Abstract: An absorbent article having a liner and an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner. An absorbent body disposed therebetween includes a non-woven absorbent structure having a length, a width and a thickness. The absorbent structure is constructed of absorbent fibers and binder fibers activatable to form inter-fiber bonds within the absorbent structure, with the binder fibers being multi-component fibers in which at least one binder fiber component has a melt temperature that is lower than a melt temperature of at least one other binder fiber component. The width of the absorbent structure is non-uniform along its length prior to activation of the binder fibers. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is of unitary construction and the concentration of binder fibers therein is non-uniform along at least one of the length, the width and the thickness of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: An in-line formed, non-laminated web is suitable for use as a composite fluid distribution and fluid retention layer in a disposable absorbent article. The web can be formed by selective deposition of airlaid materials including absorbents, such as pulp and superabsorbents, together with binder fibers. The web so constructed will have a plurality of intermingled lower basis weight areas and higher basis weight areas coexisting and distributed in at least a central region of the web, the alternations crossing the X axis or Y axis, or both, of the web, with the higher basis weight areas being a greater thickness in the Z-direction than the lower basis weight areas. The web so constructed will further have no discrete material boundaries between the lower basis weight stripes and the higher basis weight stripes. Further the necessity of later processing on the web to achieve a ridged structure is removed and the fibers will remain whole and undisturbed.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is formed of polyphenylene sulfide fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin by 5 to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the nonwoven fabric, and has stiffness based on the Gurley method specified in JIS L 1096 of 3000 to 10000 mgf, and can be used as a filter medium for collecting hot dust emitted from refuse incinerators, coal boilers, metal melting furnaces, and others.

Abstract: A coform nonwoven web from multicomponent meltblown filaments and an absorbent, wherein the absorbent material is substantially uniformly dispersed in the z-direction is disclosed. A process of preparing the coform nonwoven web by perturbing the meltblown filaments as they are being produced is also disclosed. The coform material can be used in a variety of absorbent articles such as diapers as the primary liquid retention layer. In addition, the coform nonwoven web can be used in a variety of other articles such as wipes.

Abstract: A high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric is disclosed. The composite fabric contains 1) from more than about 0 to less than about 30 percent, by weight, of a nonwoven layer of conjugate spun filaments, the filaments containing at least one low-softening point component and at least one high-softening point component and having at least some exterior surfaces of the filaments composed of at least one low-softening point component; 2) more than about 70 percent, by weight, of pulp fibers; and 3) regions in which the low-softening point component at the exterior surfaces of the filaments is fused to at least a portion of the fibrous component. This high pulp content composite nonwoven fabric may be used as a heavy duty wiper or as a fluid distribution material, cover material, and/or absorbent material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

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: Disclosed is a water disintegratable sheet of which fibers are hydroentangled about each other. The water disintegratable sheet includes: at least one kind of primary fibers having a fiber length of at most 10 millimeter; and bast/leaf fibers having a Canadian Standard freeness value of at most 600 milliliter and a fiber length of at most 10 millimeter.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a disposable dry cleansing article that is formed from a melt extruded fibrous web that has incorporated into the fibers forming the web from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of a melt extruded lathering surfactant. The invention, dry article generally comprises a melt extruded fibrous web of a thermoplastic polymer having a basis weight of from about 10 to 200 g/m2, preferably 10 to 150 g/m2 wherein the fibers have a lathering surfactant incorporated into the fiber at a level that allows the article to be used two (2) or more times with a rinse foam volume of 15 or more, with an initial foam volume of at least 50 ml.

Abstract: Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of a fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric comprising a principal component of para-aramid fiber chops bonded with each other by a binder, the para-aramid fiber chops having a mixture of (a) poly-p-phenylene-3,4′-diphenylether-terephthalamide fibers and (b) poly-p-phenylene-terephthalamide fibers and having a blend ratio by weight of (a)/(b)=10/90˜90/10 and preferably (a)/(b)=30/70˜70/30.

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: An electret is described that includes a surface modified polymeric article having surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: A thermally protective, flame retardant fabric includes a substrate treated with a combination of a flame retardant agent and an intumescent agent. The substrate includes non-thermoplastic fibers or a blend of non-thermoplastic fibers and thermoplastic fibers having a basis weight ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 ounces per square yard. The fabric has a contact thermal protective performance value of at least 4.5 and a contact thermal protective performance efficiency greater than 1.1. Applications of the fabric include protective garments, articles of furniture, vehicle components, building components, electrical components, decorative components, appliances, and containers.

