MXPA96003668A - Spraying processes using a gaseous flow to prepare biodegradable fibrilles, non-woven materials that comprise biodegradable fibrilles and articles that comprise such materials noteji - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of biodegradable fibrils from one or more biodegradable homopolymer or copolymer resins, wherein said process consists of: a) forming a liquid mixture of resin by melting or solubilization of the resin or resins and b) introduction of the liquid mixture of resin to a flow of a gaseous substance, through an orifice

Description

SPRAYING PROCESSES USING A BASE FLOW TO PREPARE BIODBRADABLE FIBRILS, NON-WOVEN MATERIALS THAT COMPRISE BIODIVERSITY FIBRILLES AND ARTICLES THAT COMPRISE SUCH UNWORLDLY MATERIALS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to the processing of biodegradable polymers and the products comprising these biodegradable polymers. In particular, the present invention relates to the processing of biodegradable polymers into fibrils, which can be further processed into non-woven materials. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Polymers find uses in a variety of plastics articles including films, sheets, fibers, foams, molded articles, adhesives and many other products the specificity. Most of these plastic materials end up in a stream of solid waste, mainly because the space for use as landfills disappears quickly and is increasingly costly. Although some efforts have been made to recycle these materials, the nature of the polymers and the way they are produced and converted into products, limits the amount of recycling applications possible. The repeated processing of even the purest polymers results in the degradation of the material and consequently its poor mechanical properties. The types of plastic grades that are chemically similar (for example, palletlets of different molecular weights, such as those used in milk cartons and bags for warehouses) mixed deßpus to collect them can cause processing problems that they make that the material claimed is inferior or can not be used. The applications in the absorbent products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, pant iprotectoreß and the like, generally comprise various types of plastics. In these cases, recycling is particularly expensive due to the difficulty in separating the different components. Discarded products of this type generally comprise some type of material in the liquid-permeable top sheet, an absorbent core and a liquid-proof backsheet material. Heretofore, such absorbent structures have been prepared using, for example, materials for the topsheet prepared from woven materials, or films formed of porous polyethylene or polypropylene. The backsheets usually comprise flexible pallet leaves. The absorbent core materials usually comprise wood pulp fibers or wood pulp fibers in combination with absorbent gelling materials. A conventional disposable absorbent product is already convertible into fertilizer, to a large extent. A typical disposable diaper, for example, consists of approximately 80 '? of compostable materials, for example, pulp fibers, and the like. In the process of converting waste into compost, the dirty disposable absorbent articles are fragmented and incorporated into the organic waste before the conversion itself. After the fertilizer conversion is finished, the particles that can not be converted, are cast. In this way, even today, the absorbent products can be processed with xi or in the commercial plants of waste conversion into fertilizer. However, there is a need to reduce the amount of materials that can not be composted in the disposable absorbent articles. There is a particular need to replace the top sheets of polyethylene and polypropylene by absorbent articles having a liquid-permeable material convertible into compost. In addition to being convertible into compost, the materials used for the top sheets of the absorbent articles must satisfy many other operating requirements. For example, these materials must have the ability to be processed to provide substrates that are comfortable to the touch. further, the upper sheets must possess sufficient properties, such as impact resistance, moisture transmission, etc. Certain bis-degradable resins are well known, but often lack good properties for fiber formation or for film formation. The resins of the polymers comprising poly (hydroxylobutyrate) (PHB) are particularly unsuitable for fiber formation and%. ticulas. These resins usually have a slow crystallization time, low viscosity upon melting, degrade at temperatures close to their melting temperature and become rigid when solidified. According to the above, said resins can often not be processed using conventional means for the formation of films or filaments. Undoubtedly, when the biodegradable resins comprising the PHB are formed into films, they are generally not flexible. The lack of flexibility of such films hinders their use in absorbent products, particularly when used as top sheets, since these materials are in direct contact with the user's skin. For the reasons set forth above, there is a continuing need for bissegradable materials that can be used in absorbent products. In particular, there is a need for a biodegradable substrate, which is flexible and durable, but which also provides a comfortable texture as it is used in, for example, absorbent products. It is an object of the present invention to provide biodegradable fibrils which can be processed to manufacture flexible non-woven materials, which are soft and with a texture to the touch similar to that of clothes. A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for the manufacture of said biodegradable fibrils. Another object is to provide a biodegradable nonwoven material comprising biodegradable fibrils. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide disposable absorbent products comprising the biodegradable materials. A further object of the present invention is to provide textiles comprising biodegradable fibrils.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a process for the manufacture of biodegradable fibrils from one or more biodegradable resins. The processes are particularly useful P? GS. the formation of fibrils from resins that comprise PHB, but can also be used with other biodegradable resins. The resins used in the process may be biodegradable homopolymers, copolymers or mixtures thereof. The process comprises the formation of a liquid resin mixture comprising one or more biodegradable resins, melting or ßolubi 1 raising the resin (s) < s) biodegradable (s), followed by the introduction of the liquid resin mixture to a flow of a gaseous substance. The resulting fibrils are rinsed in an appropriate collection apparatus and then processed according to the end use they are intended to give. The present invention further comprises biodegradable fibrils prepared according to the processes of the present invention. The present invention further comprises a nonwoven material comprising iodegradable fibrils. These materials are useful in such articles as diapers, incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. Preferred materials comprise biodegradable fibrils prepared by. of the process of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention comprises disposable absorbent articles, which consist of a water permeable topsheet, an absorbent core, and a waterproof backsheet, wherein the topsheet comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising the biodegradable fibrils. Other absorbent articles according to the present invention are those in which the backsheet contains ambient biodegradable fibrils. Preferred are those products in which the biodegradable nonwoven component comprises fibrils made in accordance with the processes of the present invention. With the biodegradable materials of the present invention, any desired absorbent core can be used, in order to provide absorbent products within the scope of the present invention. Preferred useful materials as an absorbent core include pulp fibers of pulp or fibers of wood pulp in combination with absorbent gelling materials. The present invention further comprises textiles comprising the biodegradable fibrils of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION QffJtntCtQfWf The following is a list of the definitions of the truses used in the present description! As used in the present description, "alkenyl" "Tones a carbon-containing chain, which may be mono-unsaturated (for example, a double bond in the chain) or polyunsaturated (for example, two or more double links in the chain); straight or branched; and (mono- or poly-) substituted or unsubstituted. As used in the present description "alkyl" means a saturated chain containing carbon, which may be straight or branched; and (mono- or poly-) substituted or unsubstituted. As used in the present description, "biodegradable" means the ability of a compound to be divided into small chemical sub-units, which can be used in the food chain through enzymes, bacteria, spores and the like which act natural way and / or that are safe for the conservation of the environment. Preferably, the material can finally be totally degraded in water and CQ. As used in the present description "biodegradable polymer" means any polymer that is biodegradable, according to the above definition. As used in the present description, "convertible into abano" means a material that meets the following three requirements! (1) the material is capable of being processed in a plant to convert solid waste into fertilizers; (2) if it is processed in this way, the material will end in the final subscription; and (3) if the fertilizer is used on land, the material will eventually be degraded biologically in the soil. and The requirement that the material end in the final subscription, usually means that the material undergoes a form of degradation in the composting process. Normally, the solid waste stream will undergo the processing step in one of the first stages of the composting process. As a result, the materials will be present in the form of fragments, rather than in the form of a sheet. In the final stage of the fertilizer conversion process,? 1 finished fertilizer will undergo a casting step. Normally, the polymer fragments will not pass through the strainers if they have retained the size they had immediately after the ragmentation step. The compostable materials of the present invention will have lost enough of their integrity during composting processing to allow partially degraded fragments to pass through the strainers. However, it can be conceived that a fertilizer conversion plant could submit to the •. flow of solid waste to a very rigorous f agmentation and to a co colander, in which case, the degradable polymers such as polyethylene would comply with the requirement (2). Therefore, fulfilling the requirement < 2) it is not enough for a material to be convertible into fertilizer, within the present definition. What distinguishes the material convertible into compost, as defined in the present invention, which comes from materials such as polyethylene, is the requirement (3), that the material finally degrades biologically in the soil. East ..., biodegradability is not essential for the processing of conversion into fertilizer or the use of compost land. The solid waste and the resulting fertilizer can contain all kinds of materials that are not biodegradable, for example, sand. However, in order to avoid an accumulation in the land of man-made materials, according to the present description, said materials are required to be completely biodegradable. For the same reason, it is not necessary at all that this biodegradation be rapid. Provided that the material itself and the decomposition intermediates are not toxic to otherwise dangerous for land or agriculture, it is completely acceptable for its biodegradation to take several months or even years, since this requirement is present. , only in order to avoid the accumulation in the earth of man-made materials. As used in the present description, trimesters - ^ dolopol "and copal imrica" mean a polymer consisting of two or more different monomeric units. As used in the present description, the term "fibrils" means fine, short fibers. The term fibrila is explained in more detail later. As used in the present description, the term "homapol imero" and "hs opol imrico" mean a polymer consisting of the same repeating onomrica unit. As used herein, the term "Liquid resin mixture" means a liquid comprising one or more biadegradable resins. The term includes a liquid consisting of a biodegradable resin (e.g., PHB). As used in the present disclosure, the term "solubilization" means the formation of an aggregate comprising an ion or dissolved solvent with one or more solvent patches, so as to form a single-phase mixture.

