EP1382731A1 - Method for making a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric and the fabric made thereby - Google Patents
Method for making a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric and the fabric made thereby Download PDFInfo
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- EP1382731A1 EP1382731A1 EP03250510A EP03250510A EP1382731A1 EP 1382731 A1 EP1382731 A1 EP 1382731A1 EP 03250510 A EP03250510 A EP 03250510A EP 03250510 A EP03250510 A EP 03250510A EP 1382731 A1 EP1382731 A1 EP 1382731A1
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- Prior art keywords
- layer
- filaments
- woven material
- process according
- nonwoven material
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H3/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length
- D04H3/08—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating
- D04H3/10—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with bonds between yarns or filaments made mechanically
- D04H3/11—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with bonds between yarns or filaments made mechanically by fluid jet
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/44—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling
- D04H1/46—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres
- D04H1/492—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres by fluid jet
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/44—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling
- D04H1/46—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres
- D04H1/498—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres entanglement of layered webs
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
- D04H1/56—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving in association with fibre formation, e.g. immediately following extrusion of staple fibres
Definitions
- the invention is directed to a method for making a nonwoven material including forming at least one layer of continuous filaments and subjecting the layer(s) to hydroentanglement in the absence of any prebonding of the continuous filaments in the layer(s) prior to being subjected to hydroentanglement, as well as the nonwoven material made thereby.
- the nonwoven material has improved physical properties such as increased tensile and elongation properties, hand and drape, very low surface linting, etc.
- the nonwoven material provided is preferably spunlaid or meltblown or is a composite and can be present as a single layer or as one or more layers in a multi-layer nonwoven material.
- the material of the invention is in particular useful in personal care absorbent products, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, adult incontinence products, etc., as well as for dry or wet wipes, medical products which come in contact with skin, and the like.
- Hydroentangled nonwoven webs and processes for making such webs are known in the art.
- the process is usually limited by one or more critical parameters in order to provide a nonwoven product having a desired characteristic or quality dictated by the use to which the material is to be applied.
- prior art hydroentanglement processes require some type of prebonding of the filaments or fibers prior to being subjected to hydroentanglement. This adds to the time and cost of the process, but also affects the properties of the resulting nonwoven material, in particular as to the softness and durability of the material. Examples of known hydroentanglement processes are as follows:
- the conventional processes as known in the art produce nonwoven materials having strength in the tensile direction but not in the cross-direction. When the material is pulled in a cross-direction, the material will stretch and ultimately tear. Thus, a nonwoven material having both good tensile and cross-directional strengths is desirable, as well as a consolidated continuous process for producing such material.
- the ability to provide such improved material from a single raw material, in a continuous process in particularly being capable of pre-formation treatment or post-formation treatment to affect physical properties of the material, is desirable.
- a primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for making a nonwoven material utilizing hydroentanglement as a means of bonding thereby eliminating the need for thermal bonding or chemical bonding agents, and a nonwoven material having improved strength.
- the continuous filaments of each layer present are made from a thermoplastic polymer, preferably a polyolefin or polyester, and most preferably polypropylene.
- a further object is to provide a nonwoven material with improved tensile and elongation properties, in particular increased strength in the cross-direction, so that the material is suitable for processing and use as a barrier for solids, such as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) as used in diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and the like.
- SAPs superabsorbent polymers
- a further object is to alter one or more physical characteristics of the nonwoven material, such as the fluid handling property (e.g. hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity) of at least a portion of the nonwoven material, flame retardancy, absorbency, antistatic nature and the like, by incorporating one or more components into the nonwoven material, such as an additive added to an extruder polymeric melt or topical application to the resulting hydroentangled nonwoven material.
- the fluid handling property e.g. hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity
- the nonwoven material is formed from at least one layer of continuous filaments, which are preferably spunlaid or meltblown, and the filaments are bonded by hydroentanglement in the absence of any prebonding of the filaments prior to being subjected to hydroentanglement.
- the filaments are preferably of a thermoplastic polymer, more preferably a polyolefin or polyester, and most preferably polypropylene. Certain properties of the nonwoven material, such as phobicity, philicity, flame retardancy, absorbency, antistatic nature, etc.
- an additive or topical treating to affect hydrophilicity involves the use of a surfactant.
- the process of the invention provides a nonwoven material having improved tensile and elongation properties as well as an improved hand.
- the nonwoven material is provided with a cottony velveteen feel.
- the improved properties are obtained by provision of the spunlaid or meltblown layer(s) from continuous filaments in a continuous in-line process which includes hydroentangling the continuous filaments as part of the in-line process without any prebonding of the filaments.
- the process of the invention allows for the use of a single raw material, such as polypropylene, and avoids the necessity of using staple fibers. Staple fibers require a separate process of manufacture, interim storage and subsequent incorporation into another process to make a final product.
- Staple fibers were believed necessary for use in conventional processes to obtain hydroentangled fibers since it was believed necessary to have defined end structures to obtain the desired knotting during hydroentanglement to achieve bonding of the fibers.
- the process of the invention allows for the use of continuous filaments, thereby allowing for a continuous in-line process of production and treatment by hydroentanglement to join or bond the filaments together.
- a desired spunlaid or meltblown layer is (are) produced by a conventional method for producing continuous filaments.
- the continuous filaments are laid onto a moving support, e.g. a moving mesh screen or a series of moving supports. e.g. perforated godet rollers.
- a moving support e.g. a moving mesh screen or a series of moving supports. e.g. perforated godet rollers.
- second and subsequent layer(s) are laid sequentially upon the prior formed layer(s) on the moving support.
- the layer or layers then are subjected to hydroentanglement. No prebonding, e.g. by heat, compression, calendering, chemical or the like, is utilized.
