WO2007039828A2 - Process and apparatus for making a laminate material and laminate material - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for making a laminate material and laminate material Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007039828A2
WO2007039828A2 PCT/IB2006/003845 IB2006003845W WO2007039828A2 WO 2007039828 A2 WO2007039828 A2 WO 2007039828A2 IB 2006003845 W IB2006003845 W IB 2006003845W WO 2007039828 A2 WO2007039828 A2 WO 2007039828A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
film
nonwoven fabric
breathable
laminate material
transverse
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2006/003845
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007039828A3 (en
Inventor
Fabrizio Lori
Graziano Bortoletto
Original Assignee
Nuova Pansac S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nuova Pansac S.P.A. filed Critical Nuova Pansac S.P.A.
Publication of WO2007039828A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007039828A2/en
Publication of WO2007039828A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007039828A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/28—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding involving assembly of non-flat intermediate products which are flattened at a later step, e.g. tubes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/514—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
    • A61F13/51474—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure
    • A61F13/51478—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure being a laminate, e.g. multi-layered or with several layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
    • B29C55/023—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets using multilayered plates or sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
    • B29C55/18—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets by squeezing between surfaces, e.g. rollers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
    • B32B25/10—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/28—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, i.e. the layer having its entire thickness deformed out of the plane, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/18—Handling of layers or the laminate
    • B32B38/1825—Handling of layers or the laminate characterised by the control or constructional features of devices for tensioning, stretching or registration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B32B7/14—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/0012—Mechanical treatment, e.g. roughening, deforming, stretching
    • B32B2038/0028—Stretching, elongating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0253—Polyolefin fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/10—Fibres of continuous length
    • B32B2305/20—Fibres of continuous length in the form of a non-woven mat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/728—Hydrophilic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2555/00—Personal care
    • B32B2555/02—Diapers or napkins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/12—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
    • B32B37/1284—Application of adhesive
    • B32B37/1292—Application of adhesive selectively, e.g. in stripes, in patterns

Definitions

  • a process and an apparatus for making a laminate material , as well as such laminate material , are disclosed hereafter.
  • the laminate material disclosed herein may be particularly used as a backsheet in personal hygiene products , such as : infant diapers , incontinence pads and sanitary towels .
  • Laminate materials which comprise a nonwoven fabric layer, joined to a breathable film (usually a polyethylene- and/or elastomer-based film with organic and/or inorganic fillers) .
  • the breathable polyolefinic and/or elastomeric film acts as a barrier against the liquids released by the wearer, whereas the nonwoven fabric is designed to contact the hands of the person that puts on and removes the hygiene product, providing a more comfortable feel .
  • EP 1 163 102 discloses a process and an apparatus for making a corrugated laminate film comprising a polyolefinic film and a nonwoven fabric .
  • WO 2005/065947 discloses a process and an apparatus for making a laminate film comprising a polyolefin film and a corrugated nonwoven fabric .
  • prior art laminates provide a poor liquid tightness .
  • the object of this invention is to obviate at least some of prior art problems and particularly the one set out hereinbefore .
  • Figure Ia is a cross-sectional view of a laminate material , obtained according to a first embodiment, which comprises a nonwoven fabric having a corrugated shape, joined to a substantially and/or generally flat breathable film;
  • FIG. Ib is a cross-sectional view of a laminate material, obtained according to a second embodiment, which comprises a nonwoven fabric joined to a breathable film, and having a corrugated shape as a whole;
  • Figure 2a is a schematic view of the trailing end portion of a system for making a laminate like the one of Figure Ia;
  • Figure 2b is a schematic view of the trailing end portion of a system for making a laminate like the one of Figure Ib;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the leading end portion of the system of Figures 2a and 2b, for making the breathable film;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a detail of an apparatus used in the systems of Figures 2a and 2b for imparting a corrugated shape to a nonwoven fabric or a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric joined to a film;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view of a leading end portion of the system, that can be combined with the system of Figure 2a or 2b.
  • numerals 8, 9 designate a laminate material comprising a breathable and water-vapor permeable film 8 joined to a nonwoven fabric 9.