RWipa »Biqdffftra) frles The biodegradable fibrils of the present invention comprise one or more biodegradable polymers or copolymers. The biodegradable resins useful in the present invention can be any resin that has the ability to biodegrade. The resins useful in the present invention can be produced either biologically or synthetically. In addition, the resins can be either either opol i r ica o or copol ics. As used in the present invention, the terms "resin" and "polymer" include both the biodegradable polymeric polymers and the biodegradable polymeric copolymers.In addition, although mentioned in the singular, these terms include a plurality of "resins" and "polymers". Biologically produced biodegradable resins include aliphatic polysteres Specific examples include pol i (3-hydroxy lobutyrate) (PHB), a polymer consisting of the mannomeric unit having a structure according to Formula I (I). ) and pol i <3-hydro and labut i rato ~ co-3-hydra i lovalerate) (PHBV), a copolymer which has two onomer units (RRMU) that are repeated at random, where the first Unit RRMU has a structure according to Formula (I) and the second unit RRMU has a structure according to Formula II "f" "O" * "CH" 'C? '"C" "t (II) said palíßteres and all for their preparation, are ítícrits in the United States Patent 4,393,167, of Holmes and associates, issued on July 12, 1993 and the United States Patent 4,880,592 of Martini and associates, issued on November 14, 1989 both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Due to the poor film-forming properties of these polystereß, the processes of the present invention are particularly useful for the formation of non-woven materials from these resins. The PHBV copolymers are marketed by Imperial Chemical i: Industries, under the trademark BIOPQL. In the magazine t siness 2000+ (Summer, 1990), an overview of the BI0P0L technology is presented. The US Patent Application Series IMo. , entitled COPOL IMER0S BIODENBRADABLES AND ARTICLES OF PLASTIC CONTAINING BIODESRADABLE COPOLY EROS, from Noda, filed on January 28, 1994, which discloses novel biadegradable copolymers and all of them for making the copolymers which are also useful in the present invention, is incorporated?. the present description as a reference. Briefly, that application describes the biodegradable pol ihydraxi loalcanoat (PHA) copolymers, which comprise at least two RRMU units, wherein the first RRMU unit has the structure "? where R1 is H, or alkyl C? or Ca, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU unit has the structure wherein R3 is an alkyl or alkenyl C- »C_ < »? and where at least 50% of the RRMU units have the structure of the first RRMU unit. US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 189,029, by Noda, filed on January 28, 1994, which discloses novel biodegradable copolymers, and compounds for the preparation of copolymers which are binders useful in the present invention, is incorporated to the present description for reference. Briefly, that application describes biodegradable copolymers (PHA) comprising at least two RRMU units and wherein the first RRMU unit has the structure wherein R1 is H, al alkyls Ca, and n is 1 or 2; The second RRMU unit has the structure 0 where at least 507. of the RRMU units have the structure of the first RRMU unit. US Patent Application Serial No. 5 08 / 188,271, by Noda, filed on January 28, 1994, which discloses biodegradable copolymers which are also useful in the present invention, is incorporated by reference herein. Briefly, that application describes b ítídegradableß copolymers, where the copolymers comprise at least two RRMU units where the first monomer unit RRMU has the structure and the second RRMU unit has the structure where at least 50 * /. of the RRMU units has the structure of the first RRMU unit. Other biodegradable resins useful in the present invention include synthetically produced resins. Said synthetically produced inputs include aliphatic polyesters, which, together with the all for the preparation of said resins, are known in the art. Examples of such synthetic polyester resins include polylactide (PL), which has a structure according to Formula III, poly idioxanone (PDO), which has a structure according to Formula IV and poly icaprolactone (PCL) , which has a structure according to Formula V. These resins are described in the World Patent Publication No. WQ 90/01521, published on February 22, 1990 by Sinclair and -.-./oci dos; U.S. Patent No. 5,026,589, issued June 25, 1991 to Schechtman; and the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERINB, Second Edition, Vol. 2, pages 220 to 243 (1983); all incorporated herein by reference. < l ") (IV) (V) Still other resins useful in the present invention are polyvinyl alcohols and their copolymers. A preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, which has several RRMU units where the first RRMU unit has the structure and the second RRMU unit has the structure Still other biodegradable resins useful in the present invention are the polymers, such as polyethylene lenaxide (PEO) (which we also refer to as polyethylene glycol), which is well known in the art. Another biodegradable resin useful in the present invention is cellulose and its derivatives. An example is cellulose acetate. Cellulose resins, and all for their preparation, are well known in the art. See, for example, the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENBINEE INB, Second Edition, f ^ l. 3, pages 181 to 208 (1983). The biodegradable resins, including those specifically described above, can be used together to make a polymer blend, wherein said blend is subsequently used to prepare biodegradable fibrils. In addition, as indicated, one or more of the resins used to form the polymer blend may be a copal polymer. Said mixtures include, for example; the combination of two polymers selected from the same type of polymer (eg, two biologically produced polysters) and the combination of polymers selected from two or more different types of polymers (eg, a biologically produced polyester and a polyvinyl alcohol). Although not exhaustive, the following are preferred combinations of polymers useful in the preparation of the biodegradable fibrils of the present invention. PCL and PHB; PCL and PHBV; PHBV and PHB; PHBV and PEO; and PHB and PEO.

