Imerys Pigments, Inc.

David A Skelhorn

Larry Hughey McAmish

Allison R Calhoun

Larry H Mcamish

Described herein are spunlaid fibers including at least one polymeric resin and at least one filler having an average particle size of less than or equal to about 5 microns and/or having a top cut of less than about 15 microns. The at least one filler may be present in an amount of less than about 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the spunlaid fibers. Also described herein is a method for producing spunlaid fibers including adding calcium carbonate to at least one polymeric resin and extruding the resulting mixture. Further described herein are nonwoven fabrics including such spunlaid fibers, and methods for producing them.

Process for producing nonwoven fabric

A mineral containing thermoplastic granule for incorporation in a thermoplastic material to produce a thermoplastic end product, the granule comprising at least 50% by weight of an inorganic particulate material, at least 0.1% by weight of an additive comprising a blowing agent, and the balance comprising a thermoplastic binder.

Mineral containing thermoplastic granules

A granule containing a high proportion of a mineral filler and a colorant pigment system in a thermoplastic binder, for blending with an end product thermoplastic in which the mineral filler and the colorant pigment is to be dispersed. The granule comprises 85% to 92% by weight of the granule of mineral particles, which is coated with one or more fatty acids having a carbon chain length of from 12 to 20 carbon atoms and the colorant pigment. The colorant pigment may be inorganic or organic or a mixture thereof. The balance of the granule by weight comprises a thermoplastic polymeric binder. The particle size distribution of both the mineral and the colorant particles is in accordance with the optimum particle packing equation to optimize packing of the particles in the granule. The ratio of mineral to colorant pigment to binder may be about 75:15:10 or about 0.1:89.9:10. The invention includes a granule with only a colorant pigment system.

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Alpharetta, GA, United States of America

David A Skelhorn