Disclosed herein are nonwoven webs comprising a nonwoven substrate and a binder comprising a polysaccharide. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide can comprise poly alpha-1,3-glucan, a poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound as disclosed herein, a poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compound as disclosed herein, a graft copolymer comprising a backbone comprising dextran and poly alpha-1,3-glucan side chains, a crosslinked graft copolymer comprising a backbone comprising dextran and poly alpha-1,3-glucan chains, or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed are articles comprising the nonwoven webs, and methods of making the nonwoven webs.

A nonwoven fiber assembly. The nonwoven fiber assembly includes a nonwoven fibrous web including a plurality of discontinuous fibers; and a nonwoven fabric at least partially surrounding the nonwoven fibrous web; the nonwoven fabric including a plurality of randomly-oriented fibers, the plurality of randomly-oriented fibers comprising: at least 60 wt % of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers; and from 0 to less than 40 wt % of reinforcing fibers having an outer surface comprised of a (co)polymer with a melting temperature of from 100° C. to 450° C.; and a fluoropolymer binder on the plurality of randomly-oriented fibers.

A nonwoven fiber assembly. The nonwoven fiber assembly includes a nonwoven fibrous web including a plurality of discontinuous fibers; and a nonwoven fabric at least partially surrounding the nonwoven fibrous web; the nonwoven fabric including a plurality of randomly-oriented fibers, the plurality of randomly-oriented fibers comprising: at least 60 wt % of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers; and from 0 to less than 40 wt % of reinforcing fibers having an outer surface comprised of a (co)polymer with a melting temperature of from 100° C. to 450° C.; and a fluoropolymer binder on the plurality of randomly-oriented fibers.

The present invention provides an electret fiber sheet having superior recovery of airflow volume by heat treatment and having high air permeability. The electret fiber sheet of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric formed from long fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic resin and have an average single fiber diameter of 0.1 to 8.0 μm, wherein a bulk density of the nonwoven fabric is 0.05 to 0.30 g/cm.sup.3 and the long fibers contain a crystal nucleating agent at 0.005 to 1.0% by mass.

The present invention provides an electret fiber sheet having superior recovery of airflow volume by heat treatment and having high air permeability. The electret fiber sheet of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric formed from long fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic resin and have an average single fiber diameter of 0.1 to 8.0 μm, wherein a bulk density of the nonwoven fabric is 0.05 to 0.30 g/cm.sup.3 and the long fibers contain a crystal nucleating agent at 0.005 to 1.0% by mass.

Absorbent nonwoven wipes having improved strength and hand feel comprising a non-homogeneous mixture of small diameter polymeric meltblown fibers and absorbent staple fibers with meltblown fiber rich outer surfaces and staple fiber rich inner regions and wherein a minor amount of staple fibers also protrude through the meltblown fiber rich regions. Wet wipes and dispensers for housing the same are also provided.

Absorbent nonwoven wipes having improved strength and hand feel comprising a non-homogeneous mixture of small diameter polymeric meltblown fibers and absorbent staple fibers with meltblown fiber rich outer surfaces and staple fiber rich inner regions and wherein a minor amount of staple fibers also protrude through the meltblown fiber rich regions. Wet wipes and dispensers for housing the same are also provided.

A method of preparing an electret by saturating a nonwoven fabric with a liquid, such as water, and removing the liquid via suction to generate charges by friction between the fabric fibers and the liquid is described. The saturating can be carried out, for example, by impinging the bottom side of the fabric with a jet or jets of water while the fabric is being pulled under a solid roller. Excess water can also be applied during a water quenching step of a meltblowing or spunbonding process. An apparatus for preparing an electret according to the presently disclosed methods is also described.

A nonwoven substrate includes individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, and wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter. The pattern elements can be recessed into and/or extend out of the fiber surface, and the nonwoven substrate can include polypropylene or polyethylene. A disposable absorbent article includes a nonwoven substrate having individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, and wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter.

A nonwoven substrate includes individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, and wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter. The pattern elements can be recessed into and/or extend out of the fiber surface, and the nonwoven substrate can include polypropylene or polyethylene. A disposable absorbent article includes a nonwoven substrate having individual fibers each having a fiber surface and a fiber diameter, wherein a portion of the individual fibers include a micro-embossed pattern, and wherein the micro-embossed pattern includes pattern elements equal to or smaller than the fiber diameter.