Abstract: Method and apparatus for fiber-reinforced mats and asphalt coated sheets for use in roofing and water resistant membranes. Mats and sheets according to the invention exhibit superior tensile strength and resistance to wrinkling. The mat aspect of the invention comprises product and method for producing mats comprised of organic matting materials such as cellulose, paper, other wood products, or felt, and reinforcing fibers such as fiberglass, plastics, and other relatively high-strength natural and synthetic fibers, the fibers being incorporated within the matting material during production of the mat. The sheet aspect of the invention comprises product and method for mats of the type described above with added asphalt coatings to improve the water-proofing qualities of the mats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing material formed from bulked fibres that are combined in the form of a mat or a nonwoven. The bulked fibres differ as regards the material or degree of bulking. Alternatively or in addition, unbulked fibres are used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent composite containing superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent material is in the form of superabsorbent particles having a bimodal particle size distribution. Use of superabsorbent material having a bimodal particle size distribution in the absorbent structure results in enhanced fluid distribution and fluid intake of the absorbent composite. The absorbent composite of the present invention is useful in disposable personal care products.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a super absorbent composite for use in personal hygiene products, comprising a non-woven core with SAP uniformly distributed throughout the thickness of the core and bonded to the core with an adhesive. A non-woven core is provided to a processing line. An adhesive is introduced throughout the thickness of the core. Then the core is impregnated with a super absorbent polymer by blowing a stream of super absorbent polymer and air onto the core at a sufficiently high velocity to cause the super absorbent polymer to penetrate the surface of the core. The super absorbent polymer is distributed uniformly throughout the cross-section of the non-woven core and immobilized by the adhesive. Alternatively, the super absorbent polymer is blown into a non-woven core without adhesive and immobilized by a fiber matrix in the non-woven core.

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: 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 web of thermoplastic multicomponent substantially continuous fibers is thoroughly and evenly mixed with absorbent materials prior to deposition on the forming wire to result in superior adherence of the absorbents to the thermoplastic components and hence result in superior performance of the web. The multicomponent fibers have a low melting point sheath which can be fully activated to melt and wet the absorbent particles. The web can then be densified and cooled, securing the absorbents to the web with hardened flow joints and enabling the web to carry high loadings of absorbent while maintaining good web integrity.

Abstract: A wrapped absorbent structure that includes two or more absorbent materials to maximize the absorbent functionality of the structure without sacrificing integrity. The structure includes an absorbent core surrounded by an absorbent wrap. The absorbent core is primarily intended to provide absorbent capacity while the absorbent wrap is used to maintain wetness integrity, although the absorbent wrap also provides a considerable amount of absorbent capacity. The absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent swimwear.

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: A shred-resistant and cut-resistant absorbent sheet material including an absorbent substrate and cut-resistant particles discontinuously distributed through the substrate. The absorbent substrate can comprise cellulosic material and the particles comprise polymeric materials having an average size of at least about 100 nanometers, and most preferably between 100 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. In one embodiment, the particles are provided in an amount of between about 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the sheet. The sheet material can be made using typical paper making processes. Heat and/or pressure are applied to the sheet material to cause the particles to at least partially flow, so as to bond to the absorbent substrate. The sheets can be provided as a layered structure with a slip-resistant base for home use in the preparation of foodstuffs.

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: The present invention relates to a dry-laid composition comprising: hollow synthetic fiber, absorbent and a binder system. The hollow fiber comprises from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of said composition. The hollow synthetic fiber has a denier of between about 2 to about 18. The hollow synthetic fiber is selected from the class of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, acrylics, as well as mixtures and copolymers thereof. The absorbent comprises from about 40% to about 80% of the weight of said composition. The absorbent is a natural absorbent, or a synthetic absorbent, or a mixture of these. The natural absorbent is selected from the class of wood pulp fluff, cotton, cotton linters, and regenerated cellulose fibers, or a mixture of these. The synthetic absorbent is selected from the class of agar, pectin, guar gum, and synthetic hydrogel polymers. The binder fiber comprises from about 3 to about 15 percent by weight of said composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to rigid porous carbon structures and to methods of making same. The rigid porous structures have a high surface area which are substantially free of micropores. Methods for improving the rigidity of the carbon structures include causing the nanofibers to form bonds or become glued with other nanofibers at the fiber intersections. The bonding can be induced by chemical modification of the surface of the nanofibers to promote bonding, by adding “gluing” agents and/or by pyrolyzing the nanofibers to cause fusion or bonding at the interconnect points.

