Patent ID: 6048410
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61B,A61F,B09B,D04H

Abstract:
A method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use comprising providing said garment, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles as a stand alone thermoplastic polymer film or fabric, which may include fiber, of polyvinyl alcohol which is water soluble at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and insoluble at temperatures below approximately 37.degree. C. and subjecting said articles after use to an aqueous bath to substantially dissolve said articles whereupon said dissolved polymer is subjected to disposal, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced by reducing its moisture content prior to melt extrusion and subsequent thereto, increasing its moisture content to a value between approximately 1.5 to 15.0% (wt.), said polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization between approximately 700 to 1500 being produced from at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate and containing between approximately 0.1 to 5.0% (wt.) of an anti-blocking agent.