  • the breathable film 8 is made of a polyolefin and/or elastomer-based material.
  • Exemplary formulations for the material to be used to make the breathable film 8 may be those disclosed in patent application WO 2005/051635 by the applicant hereof, whereto reference is being made herein.
  • the breathable film 8 is made of a polyethylene-based material .
  • the material for the film 8 may include, for instance, low density polyethylene (LDPE) , linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) , medium density polyethylene (MDPE) .
  • LDPE low density polyethylene
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • MDPE medium density polyethylene
  • Polyethylene copolymers may be also used, which have ⁇ -olefins with 4 to 10 carbon atoms (1 butene, 1 pentene, 1 hexene, 1 heptene, 1 octene, 4 methyl - 1 pentene) .
  • Breathability and water-vapor permeability of the film 8 may be obtained by addition of organic or inorganic fillers to the mixture and later hot drawing.
  • the organic or inorganic fillers may be 30% to 70% by weight of the mixture and have a preferred particle size of 0.5 to 6 ⁇ m.
  • the film 8 that is used to make the laminate 8 , 9 is composed of two layers 8a, 8b having the same thickness and material, which are thermally bonded together .
  • This feature was found to reduce the risk of poor liquid imperviousness of the laminate due to damages caused to the film 8 during the various steps for making the corrugated laminate or the laminate comprising a corrugated nonwoven fabric.
  • the nonwoven web 9 may be made of spun-bonded polypropylene .
  • the initial average basis weight of the spun- bonded polypropylene fabric is of 11 g/m 2 to 18 g/m 2 , preferably of 12 g/m 2 to 17 g/m 2 .
  • the fibers of the nonwoven fabric 9 Before processing, the fibers of the nonwoven fabric 9 have a fineness of 1.40 to 2.50 deniers .
  • the fibers of the nonwoven fabric have an initial fineness of 1.45 to 2.40 deniers and, more preferably, an initial fineness of 1.6 to 2.2 deniers.
  • the nonwoven fabric 9 is formed from polypropylene having a narrow molecular weight distribution with a melt flow rate (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg) [in g/10 min] - complying with ISO 1133 - of 19 to 40 g/10 min.
  • Such melt flow rate is preferably of 25 to 36 g/10 min (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg) and, more preferably, of 30 to 35 g/10 min (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg).
  • the nonwoven fabric may be made using, as a starting material, the polypropylene currently sold by INNOVENE as 100-ZA25 and 100-ZA35 or the polypropylene currently sold by BOREALIS as HF420FB, HG420FB, HG455FB, HH420FB and HH450FB, i.e. polypropylenes having similar characteristics.
  • the polypropylenes used as raw materials for the nonwoven fabric may be produced either by traditional catalysis or by metallocene catalysis .
  • the breathable film 8 and the nonwoven fabric 9 may be joined together by using adhesives, such as hot melt or cool melt adhesives .
  • the adhesive should be discontinuously spread, in both longitudinal and transverse direction.
  • the adhesive should be applied over the surface of the film 9 or the film 8 by scattered spots .
  • the laminate material 8 , 9 comprises a generally and/or substantially flat film 8, which is breathable, water- impervious and water-vapor permeable.
  • the film 8 is composed of two layers of equal thickness 8a, 8b, which are thermally bonded together.
  • a nonwoven fabric layer 9 having a corrugated shape is joined to the film 8 using an adhesive.
  • the laminate material 8 , 9 has a overall basis weight of 26 g/m 2 to 40 g/m 2 .
  • Air permeability determined by a Gurley porosimeter - compliant with ATICELCA MC 18-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards - is lower than 100 min/100 cc of air, preferably lower than 50 min/100 cc of air.
  • Water steam permeability determined by Permatran IOOK instrument, sold by Mocon Inc., whose operation is based on ASTM D 6701-01 standard, is of at least 500 (g/m 2 H 2 O) /24h, preferably at least 1000 (g/m 2 H 2 O) /24h.
  • the laminate material 8, 9 only differs from that of the first embodiment in that the whole laminate material has a corrugated shape .
  • the corrugated shape preferably has a pitch of about 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm.