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 thermal insulation product includes infrared radiation absorbing and scattering material dispersed on a loose fill. The infrared absorbing material can include borates, carbonates, nitrates and nitrites of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibrous absorbent articles containing particles useful in the manufacture of disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, scrubbing pads, scouring pads and cleaning pads that contain a detergent or soap and the like, and pads that contain coffee, tea, and the like More particularly, the invention is directed to an absorbent articles having sealed lateral edges to contain loose fibers and particles within the structure. Additionally, this invention is related to airlaid methods to manufacture unitary absorbent products.

Abstract: A two-layer laminate and a process for manufacturing a two-layer laminate including a first nonwoven layer including thermoplastic fibers, wherein the first nonwoven layer is pre-consolidated and pre-shrunk, a second nonwoven layer including glass fibers, and at least one thermoplastic binder, wherein the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer are bonded together by application of heat, the second nonwoven layer is pre-consolidated and the thermoplastic binder originates from the second nonwoven layer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a flexible adsorbent-loaded filter formed from a flexible support web and attached adsorbent particles. The adsorbent-loaded filter has open filter cells which are defined by the support web and the attached adsorbent particles and are random in size and orientation through the length and depth of the filter. The support web is formed of substantially nonlinear filaments that randomly intersect. The adsorbent particles largest average cross sectional dimension is smaller than the average diameter of the pores of the support web. When the flexible adsorbent loaded filter is flexed about a radius of curvature 20 mm, the percent increase in pressure drop is less than 100 percent when measured at a face velocity of 0.25 m/s.

Abstract: The invention relates to webs finished to contain impregnated microcapsules, to a process for producing them and to their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-retaining fiber structure comprising a cloth layer having a moisture/heat release control capability laminated with a cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability, wherein said cloth layer having the moisture/heat release control capability has a moisture permeability of 3000-12000 g/m2·24 hr and said cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability has an exothermic energy index of 5 or larger and a contact thermal sensation factor (qmax) of 0.1 W/cm2 or less.

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: In a wet friction material and a method therefor of the present invention, an excessive binder coating on the outermost surface layer of the friction material is removed or prevented while at least one of impregnation, drying and setting of a binder, and further the surface of the friction material is smoothed by means of heating, pressurizing and molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite structure which is capable of use as a filter medium and a method for producing the same. The composite structure contains at least a first nonwoven layer, said first layer having a first surface and a second surface, as well as a rigidifying or stiffening component. The rigidifying component is applied in semi-molten state to the one surface of the nonwoven layer and provides sufficient stiffness and/or resilience to the composite such that the composite is self-pleatable yet retains flexibility. The rigidifying or stiffening component may be filaments of a polymer or polymer blend or alternatively the rigidifying or stiffening component may also be a wax or wax blend.

Abstract: The water absorbent material of the present invention is composed of a copolymer of an anhydropolyamino acid having at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond in a molecule, a water-soluble monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and polysaccharides, and has high water absorption ratio and high water absorption rate in pure water or water having a low ion content and also has high absorption properties for high concentration salt-containing solutions.

Abstract: There is provided a new nonwoven material for personal care products made of fibers, binder in an amount between 1 and 6 weight percent and superabsorbent in an amount between 1 and 80 weight percent, where the superabsorbent is contained in micro-pockets in the nonwoven. These micro-pockets may be made by creping a nonwoven fabric, orienting fibers in the Z-direction, and by passing a relatively lofty nonwoven fabric between unheated thermal pattern bond and anvil rolls. These materials exhibit good permeability to liquid in the pre- and post-wetted conditions, thus avoiding gel blocking and other negative effects of superabsorbent swelling within a fabric. Such a fibrous material is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a fibrous web for making a shaped article reinforced with fibrous webbing by impregnating the web with a liquid resin and a hardener therefor, wherein said web comprises indicating means, which indicate the impregnation of the web with said liquid resin and said hardener.

