North Carolina State University

Celanese Acetate Limited

Harold W Davis

Edward J Powers

William E Bessey

Ronald O Bryant

Terry A Brodof

James Robert Walden

Joseph S W Hass

A three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having both resiliency and improved softness and aesthetic properties is composed of a deformed textile fabric formed from at least one monofilament and at least one multifilament yarn and having a plurality of deformations formed as a two-dimensional array in a base region of the deformed textile fabric. The deformed textile fabric is preferably a knitted or a woven fabric. The network structure is made by forming a deformable fabric from the monofilament and the multifilament yarn and then subjecting the deformable fabric to an area-enlarging deformation process, e.g., a thermomechanical process, to produce the deformed textile fabric having the deformations formed in a base region thereof. The three-dimensional network structures may be used in a variety of articles, including cushioning materials, impact-absorbing materials, and load-bearing materials.

Resilient three-dimensionally shaped fiber networks with improved comfort and aesthetic properties, improved method of making same and articles containing same

The disclosure disclosed a fabric made of cellulose acetate and/or cellulose triacetate, and optionally fibers of other selected substances, which are calendered at selected temperatures and pressures after having been water-wetted to a selected water content in order to bond the fibers of cellulose acetate and/or triacetate to one another and/or to fibers of the other selected substances. The selected calendering temperatures are from about 130&deg; C. to about 210&deg; C., preferably from about 160&deg; C. to about 190&deg; C.; the selected pressures are from about 500 to about 5000 psi, preferably from about 500 to about 2500 psi and most preferably from about 1000 to about 2500 psi; and selected water content is from about 20% to about 600% of fabric dry weight. The physical properties of the calendered fabric, for example the stiffness or hand resulting from different degrees of bonding can be changed by altering one or more of there parameters, either separately or in combination. The physical properties can also be changed by changed by changing the rate at which the fabric is passed between the calendering rollers or the type of rollers used, for example, smooth versus embossed or patterned rollers.

Thermal bonding of wet cellulose based fibers

The present invention is directed to a novel absorbent article that includes immobilized superabsorbent particulate in a fiber structure of high integrity. More particularly, a continuous filament web loaded with the superabsorbent particulate, is provided. Cellulose ester tow having crimped filaments, is advantageously used as a starting material. Also provided is a process for adhering superabsorbent particulate to opened tow by use of a tackifying agent.

Superabsorbent, continuous filament web

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Gaffney, SC, United States of America

Harold W Davis