A masterbatch is disclosed, along with associated methods, and biodegradable filaments, fibers, yarns and fabrics. The masterbatch includes 0.2 to 5 mass % CaCO.sub.3, an aliphatic polyester with a repeat unit having from two to six carbons in the chain between ester groups, with the proviso that the 2 to 6 carbons in the chain do not include side chain carbons, and a carrier polymer selected from the group consisting of PET, nylon, other thermoplastic polymers, and combinations thereof.

A microelectrode array comprises three or more flexible oblong, electrically co-operating microelectrodes in wire and/or ribbon form disposed substantially in parallel. The microelectrodes are electrically insulated except for at a distal section thereof. The array further comprises electrically non-conducting microfibres connecting central portions of the microelectrodes in oblique directions in respect of the array axis. In a preferred array variety the microelectrodes are joined by a glue that is dissolvable or degradable in aqueous body fluid. Also disclosed is a combination of two or more arrays of the invention.

A microelectrode array comprises three or more flexible oblong, electrically co-operating microelectrodes in wire and/or ribbon form disposed substantially in parallel. The microelectrodes are electrically insulated except for at a distal section thereof. The array further comprises electrically non-conducting microfibres connecting central portions of the microelectrodes in oblique directions in respect of the array axis. In a preferred array variety the microelectrodes are joined by a glue that is dissolvable or degradable in aqueous body fluid. Also disclosed is a combination of two or more arrays of the invention.

Single layered nonwoven wound dressings containing (1) about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight (e.g., 5% to 95%) non-scoured, non-bleached greige cotton fibers, (2) about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight (e.g., 5% to 95%) bleached cotton fibers, and (3) about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight (e.g., 5% to 60%) hydrophobic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, nylon); all percentages adding up to 100 wt %. Also, multi-layered nonwoven wound dressings, containing (1) at least one inner layer containing (a) about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight (e.g., 50% to 95) non-scoured, non-bleached greige cotton fibers and (b) about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight (e.g., 5% to 50%) hydrophobic fibers, all percentages adding up to 100 wt %, and (2) at least one outer layer containing (a) about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight (e.g., 5% to 95%) non-scoured, non-bleached greige cotton fibers, (b) about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight (e.g., 5% to 95%) bleached cotton fibers, and (c) about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight (e.g., 5% to 60%) hydrophobic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, nylon); all percentages adding up to 100 wt %.

Provided herein is a new fire barrier material composed of flame retardant (FR) cellulosic fiber(s) and one or more of an antimicrobial (AM) cellulosic fiber and an untreated cellulosic fiber(s). The fire barrier material may be a fabric woven or knitted from the yarn containing the FR cellulosic fiber(s) and the one or more of AM cellulosic fibers and untreated cellulosic fibers. When AM cellulosic fibers are combined with FR treated cellulosic fibers, the fire barrier material has the dual features of flame retardancy and antimicrobial properties. The fire barrier material may also be a nonwoven, and in preferred embodiments optionally includes a binder fiber. The FR cellulosic fiber contains FR chemical(s) or FR compound(s) that have a melting point or decomposition temperature at 400 C. (752 F.) or below. The FR performance of the new nonwoven provided herein is comparable to the conventional FR nonwoven (FR cellulosic fiber/binder fiber), but has advantages in cost effectiveness, as well as antimicrobial properties.

Provided herein is a new fire barrier material composed of flame retardant (FR) cellulosic fiber(s) and one or more of an antimicrobial (AM) cellulosic fiber and an untreated cellulosic fiber(s). The fire barrier material may be a fabric woven or knitted from the yarn containing the FR cellulosic fiber(s) and the one or more of AM cellulosic fibers and untreated cellulosic fibers. When AM cellulosic fibers are combined with FR treated cellulosic fibers, the fire barrier material has the dual features of flame retardancy and antimicrobial properties. The fire barrier material may also be a nonwoven, and in preferred embodiments optionally includes a binder fiber. The FR cellulosic fiber contains FR chemical(s) or FR compound(s) that have a melting point or decomposition temperature at 400 C. (752 F.) or below. The FR performance of the new nonwoven provided herein is comparable to the conventional FR nonwoven (FR cellulosic fiber/binder fiber), but has advantages in cost effectiveness, as well as antimicrobial properties.

In one aspect, an example article for treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes: (a) a nonwoven multicomponent sheet, wherein the nonwoven multicomponent sheet comprises at least two materials; and (b) an antimicrobial agent comprising at least one of a metal ion or quaternary ammonium compound having antimicrobial activity, wherein an efficacious amount of at least one of the metal ion or quaternary ammonium compound transfers to the textile during a laundry cycle.

In one aspect, an example article for treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes: (a) a nonwoven multicomponent sheet, wherein the nonwoven multicomponent sheet comprises at least two materials; and (b) an antimicrobial agent comprising at least one of a metal ion or quaternary ammonium compound having antimicrobial activity, wherein an efficacious amount of at least one of the metal ion or quaternary ammonium compound transfers to the textile during a laundry cycle.

A nanofiber comprising a polyamide including at least one substituted phenyl group is provided. The nanofiber includes an average diameter from about 50 to about 1000 nm. A fibrous mat including a plurality of the nanofibers is also provided. A composite including a plurality of the nanofibers and a continuous matrix resin is also provided. A method of forming the nanofibers is also provided.

The present invention relates to nanofiber nonwovens comprising a network of nanofibers, which are composed of at least one nanofiber material and which enclose pores, to methods for producing nanofiber nonwovens, to the use thereof as well as to artificial tissue comprising these nanofiber nonwovens and methods for producing these artificial tissues.