Processes of the Present Invention The processes of the present invention are useful for forming ta iodegradable fibrils. The processes are particularly useful for making fibrils from difficult-to-process resins, such as biologically produced polysters, especially PHB polymer and copolymer resins comprising hydroxy lobute monomer comonomer units. However, the processes are also useful for the preparation of fibrils comprising the PHB polymer or the copolymers comprising co-anhydroxy lobutyrate units. The processes of the present invention use a flow of a gaseous substance to prepare the biodegradable fibrils. In particular, the process comprises the preparation of biodegradable fibrils from one or more homopolymeric resins or biodegradable copolymers, the process comprising the steps of: a) forming a liquid resin mixture by melting or solubilizing the resin or biodegradable resins; and b) introducing the liquid resin mixture to a flow of a gaseous substance. Preferred are those processes wherein the resin mixture is made to the liquid condition by means of melting. When step a) of the process comprises melting the resins to form a liquid resin mixture. One skilled in the art appreciates that any suitable heating means can be used. The resin (s) should be heated to a temperature sufficient to liquefy the resins, but not to a level where the resins undergo decomposition if their e ective weight is significantly reduced. According to the above, the temperature used to melt the resins depends on the resins that are being used. Preferably, the temperature should be from about 0 ° to approximately 30 ° C above the melting point of the resin having the highest melting point. More preferably, the temperature should be from about 10 ° to approximately 20 ° C above the melting point of the resin having the melting point plus #Ho. When step a) of the process comprises the solubilization of the resin (s) to form a liquid resin mixture, one skilled in the art can appreciate that any suitable means of solubilization can be used. The appropriate solvent system should be one that allows full mixing if a plurality of resins are being used, and should not cause, in any case, the decomposition of the resins used. Preferred solvents include, for example, chloroform, methylene chloride, pyridine, tri-lorateethane, propylene carbonate, and ethylene carbonate. Particularly preferred are chloroform and methylene chloride. The solvents listed above are provided by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the solvents useful in the processes of the present invention. Regardless of the liquified whole employed in step a), any of a variety of additives may be included when the liquid resin mixture is being formed.

Said additives include plas i ficadare, nucleating agents, ^? azadores, reí lumbering agents, coloring agents, and agents that produce the resulting hydrophobic fibrils (for example, where the fibrils will be used to form a top sheet of an absorbent product) or 11 icas. Suitable nucleating agents include, but are not limited to, boron nitride and talc. Suitable enlighteners include, but are not limited to; natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and PCL. Suitable reagents include, but are not limited to, TiOss, and carbon and calcium carbonate. Hydrophobic agents include any of those known in the field of absorbent products, such as silicone and lower alkyl silicone halides. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various means may be employed for the introduction of the liquid resin mixture. For example, the resin (s) can be untranslated through a hole by gravity, or as the result of a pre-determined system. It will also be known that the conditions under which the introduction of the liquid resin mixture takes place will affect the characteristics (for example, fibril length, fibril diameter, fibril diameter). These conditions include, for example, the viscosity of the resin mixture itself, the solvent system used (where relevant), and the diameter of the hole through which the liquefied mixture is introduced. Liquid resin is preferably introduced in the form of a continuous jet, through a hole having a diameter -:; from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm. More preferably wherein the orifice has a diameter of approximately 0.5 to approximately 2.0 mm. Although the supply amount of the liquid resin mixture is not critical, an amount of from about 10 g / hour to about 1000 g / hour is preferred. Where desired, a plurality of holes can be used for the introduction of the liquid resin mixture, each of them being as described previously. With respect to the gas flow in step b), any suitable gas can be employed. The temperature of the gas is preferably less than 150 ° C. The temperature is more preferably less than 120 ° C. It is even more preferred that the temperature of the gas be from about 20 ° C to about 90 ° C. The most preferred is when the gas is at room temperature. Examples of the gases that can be used in the processes of the present invention include Na, sire and compressed vapor. The air is the preferred one. Further, for the introduction of the gaseous substance, any recognized means for the creation of the gas flow can be used. The conditions under which the gas flow is introduced will affect the characteristics of the biodegradable fibrils resulting from the present invention. For example, where a nozzle is used to introduce the gas, the size of the orifice and the pressure of the gas will affect the characteristics of the fibril. Those skilled in the art will know that said conditions will vary depending on, for example, the resins used, the whole liquified used in step a) of the process, and the angle at which the gas flow is introduced in relation to to the flow of the liquefied resin mixture. Preferred processes are those in which a nozzle having a diameter of from about 1 mm to approximately 10 m is used. More preferably where the nozzle has a diameter of from about 2 mm to * 3GOÜ imadamente 6 mm. And even more preferably wherein the nozzle has a diameter ds »from about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Preferred processes are those in which the flow of the gaseous substance is introduced at a pressure of from about 10 to about 200 pounds per square inch (psi). preferably wherein the pressure is from about 25 to about 100 psi. Even more preferably where the pressure is from approximately 30 to approximately 60 psi. The angle between the flow of the liquid resin inertia and the flow of the gaseous substance can be between about 0 and about 170 °. For purposes of illustration, where the liquid mixture of ream and the gaseous substance are flowing in the same direction and parallel to each other, the angle between them is 0 °. According to the foregoing, the only limitation is that the angle between the liquid flow and the gaseous flow can not be 180. Preferably, the angle is from about 0 to about 90. Those skilled in the art will recognize that. apparatus used for the collection (for example, a wire strainer) of the formed fibrils can be placed at various distances from the point where the gas flow makes contact with the liquefied resin mixture.The distance used will depend on, among others These are the things, the resin (s) used and the desired dimensions of the fibril, where a plurality of means for the introduction of the gaseous substance can be used, all of which are in accordance with those described above Fibrils made in accordance with the processes of the present invention are useful for making, for example, substrates to biodegradable fabrics, which can be used in absorbent products such as pa signals and the like. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fibrils and nonwoven materials described in the present disclosure are useful in a variety of textile applications. Said applications include, for example, clothing, nfceriar clothes, towels, curtains and carpets.

