Breathable articles

Lower-density E-plastomers have found alternate use in cast film processes to make elastic film laminates with good breathability which contain laminates of liquid impermeable extensible polymeric films with extensible-thermoplastic-polymer-fiber nonwovens and nonwoven webs of polyethylene-elastomer fibers as the intermediate layers. The development relates to a breathable film including an E-plastomer and filler that contributes to pore formation after fabrication and distension of the film. The method and extent of distension is designed to produce a breathable film by stretching the film to form micropores by separation of the film of the E-plastomer from the particulate solids. This film is useful for manufacture of absorbent personal-care articles, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins and medical garments. In detail, these constructions comprise a liquid impermeable extensible film comprising polyolefins. The outer layer contains extensible-thermoplastic-polymer-fiber nonwovens, and an elastic intermediate layer contains nonwoven webs of fiber E-plastomers. The intermediate layer is bonded to the film layer and the outer... 

In addition to the need to monitor known problematic compounds, newer compounds are being identified as potential threats to humans and as such need to be monitored in the atmosphere. For example, researchers reported (10) that several chemical and instrumental analyses of HPLC fractions provided evidence for the presence of /V-nitroso compounds in extracts of airborne particles in New York City. The levels of these compounds were found to be approximately equivalent to the total concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the air. Since 90% of the N-nitroso compounds that have been tested are carcinogens (10), the newly discovered but untested materials may represent a significant environmental hazard. The procedure involved collecting samples of breathable, particulate matter from the air in New York City. -These samples were extracted with dichloro-methane. Potential interferences were-removed by sequential extractions with 0.2 N NaOH (removal of acids, phenols, nitrates, and nitrites) and 0.2 N H2S04 (removal of amines and bases). The samples were then subjected to a fractional distillation and other treatments. Readers interested in the total details should consult the original article (10). Both thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC were used to separate the compounds present in the methanolic extract. 

The machine operates as follows. The substrate film 5 is fastened between frames 7 and 8 and is heated by heater 4 to a viscous-flow state. Chuck 2 travels upwards and air is exhausted through its breathable surface. The substrate film imitates at curing the profile of the chuck. Film 10, fed by unit 9, is subjected to embossing by needle roller 11 and treatment by Cl. The inhibiting liquid is applied onto the film from vessel 12 using castor 13 fit with a porous pad on its outer surface. The Cl is applied onto the film areas over the packed article contours. The inhibited film covers articles 6 on substrate 5, the air is evacuated and the pack is sealed. The machine economizes... 

PVC plastisols and latexes are involved in the production of many useful products, including protection of scrim glass fabric used for reinforcement of cementitious boards and other products, production of breathable fabrics woven from coated fibers, fiber optics, and production of various articles (e g., fishing lines or tennis racket string) from coated fibers. Some examples are given below. 

Breathable films can be formulated, for example in articles such as disposable nappies and similar products (3). 

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