Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs and methods of making and using the same

摘要

Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. When the thermoplastic polyester is selected to include aliphatic and aromatic polyesters, a spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. When the thermoplastic polyester is selected from aliphatic polyesters, a meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

主权项

1. An article comprising a web, the web including a plurality of continuous fibers comprising:
one or more thermoplastic semicrystalline aliphatic polyesters; and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 8% by weight of the web, wherein the polypropylene is present in the form of aggregates which are evenly distributed throughout the fibers; wherein the fibers exhibit molecular orientation and extend substantially endlessly through the web; wherein the web has at least one dimension in the plane of the web which decreases by no greater than 10% when the web is heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers; and further wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a surgical drape, a surgical gown, a sterilization wrap, and a wound contact material.