Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising at least one heat shrinkable adhesive layer stitch-bonded with yarns, which shrink less than the adhesive layer or do not shrink, when the adhesive layer is exposed to heat. The stitch-bonded yarns form loops upstanding from the shrunk adhesive layer and the loops create a textured surface on the composite, and the composite is substantially inelastic after the adhesive layer is shrunk. The composite may further comprise at least one fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the shrinkable adhesive layer, and the fibrous layer is less shrinkable than the adhesive layer or is substantially non-shrinkable.

Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fiberglass insulation product, including the steps of: (a) providing a layer of fire-retardant kraft paper, (b) coating the fire-retardant kraft paper layer with from 2 to 10 pounds of HDPE or of polypropylene per 3000 square feet of the paper to form an HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or a polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate, (c) coating the HDPE-fire-retardant kraft or polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate with from 3 to 10 pounds of LDPE per 3000 square feet of the HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate to form an LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or an LDPE-polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate, (d) adjusting the temperature of the LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or the LDPE-polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate so that the LDPE becomes tacky while the HDPE or polypropylene remains solid, (e) providing a layer of fiberglass wool, and (f) contacting the LDPE layer of the LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: A porous polymeric sheet is provided having an electrostatic charge and comprising a zero-three composite of a polymeric matrix and a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The polymeric component comprises a non-polar thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, and a second thermoplastic polymer having polar functional units, such as a telomer. The composite material is formed into a porous sheet and is electrically or corona poled to create an electret material which is well suited four use in various filtration, air-masking and dust wipe applications.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber which includes a thermoplastic polymer and particles of a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The thermoplastic polymer may be, for example, a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and the ferroelectric material may be barium titanate. The ferroelectric material may be present at a level of from about 0.01 to about 50 percent by weight (from about 0.001 to about 13 percent by volume), and will have a longest dimension in a range of from about 10 nanometers to about 10 micrometers. The fiber may be exposed to an electric field. A plurality of the fibers may be employed to form a knitted or woven fabric or a nonwoven web. Also provided is a method of preparing fibers containing particles of a ferroelectric material. The method includes destructuring the ferroelectric material in the presence of a liquid and a surfactant to give destructured particles; the liquid is a solvent for the surfactant and the surfactant is adapted to stabilize the destructured particles against agglomeration.

Abstract: A cover tape for winding on a grip of a device comprising an elongated cloth layer and an elastic layer. The cloth layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is made of silicone gel and bonded to the first surface of the cloth layer for enabling the second surface of the cloth layer to be exposed to the outside when spirally winding the cover tape round the grip with the elastic layer adhered to the periphery of the grip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter comprised of activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a Virus Removal Index (hereafter “VRI”) of at least about 99%, as measured in accordance with the test method described in the specification. The filter may comprise unbound fibers, or the fibers may be bound with a binder to form a composite of fibers. Also disclosed is a method of removing viruses from a liquid, the method comprising contacting the liquid with a filter comprising activated carbon fibers wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%. Also described is an article of manufacture comprising: (a) a filter comprising activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%; and (b) instructions which inform a user that the filter may be used to remove viruses from a liquid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively connecting and disconnecting conductors in a fabric are disclosed. First and second conductors are integrated into a fabric such that the conductors intersect at a crossover point. The conductors are bonded to each other at the crossover point to improve AC and DC characteristics. Disconnect areas may be provided near the crossover point to allow selective disconnection of the conductors from the crossover point.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a heat resistant fabric having high stiffness at high temperature and also high chemicals resistance. The heat resistant fabric of this invention is a fabric consisting of heat resistant fibers, characterized in that the contacts between the fibers constituting the fabric are bound by means of an inorganic binder. Furthermore, a preferable process for preparing the heat resistant fabric of this invention comprises the steps of impregnating a fabric consisting of heat resistant fibers with a sodium silicate aqueous solution, and drying in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide, to bind the contacts between the fibers constituting the fabric by means of silicon oxide.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer comprising a delayed absorption superabsorbent polymer having a free water absorbency property of absorbing less than about 3 grams of aqueous saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer in about 6 seconds, for a full particle size distribution of superabsorbent polymer ranging from about 40 micrometers to about 890 micrometers.

