Method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web exhibiting surface energy gradients
US5658639A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24273
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients. The method includes the steps of: providing a nonwoven web of fibers exhibiting a surface energy, the nonwoven web having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of fluid passageways placing the first and second surfaces in fluid communication with one another; applying a surface treatment to the first surface of the nonwoven web, the surface treatment having a surface energy less than the surface energy of the fibers of the nonwoven web creating a plurality of surface energy gradients defined by discontinuous, spaced regions which are adapted to exert a force on a fluid contacting the first surface, such that the fluid will be directed toward the fluid passageways for transportation away from the first surface and in the direction of the second surface; weakening the nonwoven web at a plurality of locations creating a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations; and applying a tensioning force to the nonwoven web to cause the nonwoven web to rupture at the plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.