US 6,686,303 B1 · Bicomponent nonwoven webs containing splittable thermoplastic filaments and a third component

Bicomponent nonwoven webs containing splittable thermoplastic filaments and a third component

AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.

InventorsBryan David Haynes, Billy Dean Arnold, Justin Max Duellman, Ryan Clinton Frank, Jeffrey Lawrence McManus, Charles Allen Smith, Ty Jackson Stokes, Kevin Edward Smith, Darryl Franklin Clark, Debra Jean McDowall, Samuel Edward Marmon, Christopher Cosgrove Creagan, Xin Ning, David Lewis Myers

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Abstract

An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining splittable bicomponent thermoplastic filaments with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers extending the length of the filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the bicomponent filaments are caused to split lengthwise along boundaries between the regions of different polymers, resulting in a web or matrix of finer filaments which 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 durability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A nonwoven web composite, comprising:

a matrix including filaments formed by splitting bicomponent thermoplastic filaments, the bicomponent filaments including a first thermoplastic polymer and a second thermoplastic polymer arranged in distinct zones across a cross-section of individual bicomponent filaments;
the first and second thermoplastic polymers being incompatible with each other and responsive to a nonmechanical stimulus to induce separation from each other;
and
a third component contained within the matrix, the third component selected from the group consisting of fibers, particles, and combinations thereof.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.