Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating. The asphalt coating includes a lower region that is positioned below the substrate when the roofing material is installed on a roof. A web is fused to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A portion of the web and of the asphalt coating have been intermingled by melting, thereby fusing the web and the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing the asphalt-based roofing material includes the steps of coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating, and intermingling a portion of the web and of the asphalt coating by melting, thereby fusing the web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a melt-blown non-woven fabric based on cellulose esters, with fibers of mean diameter less than about 10 microns. The fabric contains 0-10 wt. % extractable softener, has a reflection factor determined according to DIN 53 145 Part I (1992) of more than 60% and the cellulose ester has a degree of substitution DS of about 1.5-3.0. The softener is preferably water-extractable. A melt-blown non-woven fabric is produced with the cellulose ester as follows: a cellulose ester, cellulose acetate, with a DS of about 1.5-3.0, in particular 1.7-2.7, is mixed with softener in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to 1:4 and simultaneously heated and melted. The mixture of softener and cellulose ester has a melting index MFI (210/2.16) according to DIN 53 735 of about 400 to 5 g/10 min., in particular 300 to 50 g/10 min. The melt is worked in a melt-blown spinning device into a melt-blown non-woven fabric and the softener is then extracted with a softener solvent to leave a proportion of 0-10 wt. %.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven material having two external layers, formed of body fluid permeable nonwoven material, between which is arranged a synthetic fiber lap which is permeable to body fluids. The external layers are assembled between each other by thermal fusion according to a pattern forming a network of points and a central area of perforations. The composite nonwoven material can be used to make absorbent hygienic articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-ply fibrous base material comprising a more porous primary layer having elastic and oil absorbent characteristics bonded to a less porous secondary layer having high temperature resistance and high strength characteristics. The two-ply fibrous base material, when impregnated with a suitable resin, provides a friction material exhibiting good friction and wear characteristics and is especially useful in high energy end use applications.

Abstract: The present invention desirably provides a fabric including a synthetic fiber structure first zone, a synthetic fiber structure second zone, and a short fiber third zone. The first zone may include a spunbond web layer and a meltblown web layer. The synthetic fiber structure second zone may be positioned proximate to the synthetic fiber structure first zone and the short fiber third zone may be positioned substantially between the first and second zones. Desirably, the first and second zones are entwined.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing a web (1) which is corrugated from a thin sheet material which is elastic at least in a transverse direction of the web. The apparatus includes a guide bed (2) which has grooves extending parallel or inclined to each other in the direction of movement of the material. The apparatus also has holding-down devices (5) arranged opposite the grooves of the guide bed (2) so as to urge the web passing between the surface of the guide bed (2) and the holding-down devices (5) into the grooves of the guide bed (2) to obtain corrugations in the web. Finally, at the outlet end (4) of the guide bed (2) is an apparatus or substance which substantially prevents the formed corrugations from springing back to the original condition. A process for producing a strip and an absorbent article containing corrugated strips are included.

Abstract: A preferred filter media is provided. The media includes a fine fiber web secured to the surface of a coarse fiber support. A preferred filter media, comprising multiple layers of fine fiber media separated by coarse fiber support, is provided. Advantageous filter constructions result and are provided. Also according to the disclosure, methods for using such arrangements to filter are provided.

Abstract: A preferred filter media is provided. The media includes a fine fiber web secured to the surface of a coarse fiber support. A preferred filter media, comprising multiple layers of fine fiber media separated by coarse fiber support, is provided. Advantageous filter constructions result and are provided. Also according to the disclosure, methods for using such arrangements to filter are provided.

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 warmer in the form of a sheet shaped heat generating body which is obtained using a warming composition that generates heat when in contact with air, in which the warming composition can be easily dispersed and held in a uniform arrangement, and in which the warming composition is prevented from leaking; and provides a method for manufacturing such a sheet. The sheet shaped heat generating body pertaining to the present invention is obtained by supporting a warming composition and a heat-fusible adhesive powder on a nonwoven fabric (a), superposing a nonwoven fabric (b) on the upper surface, heating and pressing the assembly with the aid of a molding press, and impregnating the resulting sheet with water or an aqueous solution of an inorganic electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is a heat generating bag for footwear having a comfortable temperature regardless of the state of use, namely, when staying still, walking etc., which is thin and avoids an uncomfortable feeling of the wearer. The heat generating bag for footwear is made by having a heat generating composition powder and hot-melt adhesive powder held in the pores of multiporous vegetable fiber non-woven fabrics, such fabrics being heat compressed on a mold compressor, and the obtained sheet shaped heat generating body being packed in an air-permeable bag. The heat composition is held in the pores of multiporous vegetable fiber non-woven fabric layers which are superposed by the adhesion of water. Such non-woven fabric are compressed on a mold compressor, and the obtained sheet shaped heat generating body is impregnated with water or an inorganic electrolyte and then packed in an air-permeable bag.

