| abstract |
A web of fibers is bound together by a bonding medium that has been activated by partially solubilizing the bonding medium with a solvent therefor. The fibers are insoluble in the bonding medium. As the bonding medium is partially solubilized, it becomes tacky and flows into contact with the fibers and with itself. Thereafter, the solvent is absorbed by the bonding medium, allowing the bonding medium to resolidify and bond the fibers in a matrix, increasing the web strength. |