- the moving support is structured to extend or transfer the layer or layers to the hydroentanglement equipment such that the layer(s) is essentially continually supported to the hydroentanglement apparatus. This serves to maintain the structure of the layer(s) and allow direct impact of water on the layer(s) from the plurality of high pressure water jets providing the hydroentanglement while avoiding flying apart of the layer(s) when the water hits the layer(s).
- a plurality of water jets are positioned above the moving support(s).
- the moving support(s) is preferably structured to allow for drainage of the water.
- the screen mesh or perforations in the godet rollers preferably have openings with a diagonal in the range of from about 0.1 to 2.0 mm.
- the number of water jets present and the pressure at which the water is ejected are critical in determining the properties obtained in the treated nonwoven material.
- the water jets are positioned so as to be spaced apart and provide about 50 water jets per linear inch.
- the water jets are arranged to cover the width of the layer(s) being treated. A single line or a plurality of lines of water jets may be used.
- the support(s) for the layer(s) moves at a speed generally in a range of about 20 to 250 meters per minute.
- Water is fed under pressure through nozzles, preferably at a pressure of from about 20 to 250 bar.
- Nozzle orifice diameters can be from about 0.1 to 0.2 mm to provide the desired sized water streams.
- a preferred combination of number of water jets, pressure and orifice size is as follows: number of jets 25 to 50 per linear inch, pressure about 20 to 200 bar, and orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. If a material with looser filament structure is desired, the parameters are as follows: number of jets 25 to 50, pressure about 20 to 150 bar and orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. If a material with a tight filament structure is desired, the parameters are as follows: number of jets 30 to 50, pressure about 50 to 250 bar and orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
- the filament content of the nonwoven material is preferably of high density in order to prevent movement or migration of solids from one side to another of the material while at the same time allowing fluids to move through quickly based on additive or topical treatment with a surfactant.
- the basis weight of the overall nonwoven material is preferably about 17 to 150 gsm (grams per square meter).
- each layer is preferably from about 8 to 80 gsm as to basis weight.
- the hydroentangled nonwoven material will be hydrophobic when made from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene.
- a surfactant can be incorporated into the material.
- a suitable surfactant for use as an additive in a polymer melt is STANDAPOLTM 1353A or 1480, as sold by Cognis Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany, which are each a fatty ester.
- a preferred surfactant for topically treating the formed hydroentangled nonwoven material is STANTEX® S 6327, as sold by Cognis Deutschland GmbH, which is a blend of fatty acid esters.
- a suitable topical treatment for imparting hydrophilicity to the nonwoven material is as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,709,747 and 5,885,656, the disclosure of each patent being incorporated herein by reference.
- the surfactant is preferably present in the nonwoven material in an amount of from about 0.2 to 3.0 wt.%.
- the nonwoven materials of the invention are useful in a wide variety of applications.
- the nonwoven material is useful as a component of absorbent products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products; medical products which contact the human skin such as surgical gowns and masks; disposable dry or wet wipes (both plain and impregnated dry wipes); industrial garments; filtration media; etc.
- the nonwoven material of the invention is in particularly well suited for those applications requiring both high strength and soft hand feel.
- the nonwoven material is also suitable for use as a barrier layer for retaining solids within a desired location, e.g., SAPs in diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products.
- Continuous filament spunmelt webs subjected to water jet bonding have improved wet strength properties making the material in particularly useful in wet wipe applications, such as baby wipes, hard surface cleaning wipes, general purpose solution-containing wipes, specialty wipes having graphics applied thereto, and the like.
- Dry wipes include static dusting wipes or mops and wipes impregnated with a substance which is activated on addition to water.
- the nonwoven material of the invention following hydroentangling, further can be provided with a pattern, such as by conventional embossing or the like, to provide aesthtic appeal and/or enhancing fluid absorption, fluid retention, and fluid channeling characteristics in the nonwoven material.
- the hydroentangled nonwoven material provided by the process of the invention includes at least one layer of continuous filaments or fibers bonded by hydroentanglement in the absence of any prebonding of the filaments.
- the nonwoven material can be a single layer or multi-layer and include a combination of spunlaid and/or meltblown filament layer(s).
- the filaments forming the at least one layer are polymeric and continuous.
- the filaments can be made using conventional extrusion apparatus and techniques.
- the invention avoids the use of staple fibers.
- the nonwoven material is spunlaid.
- the hydroentangled nonwoven material of the invention has a superior tensile and elongation properties as compared to hydroentangled nonwoven materials made from staple fibers.
- the hydroentangled nonwoven material preferably has a basis weight of about 17 to 150 gsm. More preferably the nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from about 25 to 100 gsm, most preferably from about 30 to 70 gsm.
- the filaments of the layer(s) is (are) made of a thermoplastic polymer.
- Suitable polymers include polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides; polyacrylates; polystyrene; thermoplastic elastomers; and blends of these and other known fiber forming thermoplastic materials.
- the preferred useful polymer is polypropylene. If the nonwoven material is multi-layer, each layer is preferably of the same polymeric material. The process of the invention is advantageous for providing improved physical properties while using one raw material and an in-line continuous process to obtain the desired product.
- the denier size of the filaments is effective to alter physical properties of the resulting material.
- Preferably the denier size is about 0.8-5 dpf to provide a nonwoven material of desired strength.
- Various physical properties can be imparted to at least one portion of or completely to the hydroentangled nonwoven material depending on the use to which the nonwoven material is to be applied. At least one portion of the nonwoven material includes where one or more layers in their entirety are modified as to a given property, or any preselected portion or one or more of the layers have a preselected area thereof modified as to a preselected property.