Abstract: A deodorant fibrous material contains (1) as a first deodorant material, at least one deodorant component selected from inorganic type and polyorganic acid, ester or salt type components, (2) as a second deodorant material, at least one hydrazine compound and (3) a synthetic resin binder. The deodorant fibrous material can be produced by applying to a fibrous material by a padding or coating method, a liquid composition containing the above components (1)-(3), followed by subsequent heat treatment.

Abstract: A binder is applied to particles which are then combined with fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The particles have functional sites for forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional sites. The binder comprises binder molecules, the binder molecules having at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers may be adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder in turn may be adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a fibrous web. The fibrous web includes a microencapsulated material, such as a microencapsulated phase change material, adhered to the web. Preferably, the web is prepared in a melt-blowing or spun-bonding process. In the melt-blowing process, cooling water containing the microcapsules is used to cool melt blown fibers prior to collection on a collector. In the spun-bonding process, microcapsules are applied in liquid suspension or in dry form to a heated web, for instance, after the web has been calendared. The fibrous webs thus prepared have numerous uses, and are particularly suited to the manufacture of clothing.

Abstract: Method of producing a composite nonwoven for receiving and storing liquids or the like, comprising a carded nonwoven, which is treated in order to consolidate it, and a pulp layer, such as a wood pulp fiber layer, applied to the consolidated carded nonwoven and brought into secure contact with same, characterised in that the carded nonwoven is consolidated dry before being coated with the super-absorbent material, then the layer formed from the pulp fibers is applied to this pre-consolidated carded nonwoven and everything is interconnected.

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: A nonwoven fibrous mat containing non-cellulosic fibers such as glass fibers, mixtures of glass fibers and synthetic polymer fibers, ceramic fibers, mixtures of glass fibers and natural fibers and mixtures thereof bound together with a water soluble, formaldehyde free binder, the binder content of the mat being in the range of about less than about 4 weight percent of the dry mat is particularly useful in making wood or wood product laminates. The mat can also contain limited amounts of cellulosic fibers. The low binder content produces mat manufacturing efficiencies and advantages in the wood laminate.

Abstract: A nonwoven scouring fabric, including a fabric made of coarse fibers interconnected to one another to form a three-dimensional network; a continuous or a discontinuous layer of synthetic resin, or the like, adhering to the fibers, which has a content of abrasive grains; reflectors being additionally bonded at the surface of the layer, which are incorporated in the network by a scattering procedure via at least one side of the nonwoven scouring fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric comprising fiber strands having a coating that is more soluble in a resin matrix material than conventional slashing and/or silane finishes. As a result, the coating does not have to be removed prior to combining the coated fiber strand with a resin matrix material. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites, such as printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted ahd dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

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: Nonwoven fabric for pleated filters comprising a sheath-core conjugate filament in which the core component is made of a polymer higher in melting point and the sheath component is made of a polymer lower in melting point, having compressively bonded portions dotted by embossing, with a weight per unit area X (g/m2) of the nonwoven fabric and a stiffness Y (mgf) obtained according to the Gurley method of JIS L 1096 of Y/X2≧0.03 and X≧120.

Abstract: A non-woven fibre web comprising a plurality of first fibres of amorphous silica, said first fibres being orientated in the x-, y- and optionally z-direction, and optionally being bonded with one or more binder substances, characterised in that one or more continuous strands are embedded within the non-woven fibre web, each continuous strand comprising one or more second fibres of amorphous silica, and a method for the manufacture thereof is disclosed. Also disclosed is an ion-conducting membrane comprising said non-woven web and the use thereof, in particular, in a fuel cell.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material which has at least one formation comprising fibers and aerogel particles and is characterised in that the fibrous formation contains at least one thermoplastic fibrous material to which the aerogel particles are bound and by which the fibers in the formation are bound together. It also relates to a process for the production of said composite material, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure including a liquid acquisition layer and a fibrous liquid storage layer in liquid communication with the acquisition layer. The storage layer includes SAP particles. The acquisition layer includes synthetic fibers and the fibers are latex bonded. A fluid acquisition and/or distribution layer (ADL) containing at least two layers, a top layer of latex bonded synthetic fibers and a bottom layer of latex and/or thermal bonded cellulose fibers and method for preparation thereof are disclosed. The synthetic fiber layer is highly porous and provides rapid fluid acquisition under load. The cellulose layer provides z-direction capillary force to pull fluid into the absorbent product, to provide temporary fluid immobilization, and to act as a conduit for fluid to be pulled into unsaturated portion of the permanent fluid storage layer. The ADL of the invention provides increased protection against leakage relative to single-layer ADLS.

