Microredes microfibers and Methods for producing them

摘要

Microfiber microwebs have a relatively dense microfiber nuclei with individual fibers and/or fiber bundles 7 protruding therefrom. The microwebs 4 are formed by divellicating, or tearing apart, a source microfiber web to form discrete microwebs of microfibers which are thermoplastic fibers, generally having an average fiber diameter of less than about 10 microns. The individual fiber diameters are preferably 0.05 to 4 mm and the overall diameter of the microweb are preferably 0.07 to 10 mm. A nonwoven web is also disclosed and comprises carrier fibers i.e. blown fibers, preferably melt blown microfibers, air-laid staple fibers, or wood pulp fibers, and microfiber microwebs contained or dispersed among the carrier fibers. These nonwoven webs of carrier fibers and microfiber microwebs are useful, for example, as sorbent materials, filtration devices, and as thermal insulation. The web may also be used as a liquid sorbent material, the microwebs can further comprise sorbent particulate material. Such webs are particularly useful in constructions such as disposable diapers, incontinent devices, catamenial devices and surgical dressings.