  • the laminate material of Figure 1 may be obtained by a process comprising the steps of supplying the polyolefin-based nonwoven fabric 9 , by feeding it in a feed direction M and pre-heating it.
  • the pre-heated nonwoven fabric 9 is then further heated while being deformed transverse to the feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said nonwoven fabric 9.
  • Pre-heating of the nonwoven fabric 9 was found to considerably reduce the risk of tearing or otherwise damaging nonwoven fibers (by creating the so-called "fluffy effect") as the corrugated shape is imparted.
  • a substantially and/or generally flat film 8 is simultaneously fed, which is breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable and is composed of two layers of equal thickness and material 8a, 8b, thermally bonded together.
  • an adhesive is discontinuously spread on the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 or on the two-layer film 8, and the two materials are joined together.
  • the laminate material of Figure 2 may be obtained by a process that comprises the steps of: simultaneously supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and a breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable film 8 having a substantially and/or generally flat shape .
  • the film 8 is composed of two layers of equal thickness and material 8a, 8b, which are thermally bonded together.
  • an adhesive is discontinuously spread on the nonwoven fabric 9 or on the film 8 , and the two materials are joined together.
  • the laminate material 8 , 9 so obtained is fed in a direction M and is pre-heated.
  • the laminate material 8, 9 is further heated while being deformed in a transverse direction, to impart a transverse corrugated shape to the whole laminate material 8 , 9.
  • width increase in said nonwoven fabric 9 or in the combined nonwoven fabric 9 and breathable film 8 is preferably of 30% to 75% of the initial transverse dimension.
  • nonwoven fabric 9 and the breathable film 8 are joined in-line, i.e. immediately after transverse stretching - with the unwoven fabric retaining the corrugated shape it was imparted during stretching, hence an optimized texture feel.
  • the film 8 may be obtained by blow extrusion of a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film.
  • the film so extruded is calendered to obtain a flat film formed by two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.
  • the flat film so obtained is heated to the softening point of its material and further calendered to thermally bond the two layers 8a, 8b together.
  • Heating of the flat film to the softening point of its material may occur first by conduction and then by radiation using infrared lamps .
  • the two layers 8a, 8b may be obtained from two co-extruded flat films .
  • tubular film solution is preferred as it provides better mechanical properties transverse to the direction of production.
  • the laminate material 8 , 9 of Figure Ia may be obtained using a system which comprises means 12 for supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and feeding such nonwoven fabric 9 in a direction M.
  • the nonwoven fabric 9 may be supplied from a spool or produced in line.
  • Means 11 are provided, e.g. a heated roller, for pre-heating the nonwoven fabric 9 as it is fed as well as means 3, 4 for stretching under heat the nonwoven fabric 9 transverse to said feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape to the nonwoven fabric 9.
  • Means 11 are provided, e.g. a heated roller, for pre-heating the nonwoven fabric 9 as it is fed as well as means 3, 4 for stretching under heat the nonwoven fabric 9 transverse to said feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape to the nonwoven fabric 9.
  • the means 3, 4 for transversely stretching the nonwoven fabric 9 and imparting a corrugated shape thereto include a pair of parallel rollers 3 , 4 in spaced apart relationship, which are designed to rotate in opposite directions co, ⁇ l .
  • the rollers 3 , 4 have continuous and parallel toothed profiles 5, 6 which interpenetrate without contacting each other and can deform the nonwoven fabric without compressing it.
  • At least one of the two rollers 3 or 4 is heated.
  • both rollers 3, 4 are heated and means are provided for independently controlling the temperature of each roller 3 , 4.
  • This feature is particularly advantageous because the laminate material 8 , 9 has to be heated to different temperatures on each side to provide optimized results .
  • the pre-heating and heating means 11 are adapted to heat the laminate material 8, 9 to a temperature of 105 0 C to 120 0 C, preferably of 112 0 C to 120 °C.
  • the material feeding speed shall be adjusted as appropriate.
  • the toothed profiles 5, 6 of the two rollers 3, 4 have a pitch of 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm and interpenetrate to a depth of 1.7 mm to 4.5 mm.
  • the two rollers are adapted to cause a 30% to 75% transverse extension of the processed material with respect to its initial width.