Biodegradable Fibrids The fibrils of the present invention, which comprise any biodegradable resin or organic resins, are made in accordance with the processes of the present invention. Examples of the resins useful in the present invention were explained in detail above. The fibrils preferably comprise PHB or PHBV.

The fibrils of the present invention have a length of from about 0.5 mm to about 100 mm. More preferably from about 1 mm to approximately 50 mm in length. The most preferred fibrils of the present invention are from about 1 μm to about 500 μm in diameter. The most preferred fibrils are those having a diameter from approximately 1 μm to approximately 200 μm. and the fibrils that are even more preferred, have a diameter of from. The above-mentioned ranges are generally related to the fibrils of the present invention The preferred dimensions of the fibrils will depend on the polymeric resins used, the specific process employed and the desired end use of the fibrils. resulting t1 # terjalss No Tjidos The non-woven materials of the present invention-they insist on fibrils comprising one or more biodegradable polymers or copolymers. The preferred means for the preparation of the non-woven materials of the present invention are the processes of the present invention. In general, the processes of the present invention will form fibrils which are already in the form of a non-woven material. As such, additional minimal processing may be necessary, depending on the end use of the non-woven material. However, biodegradable nonwoven materials may also be prepared according to conventional methods for the preparation of materials,, so long as the processes do not use conditions (eg, temperatures) that cause the decomposition of the biodegradable resins used. See ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENSINEERINS, Second Edition, Volume 7, pages 647 to 733 (1983). For example, fibrils may be prepared by essentially cutting continuous fibers of the desired lengths of the fibril. To prepare the desired non-woven material, deßpus can carry out the additional steps. ,. The fibrils of the present invention are generally shorter than conventional fibers used in the manufacture of materials. Accordingly, if further processing of the fibrils is desired to produce a non-woven material, the use of modified papermaking techniques is preferred. For example, after the initial formation, the biadegradable fibrils can be continuously dispersed in a large volume of a material other than a solvent (for example water) and collected in a movable auger colander. Once the non-woven material is collected in the strainer, it is transferred to bands or felts and dried in heated drums (see: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENBINEERIN8, Second Edition, Volume 10, pages 204 to 226). Importantly, a nonwoven material of the present invention may comprise biodegradable fibrils made from different resin blends. This means that to form a single nonwoven material, two or more types of fibrils, each made using the processes i, can be combined. ^ the present invention. Although different fibrils will be prepared using the processes of the present invention, the fibrils will subsequently be combined using, for example, the modified papermaking techniques described herein. In addition, during the formation of the non-woven materials, it is possible to combine with the biodegradable fibrils of the present invention, one or more of a variety of natural fibers, such as poly isacids and polyamides. In this fashion, '-S. fibrils of the present invention can be combined with cellulose-based fibers, such as wood pulp and cotton, or fibers based on proteins, such as silk and wool. These naturally occurring fibers can be combined with the fibrils of the present invention, using, for example, the papermaking techniques mentioned above. The bond of the fibrils and the other components give resistance to the material and influence other properties of the ../erial na tissue. For the bond within the material both the adhesive means and the mechanical means are used. The mechanical bond uses the adhesion of the fibrils by means of friction forces. The bonds can also be achieved by means of chemical reaction, for example, the formation of envalent bonds between the linker and the fibrils.