Abstract: A breathable, biodegradable/compostable laminate for use in personal care products. The laminates may be produced from polymer blends. The biodegradable/compostable laminates may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: For a protective garment, a composite structure comprising an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the outer shell, a thermally insulative liner within the moisture barrier, and a moisture absorber within the thermally insulative liner, a hydrophobic liner or a thermally insulative liner having a hydrophobic cover facing the moisture absorber is interposed between the moisture barrier and the moisture absorber. Preferably, if a hydrophobic liner is used, a thermally insulative liner is interposed between the moisture barrier and the hydrophobic liner.

Abstract: A fiber material is described herein that includes: a) a first base fiber component comprising a first denier and a first luster component; b) a second base fiber component comprising a second denier and a second luster component, wherein the first denier and the second denier are different and wherein the first luster component and the second luster component are different; and c) a plurality of binder fibers.

Abstract: A wipe includes a porous and bulky thermoplastic non-woven carrier web. An absorbent non-woven web including a plurality of philic fibers has a first side and an opposite second side. The first side is disposed adjacent the carrier web. The absorbent web is co-extruded to the carrier web and is secured to the carrier web at a plurality of thermic embossments. An abrasive finish is applied to the second side of the absorbent non-woven web. The abrasive finish includes a plurality of abrasive fibers that are less than 40 microns in diameter.

Abstract: For a protective garment, such as a protective coat for a firefighter, a composite structure comprises an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the outer shell, a moisture absorber, which absorber may incorporate a superabsorbent polymer, within the moisture barrier, and an innermost layer within the moisture barrier, wherein the innermost layer is hydrophobic but is moisture-pervious. In one contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from synthetic, hydrophobic fibers, which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious and which fibers are surfactant-treated so as to promote their being moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from a sheet of a synthetic, hydrophobic material, which sheet is apertured so as to be moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from natural fibers, which fibers have a hydrophobic finish and which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious.

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 nonwoven fabric includes fibres such that a proportion of the fibres have a length of from about 0.1 to 1.5 mm. The fibres may be homogenous, heterogeneous, and/or mixed waste materials of small particle size and the proportion of binder present is about 15% w/w or less. Processes for manufacturing such a nonwoven fabric and uses of such fabric are also described.

Abstract: A non-woven flame blocking fabric and method utilizes a fibrous blend of a concentration of cellulosic organic fibers (A) and a concentration of inorganic fibers (B) to which a flame retardant composition (C) is applied. The concentrations of fibers are blended and treated to form a flame retardant fiber blend capable of forming a non-woven flame blocking fabric that upon exposure to flame forms a reinforced char barrier (D) that prevents the flame from igniting any flammable substrate. The reinforced char barrier (D) includes the carbonized cellulosic organic fibers and melted inorganic fibers. A concentration of binder fibers or powders (E) may alternatively supplement the fiber blend to produce a low profile flame blocker fabric upon activation and calendaring. The fabric preferably has a low profile as a result of compaction and bonding, but the fabric may be provided as a high-loft web.

Abstract: The present invention is a yarn or fabric useful in protective garments. The yarn or fabric is made of flame resistant fibers and microdenier flame resistant fibers. The flame resistant fibers are selected from the group consisting of inherently flame resistant fibers, treated fibers, and combinations thereof. The microdenier flame resistant fibers are selected from the group consisting of microdenier inherently flame resistant fibers, microdenier treated fibers, and combinations thereof. The weight ratio of said flame resistant fibers to said microdenier flame resistant fibers is in the range of 4-9:2-6.