  • Means 14 are further provided for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water-vapor permeable film 8 , which is composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b.
  • the system further comprises means for discontinuousIy spreading an adhesive on the nonwoven fabric 9 , once the latter has been imparted a corrugated shape, or on the film 8.
  • means 15 are provided for joining the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 with the film 8.
  • the laminate material 8, 9 of Figure Ib may be obtained using a system which comprises means 12 for supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and means 14 for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water- vapor permeable film 8 , which is composed of two layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b, thermally bonded together.
  • means are provided for dis ⁇ ontinuously applying an adhesive on the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 or on the film 8 and means 15 for joining the nonwoven fabric 9 to the breathable film 8.
  • means feed the laminate composed of the nonwoven fabric 9 and the film 8 in a feed direction M.
  • means 11 are provided for pre-heating the laminate 8, 9 and means 3, 4 for stretching under heat the laminate material 8 , 9 transverse to the feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape thereto .
  • the means for making the film 8 composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b may be a blown film extruder for making a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film 30 (see Figure 5) with fillers .
  • a first calender 31 is provided downstream from such extruder for squeezing a tubular film, thereby providing a flat film composed of two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.
  • means 32, 33 are provided for heating a flat film to its softening point (e.g. a heated roller 32 in combination with infrared lamps 33) , as well as a second calender 34 for joining together two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and a process for making a laminate material, comprising a substantially and/or generally flat film (8) and a nonwoven fabric layer (9), having a corrugated shape, which is joined to said film by an adhesive. This film is composed of two thermally bonded layers (8a, 8b) of equal material and thickness and is a breathable, water impervious and water- vapor permeable film. This invention further discloses the use of this laminate material in hygiene products and/or medical products.

Description

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A LAMINATE MATERIAL
AND LAMINATE MATERIAL
A process and an apparatus for making a laminate material , as well as such laminate material , are disclosed hereafter.
The laminate material disclosed herein may be particularly used as a backsheet in personal hygiene products , such as : infant diapers , incontinence pads and sanitary towels .
Laminate materials are known which comprise a nonwoven fabric layer, joined to a breathable film (usually a polyethylene- and/or elastomer-based film with organic and/or inorganic fillers) .
The breathable polyolefinic and/or elastomeric film acts as a barrier against the liquids released by the wearer, whereas the nonwoven fabric is designed to contact the hands of the person that puts on and removes the hygiene product, providing a more comfortable feel .
For example, EP 1 163 102 discloses a process and an apparatus for making a corrugated laminate film comprising a polyolefinic film and a nonwoven fabric .
Also, WO 2005/065947 discloses a process and an apparatus for making a laminate film comprising a polyolefin film and a corrugated nonwoven fabric .
As better explained hereafter , the products obtained in prior art, and particularly according to the teachings of the above prior patents , have an unsatisfactory quality.
Particularly, prior art laminates provide a poor liquid tightness .
The object of this invention is to obviate at least some of prior art problems and particularly the one set out hereinbefore .
Such object is fulfilled by a process as defined in claims 1 and 2 , by an apparatus as claimed in claims
10, 11, and by a laminate material as claimed in claims
15 and 16.
Further advantages may be obtained by the additional features of the dependent claims .
The invention will be now described with reference to the attached drawings where :
Figure Ia is a cross-sectional view of a laminate material , obtained according to a first embodiment, which comprises a nonwoven fabric having a corrugated shape, joined to a substantially and/or generally flat breathable film;
- Figure Ib is a cross-sectional view of a laminate material, obtained according to a second embodiment, which comprises a nonwoven fabric joined to a breathable film, and having a corrugated shape as a whole;
Figure 2a is a schematic view of the trailing end portion of a system for making a laminate like the one of Figure Ia;
Figure 2b is a schematic view of the trailing end portion of a system for making a laminate like the one of Figure Ib; and
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the leading end portion of the system of Figures 2a and 2b, for making the breathable film;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a detail of an apparatus used in the systems of Figures 2a and 2b for imparting a corrugated shape to a nonwoven fabric or a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric joined to a film; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a leading end portion of the system, that can be combined with the system of Figure 2a or 2b.
