Abstract: A bulky fibrous fabric is provided, made by a process comprising obtaining an unbonded, consolidated batt of fibers wherein each fiber has a ribbon-shaped cross-section, and needling said batt to obtain the bulky fibrous fabric. The fabric has a surface area of at least 2 m2/g and a thickness/basis weight ratio of at least 0.005 mm/g/m2 (7 mil/oz/yd2) The fabric has utility particularly as a dry wipe for cleaning and dusting.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable fibrous sheet includes fibers containing fibrillated rayon. The fibrillated rayon has primary fibers of a predetermined fiber length and microfibers extending from the primary fibers. The fibrillated rayon includes a first type of fibrillated rayon having a degree of beating of at most 700 cc, of which the length of the primary fibers falls between 1.8 mm and 4.0 mm at the peak of its self-weighted, average fiber length distribution profile curve, and a second type of fibrillated rayon having a degree of beating of at most 700 cc, of which the length of the primary fibers falls between 4.5 mm and 10.0 mm at the peak of its self-weighted, average fiber length distribution profile curve. The microfibers extending from the first and second, types of fibrillated rayon are entangled with and/or hydrogen-bonded to at least either of other microfibers and other fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a soap-bar cover comprising a water-permeable fabric, and particularly a soap-bar cover exhibiting a stretch and recovery performance while maintaining a substantially planar surface. Soap-bar covers fabricated in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful as a means for enhancing the cleansing properties of commercially available soap-bar products. The soap-bar cover is composed of a woven or nonwoven fabric exhibiting stretch and recovery properties. Use of a stretch and recovery fabric in the soap-bar cover allows for the cover to conform to the contours of the soap-bar and is thus able to adjust to a wide variety of soap-bar profiles including cubic and ovoid.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having improved absorbent characteristics. The fabric has three different fiber arrays which are interconnected to produce a unique fiber distribution in the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven substrate, and specifically to a nonwoven substrate imparted with a three-dimensional image, wherein the three-dimensional nonwoven substrate is particularly suited as a support substrate for a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and similar application.

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: 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 printer cylinders is produced by three-dimensionally aggregating fibers into a sheet in a wet paper-making process. The cleaning sheet contains thermofusible fibers that serves as binder fibers, and is creped by heating it at a temperature at which the thermofusible binder fibers therein fuse to thereby make the sheet surface have numerous irregularities.

Abstract: A filter media formed in accordance with the present invention comprises hydroentangled, predominantly polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd2. The filter media exhibits a Mullen burst strength of at least about 395 psi, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2%. The filter media exhibits a machine-direction tensile strength of at least about 105 lb/in, and a cross-direction tensile strength of at least about 110 lb/in.

Abstract: Cleaning articles comprising a nonwoven web or foam, binder, and organic particles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a nonwoven web formed at least partly with hydrophilic elementary fibers which consist in: producing by carding a textile layer (10) which is then compressed and moistened; subjecting it to a bonding treatment using water jets acting at least against one of its surfaces; and transferring said bonded layer to a unit (32, 33) to be dewatered and dried. Said method is characterised in that, after the bonding treatment (20) with water jets and before drying and delivery, the pre-bonded and moistened layer is transferred to a supplementary unit (28) to be treated by the action of one or several series of water jets, said unit comprising a mobile suction surface in the form of a drum covered with an open-work structure (30) consisting of a wire-mesh fabric, comprising successive raised and recessed zones.

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: Wet-laid nonwoven webs having mechanical reinforcement properties are provided by employing unpulped vegetable fiber bundles as the predominant fiber component. The unpulped fiber bundles have a modulus of elasticity of about 2-5×10 6 psi and a chopped fiber length of about 25 mm. The fibers are cordage fibers including sisal, abaca, henequen, kenaf and jute. Composites of the unpulped fiber webs with cellulosic and spunbonded sheets find application as thermoformed vehicle interior trim products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of surfaces by the contact application of a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional image imparted therein. The three-dimensional image of the nonwoven fabric induces a topical modification in either the actual or perceived texture of a surface when the imaged nonwoven fabric is applied to, then removed from, the surface. The imaged nonwoven fabric disclosed herein exhibits low Tinting qualities thereby reducing the potential of fiber contamination of the treated surface and is sufficiently durable that the sample can be used and rinsed clean a plurality of times, markedly increasing the working life-span.