Absorbent Articles The disposable absorbent products of the present invention comprise a water-permeable top article, an absorbent core and a waterproof backsheet, wherein the top sheet comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising bi-degradable fibrils. The biodegradable substrates comprising the fibrils of the present invention used as the liquid pervious topsheets in the absorbent products of the present invention, such as disposable diapers, typically have a thickness of about 25 μm. ~ ~ about 1 mm, preferably from about 300 μm to about 500 μm. In general, the liquid-permeable upper layer is combined, with a liquid-impermeable backing and an absorbent core placed between the upper and the posterior sheets. Elastic members and tape fasteners Although the top sheet, the back and the absorbent core and the elastic members can be assembled in a variety of configurations well As a preferred configuration for diapers, this described generally in US Pat. No. 3,860,003, entitled "Folding Side Portions for Disposable Diapers", issued to enneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975. The later date may already be prepared from materials already. be biodegradable and not bi-degradable. The examples of Those that are not biodegradable are those made of polypropylene and filled poly. Examples of the biodegradable backsheets are those described in the US patent applications which are also p. Ndientes Series No., entitled COPOLYMERS BIODESRADABLES AND PLASTIC ITEMS THAT INCLUDE BIODEGRADABLE COPOLYMERS; US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 188,271; and US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 189,029, all filed by Nada in Jan. 28, 1994. For the purpose of increasing the possibility of converting into compost, the preferred absorbent products of the present invention comprise a biodegradable backsheet . The upper sheet is preferably soft to the touch and non-irritating to the user's skin, in addition to being, at the same time, convertible into fertilizer. According to the foregoing, the topsheet preferably comprises the biodegradable fibers of the present invention. In addition, the top sheet is permeable to liquids, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through their thickness. Preferably, the upper sheet is made of a hydrophobic material, in order to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids that accumulate in the absorbent core. Preferably, the topsheet has a true density of from about 18 to about 25 g / mse, a minimum dry tensile strength of at least about 400 g / cm in the machine direction, and a tensile strength. wet, of at least about 55 g / cm in the transverse direction of the machine. The top sheet and the back sheet are joined in an appropriate manner. As used in the present description, the term "joined" includes the configurations in which the sheet s.vj .. > erior is attached directly to the back sheet by attaching the top sheet directly to the back sheet, and the configurations in which the top sheet is indirectly attached to the top sheet by attaching the top sheet to the intermediate members, which, in turn, are fixed to the back sheet. In a preferred embodimentThe upper sheet and the posterior sheet are fixed directly to each other at the periphery of the diaper by adhesion means, such as by means of an adhesive or any other means of adhesion known in the art. For example, a continuous layer of uniform adhesive, a layer with adhesive designs, can be used to a separate array of lines or drops of adhesive to fix the top sheet to the back sheet. The tape tab fasteners are normally applied to the region of the back waist band of the diaper to provide fastening means for holding in a diaper placed on the wearer. Tape tab fasteners may be of materials well known in the art, such as the fastener tapes described in US Pat. No. 3,848,594 issued to Kenneth B. Buell on November 19, 1974. These tape tongue fasteners or other fastener means of the diapers are applied normally, near the corners of the diaper. Preferred diapers have elastic members positioned adjacent the periphery of the diaper, preferably along each longitudinal end so that the elastic members tend to attract and hold the diaper against the user's rumps. The elastic members are secured to the diaper in a foldable condition so that in a normally restricted configuration, the elastic members fold or gather the diaper in an effective manner. The elastic members can be secured in a folding condition in at least two ways. For example, the elastic members can be stretched and secured while the diaper is in a condition that is not folded. Alternatively, the diaper can be folded, eg, by folding an elastic member secured and connected to the diaper while the elastic members are in the relaxed or unstretched condition. The elastic members can have a multitude of configurations. For example, the width of the elastic members can be varied from about 0.25 mm to about 25 mm or more; the elastic members may comprise a single strip of elastic material or the elastic members may be rectangular or curved. Additionally, the elastic members can be attached to the diaper in any of the various means, which are known in the art. For example, the elastic members may be bonded by ultrasound, sealed by heat or pressure within the diaper using a variety of bonding patterns, or the elastic members may be simply glued to the diaper. The absorbent core of the diaper is placed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, u-amtpco, etc.) and a wide variety of materials. The total absorbency of the absorbent core must, however, be compatible with the liquid loading designed for the intended use of the absorbent article or diaper. In addition, the size and absorbency of the absorbent core can vary to accommodate users, from infants to adults. A preferred embodiment of the diaper has an hourglass-shaped sorbent core 1. The absorbent core is preferably an absorbent member, which comprises a core or block of fibrous material of air felt, wood pulp fibers and / or an absorbent polymeric particulate composition placed therein 15. Other examples of absorbent articles according to the present invention are sanitary napkins designed to receive and contain vaginal discharges, such as menstruation.The disposable sanitary napkins are designed to be held adjacent to the human body through the aid <> of a garment, such as an undergarment or panty or by means of a specially designed belt, examples of the types of sanitary napkins to which the present invention can be easily adapted , are shown in U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Can 5 Fins Sanitary Towel" which was used in It is to be noted that J. Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, and US Pat. No. 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Towel" which was issued to J. Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986. It will be appreciated that the fibrils of the present invention can be used in this document as a pervious or permeable liquid for said sanitary napkins. On the other hand, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to confi ruration or structure, of any specific sanitary napkin. In general, sanitary napkins comprise a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid permeable upper sheet and an absorbent core placed between the back sheet and the top sheet. The top layer comprises the fibrils of the present invention. The backsheet may comprise any of the materials for backsheet described with respect to diapers. Preferred top sheets are those comprising the biodegradable fibrils made by means of the processes of the present invention. The absorbent core can comprise any of the absorbent core materials described with respect to diapers. Importantly, the absorbent articles according to the present invention are biodegradable and / or convertible to a greater degree than conventional absorbent articles, which employ materials such as a polyolefin top coat (e.g. , a pal let i lena).

Te ^ üffi The textiles of the present invention can be prepared directly from nonwoven materials of the present invention. Thus, textiles will comprise as the principal only the biodegradable nonwoven material of the present invention. Alternatively, the textiles of the present invention may be prepared by combining the biodegradable fibrils of the present invention with other fibers, preferably with biodegradable fibers such as cotton, rayon, hemp, wool, and silk, to form materials, yarns or stamens. The textiles can be prepared using known fabrics for the production of textile articles. Said methods are described in the KIRK-OTHMER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, Third Edition, Volume 22, pages 762 to 768 (1986), which is incorporated herein by reference. Regardless of the method of preparation, the textiles of the present invention have a wide range of application areas. Said applications include, for example, garments, bed sheets, upholstery, carpets, wall hangings, tire reinforcements, tents, media: M filter, conveyor belts and insulators. The textiles of the present invention are biodegradable and / or convertible to compost to a greater degree than conventional textiles known in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 Progeio,, de. Manufacturing for Nft Teji or oue M ore includes Poly (3-hydroxyl P-butyrate-cp-3-hydroxylovalerat) Poly (3-hydroxy lobu-a-co-3-hydroxy lovalerate) resin with the co -omeric content of 12-mol '/. of iro i lov l rats (BIOPOL, ICI, Billingham UK) is extruded using a twin screw extruder (HAAKE SYSTEM 90, Haake, Paramus NJ) equipped with a Capillary Die with a diameter 5 of 0.5 mm. The resin is supplied to the extruder in the form of pellets. The speed of the extruder is prepared for 5.0 rpm and the extrusion temperature is set at 180 ° C. The extrudate leaving the exit port of the extruder is allowed to flow vertically into the air without any support through the extruder. f - *. Nrately 50 cm. to achieve a constant continuous thin spinning of melted resin before it is subjected to a sudden blast of air that flows down. The air chute is applied by connecting an air flow nozzle (TRANSVECTOR JET # 901D, Vartec Corp., Cincinnati OH) attached to a source of compressed air with a pressure of 80 psi. The jet of air applied parallel to the free flow that runs downward from the melted resin produces a constant fast downward jet of highly elongated fine fibrils having a , between 10 and 100 μm and a length of from approximatively 5 to aprax imadamente 50 mm. The fibrils are collected to form a continuous nonwoven material on a mesh sieve located approximately 30 cm from the point where the air jet is applied.

T ^ T EXAMPLE 2 Manufacturing Process of a Nonwoven Material Comprising Poly (e-caorolactone) Resin PCJ] i (e-caprolactone) (TONE P787, Union Carbide, Danbury CT) is extruded using a twin-screw extruder (HAA E SYSTEM 90, HaaJ'e, Paramus NJ) equipped with a Capillary Die with a diameter of 0.5 mm. The resin is supplied to the extruder in the form of pellets. The speed of the truss is prepared for 3.0 rpm and the extrusion temperature is set at 240 ° C. The extrudate protruding from the exit port of the extruder die is allowed to flow down vertically into the air without any support for approximately 50 minutes. To achieve a continuous thin stream of melted resin before it is subjected to a sudden flow of air that flows downwards, the air jet is applied by connecting an air flow nozzle with a diameter of 3.2 mm attached to a source of compressed air with a pressure of 80 psi.The air chamber applied parallel to the free flow of melted resin that runs downwards, produces a constant fast downward chirp of highly elongated fine fibrils having a diameter of between 10 and 100 μm and a length of from about 5 to approximately 50 mm The fibrils are reclected to form a continuous nonwoven material on a mesh sieve Test to anger approximately 2 meters from the point where the air jet is applied.