- the manner of imparting a particular property to the nonwoven material can be based on the inclusion of an additive in the polymer melt or by topical treatment. This will be further evident from the description below of the method of making the nonwoven material. Properties which can be affected include fluid phobicity, fluid philicity, fire retardancy, absorbency, softness, antistatic nature, etc.
- An advantage of the method of the invention is the provision of a single layer or multi-layer nonwoven material in a process which combines the manufacture of continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments, the formation of a layer therefrom and, if desired, the combining of multiple layers, and thereafter treating along the same processing line, without any prebonding of the filaments, of the layer or layers with a plurality of water jets to provide a bonded nonwoven material with improved strength and feel.
- This improves on conventional multi-stage processes wherein staple fibers are made by a first process, stored and subsequently used to form a product in a separate process, or a first layer is made and then processed for storage or use in another process.
- the conventional processes require multiple lines and stages which necessarily include lost or down time between processing stages.
- the invention provides for a consolidated continuous process in terms of space, time, material storage, etc. Additionally, savings are achieved by not requiring prebonding equipment or processing prior to hydroentanglement.
- a moving support 1 (which can be a belt, mesh screen, or the like) moving continuously along rollers 3 is provided beneath the exit orifices for one or more extruders, illustrated for example as extruders 5, 7 and 9.
- Extruder 5 receives a polymeric melt which is extruded through a substantially linear diehead 11 to form a plurality of continuous filaments 13 which randomly fall to the moving support 1 to form a layer 15, preferably, of spunlaid fibers thereon.
- the extrusion process parameters used are conventional and as known to one skilled in the art.
- the diehead includes a spaced array of die orifices having diameters of preferably about 0.1 to about 1.0 millimeters (mm). The continuous filaments following extrusion are quenched, such as by cooling air.
- extruders 7 and/or 9 Positioned downstream in relation to the moving support 1 in the processing direction can be additional extruders, 7 and/or 9 for example, for providing continuous filaments 17 and/or 21, which can be, for example, spunlaid or meltblown. Extruders 7 and 9 can make additional continuous filaments as described in relation to continuous filaments 13. Filaments 17 and 21 randomly fall to moving support 1 and are laid atop a preceding deposited layer to form superposed layers 19 and 23, respectively. Thus, if desired, along one continuous line a multi-layer nonwoven material can be provided using continuous filaments.
- the single layer or stacked layers are then joined or bonded together to form a coherent material by hydroentanglement utilizing a plurality of water jets 25 such as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.
- Prebonding, such as conventional compression, thermal bonding, calendering or the like, of the layer(s) together to provide interlocking of the filaments is not required.
- Hydroentanglement therefore is conducted in the absence of conventional processes such as thermal bonding, chemical bonding, adhesive bonding, mechanical punch needling and the like, to provide a nonwoven material having acceptable physical properties, and in fact superior tensile and elongation properties as compared to nonwoven materials based on hydroentangled staple fibers.
- the process of the invention provides hydroentanglement of continuous filaments.
- staple fibers are used in order to provide free end structures capable of providing knotting upon being subjected to water jets.
- Conventional processes provide nonwoven material which have adequate strength in the tensile direction but not in the cross-direction. Thus, upon being subjected to stretching, conventional nonwoven materials will tear.
- the present invention provides for hydroentanglement of continuous filaments resulting in a finished product with improved cross-directional strength and improved feel.
- the finished product has a cottony velveteen feel.
- the raw material used can be the same for each layer present in the product. This additionally results in a very economic process and thus economically advantageous product. If desired, other filaments or pulp can be added to further enhance the improved properties.
- the continuous filaments utilized can have a variety of deniers, e.g., preferably about 0.8-5 dpf, and/or bicomponent filaments to further alter the physical properties of the nonwoven material. Deniers of about 0.8 to 5 dpf are preferred to enhance the properties of softness and uniformity.
- the hydroentanglement process of the invention involves moving the formed layer or layers along moving support 1 to the hydroentanglement station 27.
- a transfer belt 29 and godet rollers 33, or other equivalent structures, serve to essentially maintain the layer(s) on a support surface so that when the layer(s) are hit with water from the water jets, the filaments do not fly apart.
- FIGURE 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of hydroentanglement according to the present invention.
- the single layers or stack of layers is indicated at 28 which moves to a transfer belt 29 moving around rollers 31. From transfer belt 29, the layer(s) move along godet rollers 33.
- Godet rollers 33 will have a screen which allows for the passage of water therethrough for drainage. Water jets are depicted at 25.
- Initial water jet treatment can begin in relation to transfer belt 29.
- Other water jets 25 are spaced in relation to godet rollers 33 in order to meet the parameters as more specifically described below.
- the resulting hydroentangled nonwoven material 35 is then transported by means of tension roller 36 for subsequent treatments as desired, e.g. topical treatment, drying, winding, embossing, etc.
- the support which passes beneath the water jets is preferably a series of moving supports.
- Perforated godet rollers, as illustrated in FIGURE 2 preferably have openings with a diagonal of from about 0.1 to about 2.0 mm. This allows for good support and drainage of the water. Drainage can be simply obtained by gravity feed or else by utilization of a vacuum box or by other conventional structures.
- the ability to determine and control the properties obtained in the nonwoven material is based on the number of water jets present, and the pressure of the water ejected from the water jets and applied to the nonwoven material.
- Water jets are present in number so as to provide from 25 to 50 water jet streams per linear inch of nonwoven material with the water being ejected at a pressure of from about 20 to about 250 bar.
- the orifice of the water jet nozzles are preferably from about 0.1 to about 0.2 mm in diagonal.
- the layer(s) preferably move at a speed of from about 20 to about 250 meters per minute while being subjected to the water jets.
- the water jets preferably are positioned over the nonwoven material being treated and in one or more lines extending across the width of the layer(s) being processed at essentially a right angle to the direction of advance of the layer(s).
