Abstract: Melt processable, flushable polymer fibers and methods of making melt processable, flushable polymer fibers are disclosed. The fibers comprise poly(ethylene oxide). Preferably, the poly(ethylene oxide) is modified by grafting polar vinyl monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, onto poly(ethylene oxide). The modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved melt processability and can be used to melt process poly(ethylene oxide) fibers of thinner diameters.

Abstract: A wet cleaning sheet 1 comprises an aqueous liquid-retaining layer 4 having an aqueous liquid-containing polymer and a chemical-containing layer 2 or 9 containing a chemical which causes the polymer to release the aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid-retaining layer 4 and the chemical-containing layer 2 or 9 are formed and/or arranged in such a manner that they are kept out of substantial contact under no load applied but brought into contact with each other with a prescribed load applied whereby the aqueous liquid is gradually released from the polymer by the action of the chemical.

Abstract: An ionizing wiper for removing static charge from an insulative surface. The wiper is made of wiping material with a high density of ionizing points being disposed along the surface of the wiper such that the air between the ionizing points and an object is sufficiently ionized to remove static charge from the object.

Abstract: The gas adsorption sheet of the present invention has a granular activated carbon-containing sheet comprising a granular activated carbon having an average particle diameter of 60 to 600 &mgr;m, a supporting fiber for fixing the granular activated carbon in contact with it, and an adhesive fiber which mainly contributes to shape retention. An air-purifying filter of the present invention is obtained by forming the gas adsorption sheet into a shape of pleats or wave. A method for producing a gas adsorption sheet of the present invention comprises a step of forming a granular activated carbon-containing sheet by using an aqueous slurry containing a granular activated carbon, a supporting fiber and a water-swelling adhesive fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple threat penetration resistant articles. The articles include, in order, fabric layers, polymer impregnated fabric layers, and woven fabric layers. The articles can additionally include tightly woven fabric layers which define the strike face of the article.

Abstract: A turf reinforcement mat (TRM) comprises a lofty polymer grid having integrally attached thereto a fibrous mat. The turf reinforcement mat is preferably produced by needle punching a fibrous mat containing low melt temperature thermoplastic fibers and a lofty polymer grid followed by heating to an elevated temperature to fuse fibers of the fibrous mat to strands of the lofty polymer grid. The integral TRM does not necessitate stitching to hold the various layers together in the integral product.

Abstract: Fragrance emitting articles are provided along with methods of making and using the same. The fragrance emitting articles provided contain microcapsules of a fragrance, which microcapsules are associated with the fragrance emitting article without the addition of a binder. The invention also relates to methods of making the subject fragrance emitting articles and methods of using those articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing continuous filament nonwoven fabric which comprises the steps of providing a single polymeric resin having an MFR of between about 6 to 16, spinning said single polymeric resin using commercially available continuous filament spinning equipment, to yield a continuous filament nonwoven fabric exhibiting a tensile strength improvement of at least 30% when compared to similar resin of greater than 35 MFR.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent composites, useful in an absorbent article, having high liquid intake rates. The absorbent composites may also have a rapid liquid lock-up. Absorbent composites of this invention have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cc liquid/second at an 80% absorbent composite saturation level and a liquid lock-up fraction of at least about 0.70 at 50% superabsorbent material saturation. The absorbent composites of this invention can be a freeze-dried composite, an airformed absorbent composite, or other fibrous or non-fibrous absorbent composites.

