Abstract: A fabric for moisture management which contains first fibers and second fibers. The first fibers have either circular cross-sections or multiply indentations along the longitudinal side of the fibers. The second fibers have multiply indentations along the longitudinal side of the fibers. The capillary action of the first fibers is induced by either the inter-fiber spaces alone (i.e., where the fibers have circular cross-sections) or a combination of both the inter-fiber spaces and the indentation spaces, which are formed due to indentations. The capillary action of the second fibers is induced by the combination of both the inter-fiber spaces and the indentations spaces, which are formed due to indentations. The capillary action of the second fibers is greater than that of the first fibers so that the moisture absorbed by the first fibers can be easily transferred to the second fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity higher than about 4.0 kN/gsm, softness higher than 8.0/J, pliability higher than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite nonwoven fabric with a superior combination of extensibility, tensile properties and abrasion resistance. The composite nonwoven fabric (10) comprises at least one layer containing multipolymer fibers, with a plurality of bonds bonding the fibers together to form a coherent extensible nonwoven web (11). This coherent extensible nonwoven web (11) has a Taber surface abrasion value (rubber wheel) of greater than 10 cycles and an elongation at peak load in at least one of the machine direction or the cross-machine direction of at least 70%. A second extensible layer (12) is laminated to this coherent extensible nonwoven web (11).

Abstract: A compound cloth comprises a first cloth sheet, a second cloth sheet, and an elastic base material sandwiched between said first cloth sheet and said second cloth sheet. The base material is formed of stacking multi-hollow fibers. The multi-hollow fibers are made of polymer, such as PET, which have been processed by thermal spray, needle punching and wind cooling.

Abstract: Carbon fiber sheet materials having improved dimensional stability and ease of handling are provided. The sheet materials include a carbon fiber network and an adhesive polymeric material adhered to at least one surface of the carbon fiber network. The invention further provides methods of making the carbon fiber sheet materials, as well as electrodes and electrical energy storage devices which include the carbon fiber sheet material as a component thereof.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for removing particulate matter from a surface comprises a substrate comprising a first fibrous web comprising carded staple fibers and a reinforcing fibrous web comprising fibers selected from the group consisting of thermal bonded fibers, meltblown fibers, hydroentangled fibers, and spunbonded fibers. The first fibrous web is hydroentangled with the reinforcing fibrous web to form the substrate. The resulting cleaning sheet has a CD elongation of less than about 100% at a load of 500 grams. The cleaning sheet is preferably free of a scrim material and can further comprise an optional additive material. A method of removing particulate matter from a surface comprises contacting the surface with a cleaning sheet of the present invention.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for removing particulate matter from a surface comprises a substrate comprising first fibers and second fibers having different denier to improve caliper of the cleaning sheet. The first and second fibers will typically have a denier of from about 0.5 to about 15, wherein the difference in denier between the first fibers and the second fibers is at least about 0.5. The cleaning sheet is preferably free of a scrim material and can further comprise an optional additive material. A method of removing particulate matter from a surface comprises contacting the surface with a cleaning sheet of the present invention.

Abstract: An under carpet heat shield/floor pan insulator is provided for a vehicle. The shield/insulator includes an acoustical and thermal insulating layer of polymer fiber that shows no signs of any thickness increase, delamination, deterioration or any undesirable effect which may affect performance for at least 330 hours when maintained at a temperature of at least approximately 150° C. The shield/insulator may include a relatively high density, nonlaminate skin of polymer fiber and/or one or more facing layers constructed from polymer material.

Abstract: A filter media having a high dust holding capacity and increased stiffness is provided. The filter media includes a middle filtering layer formed from at least one meltblown layer and having a dust entering side and a dust exiting side. A first outer layer is disposed on the dust entering side of the filter media and is formed from a meltblown polymer fiber web, and a second outer supporting layer, or backing, is disposed on the dust exiting side of the filter media, and is formed from a spunbond polymer fiber web and, optionally, a meltblown polymer fiber web. The filter media is particularly useful to form ASHRAE filters for applications including heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning filtration.

Abstract: Multilayer meltblown fibrous webs, as well as apparatus and methods of forming the webs. The webs are produced on a rotating collector that also moves parallel to its longitudinal axis. The webs are thus formed in a helical process, and the resulting tubular web is separated in a direction parallel to a helix angle. By separating the tubular web in a direction parallel to the helix angle, a flat multilayer meltblown fibrous web is provided that allows for incorporation of feathered edges formed during the article's manufacture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bond-compatible composite membrane comprising a first self-adhesive material layer and a second rough fabric layer, and its use as an intermediate layer between a building structure substrate and exterior finishing materials. Unlike conventional composite membranes, the bond-compatible composite membrane has a rough surface that allows bonding materials to adhere to it. Therefore, mechanical devices are not needed to attach the exterior finishing materials to the building structure.

