Patent ID: 6797377
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: D01F,D04H,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for producing a nonwoven web from polymeric fibers, said process comprising the steps of:incorporating into a thermoplastic polymer a mixture of fillers, said mixture of fillers comprising titanium dioxide and a mineral filler, the thermoplastic polymer comprising a mixture of at least a first polymer and a second polymer, the first and second polymers being selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, and copolymers thereof; wherein said mixture of fillers is added to said thermoplastic polymer in an amount insufficient for said fillers to substantially protrude from the surface of said formed fibers; said titanium dioxide being added to said thermoplastic polymer in an amount from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight and said mineral filler being added to said thermoplastic polymer in an amount from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight; forming said thermoplastic polymer into fibers; and creating a nonwoven web from said fibers, wherein said mixture of fillers is incorporated into said polymer in an amount sufficient to decrease the stiffness and increase the softness of said nonwoven web in comparison to a nonwoven web made from said thermoplastic polymer not containing said fillers.