Abstract: An antibacterial cloth having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0% by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of Al2O3, 1-22 mol % of one or ore selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a fibrous material for a member with which an ink-jet ink comes into contact, including the step of melt spinning a thermoplastic resin, the process comprising the step of treating a spun yarn by bringing it into contact with a glycol added with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to textile surface structures containing A) 20 to 90 wt % melamine fibres A), and B) 10 to 80 wt % flameproof polyester fibres B).

Abstract: An absorbent structure made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least 575×10−9 cm2. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g, an absorbency under load (AUL) at 0.9 psi as determined by an Absorbency Under Load Test of at least 18 and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 350×10−9 cm2.

Abstract: Herein provided is a water-decomposable fibrous sheet includes water-dispersible fibers having a fiber length of at most 20 mm, and a gel compound.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a protective garment for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier and an outer shell. The moisture barrier is disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, while the outer shell is 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.

Abstract: A protective garment for protection molten metals is provided with a laminated fabric including a surface layer of an heat-resistant fabric, an intermediate layer of a carbon fabric, one or more heat insulating layers of non-woven heat-resistant fabrics laminated inside of the intermediate layer and a lining of an heat-resistant fabric configured to be moisture-absorbing.

Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 80 Pascal·Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal·Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal·Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.

Abstract: A method of using nonwoven fabrics for wiping in cleanroom applications wherein the fabrics were heretofore believed less than optimum for such applications and a nonwoven fabric applicable for use in cleanroom applications

Abstract: A non-woven fabric of the present invention is composed primarily of entangled fluoropolymer fibers. In addition, the non-woven fabric of the present invention may be pressure and heat treated, or may be subject to elongation. This provides the non-woven fabric with superior mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibrous web materials comprising polymeric material wherein the structure of the polymeric material contains elastic amorphous areas nano-scale-size reinforced with self arranged crystalline domains of nano-crystals.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A polymeric fiber liner insulation includes of a resilient, insulation blanket core of randomly oriented entangled fibers with between 60% and 90% by weight of the fibers being standard polymeric fibers and/or flame retardant polymeric fibers and between 10% and 40% by weight of the fibers being polymeric lofting and bonding fibers. The first major surface the liner insulation has a low porosity or air and/or liquid impervious surface layer. The surface layer is formed by melting and consolidating fibers at and adjacent the first major surface of the blanket core or by coating the first major surface of the blanket core with a polymeric coating. The liner insulation exhibits a flame spread/smoke developed index of ≦25/50.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flame retardant (FR) nonwoven fabric useful in wall panels, especially for cubicles. The nonwoven fabric comprises from about 15 to 65 weight % of a low melt binder, and least one of FR rayon fiber, FR acrylic fiber, FR melamine fiber, or FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers, and optional nonbonding fibers. The total amount of FR fibers and FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers is about 30-85 wt. % of the fabric. The present invention also contemplates a wall panel constructed from the nonwoven fabric comprising FR rayon fibers, FR acrylic fibers, FR melamine fiber or a combination of these, and/or FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers, with about 15 to about 65 weight % low melt binder. The wall panel from this construction passes the ASTM E 1354, 1999 tests. Preferably the nonwoven fabric has a batt weight of at least about 40 oz./sq. yd. and preferably between about 40 oz./sq. yd. and 60 oz./sq. yd.

Abstract: A fire blocking material is disclosed comprising a nonwoven fabric including para-aramid fibers and pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile, and optionally, a garnett of recycled polybenzimidazole, para-aramid or meta-aramid, or combinations thereof to form a fire blocking textile meeting Federal Aviation Administration regulation FAR 25.853 and Appendix F to Part 25.

Abstract: A formable biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric and a production method therefor are provided. A biodegradable polymer comprising a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester as its principal component is melted and extruded through a spinneret into filaments. While being quenched with quench air blow, the extruded filaments are drafted at a drafting speed of 1,000 to 2,500 m/min by means of a suction device disposed below the spinneret. The drafted filaments are spread and accumulated on a movable collector surface thereby to be formed into a web, which is then treated for formation of a nonwoven fabric. The constituent filaments of the nonwoven fabric has a polymer supercool index of 0.3 to 0.6.