Abstract: A decorative laminate assembly having a decorative laminate top layer assembly. This top layer assembly includes, in descending superimposed relationship, a decorative layer and a core layer that includes PETG, or other polymeric material. Preferably, the top layer assembly also includes a wear resistant overlay layer on top of the decorative layer, and the core layer's PETG is in a sheet form. The top layer assembly may be directly bonded to a water resistant substrate. The decorative laminate assembly of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring applications. When the present invention is used for flooring applications, it is preferred that the overlay layer has enhanced wear resistant qualities and that the water resistant substrate comprise PVC or cement fiberboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the gel or surface postcrosslinking of water-absorbing polymers in which the polymers are treated with a surface postcrosslinking solution and during or after the treatment are postcrosslinked and dried by means of an increase in temperature, the crosslinker being a compound of the formula in which R1 and R2 independently of one another are H, hydroxyl, phenyl or C1-C6-alkyl, R3 is hydrogen, C1-C12-alkyl, C1-C12-alkenyl or C6-C12-aryl and R4 and R5 independently of one another are C1-C12-alkyl, C1-C12-alkenyl, C6-C12-aryl, hydroxyl, C1-C12-alkoxy or hydrogen, dissolved in an inert solvent, to water-absorbing polymers which can be obtained by said process, and to their use in hygiene articles, packaging materials and nonwovens.

Abstract: The invention relates to roofing systems and methods wherein a coating composition including a fibrous material and a first polymer emulsion is applied over a roofing substrate; a rubber composition including rubber granules and a second polymer emulsion may be applied directly to the roofing substrate before the coating composition is applied. The first and second polymer emulsions are preferably (meth)acrylate ester polymer emulsions, which may have different compositions, the rubber granules are preferably obtained from rubber used in the manufacture of used vehicle tires, and the fibrous material is preferably polyamide fibers.

Abstract: A screen formed from a stretched flexible surface, particularly for an external installation, comprises a non-woven fabric provided with a print. One face of the non-woven fabric is provided with a thin permeable layer formed by flakes which receive the print.

Abstract: A layered composite suitable for disintegration into superabsorbent cellulose fluff suitable for use as a core material in an absorbent product. The composite includes a wetlaid web of cellulosic fibers; a layer of superabsorber disposed on the wetlaid web; a drylaid cellulosic layer disposed on the superabsorber layer; wherein the layer of superabsorbent particles comprises greater than 50 percent by weight of the composite; and the drylaid cellulosic layer does not include a bonding agent.

Abstract: A decorative laminate assembly having a decorative laminate top layer assembly. This top layer assembly includes, in descending superimposed relationship, a decorative layer and a core layer that includes PETG. Preferably, the top layer assembly also includes a wear resistant overlay layer on top of the decorative layer, and the core layer's PETG is in a sheet form. The top layer assembly is attached to a water resistant substrate through the use of a water resistant adhesive. The decorative laminate assembly of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring applications. When the present invention is used for flooring applications, it is preferred that the overlay layer include wear resistant qualities and that the water resistant substrate comprise PVC or cement fiberboard.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a top odor absorbing layer, a middle moisture absorbing layer, and a bottom non-skid layer are disclosed. The bottom non-skid layer has a static coefficient of friction of greater than 1.0 and a dynamic coefficient of friction of greater than 0.9. The articles are particularly useful for disposable shoe inserts.

Abstract: A shred-resistant and cut-resistant absorbent sheet material including an absorbent substrate and cut-resistant particles discontinuously distributed through the substrate. The absorbent substrate can comprise cellulosic material and the particles comprise polymeric materials having an average size of at least about 100 nanometers, and most preferably between 100 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. In one embodiment, the particles are provided in an amount of between about 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the sheet. The sheet material can be made using typical paper making processes. Heat and/or pressure are applied to the sheet material to cause the particles to at least partially flow, so as to bond to the absorbent substrate. The sheets can be provided as a layered structure with a slip-resistant base for home use in the preparation of foodstuffs.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell 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. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer. In another contemplated embodiment, the the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber.