Patent ID: 7201777

Claim:
A method for providing a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric having low ion content, the method consisting of: (a) providing a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric comprised of continuous multi-component fibers that are at least partially split along their length into individual component fibers, wherein the individual component fibers are comprised of polyester fiber and polyamide fiber; (b) optionally, subjecting the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric to an air impingement surface treatment; (c) optionally, applying a finishing chemical to the surface of the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric; (d) subjecting the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric to a deionized water rinse; and (e) drying the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric; wherein the ions are selected from the group comprised of Na, Li, NH 4 , K, Mg, Ca, F, Cl, NO 4 , PO 4 , and SO 4 , and wherein the ions are present on the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric at less than about 10,000 parts per billion when tested according to Short Term Extraction Test IEST-RP-CC-004 §6.1.2.