- the number of water jets and the pressure utilized can be varied so as to provide nonwoven material having different qualities. Examples of different operating parameters which can be used during hydroentanglement and the different physical properties affected and final product provided are described below.
- Physical properties can be imparted to or changed in the nonwoven material in different ways.
- the nonwoven material can be subjected to topical treatment 37, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,709,747 and 5,885,656 which are incorporated herein by reference.
- topical treatment can be to preselected areas depending on the use to which the nonwoven material will be applied. For example, if used in the manufacture of a diaper, a central areal portion may be treated with a surfactant to impart a hydrophilic character thereto.
- a surfactant can be used, such as STANTEX® S 6327, as sold by Cognis Deutschland, GmbH, Dusseldorf Germany, which is a blend of fatty acid esters.
- the surfactant is a liquid suitable for topical application to the nonwoven material.
- Other examples of surfactants suitable for use include PPH 53 as sold by Dr. Bohme GmbH, Germany; and PP 842 as sold by Uniquema, United Kingdom.
- a suitable additive to affect hydrophilicity is STANDAPOLTM 1353A or 1480, sold by Cognis Deutschland, GmbH, which each are a fatty ester(s). These additives maybe present in either liquid or granular form.
- surfactants suitable for use include PPH 53 as sold by Dr. Bohme GmbH, Germany; and PP 842 as sold by Uniquema, United Kingdom. Whether a surfactant additive is fed to one or more of extruders 5, 7 and/or 9 depends on the characteristics of the nonwoven material desired. For example, whether a complete strike through of liquid is desired or only a partial strike through is desired.
- a surfactant is preferably present in an amount of about 0.2-3.0% by weight of the nonwoven material when the nonwoven is hydrophobic and is to be rendered hydrophilic.
- nonwoven material properties of the nonwoven material can be affected, such as fire retardency, absorbency, antistatic nature and the like, by additive or topical application of an appropriate modifying component as described above with regard to affecting the hydrophobic property of the nonwoven material.
- the nonwoven material is subjected to conventional drying and winding so as to provide a finished product ready for use.
- the resulting nonwoven material can be subjected to embossing or other conventional process to provide a pattern to the nonwoven material.
- the pattern can provide aesthetic appeal and/or enhance certain physical properties, for example fluid absorption, fluid retention and fluid channeling or direction control of fluid upon contact with the material to control the site of absorption.
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Abstract
A process for making a single layer or multi-layer non-woven material
having improved cross-directional strength and feel, and the non-woven
material made thereby, is described. The process provides a non-woven
material including at least one layer formed of polymeric continuous
filaments. The layer(s) are formed in a continuous sequential manner, i.e. a
subsequent layer being formed on top of a preceding layer or layers.
Thereafter, in the absence of any pre-bonding, the layer(s) are subjected to
hydroentanglement. The basis weight of the non-woven material is from
about 17 to 150 gsm. The non-woven material has improved properties
based on treating the layer(s) by hydroentanglement. Varying the number
of water jets and the pressure of the water allows variance in the properties
obtained in the final product. Other physical properties can also be
imparted to or changed in the non-woven material by inclusion of an
additive in a polymer melt during formation of the filaments, or by topical
treatment following treatment of the layers of the non-woven material by
hydroentanglement.
Description
The invention is directed to a method for making a
nonwoven material including forming at least one layer of
continuous filaments and subjecting the layer(s) to
hydroentanglement in the absence of any prebonding of the
continuous filaments in the layer(s) prior to being
subjected to hydroentanglement, as well as the nonwoven
material made thereby. The nonwoven material has improved
physical properties such as increased tensile and elongation
properties, hand and drape, very low surface linting, etc.
The nonwoven material provided is preferably spunlaid or
meltblown or is a composite and can be present as a single
layer or as one or more layers in a multi-layer nonwoven
material. The material of the invention is in particular
useful in personal care absorbent products, such as feminine
hygiene products, diapers, adult incontinence products,
etc., as well as for dry or wet wipes, medical products
which come in contact with skin, and the like.
Hydroentangled nonwoven webs and processes for
making such webs are known in the art. In conventional
processes, the process is usually limited by one or more
critical parameters in order to provide a nonwoven product
having a desired characteristic or quality dictated by the
use to which the material is to be applied. In particular,
prior art hydroentanglement processes require some type of
prebonding of the filaments or fibers prior to being
subjected to hydroentanglement. This adds to the time and
cost of the process, but also affects the properties of the
resulting nonwoven material, in particular as to the
softness and durability of the material. Examples of known
hydroentanglement processes are as follows:
- U.S. Patent No. 5,023,130 describes a process for water jet entangling continuous filament fibers to form a web wherein the combination of the water jet pressure and total impact energy provided by the water jets is controlling for producing a nonwoven web suitable for producing durable comfortable apparel. At column 4, lines 4-9, the patent teaches that "lightly consolidated webs" are suitable for use in the described process.
- EP 0 333 211 B1 describe nonwoven fibrous hydraulically entangled web materials formed from a laminate of at least one layer of meltblown fibers and at least one layer of nonwoven fibrous material such as pulp fibers, staple fibers, meltblown fibers, continuous filaments, nets, foams, etc. Conventional hydraulic entangling techniques are disclosed as being suitable for use.
- EP 0 333 228 B1 describes hydraulically entangled nonwoven fibrous material formed by entangling a coform of an admixture of non-elastic meltblown fibers and fibrous material.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,508,308 describes a jet treatment apparatus for producing entangled nonwoven fabrics involving supporting a layer of fibrous material on a smooth supporting member and subjecting the layer to multiple high pressure water jets. The layer of fibrous material is staple fibers or continuous filaments in the form of mats, batts, webs and the like, including layered composites or blends.
