Fibrous structure and process for making same

Abstract

A differential micro-regions single lamina fibrous web comprises at least two pluralities of micro-regions disposed in a non-random and repeating pattern: a first plurality of micro-regions comprising fibers interconnected with a fiber-bonding substance, and a second plurality of micro-regions, preferably not interconnected with the fiber-binding substance. The fiber-binding substance is selected from the group consisting of hemicelluloses, lignin, polymeric extractives, and any combination thereof. The fibers of the first plurality of micro-regions are bonded together by a process of softening, flowing, and immobilization of the fiber-binding substance between the cellulosic fibers. The process for making the fibrous web comprises the steps of heating the web containing the fiber-binding substance to a temperature sufficient to cause the fiber-bonding substance to soften; pressurizing the fibrous web thereby causing the fiber-binding substance to flow and interconnect those fibers which are mutually juxtaposed in the first plurality of micro-regions; and then immobilizing the fiber-binding substance thereby creating fiber-bonds between the fibers which are interconnected in the first plurality of micro-regions.