Abstract: A hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite structure that includes a matrix of substantially continuous filaments; and recycled synthetic fibers and fiber-like materials having at least one thread element composed of synthetic material with at least one irregular distortion generated by hydraulic fracture of the thread element to separate it from a bonded fibrous material while the bonded fibrous material is suspended in a liquid. This nonwoven composite structure may be used as a wiper or an absorbent material.

Abstract: A shrinkable protective material includes a nonwoven fabric bonded to a shrinkable film by an adhesive that is applied to either the nonwoven fabric or the shrinkable film in a pre-determined pattern. Upon shrinking, the nonwoven fabric separates or releases from the film and forms cushions or pillows holding the film off of the surface being protected. The edge portions of the cushions or pillows act as shock absorbers and deflect over the bonds, thus protecting the surface against the abrasive adhesively bonded portions.

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 composite nonwoven fabric is formed by providing a synthetic fiber web comprising staple length polymeric fibers, and a cellulosic fiber web, preferably comprising wood pulp fibers. Prior to integration of the webs, the synthetic fiber web is subjected to hydroentangling to form a partially entangled web, with the cellulosic fiber web thereafter juxtaposed with the partially entangled web for hydroentanglement and integration of the webs. Pre-entanglement of the synthetic fiber web desirably acts to minimize the energy input required for integration of the cellulosic fiber and synthetic fiber webs, and also desirably acts to abate loss of the cellulosic fibers during hydroentanglement and integration of the webs.

Abstract: A system is provided for structurally reconstituting fibers from recycled waste fabric material, including cotton denim waste, wherein the reconstituted fibers are incorporated into a hydroentangled or needle punched product without binders or additives. A tearing line includes the application of steam and enzymes at a rate sufficient to remove surface additives from the fibers. The process completely opens the fibers and eliminates fraying, twisting and nonconformities. A fiber finishing process provides fibers which are substantially uniform with respect to a desired characteristic such as length, weight, type, or a desired blend thereof. The finishing process also provides a fiber web characterized by a uniform directional orientation of fibers, making the fibers more amenable to hydroentanglement. The resulting nonwoven product is characterized by high strength, fiber integrity and high uniformity and can be cross lapped to thereby provide greatly increased strength and absorbency.

Abstract: A plant serves as a mean for production of a fibre web of synthetic fibres, such as plastic fibres and absorbent fibres, such as viscose and cellulose fibres. The plant includes a forming head preliminary to lay a homogeneously and smoothly distributed fibre layer on a net shaped wire. Furthermore the plant includes a hydro-entangling section with liquid nozzles with powerful liquid jets to treat the in the forming head formed fibre layer, which consists of both synthetic—and absorbent fibres. The plant also includes an oven subsequently to thermal bond the synthetic fibres with cross bonds in the affected areas. Finally the dried web is winded up in a roller. By the help of the plant according to the invention, by higher production speed than known previously a fibre web can be produced, which is far cheaper, and which has a better and more homogeneous structure than similar conventional fibre webs.

