Amoco Corporation

William T Tapp

Philip Jacoby

Charles W Bauer

Scott R Clingman

Larry M Bailey

Geraldine M Eaton

Paul N Antonacci

Delores R Morris

Arno W Stahle

Polyolefin resin compositions and oriented microporous films prepared from same comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a propylene homopolymer or random propylene copolymer having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and components selected from a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and an inorganic filler, and to processes for forming such films wherein the microporous films have improved breathability, strength, toughness and break elongation.

Oriented polymeric microporous films

Polyolefin resin compositions and oriented microporous films prepared from same comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a propylene homopolymer or random propylene copolymer having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and an inorganic filler. The microporous films have improved breathability, strength, toughness and break elongation.

This invention relates to polymeric compositions capable of being converted into oriented microporous films having microvoid cells, interconnecting pores between the cells, and improved elongation, softness and tear strength, comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a low flexural modulus propylene-based polymer, a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, an inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent, and optionally, a low molecular weight polypropylene and to microporous films formed from such compositions.

Self-bonded nonwoven web and woven fabic composites comprising at least one layer of a uniform basis weight self-bonded, fibrous nonwoven web comprising substantially randomly disposed, substantially continuous thermoplastic filaments adhered to at least one layer comprising woven thermoplastic yarns in the form of woven fabrics such as wall covering fabric, softside luggage fabric and leno weave fabric.

Self-bonded nonwoven web and woven fabric composites

A porous film composite comprising at least one layer of an oriented polymeric porous film comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a polypropylene homopolymer or random copolymer of propylene having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least one component selected from a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and calcium carbonate adhered to at least one layer of a polymeric foam product, a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric such as a carded web of staple fibers, a spunbond fabric, meltblown fabric and a self-bonded, fibrous, nonwoven web.

Porous film composites

A multi-layer composite of nonwoven fabrics comprising at least one layer of a self-bonded, fibrous, web nonwoven bonded to at least one layer of a microfibrous, nonwoven web having water repellency and water vapor permeability properties particularly suitable for protective apparel applications.

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Marietta, GA, United States of America

William T Tapp