Abstract: A blend of melamine resin fibers, aramid fibers and/or modacrylic fibers produces compositions and products having superior fire blocking characteristics, as well as superior strength, manufacturing and end-user comfort characteristics.

Abstract: New methods for and patterns of applying meltsprayed materials in single-layer web and laminate constructions so as to control various characteristics in the webs and laminates is provided. The patterns of adhesive produce scrim or cell-like patterns that allow for control of desirable characteristics. For example, the loft of a laminate may be enhanced, as well as strength properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a complex nonwoven fabric which consists in continuously producing a complex wherein a first web of a cellulosic fibres (4) is continuously sandwiched between two webs of spunbonded filaments (2, 7), and which consists in: producing a first web of spunbonded filaments (2), the bundle of extruded and drawn filaments being received on a mobile conveyor belt (3) in the form of a non-bonded lap; depositing on said web 92) by airlaid process a second web of cellulosic fibres (4); depositing on the textile web (4) a second web (7) of non-bonded continuous filaments; transferring the resulting complex onto an installation (9) for water-jet bonding and hydro-entanglement consolidation; and in drying the nonwoven mixed product and then recuperating it, for example in the form of a cloth wind-up (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material which has at least one formation comprising fibers and aerogel particles and is characterised in that the fibrous formation contains at least one thermoplastic fibrous material to which the aerogel particles are bound and by which the fibers in the formation are bound together. It also relates to a process for the production of said composite material, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure including a liquid acquisition layer and a fibrous liquid storage layer in liquid communication with the acquisition layer. The storage layer includes SAP particles. The acquisition layer includes synthetic fibers and the fibers are latex bonded. A fluid acquisition and/or distribution layer (ADL) containing at least two layers, a top layer of latex bonded synthetic fibers and a bottom layer of latex and/or thermal bonded cellulose fibers and method for preparation thereof are disclosed. The synthetic fiber layer is highly porous and provides rapid fluid acquisition under load. The cellulose layer provides z-direction capillary force to pull fluid into the absorbent product, to provide temporary fluid immobilization, and to act as a conduit for fluid to be pulled into unsaturated portion of the permanent fluid storage layer. The ADL of the invention provides increased protection against leakage relative to single-layer ADLS.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A combination of layered structures is disclosed for protection from both knife stab and ballistic threats wherein the outer face is the knife stab strike face and includes layers of loosely woven fabrics and the inner face includes ballistic layers.

Abstract: A multilayer thermally bonded nonwoven fabric which is particularly useful as a liner in an absorbent product is described. The fabric includes at least two prebonded nonwoven webs having a multiplicity of intralaminar bonds bonding the fibers of the prebonded nonwoven webs together. The prebonded webs are secured together to form the fabric of the invention by a plurality of interlaminar thermal bonds formed of discrete areas of compressed and fused fibers of the prebonded webs.

Abstract: A stretchable nonwoven web, or laminate of a stretchable nonwoven web and an elastic sheet, is treated with a plurality of bond lines in one or more regions thereof to provide controlled stretching properties. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web or laminate has at least one first region having a plurality of bond lines in a direction parallel to the machine direction and at least one second region having a plurality of bond lines in a direction parallel to the cross-machine direction to provide controlled stretching in different directions in different regions of the web. The bond lines can be substantially continuous in length, or segmented. When segmented bond lines are employed, the length of the bond line segments and spacing between them can be varied to import variable stretch properties to the nonwoven web or laminate.

Abstract: A bi-functional nonwoven fabric wipe embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a hydroentangled, composite fibrous matrix having first and second, opposite expansive surfaces. The first expansive surface of the wipe is provided by a first outer layer of the composite fibrous matrix, with this surface exhibiting a relatively soft, smooth surface texture. In contrast, the second, expansive surface is provided by a second outer layer of the composite fibrous matrix, and exhibits a relatively abrasive surface texture. By the differing surface textures of the opposite expansive surfaces, the present wipe is provided with bi-functional characteristics, thus enhancing versatile use for cleaning applications.

Abstract: A pliable pad is provided with expandable portions that can be deployed to assist the user in shaping the pliable pad into a basin. Folded or crinkled regions can be provided for connecting portions of the pliable pad that are to provide end walls for the basin, when deployed, with portions of the pliable pad that are to provide the side walls for the resulting basin. Selected portions of the pliable pad can be provided with the expandable portions or, if desired, the entire structure of the pliable pad can be provided with expandable structures. The expandable portions are preferably coupled with structures for developing a hinge that can assist in effective deployment of the expandable portions, and the pliable pad, to form the desired basin-like shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet-laid non-woven sheet made from a essentially binder-free aramid floc, wherein the aramid floc includes at least 25 percent by weight of para-aramid floc based on the total weight of aramid floc only, and a process for making the sheet.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs with good barrier properties are disclosed. The nonwoven webs can be, for instance, meltspun webs such as meltblown webs and spunbonded webs. In accordance with the present invention, a hydrophobic agent is incorporated into the polymer that is used to produce the web for improving the barrier properties of the web. Hydrophobic agents that may be used in accordance with the present invention include polydimethyl siloxanes and guerbet esters.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer. In another contemplated embodiment, the the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a top odor absorbing layer, a middle moisture absorbing layer, and a bottom non-skid layer are disclosed. The bottom non-skid layer has a static coefficient of friction of greater than 1.0 and a dynamic coefficient of friction of greater than 0.9. The articles are particularly useful for disposable shoe inserts.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric formed by spinning semi-molten fibers onto a mold. The three-dimensional non-woven fabric includes a hanging fiber wall formed from the semi-molten fibers hanging down from the mold in a tangled state.

