Soft and strong nonwoven web materials and methods of formation are described. In one embodiment, a nonwoven web material may comprise meltblown polymer fibers comprising bicomponent fibers formed of a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and monocomponent fibers formed only of the first polymer component, or a third polymer component that is different than either of the first polymer component and the second polymer component, and absorbent fibers, wherein the nonwoven web material has a TS7 Softness value of less than or equal to 3.9, according to the TS7 Softness Test Method.

Soft and strong nonwoven web materials and methods of formation are described. In one embodiment, a nonwoven web material may comprise meltblown polymer fibers comprising bicomponent fibers formed of a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and monocomponent fibers formed only of the first polymer component, or a third polymer component that is different than either of the first polymer component and the second polymer component, and absorbent fibers, wherein the nonwoven web material has a TS7 Softness value of less than or equal to 3.9, according to the TS7 Softness Test Method.

Use of polymer composition comprising a first propylene polymer A and a second propylene polymer B for producing crimped multicomponent fiber having a side by side cross-sectional configuration.

Use of polymer composition comprising a first propylene polymer A and a second propylene polymer B for producing crimped multicomponent fiber having a side by side cross-sectional configuration.

The electret of the present invention comprises: inorganic particles and a dispersant in a polyolefin resin; and a nitrogen-containing compound, wherein a value of a/b is 0.3 or smaller when a represents a maximum value of a depolarizing current at 50 to 100 C. as measured by a TSC method, and b represents a maximum value of a depolarizing current at 100 C. or higher as measured by the TSC method.

The electret of the present invention comprises: inorganic particles and a dispersant in a polyolefin resin; and a nitrogen-containing compound, wherein a value of a/b is 0.3 or smaller when a represents a maximum value of a depolarizing current at 50 to 100 C. as measured by a TSC method, and b represents a maximum value of a depolarizing current at 100 C. or higher as measured by the TSC method.

A fiber sheet (1) according to the present invention includes a plurality of stem fibers (2) containing a thermoplastic resin and extending in one direction and includes a fibril fiber (3) containing substantially the same thermoplastic resin as the above thermoplastic resin, extending between the stem fibers (2), and having a smaller diameter than that of the stem fibers (2). The plurality of stem fibers (2) include one stem fiber (2) and another stem fiber (2) branching from the one stem fiber and have a void between the stem fibers. The stem fibers (2) hold a plurality of inorganic particles (5). The fiber sheet preferably has a pore volume fraction of 50% or more and 98% or less. In the fiber sheet, the number of fibers having a diameter of 500 nm or less is preferably 50% or more of the total number of the constituent fibers. The inorganic particles preferably include zinc oxide. The fiber sheet is preferably produced by uniaxially drawing a resin sheet containing a thermoplastic resin and inorganic particles.

Fluorine-free small molecule additives of structure where X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are independently hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl; and Q and Q are independently Si(OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.3 or (OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2).sub.nOSi(CH.sub.3).sub.3 and where n is an integer from 0 to 30, inclusive for use in solid-state formulations, e.g., thermoplastic articles, for use in low hysteresis water repellent applications. Methods of preparing such compositions and additives.

##STR00001##

Fluorine-free small molecule additives of structure where X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are independently hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl; and Q and Q are independently Si(OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.3 or (OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2).sub.nOSi(CH.sub.3).sub.3 and where n is an integer from 0 to 30, inclusive for use in solid-state formulations, e.g., thermoplastic articles, for use in low hysteresis water repellent applications. Methods of preparing such compositions and additives.

##STR00001##

A nonwoven web having a first web layer and a second web layer are disclosed herein. Methods of making such webs and absorbent articles including those webs are also disclosed. The first web layer has a core/sheath first composite fiber having a fiber fineness no greater than about 2.5 denier. The second web layer has a core/sheath second composite fiber having a fiber fineness no greater than about 2.5 denier and a homopolymer fiber having a fiber fineness of greater than about 3 denier. The homopolymer fiber is less than about 30% by weight of the second web layer.