Lightweight nonwoven tisue and method of manufacture.

摘要

Tissue (58) comprising a matrix of nonwoven fibers (60) having a basis weight generally in the range of about 25 to 50 gsm. The matrix is a meltblown web having incorporated therein staple fibers (62), for instance hardwood fibers. The combination provides highly-improved tissue properties as well as strength and absorbency required for many tissue applications. The tissues may be formed by a conventional meltblowing process involving extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer as a filament in air streams which draw and attenuate the filaments to fine fibers, having an average diameter of up to about 10 microns. The staple fibers may be added to the air stream, and the turbulence produced where the air streams meet results in a uniform integration of the staple fibers into the meltblown web. The matrix may contain from about 30 to about 80 weight percent polymer and have a subjective softness rating of at least about 10.