- International Published Application WO 01/51693 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for continuously producing a multi-layer nonwoven fabric. The process involves sandwiching a first web of cellulosic fibers between two webs of spunlaid filaments. Consolidation of the resulting complex is then by hydroentanglement.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,801,107 describes a nonwoven fibrous material of pulp fibers which are loosened and rearranged by low energy jets of liquid so that the nonwoven material can absorb, transport and release liquid. The material is provided with a defined porosity.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,163,943 describes nonwoven material based on a foam-formed fibrous web, staple fibers and a layer of continuous filaments which are hydroentangled together to form a composite material.
- International Published Application WO 01/53588 describes a nonwoven composite material made from at least one spunbonded woven fiber and wood pulp layer. The nonwoven fiber is compressed or calendered as a prebonding treatment prior to being subjected to hydrodynamic water needling.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,321,425 B1 describes a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric. The precursor web used to form the nonwoven fabric is subjected to compression and light bonding prior to hydroentanglement in order to facilitate handling of the web.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,151,320 describes a hydroentangled spunbonded composite fabric formed from a base web which is a prebonded web made from continuous filaments.
The conventional processes as known in the art
produce nonwoven materials having strength in the tensile
direction but not in the cross-direction. When the material
is pulled in a cross-direction, the material will stretch
and ultimately tear. Thus, a nonwoven material having both
good tensile and cross-directional strengths is desirable,
as well as a consolidated continuous process for producing
such material. The ability to provide such improved
material from a single raw material, in a continuous process
in particularly being capable of pre-formation treatment or
post-formation treatment to affect physical properties of
the material, is desirable.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present
invention is to provide a method for making a nonwoven
material utilizing hydroentanglement as a means of bonding
thereby eliminating the need for thermal bonding or chemical
bonding agents, and a nonwoven material having improved
strength.
More particularly, it is an object of the
invention to provide a single layer or multi-layer nonwoven
material having improved cross-directional strength made in
a continuous in-line process wherein at least one layer of
spunlaid or meltblown continuous filaments are bonded
together by hydroentanglement in the absence of any
prebonding such as by chemical, thermal compression,
needling, calendering or the like.
It is a further object to provide a process for
forming a nonwoven product from at least one layer of
spunlaid or meltblown continuous filaments which require no
prebonding treatment prior to being subjected to
hydroentanglement by a plurality of high pressure water jets
which can control the properties obtained in the resulting
product.
It is a further object that the continuous
filaments of each layer present are made from a
thermoplastic polymer, preferably a polyolefin or polyester,
and most preferably polypropylene.
A further object is to provide a nonwoven material
with improved tensile and elongation properties, in
particular increased strength in the cross-direction, so
that the material is suitable for processing and use as a
barrier for solids, such as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs)
as used in diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine
hygiene products and the like.
A further object is to alter one or more physical
characteristics of the nonwoven material, such as the fluid
handling property (e.g. hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity)
of at least a portion of the nonwoven material, flame
retardancy, absorbency, antistatic nature and the like, by
incorporating one or more components into the nonwoven
material, such as an additive added to an extruder polymeric
melt or topical application to the resulting hydroentangled
nonwoven material.
A durable improved strength hydroentangled single
layer or multi-layer nonwoven material is described. The
nonwoven material is formed from at least one layer of
continuous filaments, which are preferably spunlaid or
meltblown, and the filaments are bonded by hydroentanglement
in the absence of any prebonding of the filaments prior to
being subjected to hydroentanglement. The filaments are
preferably of a thermoplastic polymer, more preferably a
polyolefin or polyester, and most preferably polypropylene.
Certain properties of the nonwoven material, such as
phobicity, philicity, flame retardancy, absorbency,
antistatic nature, etc. can be imparted to or changed in the
nonwoven material by including a suitable additive in the
polymer to be extruded during production of the one or more
layers of filaments, or by topically treating the resulting
nonwoven material following hydroentanglement. For example,
an additive or topical treating to affect hydrophilicity
involves the use of a surfactant.
The process of the invention provides a nonwoven
material having improved tensile and elongation properties
as well as an improved hand. Notably the nonwoven material
is provided with a cottony velveteen feel. The improved
properties are obtained by provision of the spunlaid or
meltblown layer(s) from continuous filaments in a continuous
in-line process which includes hydroentangling the
continuous filaments as part of the in-line process without
any prebonding of the filaments. The process of the
invention allows for the use of a single raw material, such
as polypropylene, and avoids the necessity of using staple
fibers. Staple fibers require a separate process of
manufacture, interim storage and subsequent incorporation
into another process to make a final product. Staple fibers
were believed necessary for use in conventional processes to
obtain hydroentangled fibers since it was believed necessary
to have defined end structures to obtain the desired
knotting during hydroentanglement to achieve bonding of the
fibers. The process of the invention allows for the use of
continuous filaments, thereby allowing for a continuous in-line
process of production and treatment by
hydroentanglement to join or bond the filaments together.
More in particular, a desired spunlaid or
meltblown layer (or layers) is (are) produced by a
conventional method for producing continuous filaments. The
continuous filaments are laid onto a moving support, e.g. a
moving mesh screen or a series of moving supports. e.g.
perforated godet rollers. When a multi-layer material is
being produced, second and subsequent layer(s) are laid
sequentially upon the prior formed layer(s) on the moving
support. The layer or layers then are subjected to
hydroentanglement. No prebonding, e.g. by heat,
compression, calendering, chemical or the like, is utilized.
The moving support is structured to extend or transfer the
layer or layers to the hydroentanglement equipment such that
the layer(s) is essentially continually supported to the
hydroentanglement apparatus. This serves to maintain the
structure of the layer(s) and allow direct impact of water
on the layer(s) from the plurality of high pressure water
jets providing the hydroentanglement while avoiding flying
apart of the layer(s) when the water hits the layer(s).