Abstract: A multi-component nonwoven fabric can be formed with integrated liquid-acceptance and liquid-distribution layers by hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device. Appropriate fiber selection promotes efficient fluid management, with the fabric optionally being provided with a liquid-retention layer. The invention further contemplates the formation of liquid-retention layers by hydroentanglement, with such layers exhibiting desirably high structural integrity, while providing the desired absorbent characteristics required for use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polyester fiber is supplied with an aqueous mixed dispersion on the surface and made hydrophilic by being heated at 35° C. or higher, and the aqueous mixed dispersion employed contains a polyester-polyether block copolymer composed of a polyester component and a polyether component and is stable at lower than 35° C. and precipitates the polyester-polyether block copolymer when its dispersion state is broken by being heated to 35° C. or higher.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling polymeric filament webs for production of low basis weight nonwoven fabrics. A hydroentangling device having a foraminous forming surface is employed for hydroentangling a precursor web to form a fabric. High-speed production of relatively low basis weight fabrics can be achieved, with the fabrics exhibiting desired softness, uniformity, and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A method of forming a nonwoven fabric suitable for metal-finishing buffing operations includes providing a precursor web comprising polyester, staple length fibers, with hydroentanglement of the web effected to impart desired physical characteristics. Hydroentanglement is effected on a three-dimensional, image transfer device having an array of three-dimensional surface elements for patterning the fabric which is formed. Application of a binder composition lends desired durability to the fabric, with the binder composition preferably including a melamine polymeric composition to achieve the desired strength and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Textile adhesive tape consisting of an adhesive tape support from a textile, mechanically reinforced nonwoven material with adhesive coating on at least one side. The nonwoven material has a basis weight of less than or equal to 50 g/m2 and is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric, and method of production, are disclosed, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises textile length fibers with a portion being thermally fusible. The fabric exhibits sufficient durability to withstand commercial dyeing processes, with the resultant fabric finding widespread applicability by virtue of its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets comprising an additive and perfume. The additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of wax, oil, and mixtures thereof. The cleaning sheets preferably have at least two regions, where the regions are distinguished by basis weight. In particular, the preferred cleaning sheets comprise one or more high basis weight regions having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 g/m2 and one or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis weight region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the high basis weight region(s). Also disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality, in addition to having multiple basis weights. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a scrim material, which when heated and then cooled, contracts so as to provide a macroscopic three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a fluid-pervious fabric (301) for imparting a pattern to a fibre web. The fabric comprises at least one polymer material with a softening temperature, and a fabric structure (306). The fabric (301′) is heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature, wherein a forming pressure (&Dgr;p3) is applied between a first surface (304) and a second surface (305) of the fabric. Fabric patterning members (309,309′) on the support contribute to a deformation of the fabric structure (306) in the Z-direction in deformation zones (311) in which the fluid permeability remains essentially unchanged. The fabric (301) is cooled down to a temperature lower than the softening temperature rendering the deformation permanent. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fluid-pervious fabric, e.g. a wire or a felt, and patterned fibre web, e.g. a paper web, a nonwoven web, or another fibre web.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to at least one surface of a highly oriented, voided, melt-processed polymeric film. The fibers and fibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The nozzle piece of the present invention is provided with circular cross sectional nozzles having different sizes disposed in a row in front of the die, with n-numbered smaller nozzles B (hole diameter: Db) between adjacent larger nozzles A (hole diameter: Da). It gives melt-blown non-woven fabric of monolithic structure in one step, composed of fine fibers having a diameter in a range from 1 to 10 &mgr;m diameter Variance ratio F of 2.0 or more and wide fiber diameter distribution.

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: One embodiment of the invention relates to a laminated sheet material, including, in order:

Abstract: A method for making an apertured nonwoven fabric includes the steps of: obtaining wet sheet from slurry containing 0.5˜20% by weight of fibrous component in water, which comprises, in turn, thermoplastic synthetic fibers having a length of 7˜30 mm and a fineness of 0.1˜0.8 d, and subjecting the wet sheet to a processing for fiber entangling by high velocity water jet streams and to a processing for aperture forming by aperture forming elements having predetermined configurations adapted to be followed by individual fibers.

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 ceramic fiber blanket is inserted into a mold, and ceramic fiber slurry, preferably made with refractory ceramic fibers, binders, and water, is deposited on the blanket. Vacuum pressure is created under the blanket to pull the fibers of the slurry toward the fibers of the blanket to entangle them together. The slurry and blanket is then dried to form a rigid yet surface compliant ceramic fiber composite product with superior thermal insulating and acoustic dampening properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs are fabricated by forming unitary multicomponent fibers comprising a plurality of individual segments partially exposed at the surface of the fiber; bonding the multicomponent fibers, such as by thermal point bonding, and then hydroentangling the bonded multicomponent fibers with a water pressure from about 400 to 3000 psi wherein the entangling process separates the individual segments of the unitary multicomponent fibers into microfibers and also entangles the fibers to form an integrated nonwoven web. The nonwoven webs include entangled webs of thermoplastic multicomponent fibers and microfibers having partially degraded bond areas comprising from about 5% to about 50% at the surface area of the web.