Abstract: A plurality of vehicle headliners are disclosed formed of a number of different layers. Each headliner includes at least a layer formed of a mixture of binder and non-binder polyester fibers. Each of the headliners also include a cover stock layer. Several of the disclosed embodiments include natural fiber layers which provide additional strength. The inventive headliners are more recyclable than the prior art, and are less irritating to the skin due the elimination of fiberglass.

Abstract: A three ply sandwich structured hydroentangled web is disclosed. The top and bottom plies of this web comprise long synthetic fibers having a fiber length of about 30 to 100 mm and the middle ply comprises cellulosic fibers having a fiber length of about 1 to 8 mm. The middle layer cellulosic fiber can optimally be wholly or partially replaced with short synthetic or other natural fibers having a fiber length of about 6 to 27 mm.These hydroentangled webs are useful in the manufacture of towels, wet wipes, industrial wipes and medical gowns.

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: Described is a surface element (10) which is provided for controlledly transporting moisture and for the storage of moisture and which has an air-permeable carrier (14) provided with an adsorbent. The surface element (10) also has an absorbent, moisture-storing fleece layer (12), wherein the adsorber carrier (14) and the fleece layer (12) are connected together in areal relationship by needling (16) to give an air-permeable composite material (22; 22'). The needling (16) is oriented from the fleece layer (12) towards the adsorber carrier (14). The fiber barbs (18) of the needling (16) extend from the fleece layer (12) to the adsorber carrier (14) and through the adsorber carrier (14). The fiber barbs (18) provide a wick action for the moisture, whereby moisture transport to the fleece layer (12) is optimized. Particularly upon saturation of the fleece layer (12) excess moisture is stored in the adsorbent of the adsorber carrier (14).

Abstract: A nonwoven (1) comprising two outer fiber layers (3, 4) and at least one inner fiber layer (2) having a different composition from that of the outer layers (3, 4). The nonwoven (1) comprises structural fibers (7, 8) and binding fibers (5, 6), said binding fibers (5, 6) at least partially consisting of a polymer with a lower melting point than the structural fibers (7, 8). Said nonwoven (1) is densified by needling on both sides to a given depth while leaving an undensified central region. A method for producing the nonwoven is also disclosed.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material includes a first layer of flash-spun polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril sheet and a second layer of a thermoplastic open mesh fabric thermally laminated to the first layer. The composite sheet has an average tensile strength and an average grab tensile strength that are each at least 10% greater than the sum of the tensile and grab strengths of the first and second layers. The average tensile strength of the composite sheet after exposure to 400 mJ/m.sup.2 of ultraviolet light is at least 65% of the tensile strength of the sheet before any substantial exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A lining for interior comprises a first layer composed of fibers of higher melting point, which are bound by a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A second layer is placed on the first layer, which is constructed of a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A third layer is placed on the second layer. The third layer is composed of fibers of higher melting point which are bound by a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A fourth layer is placed on the third layer, which is constructed of a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A fifth layer is placed on the fourth layer, which is constructed of an skin member having higher melting point. The first and third layers are bonded to each other through the second layer and the third and fifth layers are bonded to each other through the fourth layer.

Abstract: An improved wet wipe includes a multiple layer basesheet to provide a unique combination of properties to the wipe which are not capable in a single layer basesheet. The layered basesheet includes at least two layers which include different fibers and have different physical properties. One of the layers may include polyethylene fibers to provide a soft, gentle feel for contacting the skin of the user during use while the other layer may include polypropylene fibers to provide strength and resiliency to the wipe to withstand the forces exerted by the user, and maintain its shape and integrity in use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an entangled nonwoven composite made from absorbent fibers such as wood pulp fibers and matrix fibers such as polyolefin staple fibers. The absorbent fibers are entangled with the matrix fibers in such a manner so that the composite has an absorbent-rich side and a matrix-rich side. Intermediate the two exterior sides there is an entangled interior portion made from a mixture of the absorbent and matrix fibers. The composite is particularly well-suited for use in multifunctional handling of fluids such as, for example, body fluids which are absorbed by personal care absorbent articles. The matrix fiber portion of the composite acts as a fluid intake region while the absorbent fiber portion acts as a fluid retention region and the portion of the composite intermediate the two exterior surfaces acts as a fluid transfer region.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a fully elastic, breathable, barrier fabric comprising a nonwoven web layer of fibers of less than 40 microns in average diameter, where the web has a hydrohead of at least 10 mbar, a Frazier Permeability of at least 100 CFM, a basis weight of less than 68 gsm and which is made from an elastic polymer. If the fabric is a laminate it may be an SMS, SBL or NBL laminate. This fabric is particularly well suited to use as a containment flap for personal care products such as diapers, incontinence products and feminine hygiene products and in infection control products.