Abstract: A thermal insulating material which can be efficiently produced while the content of organic matters, such as organic fibers and/or an organic binder, is reduced to the same or lower degree as compared with the thermal insulating material used in a conventional pollution control device (e.g., catalytic converter), and which can be applied to a pollution control element (e.g., catalytic element) while avoiding, as much as possible, an unpleasant feeling to the operator. A thermal insulating material comprising a thermal insulating material body formed of a bulk material of inorganic fibers, and a coating provided on at least one surface of said thermal insulating material body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet laid, nonwoven web material having stiffness and infusion properties suitable for use as an infusion convenience package. The web material is suitable for use with conventional high speed automated packaging and heat sealing equipment. The web material may also be hydrophobic and comprise thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods are taught relating to temperature stabilizing saddle pads, horse blankets, saddle girths, saddle seat cushions, and saddles for protection and increased performance of horses and/or riders, among other similar products. The invention provides for products that stabilize the temperature of the horse and/or the rider by absorbing heat generated by the body of the horse and/or rider when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature appropriate for the product. In this process heat energy is absorbed through phase change, resulting in a constant temperature as long as there is material that has not changed phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a synthetic, man-made, or natural fiber substrate to create a permanently attached carbohydrate sheath around the fibers of the substrate. Such a treatment gives a composite fibrous substrate that exhibits the most desirable characteristics of the fiber core coupled with the most desirable characteristics of the carbohydrate sheath. It is also possible to apply this technology to individual synthetic fibers or yarns, if desired, before weaving, knitting, stitch-bonding or other method of woven or non-woven substrate formation.

Abstract: A fibrous absorbent composite containing absorbent material, methods for its formation, and absorbent articles that include the composite are described. The composite is a fibrous structure that includes absorbent material dispersed throughout the composite and in increased concentration in bands that extend along the composite's length.

Abstract: A pliable pad includes a layer formed of an absorbent material and a formable material arranged generally parallel to each other. The selected formable material, such as aluminum foil, is capable of assuming a desired shape and of retaining the desired shape which has been assumed. As a result, the formable material can be shaped so that the pliable pad defines a basin for collecting and absorbing liquids. The pliable pad can also include one or more layers for defining a liquid barrier. The pliable pad can be used to collect excess liquid produced during a medical procedure, such as the irrigation of a wound, or can be used in other, non-medical applications in which liquid is to be collected.

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: Absorbent articles including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the absorbent article as possible, while providing enhanced intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.

Abstract: An electrically insulating non-woven fabric having a main component of poly-p-phenileneterephthalamide fibers bonded with each other by a binder of thermosetting resin and a second binder of one selected from fiber chops, fiber pulps and fibrids of thermoplastic resin having a softening point of 220° C. or higher, the poly-p-phenileneterephthalamide fibers being pulps or both of chops and pulps with a blend mass ratio of the chops to the pulps being 0/100 through 95/5 and preferably 50/50 through 90/10, a fiber length of the poly-p-phenileneterephathalamide fiber chops being preferably 3 to 6 mm, a content of the thermosetting resin binder in the non-woven fabric being 5 to 30 mass % and a content of the second binder being is 5 to 15 mass %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water swellable, water insoluble superabsorbent materials having controlled variable gel-bed friction angles. Controlling the gel-bed friction angle of the superabsorbent materials may allow control of the swelling of the material, the absorbency of the material, and/or the absorbency, resiliency, and porosity of the absorbent composite containing the superabsorbent material. The present invention relates to treatments for superabsorbent materials to manipulate friction angle and new superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics. The present invention also relates to absorbent composites employing superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber having controlled fiber-bed friction angles and/or cohesion values. Controlling the fiber-bed friction angle and/or cohesion value of the fiber may allow control of the swelling of the material, the absorbency of the material, and/or the absorbency, resiliency, and porosity of the absorbent composite containing the fiber. The present invention relates to treatments for fiber to manipulate friction angle and cohesion value as well as new fiber materials having the desired friction angle and/or cohesion value characteristics. The present invention also relates to composites and products employing fibers have controlled fiber-bed friction values and/or cohesion values, alone or with other ingredients, including, for example, superabsorbent materials.

Abstract: An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining splittable bicomponent thermoplastic filaments with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers extending the length of the filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the bicomponent filaments are caused to split lengthwise along boundaries between the regions of different polymers, resulting in a web or matrix of finer filaments which entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require durability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a nonwoven fabric cleaning article which is imparted with a three-dimensional image or pattern during the fabrication stage. The three-dimensional image or pattern imparted into the structure of the nonwoven fabric results in a material with a variable level of leading surface contact region as measured across the face of the fabric. The leading surface contact regions are present in the form of projections out of the planar background of the fabric, the prevalence of three-dimensional projections being such that the number and/or dimension of such projections increases as one moves away from the leading edges of the cleaning article.

