Abstract: A paper machine felt having at least one nonwoven layer made of plastic fibers, wherein there is present in the nonwoven layer or in at least one of the nonwoven layers a fiber combination in which a portion of the plastic fibers is made of a material A that has a water uptake of more than 10 wt % (saturation value, 23° C.) and in which the majority of the plastic fibers is made of a material B that has a water uptake of no more than 10 wt % (saturation value, 23° C.).

Abstract: Composite nonwoven material through which liquid can pass at a high speed and having an excellent resistance to rewetting and fluffing. The material comprises at least one first layer (2) of combed-type fibres and a second layer (3) of combed-type fibres, the fibres of the first layer having a denier greater than that of the fibres of the second layer, the layers being joined to one another by needling. Application to absorbent sanitary articles.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure adapted for use in the manufacture of a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The reinforcing structure includes a permeable transport web of staple fibers and a plurality of first reinforcing fibers attached to the permeable transport web. The portion of the first reinforcing fibers extending in a transverse direction comprises at least 40% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: To provide chargeable tow and a laminate thereof, which can be produced with no restriction by the production or processing method, and without troubles such as twining on a roll or single thread snapping caused by static electricity generated in the production steps. Tow, in which the value (D/W) obtained by dividing the total fineness of tow (D) by the tow width (W) is 1,000 to 8,000 dtex/mm, is produced by making a fiber-processing agent adhere thereto, preferably using a particular amount of the agent, wherein the agent has a particular structure and contains a polyoxyethylene higher fatty acid ester and a sorbitan fatty acid ester in a particular blending ratio.

Abstract: A soft, fibrous material having excellent abrasion resistance and superior softness is made by relatively highly consolidating and then incrementally stretching a nonwoven material. The finished material is a nonwoven web having a plurality of discrete, spaced apart relatively high basis weight regions which are at least partially surrounded by at least one relatively low basis weight region. In one embodiment the soft, fibrous material is made from a nonwoven web having a consolidation area of at least about 30%, and the material has a bending rigidity (which correlates to softness) in a machine direction axis of bending of less than about 0.018 gcm2/cm. In another embodiment, the soft, fibrous material is made from a nonwoven web having a consolidation area of at least about 30%, and the material has a fuzz removal value (which correlates to abrasion resistance) of less than about 0.30 mg/cm2.

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: The present invention is directed to a method of making a substantially continuous filament web which includes providing a plurality of polymer extruders for supplying polymer streams of at least two different polymer compositions, and providing a spinneret assembly for receiving the polymer streams. The spinneret assembly includes a plurality of orifices from which the polymer streams are extruded for formation of substantially continuous filaments formed from the polymer compositions. The distribution of at least one of the polymer compositions within the spinneret assembly is selected to optimize selected physical characteristics of the resultant continuous filament web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers arranged in structured domains. At least one of the polymer components is formed of a multipolymer blend. The present invention also provides nonwoven fabrics formed of the multicomponent fibers, the fabrics having a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. A second layer can be laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preform material for manufacturing a protective garment having a top material, in particular a firefighter's protective garment. The material is made of an insulating lining made up of an at least two-ply water-jet-consolidated nonwoven fabric having a weight per unit area of 80 g/m2 or lighter for each individual ply, a lining material having a weight per unit area of 120 g/m2 or lighter, that is quilted to the at least two-ply nonwoven fabric; and a semipermeable membrane, constituting a moisture barrier. After the at least two-ply water-jet-consolidated nonwoven fabric has been quilted to the lining material, the semipermeable membrane is laminated onto the outer side, facing away from the lining material, of the nonwoven fabric ply and has a weight per unit area of 20 to 30 g/m2.

Abstract: A flexible, recyclable and sewable nonwoven textile formed from first fibers having a high temperature polyester core and a low temperature thermoplastic sheath, and second thermoplastic fibers formed from a high temperature polyester. The nonwoven textile is formed by blending the first thermoplastic staple with the second thermoplastic staple, carding the blend into a web, cross lapping the fibers of the web into a mat, needling the mat, heating the mat to a temperature above the melt temperature of the low temperature thermoplastic thereby forming unions between the fibers.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastically stretchable first web and an inelastically stretchable second web of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber which is intermittently bonded to the first web in a y-direction. Component fiber of the second web has its cress-section cut in a direction orthogonal to the y-direction defined by a width w and a height h dimensioned to be at a ratio h/w less than 0.5. The composite sheet having such a structure improve its flexibility.

