| abstract |
The present invention provides a nonwoven web laminate having at least a bimodal pore size distribution. The laminate has a first layer with pores having a mean equivalent pore radius greater than about 100 μm and a second layer with pores having a mean equivalent pore radius less than about 100 μm. Generally, the first layer has a mean equivalent pore size radius in the range of about 1 μm to about 100 μm and the second layer has a mean equivalent pore size radius in the range of about 100 μm to about 1000 μm. The layer having an average pore size radius greater than 100 μm provides rapid fluid release from the laminate to facilitate cleaning by providing a cleaning solution to solubilize particles or viscous liquids on the surface. In addition, the large pore size allows particles and viscous liquids to be captured and trapped within the pores of the laminate, thereby effectively cleaning the surface to be cleaned. The layer with the small pore size provides a fluid reservoir function by absorbing fluid and holding the fluid in the laminate, or by holding a cleaning fluid to be released during a cleaning operation. The nonwoven web laminate of the present invention is an effective wiper. |