Inventors:
Bryan David Haynes - Cumming GA
Billy Dean Arnold - Alpharetta GA
Justin Max Duellman - Little Rock AR
Ryan Clinton Frank - Atlanta GA
Jeffrey Lawrence McManus - Canton GA
Charles Allen Smith - Snellvile GA
Ty Jackson Stokes - Suwanee GA
Kevin Edward Smith - Roswell GA
Darryl Franklin Clark - Alpharetta GA
Debra Jean McDowall - Roswell GA
Samuel Edward Marmon - Alpharetta GA
Christopher Cosgrove Creagan - Marietta GA
Xin Ning - Alpharetta GA
David Lewis Myers - Cumming GA
Assignee:
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI
International Classification:
D04H 100
US Classification:
442327, 442334, 442352, 442353, 442356, 442361, 442362, 442400, 442401, 442413, 442414, 442417
Abstract:
An improved nonwoven web composite is formed by combining splittable bicomponent thermoplastic filaments with a component selected from other fibers and particles. The bicomponent filaments include distinct regions of first and second incompatible polymers extending the length of the filaments. After the bicomponent filaments are combined with the other fibers and/or particles, the bicomponent filaments are caused to split lengthwise along boundaries between the regions of different polymers, resulting in a web or matrix of finer filaments which entrap, ensnare and contain the other fibers and/or particles within the web or matrix. The nonwoven web composite is particularly useful for making absorbent articles, which require durability and optimum levels of absorbent fibers and/or particles.