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 leather-like sheet having naps on its surface and having writing effect, a high-class external appearance, hand touch and feel like natural leather, and folds like natural leather. When it is subjected to lasting shoemaking, it is possible to obtain shoes which have at its surface no unevenness and do not get out of shape. A leather-like sheet wherein the following fiber-entangled nonwoven fabrics (A) and (B) are stacked with an adhesive agent present in a discontinuous state: (A) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (a) having a fineness of 0.1 denier or less, the surface opposite to its stacking surf ace being fluffed, and rupture elongations in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions thereof being 50% or more and 80% or more, respectively, and (B) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (b) having a fineness of 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-wipe comprising a non-woven composite elastic material comprising a non-woven elastic layer; and a non-woven gatherable layer. The gatherable layer is bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points; and is gathered between the bonded points. These wet-wipes have a softer more cloth like feel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing security elements (1) for electronic article surveillance, said security elements (1) being made of at least two layers (2, 3), and to a security element (1) manufactured according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A multi-layer dye-scavenging article for use in hand or machine washing systems is disclosed. More specifically, a multi-layer article for the introduction of dye absorbing, dye transfer inhibiting and/or other detergent active materials into an aqueous wash system is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter material for separating solid, particulate and gaseous components from fluids, which is enclosed on both the upstream and downstream sides with a particle filtering medium.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material comprising a moisture vapor permeable monolithic polymeric film having a first side and a second side, a first nonwoven layer comprising a moisture vapor permeable powder-bonded nonwoven layer, said powder-bonded layer comprising a nonwoven web of fibers, wherein greater than 95 weight percent of the fibers in the nonwoven web are compatible with said polymeric film, said first nonwoven layer being adhered to the first side of the polymeric film by extrusion of said film onto said first nonwoven layer, and an optional second moisture vapor permeable nonwoven layer adhered to the second side of the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile composite material used to stabilize, consolidate or reinforce soils and layers of earth, and which can also be used as a load-carrying drainage or filtering layer and comprises at least one nonwoven fabric (1). The disadvantage of nonwovens, used alone or in textile composites made of various plastic nonwovens, lies in their limited load-carrying capacity. To create a low cost textile composite material comprising at least one nonwoven fabric, having a high tear resistance in a main load direction and the ability to absorb high tensile forces without undue stretching, exclusively parallel, straight, load-carrying plastic filament yarns (2) are knitted, sewed or Raschel-knitted onto the nonwoven (1).

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: A protective sheathing is provided for use as a protective wrap about longitudinal objects such as cables, wires and bundles of wires in a wiring harness. The sheathing has at least two layers of a non-woven felt fabric. The two layers are bonded together at certain points between them, but not all points, with a hot melt net-like adhesive layer between the felt fabric layers. A layer of adhesive film or velcro is provided on an outside surface of one of the layers of non-woven felt fabric to secure the sheathing around the bundle of wires to be protected.

Abstract: Composites comprising a polyurethane core and an outer facing layer are described in the present invention.

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: A stretch edge elastic laminate having a plurality of elastic filaments substantially aligned in a machine direction and forming an elastic zone and at least one stretch edge positioned along a first lateral edge region of the stretch edge elastic laminate forming a first gasket zone. Desirably, an opposing second stretch edge is positioned along a second lateral edge region of the stretch edge elastic laminate to form a second gasket zone. A nonwoven facing material is bonded to at least one side of the elastic layer.

Abstract: A one-step method of imparting breathability and elasticity to a film includes coextruding elastic fibers within a matrix of a filled, semi-rigid film structure. Once the elastic fibers are within the film structure, the film can be stretched to impart breathability, while the elastic fibers provide elasticity. Furthermore, the elastic fibers can include an absorbent material. The resulting breathable, elastic film is particularly useful in diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: The invention provides a finger-tearable laminate composite that is suitable for use in adhesive tapes. The composite includes a nonwoven fiber web layer, a scrim layer and a binder coated throughtout both layers. The laminate composite is readily torn by hand in both the machine direction and the cross direction.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

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.