Fluid-entangled laminate webs having hollow projections and a process and apparatus for making the same

• Main Authors: Finn Niall, Butler Andy R, Kirby Scott S. C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.04.2017
• Subjects: BRAIDING; COTTON-WOOL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS,NON-WOVEN FABRICS; KNITTING; LACE-MAKING; MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARYMATERIAL; NON-WOVEN FABRICS; TEXTILES; TRIMMINGS; WADDING

The claimed method for producing fluid-entangled laminate web improves resilience at low basis weight, with the projections not degrading when wound on a roll and put through subsequent converting processes. The present invention is directed to a fluid-entangled laminate web and the process and apparatus for its formation as well as end uses for the fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a fanning surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in the fanning surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The resultant laminate has a number of uses including, but not limited to, both wet and dry wiping materials, as well as incorporation into various portions of personal care absorbent articles and use in packaging especially food packaging where fluid control is an issue.