EXAMPLE 3 Manufacturing Process of a Non-Woven Material Comprising Pal i (3-hydro? I lobutyrate) The Poly i (3-hydrej? I lobutirate) resin (BI.OPOL, ICI, Billingham UK) is extruded using a twin-screw extruder (HAAKE SYSTEM 90, Haake, Paramus NJ) equipped with a Capillary Die with a diameter of 1.0 m. The resin is supplied to, J. ' < trusor in the form of pills. The extruder speed is prepared for 3.0 rpm and the extrusion temperature is set at 180 ° C. The extrudate protruding from the outlet port of the extruder is allowed to flow down vertically into the air without any support for approximately 50 cm. to eve a constant thin stream of molten resin before it is subjected to a sudden stream of air that flows downward. The air jet is api iced by connecting an air flow nozzle (TRANSVECTOR JET # 901D, Vortec Carp., Cincinnati OH) to a compressed source with a pressure of 100 psi. The jet of air and applied parallel to the free flow of the melted resin running downward, produces a constant fast downward jet of highly elongated fine fibrils having a diameter of between 10 and 1.00 μm and a length of from about 5 μm. until approximately 50 mm. The fibrils are collected to form a continuous non-woven material on a mesh sieve located approximately 30 cm from the point where it is applied. air chesters ZL EXAMPLE 4 Manufacturing Process of a Non Woven Material Comprising Poly (3-hydroxyllobutyl-3-hydroxy-lovalerata) A 10 * /. Solution is produced. of poly (3-hydroxy lobutobutyl-co-3-h? drOx j lovalerato) ream with the comonomer content of 12-mol * /. of hydroxy lovalerate (BI0P0L, ICI, Billingham, Ul-), in c. Lores Formo (J.Tal-Bal-er, Phi 111 psberg, NJ), dissolving 40 g of resin in 360 g of solvent with agitation and encouraging moderate temperatures. The solution is emptied through a 5 ml glass pipette. Use a tip with a diameter of 3 mm to flow vertically into the air without any soup for approximately 5 cm. to eve a continuous constant thin thread of the solution before it is subjected to a sudden jet of air that flows down. The air jet is applied by connecting an air flow nozzle (TRANSVECTOR JET # 901D, Vesrtec Corp., Cincinnati OH) attd to a source of compressed air with a pressure of 90 psi. The jet of air applied parallel to the free flow of the solution evaporates the solvent instantaneously and produces a constant fast downward jet of highly elongated fine fibrils having a diameter of approximately 10 μm and a length of from about 3 to about 25. mm. The fibrils are collected to form a continuous non-woven material on a mesh sieve located approximately 70 cm from the point where the air jet is applied. • f? EXAMPLE 5 Manufacturing Process, of a Nonwoven Material Comprising Pol.1 (3-Hypi Oxybutyrate-Co-3-H-Idroxy-lovalera) and FcsS-I (E-caprolactone) A solution is produced. 5V. of a 19: 1 resin blend of pol i < 3-Hydraxy lobutyto-co-3-hydraxylovalerate) with the comonomer content of? 12- mol * /. of hydro? i lesvalerate (BIOPOL, ICI, Billingha, UK), and pol i (e-caprolactone) (TONE P787, Carbide ion, Danbury CT) in chloroform (JT Baker, Phi 11 ipsber, NJ), dissolving 30 g of poly (3-hydroxy lobut i ata-ca-3-hydroyl ilovalerate) resin and 2 g of poly < e-caprolactone) in 760 g of sol vent with agitation and moderate heating. The solution is emptied through a 5 ml glass pipette. with a tip with a diameter of 3 mm so that it flows vertically into the air without any support for approximately 5 cm. to eve a continuous constant thin thread of the solution before it is subjected to a sudden jet of nitrogen that flows down. The nitrogen jet is applied by connecting a nozzle of air f lujes (TRANSVECTOR JET # 901D, Vortec Corp., Cincinnati OH) adhered to a source of nitrogen cespired at a pressure of 80 psi. The nitrogen jet applied parallel to the free flow of the solution evaporates the solvent instantly and produces a fast downstream jet of fine, highly elongated fibrils having a temperature of about 10 μm and a length of from about 3 to 5 hours. ap or imadamente 25 mm.

The fibrils are harvested to form a fresh nonwoven material on a mesh sieve located approximately 70 cm from the point where nitrogen chorraide is applied. The resulting fabric material is heat cured in an oven at a temperature of 120 ° C for 2 hours.

EXAMPLE 6 Process cié Manufacture of up Non-woven material comprising Pol i (3, -hi ro? I labutirato ~ co-3 - hydro i loval time) and acid rol i (lactic) A 5% solution of a 9: 1 resin mixture of pol i (3-hydroxy lobutyl-co-3-hydrox i lovalerate) with the content of co -omers of 5-mol '/. of hydroxy lovalerate (BI0P0L, ICI, Bil 1 ingha, UK), and poly i (lactic acid) (Polyscience, Inc.) in chloroform (JT Baker, Phi 11 ipsberg, NJ), dissolving a mixture of 9 g of resin poly (3-hydroxy lobut irata-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and 1 g of poly (lactic acid) in 190 g of solvent with stirring and molding. The solution is emptied through a 5-L glass pipette with a tip at a diameter of 3 mm so that it flows vertically into the air without any support for approximately 5 c. to achieve a continuous constant thin thread of the solution before it is subjected to a sudden jet of nitrogen that flows down. The nitrogen jet is applied by connecting an air flow nozzle (TRANSVECTOR JET # 901D, Vortec Corp., Cincinnati OH) adhered to a compressed nitrogen source with a pressure of 80 psi. The nitrogen jet applied parallel to the free flow of the < • Elution evaporates the solvent instantaneously and produces a constant fast downward jet of highly elongated fine fibrils having a diameter of between about 3 to 7 μm and a length of about 3 to about 25 mm. The fibrils are collected to form a continuous undyed material over a mesh sieve located approximately 70 cm from the point where the nitrogen jet is applied. The resulting nonwoven material is cured or calcified in an oven at a temperature of 120 ° C for 1 hour.