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: To provide various members such as filter cloth for dust collection which assures small pressure loss and easy shaking down of dust particles and is excellent in friction property and mechanical strength, sliding member excellent in sliding property, water repellent member excellent in water repellency, non-sticking member excellent in non-sticking property and member for supplying mold releasing agent in electrophotographic apparatuses which is excellent in air permeability, heat resistance and oil resistance, and provide a multilayered felt used therefor and a process for producing the multilayered felt. The multilayered felt is obtained by placing a layer of a web comprising polytetrafluoroethylene staple fibers on at least one surface of a felt and then joining the polytetrafluoroethylene staple fibers and fibers which form the felt by intermingling through water jet needling and/or needle punching.

Abstract: It is known to make a nonwoven from polyvinyl alcohol fibers. The special advantage of these PVA fibers is their ability to dissolve in water. The fleece is therefore mechanically needled for compaction. The invention describes a method that allows hydrodynamic needling as well. Special parameters for further treatment during water needling and during subsequent drying characterize the additional features of the invention.

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: The present invention overcomes drawbacks of prior composite sheets consisting of a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric and pulp fibers and provides an inexpensive composite sheet with excellent draping qualities, a nearly fabric-like touch and good usability. According to the present invention, a composite sheet made by entangling a web of thermoplastic filaments with pulp fibers under water stream is creped to increase the elongation in machine direction as high as in cross direction enough to obtain a usability equal to those of fabric wipers.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric laminate having stretch properties constructed using hydroentanglement methods is disclosed. The laminate is comprised of at least two layers and utilizes a foam layer as a component in the preferred embodiment, replacing conventional use of fibrous materials. A superior elastomeric fabric utilizing an open or closed cell foam layer as one element of the composite structure and as the elastic member of the fabric results in superior fabric characteristics when compared to similar hydroentangled fabrics which are constructed from fibrous materials.

Abstract: Nonwoven material produced by hydroentangling a fiber web, comprising recycled fibers with a fiber length of between 5 and 60 mm and a fineness of between 0.1 and 20 dtex, which are constituted by fibers which are mechanically shredded or torn from nonwoven waste, textile waste or the like. The fibers are mixed with each other and possibly with new fibers in a wet-formed, foam-formed, air-laid or dry-laid fiber web which is hydroentangled with sufficient energy for forming a compact absorbent material.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having improved absorbent characteristics. The fabric has three different fiber arrays which are interconnected to produce a unique fiber distribution in the fabric.

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 process for treating a fibrous material which includes the steps of: 1) providing a liquid suspension composed of fibrous material; 2) intermixing the liquid suspension of fibrous material with a treatment over a time period T.sub.1 --wherein the treatment requires a period of time T.sub.R sufficient to treat the fibrous material; 3) depositing the liquid suspension of fibrous material and intermixed treatment onto a forming surface to form a layer and removing a substantial portion of the liquid, over a period of time T.sub.2 ; and 4) applying pressurized jets of a liquid to the layer of fibrous material to wash unused treatment from the fibrous material within a period of time T.sub.3. Periods of time T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 are immediately consecutive and amount to a total period of time at least as great as T.sub.R.

Abstract: Nonwoven material produced by hydro-entanglement of a wet- or foam-formed fibre web, which material contains at least 5%, by weight of the total fibre weight, of pulp fibres of chemical-thermomechanical type. These fibres have been mixed with other fibres, such as chemical pulp fibres, vegetable fibres, synthetic fibres or regenerated cellulosic fibres in a wet- or foam-formed fibre web which has been entangled with sufficient energy to produce a dense, absorbent material.

Abstract: Nonwoven material produced by hydroentanglement of a wet-laid or foam-formed fibre web. The material comprises a mixture of short plant fibres, in particular pulp fibres, and long hydrophillic plant fibres, where the major portion of the fibres presents a fibre length which is at least 10 mm, whereby the portion of long fibres is at least 1 weight-% of the fibre weight. The fibres were mixed with each other in the presence of a dispersing agent which allows a uniform fibre formation, in a wet-laid or foam-formed fibre web which has been hydroentangled with sufficient energy to form a compact absorbing material.