PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE SOFTNESS OF BASE WEBS AND PRODUCTS MADE THEREFROM

摘要

A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. T he shear forces disrupt the web increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively sma ll diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.