Abstract:
A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.
Abstract:
Processes for making micro-textured webs. The process comprises providing a precursor web; providing a pair of mated forming structures, including a first forming structure and a second forming structure, wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions; and moving the web through a deformation zone of the mated forming structures, wherein the voids of the first forming structure engage with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position. Discrete three-dimensional elements are formed in the web as the protrusions on the second forming structure engage with the voids on the first mating structure. At least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions.
Abstract:
An article includes a first web and second web underlying the first web. Each of the first and second webs includes first and second end regions and first and second side regions. The first web includes a precursor web having a pattern of discrete substantially columnar protruded extensions extending only from a first surface of the precursor web, each of the protruded extensions having a sidewall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The article further includes a bonding pattern adhering together at least one of the first end regions of the first and second webs and the second end regions of the first and second webs. The bonding pattern includes a plurality of discrete bonding points and a sized spacing between each adjacent bonding point sufficient to have inscribed therein a circle having a diameter of about 1 mm to about 12 mm.
Abstract:
An article includes a film and a non-woven having fibers, and an embossed seal joining a portion of the film and the non-woven. The seal includes discrete extended elements formed in the film and surrounded by lands in the film. The discrete extended elements having open proximal ends, open or closed distal ends, and sidewalls disposed between the proximal and distal ends, and portions of the discrete extended elements having a thickness less than that of the lands. Fibers of the non-woven are embedded in at least one of the lands and in the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements through the open proximal ends.
Abstract:
A colored web material exhibiting viewing-angle dependent color and comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises a first web material and a second web material, wherein the first web material comprises a first polymer having first refractive properties and the second web material comprises a second polymer having second refractive properties, wherein said first refractive properties of said first polymer are different than said second refractive properties of said second polymer. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises an interference pigment incorporated in at least one layer of the colored web material. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.
Abstract:
A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.
Abstract:
A method for making a forming structure having columnar protrusions extending therefrom comprising the steps of exposing a liquid photosensitive resin to light having an activating wavelength thereby inducing partial curing of the photosensitive resin to form a monolithic slab of partially-cured photosensitive resin; and, including the step of inducing partial curing of a plurality of protrusions on the monolithic slab such that they are joined to and integral with the monolithic slab. The method can further comprise the step of laser etching a plurality of apertures through the forming structure.
Abstract:
A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.
Abstract:
A method for making a forming structure. The steps of the method include providing a forming unit, providing a backing film, providing a foraminous element, employing liquid photosensitive resin to form the forming structure, and laser machining a plurality of generally columnar protrusions into the forming structure.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a HIPE-derived heterogeneous polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells, wherein the foam structure has at least two distinct regions. Such heterogeneous foams have various applications, such as energy and fluid absorption, insulation, and filtration. The invention further relates to a heterogeneous absorbent polymeric foam that, upon contact with aqueous fluids (in particular body fluids such as urine and blood), can acquire, distribute, and store these fluids. The foams of the invention have at least two distinct regions having different density, polymer composition, surface properties, and/or microcellular morphology. The invention further relates to a process for obtaining the heterogeneous foams by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion, or HIPE. In one aspect, the process utilizes at least two distinct HIPEs, with each emulsion having a relatively small amount of an oil phase and a relatively greater amount of a water phase.