorptive staple fibers. The first and second split staple fibers have a fineness of not greater than 0.5 denier per fiber. The first and second fiber formable polymers are different polymers selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, a polyester and a polyethylene which are incompatible with each other. The fiber split degree of the first and second split staple fibers is not lower than 85%. The constituent fibers are three-dimensionally entangled with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven fabric which is bulky caused by fiber-raised construction on the surface of a non-woven fabric includes adhering a non-woven web with its surface layer portion containing an easy-to-heat-melt component showing a property to be adhesive as heated to a smooth surface heated at the temperature for the easy-to-heat-melt component to show a property to be adhesive with the surface layer portion in contact with the smooth surface, and then raising the fibers of the non-woven web by peeling the non-woven fabric like web off the smooth surface so that a fiber-raised bulky state is generated, whereby a fiber-raised bulky structure is formed on the surface of the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining bicomponent thermoplastic filaments having adhesive properties with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers across a cross-section of individual filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the adhesive properties of the bicomponent filaments result in a web or matrix of filaments having improved ability to entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require stability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

Abstract: This invention is a spunbonded nonwoven material which is formed of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). This material may be a microfiber material which is 1 dpf or less in fiber diameter. This nonwoven material is unique in that it has a hydrostatic head of no more than 10 cm, preferably no more than 5 cm.

Abstract: A photoluminescent thermoplastic multi-component fiber comprising a pigmented component and processing enhanced luminescence and mechanical properties. Most suitably, the pigmented component comprises between 5% and 30% by weight of photoluminescent pigment and the pigmented component is between 20% and 50% by weight of the multi-component fiber. The multi-component fiber can be formed from either POY or FDY, and the multi-component fiber can have many different cross section shapes including sheath/core. These single component or multi-component fibers can be made into a variety of fabrics. Additionally, single component or multi-component fibers can also be formed into single or multi-component meltblown and spunbonded fabrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.