EXAMPLE 7 Manufacturing Process of u? Nonwoven Material Comprising Pol i (3-hydroxy lobutyrate) A 10 * / solution is produced. of a poly (3-hydroxylobutyl) resin (BI0P0L, 1CI, Billingha, U), in chloroform (J.T. Baker, Phi 11 ipsberg, N), dissolving 10 g of resin and l (3-hydrox i lobut i ratcs) in 90 g of solvent with stirring and moderate heating. The solution is emptied through a 5 ml glass pipette. with a tip with a diameter of 3 mm so that it flows in the air, seemingly without any support, approximately 5 c. to achieve a continuous thin slender continuous of the solution before it is subjected to a sudden stream of nitrogen that flows down. The nitrogen jet is applied to a nozzle with a diameter of 3. 2 mm adhered to a source of nitrogen ccsmp i cesn a pressure of 8 p i. The nitrogen jet applied to the ibre flow of the melted resin evaporates the solvent instantaneously and produces a constant fast horizontal jet of highly elongated fine fibrils having a diameter of about 10. "μm and a length of from about 3 to about 25 mm. The fibrils are collected to form a continuous nonwoven material on a mesh sieve located approximately 2 of the point where the nitrogen jet is applied. material not resulting idcs is ured with heat in an oven at a temperature of 12 ° C during 1 hour.

EXAMPLE 8 Disposable Diaper Convertible to Compost A disposable baby diaper according to the present invention is prepared in the following manner. The dimensions that are mentioned for a diaper are designed to be used with a child of a size in a range of 6 to 10! These dimensions can be modified proportionately for different sizes, or for incontinence presetters for adults, in accordance with standard practice: 1. Back sheet: 0.020 - 0.038 mm film consisting of polyester. leti lenes (as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003, issued January 14, 1974 to 5 Buell, which is incorporated herein by reference); anches in the part supericsr and the fandcs 33 cms; cut internally on both sides for a width in the center of 28.5 cm; length of 50.7 cm. 2. Hcs a superior s comprises the nonwoven material prepared in Example 1; width at the top and bottom 33 c s; cut internally on both sides for a width in the center of 28.5 cm; length of 50.2 cm. 3. Absorbent: comprises 28.6 g of cellulose wood pulp and 4.9 g of particles of absorbent gel absorbing material (ptsl lacr J J ato comercial de Nipón Shol-ubaí); thickness 8.4 mm, satin; wide at the top and bottom 28.6 cms; ? ortada inwardly on a bcss sides for a width in the center of 10.2 cms; length of 44.5 cms. 4. Elastic bands on the legs: Four individual rubber strips (2 pairs side); width 4.77 mm., length 370 mm; thickness 0.178 mm (all previous dimensions being in a relaxed condition). The diaper is prepared using a standard modality by placing the material of the core covered with the upper material on the ho to pcsstepesr and glueing the components together. The elastic bands (designated "inner" and "outer", correspond to the most transverse bands and the furthest bands of the core, respectively) are stretched to ca. 50.2 c and ccslcscadas between the supepcsr sheet / posterior sheet along each longitudinal side (2 bands per side) of the core. The inner bands along each side are placed in c. 55 mm from the narrowest width of the core (measured from the inner end of the elastic band). This provides a spacer element along each straight of the diaper which comprises the flexible material of the upper surface / back sheet between the interior asthus and the curved end of the core. The inner bands are glued to the length of their length in the stretched condition. the outer walls are placed ca. 13 mm from 5 internal bands and are pasted along their length in the stretched condition. The upper blade / backsheet assembly is flexible, and the glued webs are folded to make the ends less elastic of the diaper.

EXAMPLE 9 Lightweight Insect-Convertible Light Weight Pan A suitable light weight panty for use between menstrual periods, comprises a pad (surface area of 117 cma; air felt SS 3.0 g) containing lr? 1.0 g of particles of absorbent gel-like material (commercial poly acrylic from Nipón Shat-ubaí); said cushion being interposed between an upper layer according to Example 1 and a subsequent layer which comprises a film of 11, and a wood with a thickness of 0. 3 mm.

EXAMPLE 10 Compostable Sanitary Towel A cataloged product in the form of a sanitary napkin having two fins extending outward from its absorbent core is prepared using a pad in the manner described in FIG. 9 (area). of surface 117 cm2, felt of ire of 8.5 g) in accordance with the design of the U.S. Patent 4,687,478, issued to Van Tilburg, on August 18 of) 87. The materials of the back sheet and the upper sheet are the same described in Example 9.

EXAMPLE 11 Non-Woven Material Heat Cured Convertible Compost The material of Example 1 is collected on a cardboard material. The material is moved so that a 10 cm x 10 cm surface is covered with fibrils uniformly. The recrilection of the fibrils on the continuous cardboard material, until a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm is obtained. of fibrils on the cardboard material. A wide distribution of lengths is obtained, up to 100 mm in length. Most of the lengths of the fibrils (more than 50 '/.) Are in the. range from 5 to 20 mm. The material is then transferred to a Carver Press (Fred S. Carver Inc., Menom- csnee Falls, WI) and pressure is applied to a force of 1000 ... for 10 minutes at a temperature of 5 ° C below the temperature of fusion of the PHBV. The resulting sheet of nonwoven material is removed from the press.

EXAMPLE 12 Disposable Diaper Convertible into Compost A disposable diaper for fastener in accordance with the present invention is prepared in the following manner. The dimensions that are mentioned for a diaper, designed to be used with a child of a size in a range of 6 to 10 kilograms. These can be modified proportionally for different sizes of children, or for incontinence protectors for adults, according to standard practice. 1. Rear blade: 0.020 - 0.038 mm film consisting of a copolymer 92: 8 pcs. i (3 ™ hydrosxy labut i rat-co-3-hydroxy looctanoate) (prepared as described in La US Patent Application Series No., entitled COPOL IMER0S BIODENBRADABLES AND ARTICLES OF PLASTICS THAT COMPRISE BIODENBRADABLE COPOLYMERS, by Noda, presented on January 28, 1994); width at the top and bottom 33 cm; cut internally on both sides for a width in the center of 28.5 cm; length of 50.2 cm. 2. Higher class: comprises the ncs fabric material prepared in Example 1; anches at the top and the bottom 33 cms; cut inward on both sides for a wide center of 28.5 cms; longi ud of 50.2 c. 3. Absorbent Numbers: comprises 28.6 g of wood cellulose pulp and 4.9 g of absorbent gelling material particles (Nippon Shokubai commercial palletizer); thickness 8.4 mm, satin; wide at the top and bottom 28.6 cms; Inner cut on both sides for a width in the center of 10.2 cm; 3.ong i tud of 4. cm. 4. Elastic bands on the legs: Four individual rubber strips (2 pairs side); ancrha 4.77 m., length 370 mm; thickness 0.178 mm (all previous dimensions being in a relaxed condition).

