Method and extrusion die (1030) for producing a three-dimensional polymeric strand netting, wherein a plurality of the polymeric strands (1070a, 1070b, 1070c) are periodically joined together in a regular pattern at bond regions throughout the array, wherein a majority of the polymeric strands (1070a, 1070b, 1070c) are periodically bonded to at least two (three, four, five, six, or more) adjacent polymeric strands, and wherein no polymeric strands are continuously bonded to a polymeric strand. Three-dimensional polymeric strand netting described herein have a variety of uses, including wound care, tapes, filtration, absorbent articles, pest control articles, geotextile applications, water/vapor management in clothing, reinforcement for nonwoven articles, self bulking articles, floor coverings, grip supports, athletic articles, and pattern coated adhesives.

Nonwoven fibrous webs including randomly oriented discrete fibers defining a multiplicity of non-hollow projections extending from a major surface of the nonwoven fibrous web (as considered without the projections), and a plurality of substantially planar land areas formed between each adjoining projection in a plane defined by and substantially parallel with the major surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the randomly oriented discrete fibers include multi-component fibers having at least a first region having a first melting temperature and a second region having a second melting temperature, wherein the first melting temperature is less than the second melting temperature. At least a portion of the oriented discrete fibers are bonded together at a plurality of intersection points with the first region of the multi-component fibers. In certain embodiments, the patterned air-laid nonwoven fibrous webs include particulates. Methods of making and using such patterned air-laid nonwoven fibrous webs are also disclosed.

Nonwoven fibrous webs including randomly oriented discrete fibers defining a multiplicity of non-hollow projections extending from a major surface of the nonwoven fibrous web (as considered without the projections), and a plurality of substantially planar land areas formed between each adjoining projection in a plane defined by and substantially parallel with the major surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the randomly oriented discrete fibers include multi-component fibers having at least a first region having a first melting temperature and a second region having a second melting temperature, wherein the first melting temperature is less than the second melting temperature. At least a portion of the oriented discrete fibers are bonded together at a plurality of intersection points with the first region of the multi-component fibers. In certain embodiments, the patterned air-laid nonwoven fibrous webs include particulates. Methods of making and using such patterned air-laid nonwoven fibrous webs are also disclosed.

A film for conveying in an industrial process, industrial fabrics made from the film, and methods of manufacture. The film has a plurality of protrusions separated by land areas. Each protrusion comprises a top member having opposing lateral edges and is supported by opposed compression resistant first and second end walls, which with at least one of the lateral edges define an aperture extending through the film to provide a flow path. The base edge of each end wall has a configuration selected from at least one of the base edge being convexly curved away from the protrusion body; and each end wall extending below at least a part of each of the first and second lateral edges and being connected to each of the first and second lateral edges. The film structure provides physical properties equivalent to a woven fabric, with improved strength, stability and compression resistance.

A film for conveying in an industrial process, industrial fabrics made from the film, and methods of manufacture. The film has a plurality of protrusions separated by land areas. Each protrusion comprises a top member having opposing lateral edges and is supported by opposed compression resistant first and second end walls, which with at least one of the lateral edges define an aperture extending through the film to provide a flow path. The base edge of each end wall has a configuration selected from at least one of the base edge being convexly curved away from the protrusion body; and each end wall extending below at least a part of each of the first and second lateral edges and being connected to each of the first and second lateral edges. The film structure provides physical properties equivalent to a woven fabric, with improved strength, stability and compression resistance.

The present invention provides a mounting mat (30) for mounting a pollution control element (20) or monolith in a pollution control device (10), said mounting mat comprising a layer having a mixture of long and short fibers wherein said short fibers have a length of not more than about 13 mm and wherein said long fibers have a length of at least about 20 mm and wherein the amount of said short fibers is at least about 3% by weight based on the total weight of said mixture of long and short fibers.

The present invention provides a mounting mat (30) for mounting a pollution control element (20) or monolith in a pollution control device (10), said mounting mat comprising a layer having a mixture of long and short fibers wherein said short fibers have a length of not more than about 13 mm and wherein said long fibers have a length of at least about 20 mm and wherein the amount of said short fibers is at least about 3% by weight based on the total weight of said mixture of long and short fibers.

Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.

Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.

Nonwoven materials having discrete three-dimensional deformations therein forming protrusions that extend outward from the first surface of the nonwoven material and wide base openings adjacent to the second surface of the nonwoven material are disclosed. At least some of the three-dimensional deformations may have improved protrusion dimensions after compressive forces are applied on the nonwoven material. In some cases, at least some of the protrusions may have one or more holes therein or completely therethrough. Methods of making the same are also disclosed.