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: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

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: A fire-resistant composite substrate for use in making structural openings fire-resistant, the substrate containing: (a) elastically compressible particles; (b) at least one heat-activated expanding agent; (c) at least one heat-activated binder; and (d) a diisocyanate adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for forming a thermo-formable acoustical panel. The panel may be formed from multi-component polymer fibers or mono-filament polymer fibers dispersed in a mineral fiber batt. The polymer fibers are bound to the mineral fibers by the application of heat to form the acoustical panel.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple zone member (29) having at least a first zone (300) and a second zone (302); the member includes a backing (120, 122) and a sheet of fibers (126); the sheet of fibers in the first zone having anchor portions (127) in the backing at spaced bonding locations (128) and having arcuate portions (130) of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the first zone having a height (301) from the backing; the sheet of fibers in the second zone having anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and having arcuate portions of the sheet projecting form the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the second zone having a height (304) from the backing which is less than the height of the arcuate portions from the backing in the first zone.

Abstract: Cellulosic fiber-containing fabrics are made wrinkle resistant by a durable press wrinkle-free process which comprises treating a cellulosic fiber-containing fabric with formaldehyde, a catalyst capable of catalyzing the crosslinking reaction between the formaldehyde and cellulose and a silicone elastomer, heat-curing the treated cellulose fiber-containing fabric, preferably having a moisture content of more than 20% by weight, under conditions at which formaldehyde reacts with cellulose in the presence of the catalyst without a substantial loss of formaldehyde before the reaction of the formaldehyde with cellulose to improve the wrinkle resistance of the fabric in the presence of a silicone elastomeric softener to provide higher wrinkle resistance, and better tear strength after washing, with less treatment.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric with UV stability having a layer of meltblown fibers sandwiched between first and second layers of spunbonded fibers wherein each layer includes a base resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene; combined with melt processable additives which are a mixture of (i) at least two hindered amine light stabilizers; (ii) a processing aid selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl amines and phosphites; and (iii) a carrier resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene. Other melt processable additives include pigments which are added to provide the desired color in the resulting fabric layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric containing fibers made of polyoxyalkylene and a method for its production and its use. The fabric may be obtained by known methods of producing nonwovens and may particularly be used as a separator in batteries.

Abstract: A washable air filter for removing particles from the inlet air to a heating and/or air conditioning system formed of an assembly of a central polymeric pad containing actively charged charge control agents of a first polarity, a polymeric net containing a dispersion of charged charge control agents of a second polarity in the polymer on each side of the pad and a stiff, deformable metal or plastic grill on each side of the net to form an assembly which can be corrugated and placed in a perimeter frame. The charging is preferably accomplished as the assembly passes over the surface of a roller with a conductive surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant panel having superior fire-resistance and a low dimensional change, and it also relates to a fire-resistant decorative panel using the same. More specifically, a fire-resistant panel comprising: a) a substrate material of a woven or nonwoven fabric of inorganic fiber, or a paper; and b) a resin compound containing the following materials which are impregnated or coated onto the substrate material set forth in a): i) a thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of a phenol resin, a modified phenol resin, a modified phenol-urea resin, a melamine resin, a modified melamine resin, a modified melamine-urea resin, a urea resin, and a modified urea resin; and ii) loess is provided. The present invention also provides a fire-resistant decorative panel using the fire-resistant panel as a substrate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant material having a V50 value of at least about 1000 feet per second. The ballistic resistant material includes at least two types of fibrous materials, which are blended and consolidated together, preferably by needlepunching, to create a single layer of nonwoven, composite material. The needle punching is preferably in the range of 200 to 1000 needlepunches per square inch. The fibrous materials are characterized by being deformed when subjected to the impact of a ballistic object. One of the fibers phase changes, e.g. melting, upon impact and at least one other fiber fibrillates upon impact. One of the fibers must phase change at a temperature at least 80° C. lower than the highest melting or destruction point fiber in the high modulus fiber blend.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs for use as the surge layer of personal care articles are provided. The webs include a first, binder fiber, which is a biodegradable thermoplastic fiber that does not undergo severe heat shrinkage. The webs further include a second fiber which is a biodegradable, thermoplastic fiber. The first and second fibers are combined to form a web that has a moderate permeability, in the range of 500 to 1500 &mgr;m2, and a high void volume, greater than 25 cm3/g.