Abstract: Absorbent structures that form superabsorbent polymers in situ. The structures include an absorbent material and a fibrous material containing an activating agent. The fibrous material releases the activating agent upon stimulation with an activator, which causes the polymer to become a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent component is desirably a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer. The absorbent structures form a superabsorbent composition in situ. Methods of making the activating agent containing fibrous material are provided.

Abstract: A wet-responsive fiber having a monofilament formed from a resin composition comprising a resin having an anionic group, a resin having a cationic group, and, optionally, a resin as a base. The fiber can be produced by melting and kneading a resin composition comprising a resin having an anionic group, a resin having a cationic group and, optionally, a base resin, and then conducting spinning. The nonwoven fabric is comprised of fibers of a resin composition comprising a cationic resin, an anionic resin and, optionally, a regenerated cellulose which can be used as a body fluid absorber or a wet tissue. The nonwoven fabric has water decomposability and is disposable.

Abstract: A protective cover system (100) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object. The protective cover system includes a cover (101, 200, 600) for defining a microenvironment and a corrosion inhibitor source for releasing one or more corrosion inhibitors into the microenvironment. In one embodiment, cover 200 comprises an outer liquid-impermeable layer (204), an inner liquid-permeable layer (202), and a superabsorbent layer (206) located between the outer and inner layers. In another embodiment, cover 600 includes a water-vapor-permeable layer (602) and a porous support layer (606) for supporting the water-vapor-permeable layer. In both of these embodiments, one or more corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into the cover in one or more of the corresponding above-mentioned layers or in a layer separate from these layers, or may be provided in a separate container that fluidly communicates the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the microenvironment.

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: A launderable fluid containment textile composite of stitch bonded construction useful in an incontinence pad. The textile composite includes a fluid retention layer of non-woven fabric formed from a plurality of intermingled textile fibers. A liquid permeable barrier layer of porous fabric is disposed across the fluid retention layer. A plurality of spun yarns including polyester and rayon constituents extend in a repeating stitch bonding pattern through the fluid retention layer and the liquid permeable barrier layer such that the spun yarns form a surface layer over the liquid permeable barrier layer at the technical face of the textile composite. The stitch bonding pattern is characterized by a stitch density in the machine direction of about 4 to about 14 stitches per inch.

Abstract: A sheet material is useful as a waterproof underlayment for a roof of a structure. The sheet material has upper and lower surfaces and comprises a web of reinforcing mat comprising fire-resistant fibers and a continuous non-porous matrix of water-resistant modified bitumen saturating the web of reinforcing mat, wherein the modified bitumen is self-adhesive.

Abstract: A dual texture coform nonwoven web prepared from meltblown filaments and at least one secondary material is disclosed. The dual texture coform nonwoven web is useful as cleaning pads, wipes, mops, among other articles of manufacture. One surface of the dual texture coform nonwoven web contains coarse filaments, which impart an abrasive characteristic to this surface of the nonwoven web and the other surface contains fine filaments, which impart a non-abrasive or soft surface to the nonwoven web. Also disclosed is the process of producing the dual texture coform nonwoven web, method of using the dual texture coform nonwoven web as a wipe, mop, and the like, along with cleaning kits containing the coform nonwoven web.

Abstract: A highly densifiable wood pulp product is disclosed. In one embodiment, the densifiable product includes fibers having low coarseness, preferably having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, and a densifying agent. In another embodiment, the densifiable product further includes fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m. Juvenile wood fibers are the preferred source of fibers having low coarseness. A densified pulp product formed by compacting a fibrous composite that includes fibers having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, a densifying agent, and optionally, fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m is also disclosed. The pulp products can be advantageously incorporated into absorbent articles and can optionally further include superabsorbent material. Methods for forming the densifiable and densified fibrous products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gradient density padding material includes a single layer of nonwoven material having at least one surface processed to form a portion of a thickness thereof having a density increased with respect to a remaining portion of the thickness thereof. The single layer of nonwoven material after processing has an airflow resistance within the range of 200-4000 MKS Rayls, wherein said single layer of nonwoven material has an enhanced acoustic performance. A method of making a gradient density padding material having an enhanced acoustic performance includes the steps of providing a single layer of nonwoven material and processing at least one surface of the single layer of nonwoven material to form a portion of a thickness thereof having a density increased with respect to a remaining portion of the thickness thereof. The single layer of nonwoven material after processing has an airflow resistance within the range of 200-4000 MKS Rayls.

