High temperature method of making elastomeric materials and materials obtained thereby

Abstract

Elastomeric materials such as elastomeric nonwoven webs of elastomeric meltblown fibers, elastomeric films or elastomeric molded materials are attained by forming, e.g., extruding or meltblowing, a polystyrenic poly(ethylenebutylene) thermoplastic block copolymer at elevated temperatures of at least about 290 degrees Centigrade, e.g., from about 290 degrees Centigrade to 345 degrees Centigrade. The resulting products retain good elastic elongation and strength properties. In the case of elastomeric nonwoven webs of elastomeric fibers, other fibers such as cellulosic fibers, e.g., cotton fibers, may be combined with the elastomeric fibers by known methods to provide an elastomeric nonwoven web comprising a blend of the elastomeric fibers with other fibers. Such web or film materials are useful generally in applications utilizing webs or sheets of elastic fabrics or the like, for example, in making composite materials in which an elastic layer of material is bonded to a gatherable web.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.