Abstract: There is provided a corrugated nonwoven web where at least 40 percent of the web surface area is made from fusible fibers. The corrugated web is bonded such that no gaps are present between the folds of the web. Such webs provide comparable compression resistance and resiliency to, and greater void volume than, webs having a conventional X-Y plane fiber alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous material which includes a plurality of polylactide containing fibers. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers can be considered low shrinkage or high shrinkage. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers are considered low shrinkage fibers if they provide a boiling water shrinkage propensity of less than about 20%. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers are considered high shrink fibers if they provide an average fiber boiling water shrinkage propensity of greater than about 10% and a heat of fusion of less than about 25 J/g. The invention additionally relates to the use of an extrusion process to provide low shrinkage fibers and high shrinkage fibers. The invention further relates to the use of these fibers in desirable products.

Abstract: Improved polypropylene fibers exhibiting greatly reduced heat- and moisture-shrink problems are provided. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropyelene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. In another embodiment, cellulosic fibers are crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin selected from the group consisting of a glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-woven material having an emulsion binder, which is dispersible in water, yet non-dispersible in aqueous solutions containing 0.5 weight percent or more of an inorganic salt. The water-dispersible polymer comprises from 1 to 100 percent by weight of a hydrophilic monomer and from 0 to 99 percent by weight of at least one non-hydrophilic monomer, wherein a film formed from said polymer has a Tg of from −40 to 105° C. The dispersible non-woven material is useful in forming disposable articles which can be disposed of by flushing down a toilet.

Abstract: An absorbent composite material composed of a fibrous absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent binding at least a portion of the fibers of the fibrous absorbent material. The fibrous absorbent material is preferably selected from the group consisting of fluff pulp, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The material suitable for use as an absorbent in personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence garments.

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: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to provide a light heat insulating member having both an extremely low thermal conductivity and a high heat resistance in an atmosphere, in which pressure is reduced, a core member consisting of accumulated heat resisting inorganic fiber is put between a high temperature side skin member and a low temperature side skin member made of heat resisting fiber textile and these three members are tied all together in one body by sewing, using heat resisting inorganic fiber thread. It is possible to reduce the thermal conductivity to an extremely small value by adding a material having a high emissivity (SiC powder, SiC whisker) to the core member and to prevent scattering of material constructing the core member by covering side wall parts of the core member by the high temperature skin member.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric with UV stability having a spunbonded fabric layer comprising a base resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene; combined with melt processable additives; wherein said melt processable additives are a mixture of (i) at least two hindered amine light stabilizers; (ii) a processing aid selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl amines and phosphites; and (iii) a carrier resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene. Other melt processable additives include pigments which are added to provide the desired color in the resulting fabric layer.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a heat resistant fabric having high stiffness at high temperature and also high chemicals resistance.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nonwoven material made of a bicomponent fiber in which the first polymer is a cellulose ester polymer, preferably cellulose acetate, and the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and polyimides. The bicomponent fiber can be either a side-by-side or a core-and-sheath fibers. When core-and-sheath, the cellulose acetate is the sheath polymer. The nonwoven material of the invention can be used to prepare grips, materials for use in absorbent products such as diapers and personal hygiene products, disposable towels and other products. The nonwoven of the invention has particular utility for disposable diaper products due to the superior fluid acquisition, retention and distribution properties of the cellulose ester, yet avoids the high cost of all cellulose acetate fibers by use of a much less expensive second polymer to form part the bicomponent fiber.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

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

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

Abstract: A filter material is described, in particular for preparing filter pouches and filter bags for infusion beverages which due to its content of superabsorber fibers which absorb large amounts of liquid allows an optimal leaching of the filling material to be infused even without movement in the leaching liquid, as well as a process for preparing such a filter material.

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

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to dyed fabric blends of aramid fibers and flame resistant (FR) cellulosic fibers, which retains a substantial amount of its strength and durability after dyeing. The dyeing process comprises the steps of: providing a fabric comprising a blend of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers, dyeing the cellulosic fibers of the fabric, and dyeing the aramid fibers of the fabric. Dyeing of the aramid fibers being preformed with low agitation, an aryl ester carrier, and, preferably, at a temperature between 100-110° C.

Abstract: A catamenial absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity having two portions: an overwrap containing an absorbent structure. The overwrap has two portions: a lower, fluid impermeable barrier, an upper, fluid-permeable overwrap, and the absorbent structure contains absorbent material therein. The two portions of the overwrap are made from dissimilar materials, which are joined at a junction.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises a blend of at least two types of discrete fibers wherein one discrete fiber is of a modified cellulose gel-forming material and a second discrete fiber is of another type of gel-forming material such as an alginate.