STRAND COMPOSITE HAVING LATENT ELASTICITY

摘要

A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic strand layer laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic strand layer through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic strand layer may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic strand layer may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic strand layer and provide it with“latent”stretchability. For instance, the composite may be heated at or above the softening temperature of the polyolefin to soften the crystalline domains and allow the chains to return to their unoriented state. As a result of the present invention, the elastic strand layer may be extended and recover from its unoriented state.