Abstract: A composite abrasive nonwoven web is prepared by passing fibers through a card to yield a pre-bond web following by the bonding of the pre-web in a calender to achieve a composite abrasive nonwoven web. The composite abrasive nonwoven web may be manufactured in, for example, one or two stages. The produced composite web may have at least two layers where, for example, one layer is an absorbent smooth layer and another layer is a rough abrasive layer.

Abstract: A sorbent and filter media material produced from a mass of delustered hydrophobic and lipophilic fibers. In one embodiment the fibers are mixed together to form a cohesive wad of fibers. The wad has a substantial volume of internal interstices available to absorb a liquid hydrocarbon or an organic liquid, and the surfaces of the fibers also adsorb that liquid. The combination of adsorption and absorption enables the sorbent to sorb up to twenty times it own weight of hydrocarbon or organic liquid. Preferably a majority of the fibers are of a relatively shorter length, while a minority of the fibers are of a relatively longer length. The longer fibers help bind the wad together into a cohesive mass that has a substantial volume of internal interstices. After a short time during which the hydrocarbon is sorbed, the wadded mass can be collected, pressed to recover the hydrocarbon, and recycled.

Abstract: A burn through and flame propagation resistant system, includes a sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper made of aramid fibers, mica flakes, and aramid fibrid binder; and one or more sheets of polymeric film, preferably, flame propagation resistant polymeric film, bonded to at least one major surface of the sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper to form a laminated sheet. Preferably, for many applications, the system is also water vapor transmission resistant with the sheet or sheets of polymeric film or a coating providing the water vapor transmission resistance. The burn through and flame propagation resistant paper and/or polymeric film(s) may have major surface(s) coated with a heat sealable adhesive, e.g. for securing the laminated sheet to itself or another laminated sheet to form a bag or envelope for encapsulating insulation.

Abstract: The flame retardant sheet material of the present invention simultaneously affords good flame retardancy and melting resistance in a sheet material in which a nonwoven is used, and also simultaneously provides good abrasion resistance and an excellent design, making it suitable for use in automotive trim surface materials. A flame retardant sheet material is obtained by first needle-punching and then stitch-bonding a web containing 70 to 95 wt % base fiber and 5 to 30 wt % flame retardant fiber selected from among flame retardant rayon fiber and modacrylic fiber. It is preferable for propoxyphosphazene or another such phosphoric ester-based flame retardant to be kneaded into the flame retardant fiber. It is also preferable to add a binder fiber to the web in order to improve abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A fibrous moldable substrate is provided having a fibrous material and a binder. The fibrous material and binder is subjected to heat such that only a portion of the binder is wetted to the fibrous material.

Abstract: A biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric is provided which is composed of filaments of a polylactic acid based polymer. The polylactic acid based polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, copolymers of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid, copolymers of D-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, copolymers of L-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and copolymers of D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, which have melting points of not lower than 100° C., and blends of any of these polymers which have melting points of not lower than 100° C. The filaments of the polylactic acid based polymer have a birefringence of 10×10−3 to 25×10−3, a degree of crystallinity of 12 to 30 wt %, and a crystal size of not greater than 80 Å as measured axially of the filaments. The nonwoven fabric has a boiling water shrinkage percentage of not higher than 15%.

