| abstract |
This invention relates to a method of making a film-fabric composite (includinng a film-fabric laminate) wherein the fabric is characterized as having improved tensile elongation (without rupture). In particular, the invention pertains to a method of making a film-fabric laminate having structual elastic-like behavior wherein the fabric is a nonwoven thermally bonded fabric characterized as having improved high strain rate tensile elongation and comprises a plurality of fibers comprised of at least one polypropylene polymer and at least one ethylene polymer, wherein the method comprises stretching the laminate at a high strain rate. The improved farbic is characterized by higher high strain rate tensile properties and a broader bond window which is also shifted to substantially lower temperatures with regard to maximum tensile properties. The improved fabric enables higher stretching levels or speeds on stretching apparati often employed to impart elasticity or elastic-like behavior to inelastic ploymeric materials. Polypropylene copolymers as well as polypropylene homopolymers may be used in the invention which is sueful for durable and disposable articles such as diapers, bandages, pantiliners, continence pads, and sanitary napkins. |