Abstract: Composite fabrics particularly suited for upholstery backings and furniture decking comprise at least one layer of a needlepunched web of nonwoven staple fibers adhered to at least one layer of a substantially continuous filament nonwoven web comprising substantially randomly disposed filaments. The filaments comprise a multi-phase, thermoplastic, elastomeric olefin copolymer.

Abstract: A nonwoven bulky composite sheet material has first and second vapor permeable layers on opposite sides of a third layer of a bulky, flexible material. The third layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mm before being bonded between said first and second layers. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are bonded together to form a flexible composite sheet with a thickness of at least 0.3 3 mm and a moisture vapor transmission of at least 100 g/m.sup.2 in 24 hours.

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: A needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermoplastic matrix material includes (a) a primary layer having a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in an amount greater than about 20 weight percent of the primary layer on a total solids basis, the primary layer being less than about 20 weight percent of the mat on a total solids basis; and (b) a secondary layer having a plurality of discontinuous glass fiber strands and having thereon a strand coating composition which is compatible with the thermoplastic matrix material, the secondary layer being essentially free of individual glass monofilaments.

Abstract: A method for producing asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner, centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. The molten asphalt is supplied to the asphalt spinner at a temperature within the range of from about 270.degree. to about 500.degree. F. Also disclosed is a method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers including the steps of establishing a downwardly moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers to integrate the asphalt with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making an asphalt roofing shingle includes the steps of assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

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 laminate comprising (1) at least one layer of a textile structure comprising linear low density polyethylene fiber and (2) at least one layer of a textile structure comprising nomnelting fiber or fiber having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fiber, needlepunched and thermally consolidated together.

Abstract: A nonwoven web laminate having improved particulate barrier properties, and particularly improved particulate barrier properties for particles in the size range of between 0.19 microns and 0.5 microns, is provided. The particulate barrier properties are improved by subjecting one or more of the layers forming the nonwoven web laminate to corona discharge. The improved particulate barrier properties are further achieved without substantially altering or increasing the amount of surface charge on the nonwoven web laminate.

Abstract: A method for improving the strike through properties of hot melt adhesive compositions comprising the step of incorporating therein a nonionic fluorchemical surfactant in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts adhesive.

Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.

Abstract: A nonwoven bulky composite sheet material as first and second vapor permeable layers on opposite sides of a third layer of a bulky, flexible material. The third layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mm before being bonded between said first and second layers. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are bonded together to form a flexible composite sheet with a thickness of at least 0.3 3 mm and a moisture vapor transmission of at least 100 g/m.sup.2 in 24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite nonwoven fabric laminates and processes for producing such. The fabric is comprised of a web of thermoplastic filaments laminated to at least one other web. Preferably, the filaments are spunbonded continuous polyolefin filaments which have an oxidatively degraded outer sheath portion to promote better interfilamentary bonding and improved fabric laminate strength. In a preferred embodiment, two outer nonwoven webs comprise oxidatively degraded spunbonded filaments and are positioned around and laminated to a web of meltblown microfibers thus forming an spunbond/meltblown/spunbond fabric. Additionally, a stretch compatible fabric may be formed in which a web of oxidatively degraded filaments is laminated to an elastic web. The fabrics of the invention may be advantageously used in numerous applications such as medical garments and disposable adsorbent products.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven material comprises at least one layer (2) of a carded voile of hydrophobic thermoplastic fibers, the said fibers being partially disoriented in at least a proportion of the thickness of the voile so that a proportion of the said fibers has an angular orientation in relation to the main plane of the fibers of the said voile, and a layer (3) made of voile of nonwoven of noncarded type of hydrophobic thermo-plastic fibers, the fibers of at least one of the layers being chosen from fibers with a low melting point, two-component fibers, mixtures of such fibers with fibers of high melting point and fibers mixed with a binder or one face of the voile of one of the layers is coated with a binder, the layers being joined together by heat-melting.

Abstract: An absorbent paper comprising a base layer, which is obtained by paper-sheeting a material containing a highly bulky cellulose fiber, and a surface layer being located on the base layer, which is obtained by paper-sheeting a material containing a highly bulky cellulose fiber, is disclosed. Further, an absorbent article wherein the absorbent paper is used as an absorbent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having biodegradability which can be advantageously used as a biodegradable material for general disposable-type household supplies represented by such items as sanitary materials, wiping cloths, and packaging materials. The nonwoven fabric is formed of a fiber material made of poly-.epsilon.-caprolactone and/or poly-.beta.-propiolactone. The nonwoven fabric contains not less than 20% by weight of such a fiber material having a filament fineness of 0.8 to 6 denier. This provides sufficient tensile strength and soft hand which enable the nonwoven fabric to be advantageously used in practical applications. Where the nonwoven fabric is formed of a superfine fiber of the above noted type having a filament fineness of less than 0.8 denier, it has particularly remarkable soft hand.