Micro- and nano-structured fiber-based substrates

A nonwoven substrate comprising individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter, wherein the pattern elements are recessed into and/or extend out of the fiber surface, and wherein the nonwoven substrate includes polypropylene or polyethylene, wherein the micro-embossed pattern has a pattern roughness, and wherein the pattern roughness is greater than 1.5, the nonwoven substrate having a substrate density of less than 0.12 g/cc, and wherein the nonwoven substrate has a pattern coverage of at least 20% based on the projected fiber surface area visible from above.

A disposable absorbent article comprising a nonwoven substrate having individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, and wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter, wherein the micro-embossed pattern has a pattern roughness, and wherein the pattern roughness is greater than 1.5, the nonwoven substrate having a substrate density of less than 0.12 g/cc, and wherein the nonwoven substrate has a pattern coverage of at least 20% based on the projected fiber surface area visible from above.