In the hydroentanglement process, a plurality of
water jets are positioned above the moving support(s). The
moving support(s) is preferably structured to allow for
drainage of the water. The screen mesh or perforations in
the godet rollers preferably have openings with a diagonal
in the range of from about 0.1 to 2.0 mm. The number of
water jets present and the pressure at which the water is
ejected are critical in determining the properties obtained
in the treated nonwoven material. The water jets are
positioned so as to be spaced apart and provide about 50
water jets per linear inch. The water jets are arranged to
cover the width of the layer(s) being treated. A single
line or a plurality of lines of water jets may be used. The
support(s) for the layer(s) moves at a speed generally in a
range of about 20 to 250 meters per minute. Thus, adequate
exposure to the water jets is provided. Water is fed under
pressure through nozzles, preferably at a pressure of from
about 20 to 250 bar. Nozzle orifice diameters can be from
about 0.1 to 0.2 mm to provide the desired sized water
streams. A preferred combination of number of water jets,
pressure and orifice size is as follows: number of jets 25
to 50 per linear inch, pressure about 20 to 200 bar, and
orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. If a material with looser
filament structure is desired, the parameters are as
follows: number of jets 25 to 50, pressure about 20 to 150
bar and orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. If a material
with a tight filament structure is desired, the parameters
are as follows: number of jets 30 to 50, pressure about 50
to 250 bar and orifice size about 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
The filament content of the nonwoven material is
preferably of high density in order to prevent movement or
migration of solids from one side to another of the material
while at the same time allowing fluids to move through
quickly based on additive or topical treatment with a
surfactant. More particularly, the basis weight of the
overall nonwoven material is preferably about 17 to 150 gsm
(grams per square meter). In a multi-layer nonwoven
material, each layer is preferably from about 8 to 80 gsm as
to basis weight.
The hydroentangled nonwoven material will be
hydrophobic when made from a thermoplastic polymer, such as
polypropylene. To render the hydroentangled nonwoven
material hydrophilic, which is a desired property in many
conventional uses of nonwoven materials, a surfactant can be
incorporated into the material. A suitable surfactant for
use as an additive in a polymer melt is STANDAPOL™ 1353A
or 1480, as sold by Cognis Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf,
Germany, which are each a fatty ester. A preferred
surfactant for topically treating the formed hydroentangled
nonwoven material is STANTEX® S 6327, as sold by Cognis
Deutschland GmbH, which is a blend of fatty acid esters. An
example of a suitable topical treatment for imparting
hydrophilicity to the nonwoven material is as described in
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,709,747 and 5,885,656, the disclosure of
each patent being incorporated herein by reference. The
surfactant is preferably present in the nonwoven material in
an amount of from about 0.2 to 3.0 wt.%.
The nonwoven materials of the invention are useful
in a wide variety of applications. For example, the
nonwoven material is useful as a component of absorbent
products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene
products, adult incontinence products; medical products
which contact the human skin such as surgical gowns and
masks; disposable dry or wet wipes (both plain and
impregnated dry wipes); industrial garments; filtration
media; etc. The nonwoven material of the invention is in
particularly well suited for those applications requiring
both high strength and soft hand feel. The nonwoven
material is also suitable for use as a barrier layer for
retaining solids within a desired location, e.g., SAPs in
diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene
products. Continuous filament spunmelt webs subjected to
water jet bonding have improved wet strength properties
making the material in particularly useful in wet wipe
applications, such as baby wipes, hard surface cleaning
wipes, general purpose solution-containing wipes, specialty
wipes having graphics applied thereto, and the like. Dry
wipes include static dusting wipes or mops and wipes
impregnated with a substance which is activated on addition
to water.
The nonwoven material of the invention, following
hydroentangling, further can be provided with a pattern,
such as by conventional embossing or the like, to provide
aesthtic appeal and/or enhancing fluid absorption, fluid
retention, and fluid channeling characteristics in the
nonwoven material.
The hydroentangled nonwoven material provided by
the process of the invention includes at least one layer of
continuous filaments or fibers bonded by hydroentanglement
in the absence of any prebonding of the filaments. The
nonwoven material can be a single layer or multi-layer and
include a combination of spunlaid and/or meltblown filament
layer(s). The filaments forming the at least one layer are
polymeric and continuous. The filaments can be made using
conventional extrusion apparatus and techniques. The
invention avoids the use of staple fibers. Preferably when
a single layer, the nonwoven material is spunlaid. The
hydroentangled nonwoven material of the invention has a
superior tensile and elongation properties as compared to
hydroentangled nonwoven materials made from staple fibers.
To provide a nonwoven material with high strength
in the machine direction and cross-direction as well as
having improved processability, both during manufacture and
after manufacture, the hydroentangled nonwoven material
preferably has a basis weight of about 17 to 150 gsm. More
preferably the nonwoven layer has a basis weight of from
about 25 to 100 gsm, most preferably from about 30 to 70
gsm.
The filaments of the layer(s) is (are) made of a
thermoplastic polymer. Suitable polymers include
polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene;
polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides;
polyacrylates; polystyrene; thermoplastic elastomers; and
blends of these and other known fiber forming thermoplastic
materials. The preferred useful polymer is polypropylene.
If the nonwoven material is multi-layer, each layer is
preferably of the same polymeric material. The process of
the invention is advantageous for providing improved
physical properties while using one raw material and an in-line
continuous process to obtain the desired product.
The denier size of the filaments is effective to
alter physical properties of the resulting material.
Preferably the denier size is about 0.8-5 dpf to provide a
nonwoven material of desired strength.
