Patent ID: 7825050
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: D04H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A nonwoven composite having a first surface and a second surface, the nonwoven composite comprising: (a) a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a plurality of binder fibers, the plurality of binder fibers comprising a plurality of first thermoplastic binder fibers and a plurality of second thermoplastic binder fibers, wherein the first binder fibers have a first linear density, the second binder fibers have a second linear density, and the second linear density is greater than the first linear density, and wherein the binder fibers being bonded to or interlocked with the bast fibers, and (c) a thermoplastic film disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the nonwoven composite, the thermoplastic film comprising a volatile organic compound absorbing material dispersed therein, wherein the composite further comprises: (i) a first region comprising a plurality of first thermoplastic binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers; (ii) a second region disposed above the first region with respect to the thickness of the composite, the second region comprising a plurality of second thermoplastic binder fibers, and a plurality of bast fibers, at least a portion of the second region defining the second surface of the nonwoven composite; and (iii) a first transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region, the first transitional region comprising concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber, the concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region being greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber in the first transitional region being greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region.