Abstract: A burner membrane has at least one layer consisting of a compressed, needled fiber web with a porosity of between 60% and 95%, and that is constructed of heat-resistant stainless steel fibers. A method for its manufacture includes the steps of providing a fiber web composed of heat-resistant stainless steel fibers, needling the fiber web, and compressing the needled fiber web to the desired porosity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable to a wicking aramid fabric formed from crystallized aramid yarns or mixtures of aramid and other yarns for use in firefighter turnout gear and other protective apparel and a process for making this durable wicking fabric.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting the nonwoven fabric both to an acidic treatment and to a caustic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The caustic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only caustic solution may be employed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns absorbent articles. This invention concerns in particular an absorbent article comprising cellulose fibers (14) present at least partially in the form of granules. Furthermore, the present invention also concerns the use of cellulose fibers (14) present at least partially in the form of granules as a material in an absorbent article.

Abstract: There is provided layer for personal care products made from elastic polymers that are extruded and cross-linked to form superabsorbents. Such a layer is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: Adhesive materials and articles containing adhesive materials are disclosed. Adhesive articles include adhesive fibers, adhesive films, an adhesive layer of fibers, adhesive nonwoven webs, and articles containing one or more of the adhesive materials. Stretched adhesive materials are also disclosed. Methods of making and using the adhesive materials and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin cleaning device that consists of textile structure and that is at least partially provided with lipophilic fibers. Due to the provision of lipophilic fibers the inventive skin cleaning device is especially useful for cleaning oily and mixed skin since the fibers impart to the device a higher fat absorption capacity as compared to conventional skin cleaning textiles. The inventive skin cleaning device is further very environmentally friendly as it allows to widely or completely avoid the use of fat-dissolving cleaning agents.

Abstract: A laminated fabric consisting of a relatively lightweight layer formed of dimensionally stable, heat-resistant fibers, and a relatively heavyweight layer formed of one of more plies. The laminate is imaged on a three-dimensional support surface, and the laminate may be treated with a fire-retardant binder to stabilize the image and enhance the flame-retardant properties.

Abstract: Artificial leather sheet material is made by hydroentanglement of waste leather fibres. A web (28) of the fibres is advanced on a porous belt (8, 9) high pressure water jet heads (13) in a number of successive hydroentanglement steps. Screens (14) are pressed onto the surface of the web (28) between the water jet heads (13) and the web (28). The screens (14) have apertures which allow deep penetration of the water jets into the web (28) whilst thin screen portions between the apertures act to interrupt the jets * and limit formation of furrows (30). Deflector plates (19) are provided alongside water jet heads (13) to remove re-bounding water.

Abstract: A launderable fluid containment textile composite of stitch bonded construction useful in an incontinence pad. The textile composite includes a fluid retention layer of non-woven fabric formed from a plurality of intermingled textile fibers. A liquid permeable barrier layer of porous fabric is disposed across the fluid retention layer. A plurality of spun yarns including polyester and rayon constituents extend in a repeating stitch bonding pattern through the fluid retention layer and the liquid permeable barrier layer such that the spun yarns form a surface layer over the liquid permeable barrier layer at the technical face of the textile composite. The stitch bonding pattern is characterized by a stitch density in the machine direction of about 4 to about 14 stitches per inch.

Abstract: An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining bicomponent thermoplastic filaments having adhesive properties with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers across a cross-section of individual filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the adhesive properties of the bicomponent filaments result in a web or matrix of filaments having improved ability to entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require stability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardable fiber blend which forms a moldable fiber batt, the blend comprising fibers having a modulus of 550 g/denier or more with fibers of a thermoplastic polymer wherein the high modulus polymer fibers are all uncrimped fibers or a mixture of crimped and uncrimped fibers. The moldable batt is useful in making speaker cones.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed therebetween. The absorbent body includes a non-woven absorbent structure of unitary construction. The absorbent structure is constructed of absorbent fibers and binder fibers activated to form inter-fiber bonds within the absorbent structure, and has a length, a width, a thickness and a permeability throughout the absorbent structure of greater than about 20 square microns. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure has an outer surface and a core, the absorbent structure having less than about five times more oxidation at its outer surface than at its core. In another embodiment, the binder fibers have an energy receptive additive in the range of about 2 to about 40 weight percent and a dielectric loss factor of at least about 0.5.