Abstract: A polyurethane elastomer fiber non-woven fabric contains polyurethane elastomer fiber filaments melt-bonded with one another, and has a tensile elongation of 100% or more, a 50% elongation recovery of 75% or more and a tear strength per METSUKE of 5.5 gf or more. The non-woven fabric can be prepared by a method of providing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having Shore hardness A of 92 or more, drying the elastomer to a water content of 150 ppm or less, and melt-spinning and, at the same time, spraying it together with a high speed gas stream so as to deposit and laminate the elastomer into a sheet form. A synthetic leather using the non-woven fabric is also provided. The non-woven fabric has not only an excellent elasticity but also high tear strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: A burner membrane comprising a textile fabric. The textile fabric comprising at least 60% by weight of machined metal fiber bundles, having a bundle voluminousity in the range of 1 to 15% and a torsion rate in the range of 10 to 80 turns/m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durable and imaged flame-retardant nonwoven fabric that can be used for flame-retardant apparel and other related applications. The fabric is formed by providing a precursor web consisting of a blend of melamine fibers and aramid fibers. The precursor web is hydroentangled on a three-dimensional image transfer device for formation of the fabric. The resultant fabric provides desirable air permeability and Thermal Protective Properties.

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 thermoplastic polymer electret material comprising a porous substrate of a blend of a first thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin or polyamide, and from 0.1% to about 25% by weight, of a compatible telomer. The porous substrate is electrostatically charge and is well suited for use in filter media, sterilization wraps, face masks, dust wipes and the like.

Abstract: Nonwoven barrier laminates are provided having a desirable balance of properties, including barrier properties, strength, static dissipation, fluid repellency, aesthetics and tactile properties. The nonwoven barrier laminates of the invention generally include outer spunbonded layers, at least one hydrophobic microporous layer between the outer spunbonded layers, and at least one discrete layer of electrically conductive strands. A multiplicity of discrete bond sites bond the various layers of the nonwoven barrier laminate into a coherent fabric.

Abstract: A lactic acid-based resin composition containing a mixture of (A) a mixture of (a1) polylactic acid and (a2) an aliphatic polyester, and (B) an aliphatic block co-polyester having a polylactic acid segment and an aliphatic polyester segment, wherein the aliphatic block co-polyester (B): (1) contains a lactic acid component in an amount of from 20 to 80 wt % in terms of monomer, (2) has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 or more and less than 60,000, and (3) has a weight average molecular weight of the polylactic acid segment of from 500 to 55,000 and a weight average molecular weight of the aliphatic polyester segment of from 500 to 55,000. A molded article formed from the composition can be a film, a sheet, a filament.

Abstract: A loop component of a hook and loop fastener made of a fibrous, thermally retracted material. A method of making the loop component includes heating one side of a fibrous, thermally retractable material to a high enough temperature to cause the material to retract, thereby bonding the fibers on that side while allowing the fibers on the opposite side to gather into loops.

Abstract: An oil-resistant elastic laminate including an elastomeric sheet laminated to one or more nonwoven facing sheets with an oil-insensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the elastomeric sheet and/or the facing sheet(s), an oil-insensitive adhesive incorporated within the elastomeric sheet, and/or an oil-insensitive adhesive incorporated within the nonwoven facing sheet(s). The invention further includes methods of making oil-resistant elastic laminates.

Abstract: A matrix of collagen is obtained through the method of electroprocessing. As a common natural polymer, collagen may be electroprocessed to form a matrix for multiple different applications.. The flexibility and variability of the processing allows the collagen matrix to be predesigned to meet many applications. These applications are included, but not limited to, biomedical applications, manufactured leather applications, food casing products, and footwear and clothing products.