Patent · US Expired

Undirectionally cold stretched nonwoven webs of multipolymer fibers for stretch fabrics and disposable absorbent articles containing them

US6849324B2 · kind B2 · utility

50Cited by
25References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 6, 2001
Grant dateFeb 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 2, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T442/692
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends. The nonwoven webs are stretchable well beyond their initial dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction and are especially useful in laminates with elastomeric members for use in disposable absorbent articles to impart elasticity thereto.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.