[54] HYDRAULICALLY NEEDLED NONWOVEN PULP FIBER WEB
[75] Inventors: Harold K. Barnes, Augusta; Ronald F. Cook, Marietta; Cherie H. Everhart, Alpharetta; Ann L. McCormack, Cumming; Fred R. Radwanski, Roswell, all of Ga.; Paulette M. Rosch, Appleton, Wis.; Adrian J. Trevisan, Marietta, Ga.
[73] Assignee: Kimberley-Clark Corporation,
Neenah, Wis.
[21] Appl. No.: 608,095
[22] Filed: Nov. 1,1990
[51] Int. a.5 D04H 1/46; D21H 25/04;
D21H 27/00
[52] U.S. a 162/115; 28/105;
428/311.1, 311.5, 311.7, 120
[56] References Cited
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OTHER PUBLICATIONS
J.P. Abstract, 2,080,699-A2, Mar. 20, 1990, Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp.
Aspects of Jetlace Technology As Applied To WetLaid Non-Wovens; Nonwovens Conference—Nov., 1987.
Wipes For Hydroentanglement Systems;—Nonwoven Fabrics Forum; Jun. 1988.
Hydroentanglement Technology Applied To Wet-
Formed And Other Precursor Webs; TAPPI Journal;
Jun. 1990.
Primary Examiner—James C. Cannon
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Karl V. Sidor
[57] ABSTRACT
A hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web is disclosed. This nonwoven pulp fiber web has a mean flow pore size ranging from about 18 to about 100 microns, and a Frazier porosity of at least about 100 cfm/ft2. The web may also be characterized by a specific volume ranging from about 8 to about 15 cm3/g. The nonwoven pulp fiber web may contain a significant proportion of low-average fiber length pulp and still have a total absorptive capacity greater than about 500 percent and a wicking rate greater than about 2 centimeters per 15 seconds. The hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web may be used as a hand towel, wipe, or as a fluid distribution material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web.
33 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