The diaper is prepared using a standard modality: looing the material, the core covered with the top sheet on the back sheet and gluing all the components. The elastic bands (designated "inner" and "outer" correspond to the closest bands and the farthest bands to the core, respectively) are stretched to ca. 50.2 cm and placed between the top row / ho or back along each side of the left side (2 bands per side) of the core. The inner bands along each side are placed in c: a. 55">; m from the narrowest width of the core (measured from the intericsr end of the elastic band). This provides a spacer element along each side of the diaper which comprises the flexible material of the upper / ho back row between the inner elastic and the curved end of the core. The inner bands are pastes along their length in the stretched condition. The outer bands are colscadas ca. 13 mm from the inner bands and san glued along its length in the stretched condition. The top blade / back blade assembly is flexible, and the glued webs are folded to make the ends ciel elastic. diaper.

EXAMPLE 13 Light Weight Pantyhose Convertible to Compost A light weight ipratectar pan suitable for use between menstrual periods, comprises a pad (surface area of 117 cma; air felt SSK 3.0 g) containing 1.0 g of material particles. absorbent gelling agent 16 (commercial polypropylene from Nipón Shal-ubaí); the pad being interposed between a top sheet according to the Example 1 and a later one which comprises a copcsl film was 92: 8 of pol i (3-h? Drax? 1 obut i rato-co-hydroxy 1 ooctanoate) with a thickness of 0.03 mm. (such as is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No., entitled C0P01 BIODEGRADABLE J EOS AND ARTICLES OF PL STICO COMPRISING COPOL I IOS BIODEBRADABLES, de Nada, filed on 28 Jan. 1994).

EXAMPLE 14 Sanitary Towel Convertible to Abope A product tasted neither in the form of a sanitary napkin that has two flaps that extend to < Outside its absorbent core, it is prepared using a pad in the manner described in Example 13 (surface area 117 cm2, air felt of 8.5 g) according to the design of US Pat. No. 4,687,478, issued to Van Tilburg, on August 18 of ^ 87. The materials of the backsheet and the top sheet are the same as those described in Example 13.

EXAMPLE 15 Chirurgical Apparel Convertible into Compost Fit suitable for use by surgical personnel which may subsequently be discarded for biodegradation; said garment comprises the non-woven material of Example 7 stitched in the design of a sweater shirt and the non-woven material of Example 7 sewn into the fabric.

. Teach a pair of pants that comprise a waistband.

All publications mentioned in the present description are incorporated therein as reference. It is understood that the examples and modalities described in this application are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in the light of the same may be suggested by the experts in the art, which will be included in the spirit and text of this application and the scope of the attached summaries.

Claims (1)

4M 1. A process for the preparation of biadegradable fibrils from one or more homopolyamic resins to biad gradable copalimples, said process consisting of: a) formation of a resin mixture by melting or solubilization; the resin or resins; and b) introducing the liquid resin mixture into a flow of a gaseous substance. The process as described in Claim 1, further characterized in that the liquid resin mixture is formed by the melting of the resin or reams 3. The process such and bed is described in the Reiv. Note 1, further characterized in that the fibrils are of a length of from about 1 mm to about 100 mm 4. The process of such and eat is described in the claim 1, further characterized in that the resin liquid mixture comprises a biologically produced α-phthalic palister; an aliphatic polyester s tt ca ,; a polyvinyl alcohol or a capcsli was the same; a politer; cellulose or a derivative thereof; or a mixture of them. 5. The process as described in the Claim 2, Rei indicates ion 3 or Claim 4, further characterized in that the liquid ream mixture comprises a biologically produced aliphatic polymer, preferably pol i (hydro i lobut ir ta), pes i i (hi lo i lobut i -ca-hydroxy-lavaterol) or a mixture thereof. 6. The fibrils b lodegradab 1 is manufactured in accordance with the procedure as described in Claim 1. 7. The iodegradable fibrils as described in Claim 6, further characterized because said fibrils comprise an aliphatic poly is produced b icsl ógi cament, an inlbic aliphatic pal ister, a polyvinyl alcohol or a copolymer thereof, a paliter; cellulose or a derivative thereof; or a mixture of the same. 8. The bi-degradable fibrils as disclosed in claim 7, further characterized in that said fibrils comprise pal i (hi CIGOÜ I lobut irata) or pal i (hydroxyllobut but-ca-hydraxy lavalerate). 9. A nonwoven material comprising fibrils, which comprise one or more polymers or biadegradable copal polymers. 10. The non-woven material is described in Claim 9, further characterized in that the fibrils comprise a biologically produced aliphatic ppJister, a syphonic aliphatic lister, a polyvinyl alcohol or a copolymer thereof; a paliter; cellulose or a derivative thereof; or a mixture of the same. 11. The nonwoven and blunt material is described in Claim 10, further characterized by the fact that the fibrils comprise pes i i (ha dro'i lobut irata) or pol i (h idrox 11 obut i rato-co-hydroxi loval erato) . 12. A nonwoven material which comprises the fibrils as described in Rei indicates ion 6. 13. A disposable absorbent product comprising a , or a water-permeable upper, an absorbent core, and a water-permeable backwash, where the top sheet comprises a non-woven substrate comprising biodegradable fibrils. 34. The disposable absorbent product as described in Claim 13, further characterized in that the fibrils i odegral l s comprise a biologically produced aliphatic polyster, a synthetic polyether, a polyvinyl alcohol or a copolymer thereof; a paliter; cellulose is a derivative thereof; or a mixture of them.

1 . The proclut bn disposable absorber such and chrome is described in Claim 14, further characterized in that the biodegradable fibrils comprise a biodegradable resin, and wherein said resin is pal i (hi drox i lcsbuti rato) or pal i (hi dresxi 3). abut i ra to-co-hi ra, 11 or le to to). 16. A disposable absorbent product which comprises the non-woven material such as coma is described in the Claim * £ .. 17. A fabric comprising the biodegradable fibrils as described in Claim 9. EXCERPT OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises processes for the preparation of bi-degradable fibrils from one or more organic hamopal resins or copoliphos, said process comprising: a) the formation of a liquid resin mixture derptindola a sol ubi 11 zando the res ao queens; and b) introducing the liquid ream mixture to a flow of a gaseous substance. The present invention further comprises biodegradable fibrils made in accordance with the processes of the present invention. The invention also cements non-woven materials which comprise fibrils b and degradable. The present invention further comprises disposable absorbent articles which comprise a water permeable topsheet, an abscissor core, and a waterproof backsheet, where the top layer comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising the bi-degradable fibrils. . The invention further comprises disposable articles comprising biodegradable fibrils.