Various physical properties, such as
hydrophilicity, can be imparted to at least one portion of
or completely to the hydroentangled nonwoven material
depending on the use to which the nonwoven material is to be
applied. At least one portion of the nonwoven material
includes where one or more layers in their entirety are
modified as to a given property, or any preselected portion
or one or more of the layers have a preselected area thereof
modified as to a preselected property. The manner of
imparting a particular property to the nonwoven material can
be based on the inclusion of an additive in the polymer melt
or by topical treatment. This will be further evident from
the description below of the method of making the nonwoven
material. Properties which can be affected include fluid
phobicity, fluid philicity, fire retardancy, absorbency,
softness, antistatic nature, etc.
The method of the invention for making a nonwoven
material will be described in relation to the figures. An
advantage of the method of the invention is the provision of
a single layer or multi-layer nonwoven material in a process
which combines the manufacture of continuous thermoplastic
polymer filaments, the formation of a layer therefrom and,
if desired, the combining of multiple layers, and thereafter
treating along the same processing line, without any
prebonding of the filaments, of the layer or layers with a
plurality of water jets to provide a bonded nonwoven
material with improved strength and feel. This improves on
conventional multi-stage processes wherein staple fibers are
made by a first process, stored and subsequently used to
form a product in a separate process, or a first layer is
made and then processed for storage or use in another
process. The conventional processes require multiple lines
and stages which necessarily include lost or down time
between processing stages. The invention provides for a
consolidated continuous process in terms of space, time,
material storage, etc. Additionally, savings are achieved
by not requiring prebonding equipment or processing prior to
hydroentanglement.
With reference to FIGURE 1, a moving support 1
(which can be a belt, mesh screen, or the like) moving
continuously along rollers 3 is provided beneath the exit
orifices for one or more extruders, illustrated for example
as extruders 5, 7 and 9. Extruder 5 receives a polymeric
melt which is extruded through a substantially linear
diehead 11 to form a plurality of continuous filaments 13
which randomly fall to the moving support 1 to form a layer
15, preferably, of spunlaid fibers thereon. The extrusion
process parameters used are conventional and as known to one
skilled in the art. The diehead includes a spaced array of
die orifices having diameters of preferably about 0.1 to
about 1.0 millimeters (mm). The continuous filaments
following extrusion are quenched, such as by cooling air.
Positioned downstream in relation to the moving
support 1 in the processing direction can be additional
extruders, 7 and/or 9 for example, for providing continuous
filaments 17 and/or 21, which can be, for example, spunlaid
or meltblown. Extruders 7 and 9 can make additional
continuous filaments as described in relation to continuous
filaments 13. Filaments 17 and 21 randomly fall to moving
support 1 and are laid atop a preceding deposited layer to
form superposed layers 19 and 23, respectively. Thus, if
desired, along one continuous line a multi-layer nonwoven
material can be provided using continuous filaments.
The single layer or stacked layers are then joined
or bonded together to form a coherent material by
hydroentanglement utilizing a plurality of water jets 25
such as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. Prebonding, such as
conventional compression, thermal bonding, calendering or
the like, of the layer(s) together to provide interlocking
of the filaments is not required. Hydroentanglement
therefore is conducted in the absence of conventional
processes such as thermal bonding, chemical bonding,
adhesive bonding, mechanical punch needling and the like, to
provide a nonwoven material having acceptable physical
properties, and in fact superior tensile and elongation
properties as compared to nonwoven materials based on
hydroentangled staple fibers.
The process of the invention provides
hydroentanglement of continuous filaments. In conventional
processes of hydroentanglement, staple fibers are used in
order to provide free end structures capable of providing
knotting upon being subjected to water jets. Conventional
processes provide nonwoven material which have adequate
strength in the tensile direction but not in the cross-direction.
Thus, upon being subjected to stretching,
conventional nonwoven materials will tear. The present
invention provides for hydroentanglement of continuous
filaments resulting in a finished product with improved
cross-directional strength and improved feel. The finished
product has a cottony velveteen feel. Further, the raw
material used can be the same for each layer present in the
product. This additionally results in a very economic
process and thus economically advantageous product. If
desired, other filaments or pulp can be added to further
enhance the improved properties. However, such are not
required. The continuous filaments utilized can have a
variety of deniers, e.g., preferably about 0.8-5 dpf, and/or
bicomponent filaments to further alter the physical
properties of the nonwoven material. Deniers of about 0.8
to 5 dpf are preferred to enhance the properties of softness
and uniformity.
The hydroentanglement process of the invention
involves moving the formed layer or layers along moving
support 1 to the hydroentanglement station 27. A transfer
belt 29 and godet rollers 33, or other equivalent
structures, serve to essentially maintain the layer(s) on a
support surface so that when the layer(s) are hit with water
from the water jets, the filaments do not fly apart. FIGURE
2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of hydroentanglement
according to the present invention. The single layers or
stack of layers is indicated at 28 which moves to a transfer
belt 29 moving around rollers 31. From transfer belt 29,
the layer(s) move along godet rollers 33. Godet rollers 33
will have a screen which allows for the passage of water
therethrough for drainage. Water jets are depicted at 25.
Initial water jet treatment can begin in relation to
transfer belt 29. Other water jets 25 are spaced in
relation to godet rollers 33 in order to meet the parameters
as more specifically described below. The resulting
hydroentangled nonwoven material 35 is then transported by
means of tension roller 36 for subsequent treatments as
desired, e.g. topical treatment, drying, winding, embossing,
etc. The support which passes beneath the water jets is
preferably a series of moving supports. Perforated godet
rollers, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, preferably have
openings with a diagonal of from about 0.1 to about 2.0 mm.
This allows for good support and drainage of the water.
Drainage can be simply obtained by gravity feed or else by
utilization of a vacuum box or by other conventional
structures.