Abstract: A durable, low-density, high performance insulating material is suitable for use as a high temperature thermal and acoustic insulation. The insulation includes fiber batting made with non-thermoplastic fibers or blends of fibers such as aramid fibers and ceramic fibers, which are bound within at least some interstices by high temperature non-flammable thermoplastic binder such as polyphenylene sulfide. In addition, a fireblocking layer can be provided on at least one surface of the insulation to further improve fire ablation or flame retardance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge having an high filtering accuracy, a long filter life and a good liquid-passing property, in which an initial trapped particle diameter little changes, a pressure loss is small and neither bubbling nor falling of the filter material is observed.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is made from at least one non-woven sheet or web layer comprising at least 50% by weight acrylic fibers, with any balance substantially electrically non-conductive fibers, filler, and binder. The sheet or web is preferably made by the foam process, and may contain 60-80% straight polyacrylonitrile fibers and 40-20% fibrillated (pulp) ones. The web or sheet is preferably compressed by thermal calendering so that it has a density of about 0.1-1 grams per cubic centimeter; and the web or sheet may have a basis weight of between about 20-120 grams per square meter. The web or sheet may also have a 1-40% of substantially electrically non-conductive organic or inorganic binder, or may be substantially binder free.

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: An extrudable thermoplastic superabsorbent polymer blend composition is disclosed. The blend compositions are especially well suited for preparation of extruded or molded articles such as monolayer films, multilayer films, nonwoven webs, sheets, foams, profiles, multilayer laminates, fibers, tubes, rods or pipes which in turn are well suited for preparation of power and communication cables or disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, incontinence products, hospital gowns or bed pads.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: A self-lubricating liner includes poly(p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole), polytetrafluoroethylene, and a resin. The self-lubricating liner has superior strength and temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal conductivity, and low moisture regain.

Abstract: A process for forming a multiple component meltblown fiber comprising extruding a first distinct melt-processable polymer through a first extrusion orifice, simultaneously extruding a second distinct melt-processable polymer through a second extrusion orifice, fusing said first and second melt-processable polymers into an extruded composite filament after extrusion, and pneumatically attenuating said extruded composite filament with jets of high velocity gas so as to form said multiple component meltblown fiber.

Abstract: A voluminous non-woven fabric that has a textured yarn shot through it, at least in one preferential direction, where an endless filament and/or staple fiber non-woven fabric with a mass per unit area of 5 to 100 g/m2 has a textured multifilament yarn with a titer in the range of 10 to 400 dtex shot through it, and where the distance of the multifilament yarns from one another is 1 to 10/cm, and the mesh number is 0.5 to 8/cm, and the multifilament yarn threads are shrunk by 3 to 80%, using moist-thermal or wet-thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of making nonwoven fabrics, wherein the fabrics are formed from splittable filaments or staple length fibers having a plurality of sub-components which are at least partially separable. The filaments or fibers are at least partially separated into their sub-components attendant to hydroentanglement, which can be effected on a three-dimensional image transfer device. Improved physical properties, including improved tensile strength, elongation, and Taber Abrasion resistance are achieved.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate comprising a fine fiber nonwoven composite web which is a mixture of a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers such that the first and second fibers comprise polymers that are incompatible with each other. The fine fiber nonwoven composite web is bonded to a barrier layer such as a microporous film or a nonwoven web of meltblown fibers.

Abstract: A filtration fabric which is composed of 15.0 to 100.0% binder fiber, 0.0 to 85.0% pulp portion, 0.0% to 15.0% latex binder or other stiffening agent. A filter media made of the fabric has an improved flow rate averaging no more than 21 seconds, while maintaining an average sediment retention of 70% and minimum wet burst strength of about 40 psi to about 50 psi, preferably about 50 psi.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component comprised of an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material having different zones of tension across a width of a material roll and methods for making the same. At least two polymers or polymer blends having different set properties are used to produce varying tension zones across the material. The targeted elastic laminate material has elastic properties that provide improved fit characteristics to disposable personal care products, while maintaining a flat roll profile that allows the material to be easily processed at a high speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing fine denier multicomponent thermoplastic polymer filaments incorporating high melt-flow rate polymers. Multicomponent filaments are extruded such that the high melt-flow rate polymer component is substantially surrounded by one or more low melt-flow rate polymer components. The extruded multicomponent filament is then melt-attenuated with a significant drawing force to reduce the filament diameter and form continuous, fine denier filaments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a triboelectric air filter consisting essentially of a mixture of polypropylene fibers with polymethaphenylene isophatalamide fibers.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric made of filaments, which comprises filaments formed from a fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer and satisfies all of the following conditions (A) to (D).

Abstract: Fibers having a core surrounded by a non-elastic sheath whereas the core is elastic. Nonwoven comprising fibers of this kind. These fabrics are suitable for making nappies.

Abstract: A headliner made from a laminate comprising a core layer sandwiched between two stiffening layers to form an I-beam construction that provides the necessary strength for the headliner. The core layer is preferably a blend of nonwoven fibers including some fine denier fibers to provide improved sound absorption properties. The stiffening layers also comprise a blend of nonwoven fibers. Both the core layer and the stiffening layers include some binder fibers to bond together the various fibers within each layer and the layers to each other.

Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodisintegratable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The biodisintegratable nonwoven material demonstrates a higher contact angle hysteresis, quicker intake times, and improved skin dryness as compared to prior art nonwoven materials. In addition, these biodisintegratable nonwoven materials also exhibit high wetting rates, which is unexpected based upon the higher hysteresis values. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodisintegratable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodisintegratable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The biodisintegratable nonwoven material demonstrates a higher contact angle hysteresis, quicker intake times, and improved skin dryness as compared to prior art nonwoven materials. In addition, these biodisintegratable nonwoven materials also exhibit high wetting rates, which is unexpected based upon the higher hysteresis values. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodisintegratable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed.

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 polyethylene fiber having a high apparent Young's modulus, high breaking tensile strength and low breaking elongation. The fiber also exhibits residual percentage crimp suitable enough for carding, so that the cardability, which has been conventionally difficult to improve, can be remarkably increased. Further, the fiber can be formed into a non-woven fabric having a soft touch feeling such that the fabric is suitable for medical use as well as hygienic use. In addition, the polyethylene fiber of this invention can be mixed with other fibers such as cellulose fiber to obtain a high absorbent fiber network material.

Abstract: A process for producing a multi-layered non-woven fabric includes: (a) forming a plurality of non-woven fabric layers from a plurality of filament materials which are produced respectively from a plurality of spinning devices disposed along an advancing forming screen; (b) forming at least one of the filament materials as a composite filament material which includes at least two filament components having high and low melting points by means of one of the spinning devices; and (c) depositing the filament materials on the advancing forming screen one over the other to form a plurality of non-woven fabric layers. An apparatus to carry out the process, and a multi-layered non-woven fabric produced thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headliner assembly comprising a core layer having upper and lower surfaces and formed of loosely intertangled polyester fibers. An upper bi-component layer of densely intertangled polyester fibers is attached to the upper surface of the core layer by a web adhesive and a lower bi-component layer of densely intertangled polyester fibers is attached to the lower surface of the core layer by a web adhesive. An outer covering layer is attached to the upper bi-component layer for providing an aesthetically pleasing outer appearance to the headliner assembly. Alternatively, the bi-component layers may be attached to the core layer by intertangling fibers of the bi-component layer with fibers of the core layer adjacent each of the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A cloth for dry-cleaning surfaces in general, with the capacity to develop an electrostatic charge during use conferred by the non-woven fabric material of which it is composed, due to the presence of synthetic material fibers with different denier (yarn count).

Abstract: A method for making improved sealability polyolefin fibers comprising extruding a polyolefin (2) and at least one polyolefin copolymer (4) having a melting temperature less than that of the melting temperature of the polyolefin to form fibers (9) having outer surfaces wherein at least part of the outer surfaces is comprised of the low-melting polymer and which have high sealability properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric prepared from fibers which are not substantially fibrillated and have a diameter of less than 20 &mgr;m, by fusing a fiber web comprising fine fibers having a diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less, and adhesive fibers having a diameter ranging from 8 &mgr;m to less than 20 &mgr;m, wherein a maximum pore size in the nonwoven fabric is not more than twice the mean flow pore size of the nonwoven fabric is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite fabric product is produced which has a unique three dimensional conformation. The composite fabric product is made from at least two layers of fabric that are stitched together according to a pattern. After the layers are stitched together, the composite fabric undergoes a shrinking procedure in which one of the layers is shrunk more than at least one of the other layers causing the non-shrinking layer to form a three dimensional surface. This material can be made with a variety of fabrics and fills in order to optimize insulation, flexibility, cushioning and moisture management properties.

Abstract: A composite laminated sheet comprises a thermoplastic crystalline film and a non-woven fabric having a thermoplastic conjugated fiber comprising the low melting point component and the high melting point component, in which the difference in the melting point between the low melting point component and the high melting point component is not less than 10° C.; the difference in the melting point between the thermoplastic crystalline film and the low melting point component of the conjugated fiber is not more than 30° C.; and the temperature of the position corresponding to 10% of the area from the side of the melting starting point of the endothermic peak of an entire conjugated fiber evaluated by DSC is between the melting starting point and the melting completion point of the endothermic peak of the film evaluated by DSC.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating which comprises a cured, non-woven, fiber glass mat containing a polysiloxane wherein the fibers are fixedly distributed in a formaldehyde type binder containing a binder modifier which is a crosslinked styrene/acrylic polymer, and to a process for the preparation of the mat.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: A rocket motor assembly is insulated or thermally protected with a rocket motor ablative material formed from a prepreg. The prepreg contains at least an impregnating resin matrix and, as a precursor prior to carbonization, carded and spun staple cellulosic fibers. When patterned and carbonized, the rocket motor ablative material can be lined or otherwise placed into a rocket motor assembly, such as between the solid propellant and case, in the bulk area of the exit nozzle liner, or at susceptible portions of a re-entry vehicle, such as the nose cone.