Abstract:
A breathable multilayer film including a breathable core layer and one or two skin layers is prepared by providing a core layer mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler, providing a skin layer mixture of at least two incompatible polymers, coextruding the core and skin layer mixtures to form a multilayer film, and stretching the multilayer film to cause void formation in the core layer and crack formation in the one or two skin layers. By forming cracks in the skin layers during stretching, the skin layers can perform dual functions of alleviating die build-up of filler from the core layer during coextrusion, and bonding the film to a substrate subsequent to coextrusion, without unduly hindering the moisture vapor transmission rate of the film or laminate product. The breathable film, and laminates including the film, are useful in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles, medical garments, and other products.
Abstract:
Absorbent garments including monolithic backing members are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and low WVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films can be made by selectively applying adhesive to the monolithic film.
Abstract:
A breathable elastic laminate is formed by bonding a film including an elastic water vapor-soluble polymer to a neckable nonwoven web such that when the film is relaxed, the web is in a necked state. The breathable laminate is stretchable in a direction parallel to the narrowing or necking of the web. The laminate possesses excellent water vapor permeability but acts as a barrier to the passage of odor-causing chemicals including ammonia.
Abstract:
A breathable multilayer film including a breathable core layer and one or two skin layers is prepared by providing a core layer mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler, providing a skin layer mixture of at least two incompatible polymers, coextruding the core and skin layer mixtures to form a multilayer film, and stretching the multilayer film to cause void formation in the core layer and crack formation in the one or two skin layers. By forming cracks in the skin layers during stretching, the skin layers can perform dual functions of alleviating die build-up of filler from the core layer during coextrusion, and bonding the film to a substrate subsequent to coextrusion, without unduly hindering the moisture vapor transmission rate of the film or laminate product. The breathable film, and laminates including the film, are useful in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles, medical garments, and other products.
Abstract:
An absorbent device which comprises an absorbent layer having an apertured contoured polymer film attached to a surface, wherein this surface is provided with a plurality of depressions which communicate directly with the apertures in the film. The device may be produced by separating the polymer film and a carrier material which have been formed into a laminate having impressed therein raised areas defining, for example, the strands of net and depressed areas such that upon separation the depressed areas of the film remain attached together with associated portions of the attached absorbent, to the carrier, leaving the raised areas attached to the remainder of the absorbent.
Abstract:
A breathable, multilayer, clothlike barrier especially suitable for use as an outer cover or baffle in such disposable absorbent articles as diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinent pads, which barrier has at least three layers:A. a first layer which is a porous meltblown nonwoven web having a first side and a second side;B. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a poly(vinyl alcohol), in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 3 to about 250 microns; andC. a third layer joined to either the second layer or the second side of the first layer, which third layer is a porous nonwoven web;wherein the first layer side of the second layer is intimately comingled with at least some of the fibers of the first side of the first layer, none of the pores at the surface of the first side of the first layer are so large as to significantly adversely affect the barrier properties of the barrier as a consequence of said comingling, and the barrier has a water vapor transmission rate at 37 degrees about fifty percent relative humidity of from about 100 to Celsius and about 5,000 g/m.sup.2 /24 hour and is impermeable to 0.9 percent by weight saline solution at about 21 degrees C. for a period of at least about one hour at a hydrostatic head of at least about 11.4 cm.
Abstract:
A method of making a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane includes the steps of perforating a film of linear low density polyethylene (or other suitable polyolefin) in such a way as to yield an array of holes each having an average diameter of approximately 350, microns and then solution coating the needled film with a porous polyurethane material having pores of a pore size of 1 to 10 microns.Such a film is advantageously embodied in an ileostomy bag, and is fixed to a bag wall thereof in a location to prevent faecal material contacting the bag filter, by a heat or RF welding operation by which the polyolefin is welded to the bag wall which carries the filter. In use, the polyurethane is exposed to the bag contents, and permits gases to pass but prevents any liquid reaching the filter.
Abstract:
An anti-rash, tearable baby diaper of improved construction is disclosed which includes a layer of absorbent material covered by a layer of an impervious or breathable material which is prepared to allow tearing of the outer layer along lines or curves. The outer layer is substantially unattached to the inner layer or is rupturably unattachable to the outer layer. Upon tearing of the outer layer of material, relatively large yawning gaps or openings are created to allow exposure of the inner absorbent material. The torn areas allow trapped, hot air to escape and the absorbent material to dry, cool, and maintain a reduced temperature in order to prevent "baby diaper rash."
Abstract:
The durable and reusable incontinent underpads of the invention are 4-layer fabrics, incorporating a first layer of woven or knit fabric, a second layer of non-woven felt, a third layer of polyurethane film, and a fourth layer of woven or knit fabric. The first and second layers are quilted together--as by stitching, or otherwise--to form a fluid absorbing portion for the underpad. The third and fourth layers are laminated together with a urethane adhesive to form a leakage preventing portion for the pad. The second and third layers are also laminated together with the urethene adhesive to complete the underpad constructions.