The ability to determine and control the
properties obtained in the nonwoven material is based on the
number of water jets present, and the pressure of the water
ejected from the water jets and applied to the nonwoven
material. Water jets are present in number so as to provide
from 25 to 50 water jet streams per linear inch of nonwoven
material with the water being ejected at a pressure of from
about 20 to about 250 bar. The orifice of the water jet
nozzles are preferably from about 0.1 to about 0.2 mm in
diagonal. The layer(s) preferably move at a speed of from
about 20 to about 250 meters per minute while being
subjected to the water jets. The water jets preferably are
positioned over the nonwoven material being treated and in
one or more lines extending across the width of the layer(s)
being processed at essentially a right angle to the
direction of advance of the layer(s).
As above described, the number of water jets and
the pressure utilized can be varied so as to provide
nonwoven material having different qualities. Examples of
different operating parameters which can be used during
hydroentanglement and the different physical properties
affected and final product provided are described below.
Physical properties (e.g., fluid phobicity, fluid
philicity, fire retardancy, absorbency, antistatic nature,
etc.) can be imparted to or changed in the nonwoven material
in different ways. For example, subsequent to
hydroentanglement and dehydration of the layer(s), the
nonwoven material can be subjected to topical treatment 37,
such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,709,747 and
5,885,656 which are incorporated herein by reference. As
described therein, topical treatment can be to preselected
areas depending on the use to which the nonwoven material
will be applied. For example, if used in the manufacture of
a diaper, a central areal portion may be treated with a
surfactant to impart a hydrophilic character thereto. For
example, to affect hydrophilicity, a surfactant can be used,
such as STANTEX® S 6327, as sold by Cognis Deutschland,
GmbH, Dusseldorf Germany, which is a blend of fatty acid
esters. The surfactant is a liquid suitable for topical
application to the nonwoven material. Other examples of
surfactants suitable for use include PPH 53 as sold by Dr.
Bohme GmbH, Germany; and PP 842 as sold by Uniquema, United
Kingdom.
Alternatively, physical properties can be imparted
to or changed in the nonwoven material by providing a
suitable additive to the extrusion polymeric melt fed to one
or more of extruders 5, 7 and/or 9. A suitable surfactant
additive to affect hydrophilicity is STANDAPOL™ 1353A or
1480, sold by Cognis Deutschland, GmbH, which each are a
fatty ester(s). These additives maybe present in either
liquid or granular form. Other examples of surfactants
suitable for use include PPH 53 as sold by Dr. Bohme GmbH,
Germany; and PP 842 as sold by Uniquema, United Kingdom.
Whether a surfactant additive is fed to one or more of
extruders 5, 7 and/or 9 depends on the characteristics of
the nonwoven material desired. For example, whether a
complete strike through of liquid is desired or only a
partial strike through is desired.
A surfactant is preferably present in an amount of
about 0.2-3.0% by weight of the nonwoven material when the
nonwoven is hydrophobic and is to be rendered hydrophilic.
Other properties of the nonwoven material can be
affected, such as fire retardency, absorbency, antistatic
nature and the like, by additive or topical application of
an appropriate modifying component as described above with
regard to affecting the hydrophobic property of the nonwoven
material.
Following hydroentanglement, and topical treatment
if carried out, the nonwoven material is subjected to
conventional drying and winding so as to provide a finished
product ready for use.
Also following hydroentanglement, the resulting
nonwoven material can be subjected to embossing or other
conventional process to provide a pattern to the nonwoven
material. The pattern can provide aesthetic appeal and/or
enhance certain physical properties, for example fluid
absorption, fluid retention and fluid channeling or
direction control of fluid upon contact with the material to
control the site of absorption.
As will be apparent to one skilled in the art,
various modifications can be made within the scope of the
aforesaid description. Such modifications being within the
ability of one skilled in the art form a part of the present
invention and are embraced by the appended claims.
Claims (10)
- A process of forming a non-woven material comprisingproviding continuous thermoplastic polymer filamentslaying the continuous filaments upon a moving support to provide at least one layer on the support, andjoining the continuous filaments of the at least one layer together by hydroentangling the filaments forming the at least one layer, characterised in that the joining step is carried out without any pre-bonding of the filaments,and the hydroentangling is provided by subjecting the at least one layer to water emitted at a pressure of from about 20 to about 250 kg-f/cm2 from a plurality of water jets with at least 10 water jets per linear centimetre of planar surface of the at least one layer.
- A process according to Claim 1 wherein the polymer is a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or is a polyester.
- A process according to Claim 1 or 2 further comprising, following the hydroentangling, topically treating the at least one layer with an additive to impart to or change a physical property in the at least one layer.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 further comprising incorporating an additive in the continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments to impart to or change a physical property of the filaments.
- A process according to Claim 3 or 4 wherein the additive renders the non-woven material at least in part lyophobic, lyophilic, fire retardant, antistatic, and/or absorbent.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the at least one layer is spunlaid or meltblown.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the water jets have nozzle orifices ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.2 mm in diameter.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the at least one layer is supported on a series of perforated godet rollers during the hydroentangling.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the continuous filaments are provided at a denier of from about 0.8-5 dpf.
- A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 further comprising, following the hydroentangling, providing a pattern on the non-woven material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US196177 | 1998-11-20 | ||
US10/196,177 US20040010894A1 (en) | 2002-07-17 | 2002-07-17 | Method for making a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric and the fabric made thereby |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1382731A1 true EP1382731A1 (en) | 2004-01-21 |
Family
ID=29780180
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03250510A Withdrawn EP1382731A1 (en) | 2002-07-17 | 2003-01-28 | Method for making a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric and the fabric made thereby |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040010894A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1382731A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL154043A0 (en) |
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IL154043A0 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
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