The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric comprising a plurality of polypropylene-containing fibers that form a nonwoven web, which fibers in addition contain a slip agent, the web has a side which is provided with an alternating pattern which consists of individualized bonded areas which bonded areas are in the form of rods which are arranged in the cross direction of the web, the alternating pattern of individualized bonded areas defines a non-bonded area, the web has a basis weight on the range of from 5-25 g/m.sup.2, the surface of the bonded areas is in the range of 5-20% of the total surface of the side, and the surface of the non-bonded area is in the range of 80-95% of the total surface of the side. The present invention further relates to a process for forming the nonwoven fabric.

An enhanced, co-formed fibrous web structure is disclosed. The web structure may have a co-formed core layer sandwiched between two scrim layers. The core layer may be formed of a blend of cellulose pulp fibers and melt spun filaments. The scrim layers may be formed of melt spun filaments, and the filaments forming one or both scrim layers may have a number average diameter of 4.5 μm or less. Filaments of one or both of the scrim layers, and optionally the core layer, may also be meltblown filaments. Alternatively, the filaments forming the scrim layers may constitute from 1 to 13 percent of the weight of the structure. Alternatively, the scrim layers may have a combined basis weight of from 0.1 gsm to less than 3.0 gsm. A method for forming the structure, including direct formation of layers, is also disclosed.

Protective clothing materials and related methods and garments are provided. In some embodiments, a protective clothing material may comprise a fibrous layer that serves as a barrier to certain fluids (e.g., bodily fluids, water) and microbes. The impermeability of the fibrous layer may be due, at least in part, to the structural uniformity and/or relatively small pore size of the fibrous layer. In some embodiments, the fibrous layer may have a relatively high air permeability that imparts beneficial properties (e.g., relatively high air flow, breathability) to the protective clothing material without adversely affecting its protection rating. In certain embodiments, the protective clothing material may also comprise one or more coarse nonwoven webs that impart beneficial properties (e.g., splash resistance) to the protective clothing material. The protective clothing materials, described herein, may be particularly useful for a wide variety of applications, including the formation of AAMI level 4 protective garments.

Protective clothing materials and related methods and garments are provided. In some embodiments, a protective clothing material may comprise a fibrous layer that serves as a barrier to certain fluids (e.g., bodily fluids, water) and microbes. The impermeability of the fibrous layer may be due, at least in part, to the structural uniformity and/or relatively small pore size of the fibrous layer. In some embodiments, the fibrous layer may have a relatively high air permeability that imparts beneficial properties (e.g., relatively high air flow, breathability) to the protective clothing material without adversely affecting its protection rating. In certain embodiments, the protective clothing material may also comprise one or more coarse nonwoven webs that impart beneficial properties (e.g., splash resistance) to the protective clothing material. The protective clothing materials, described herein, may be particularly useful for a wide variety of applications, including the formation of AAMI level 4 protective garments.

An apparatus for making nonwoven has a mesh belt moving in a horizontal direction and upstream and downstream spinnerets spaced apart in the direction above the belt and having downwardly opening tips at respective vertical spacings above the belt and each emitting fibers that are deposited at locations on the belt directly below the spinnerets to form thereon respective nonwoven layers. A support carrying the belt can be moved vertically and pivoted to orient the belt into a position forming an acute angle with respect to horizontal and thereby vary the spacings.

An apparatus for making nonwoven has a mesh belt moving in a horizontal direction and upstream and downstream spinnerets spaced apart in the direction above the belt and having downwardly opening tips at respective vertical spacings above the belt and each emitting fibers that are deposited at locations on the belt directly below the spinnerets to form thereon respective nonwoven layers. A support carrying the belt can be moved vertically and pivoted to orient the belt into a position forming an acute angle with respect to horizontal and thereby vary the spacings.

Wipes for preventing chlorine depletion suitable for commercial applications (e.g., industrial and consumer disinfectant wipes) are provided. The wipe includes at least one nonwoven layer, at least one pulp layer, and a nonionic modified siloxane additive. The at least one nonwoven layer and the at least one pulp layer may be hydroentangled to form a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface. Additionally, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be disposed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface.

Wipes for preventing chlorine depletion suitable for commercial applications (e.g., industrial and consumer disinfectant wipes) are provided. The wipe includes at least one nonwoven layer, at least one pulp layer, and a nonionic modified siloxane additive. The at least one nonwoven layer and the at least one pulp layer may be hydroentangled to form a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface. Additionally, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be disposed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface.

The invention relates to a respirator mask comprising a filter material piece made of an air-permeable material and at least one securing band, wherein the air-permeable material comprises at least one layer of a non-woven fabric and the at least one securing band is designed to secure the respirator mask to the head, wherein the air-permeable material and the at least one securing band are made of the same plastic material.

The invention relates to a respirator mask comprising a filter material piece made of an air-permeable material and at least one securing band, wherein the air-permeable material comprises at least one layer of a non-woven fabric and the at least one securing band is designed to secure the respirator mask to the head, wherein the air-permeable material and the at least one securing band are made of the same plastic material.