Absorbent non-woven fibrous mats and process for preparing same

摘要

The present invention relates to liquid entrapping devices (e.g., absorbent non-woven fibrous mats) and to a process for preparing such devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanically strong absorbent materials made from such liquid entrapping devices (e.g., non-woven fibrous mats) and to a method for preparing same. In one embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprises at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC) and at least one wetting agent component. In another embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprise at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC), at least one absorbent component, and at least one wetting agent component. In one instance, the wetting agent component of the present invention is contained on and/or within the fibers and/or nanofibers that form the liquid entrapping device (e.g., a non-woven fibrous mat) of the present invention.

主权项

1. A liquid entrapping device comprising: at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component; and at least one wetting agent component,
wherein the at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component and the at least one wetting agent component are in physical proximity resulting in fluid communication and the existence of the at least one wetting agent increases the absorption speed and absorption ability of liquid by the liquid entrapping device compared to an otherwise identical liquid entrapping device that does not contain the at least one wetting agent; wherein the at least one wetting agent is i) coated on the surface of the at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component, ii) physisorbed or chemisorbed on the surface of the at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component or iii) embedded in the at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component; wherein a liquid is entrapped by being absorbed by the liquid entrapping device, and the at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component absorbs and wicks the liquid.