Referring to the reference numerals of the drawings, numerals 8, 9 designate a laminate material comprising a breathable and water-vapor permeable film 8 joined to a nonwoven fabric 9.
The breathable film 8 is made of a polyolefin and/or elastomer-based material.
Exemplary formulations for the material to be used to make the breathable film 8 may be those disclosed in patent application WO 2005/051635 by the applicant hereof, whereto reference is being made herein.
In a possible embodiment, the breathable film 8 is made of a polyethylene-based material .
Depending on various needs , the material for the film 8 may include, for instance, low density polyethylene (LDPE) , linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) , medium density polyethylene (MDPE) .
Polyethylene copolymers may be also used, which have α-olefins with 4 to 10 carbon atoms (1 butene, 1 pentene, 1 hexene, 1 heptene, 1 octene, 4 methyl - 1 pentene) .
Breathability and water-vapor permeability of the film 8 may be obtained by addition of organic or inorganic fillers to the mixture and later hot drawing.
In this case, the organic or inorganic fillers (e.g. CaCOa) may be 30% to 70% by weight of the mixture and have a preferred particle size of 0.5 to 6 μm.
As better explained hereafter, a peculiar feature of the laminate material is that the film 8 that is used to make the laminate 8 , 9 is composed of two layers 8a, 8b having the same thickness and material, which are thermally bonded together .
This feature was found to reduce the risk of poor liquid imperviousness of the laminate due to damages caused to the film 8 during the various steps for making the corrugated laminate or the laminate comprising a corrugated nonwoven fabric.
In fact it is highly improbable that both layers 8a and 8b are damaged over the same areas of the film 8.
The nonwoven web 9 may be made of spun-bonded polypropylene .
This material was found to achieve a better compromise between mechanical strength and texture feel.
The initial average basis weight of the spun- bonded polypropylene fabric is of 11 g/m2 to 18 g/m2, preferably of 12 g/m2 to 17 g/m2.
Before processing, the fibers of the nonwoven fabric 9 have a fineness of 1.40 to 2.50 deniers .
Preferably, the fibers of the nonwoven fabric have an initial fineness of 1.45 to 2.40 deniers and, more preferably, an initial fineness of 1.6 to 2.2 deniers.
The nonwoven fabric 9 is formed from polypropylene having a narrow molecular weight distribution with a melt flow rate (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg) [in g/10 min] - complying with ISO 1133 - of 19 to 40 g/10 min.
Such melt flow rate is preferably of 25 to 36 g/10 min (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg) and, more preferably, of 30 to 35 g/10 min (MFR 230°C/2.16 kg).
For example, the nonwoven fabric may be made using, as a starting material, the polypropylene currently sold by INNOVENE as 100-ZA25 and 100-ZA35 or the polypropylene currently sold by BOREALIS as HF420FB, HG420FB, HG455FB, HH420FB and HH450FB, i.e. polypropylenes having similar characteristics.
The polypropylenes used as raw materials for the nonwoven fabric may be produced either by traditional catalysis or by metallocene catalysis .
The breathable film 8 and the nonwoven fabric 9 may be joined together by using adhesives, such as hot melt or cool melt adhesives .
The use of adhesives avoids the use of heat sealing, which may change the optical properties of the material and reduce breathability and water-vapor permeability of the film 8.
Particular care should be given to the manner of spreading the adhesive material between the film 8 and the nonwoven fabric 9, to prevent air breathability and water-vapor permeability from being unacceptably affected.
Therefore, the adhesive should be discontinuously spread, in both longitudinal and transverse direction.
Ideally, the adhesive should be applied over the surface of the film 9 or the film 8 by scattered spots .
In a first embodiment (Figure Ia) , the laminate material 8 , 9 comprises a generally and/or substantially flat film 8, which is breathable, water- impervious and water-vapor permeable.
The film 8 is composed of two layers of equal thickness 8a, 8b, which are thermally bonded together.
A nonwoven fabric layer 9 having a corrugated shape is joined to the film 8 using an adhesive.
The laminate material 8 , 9 has a overall basis weight of 26 g/m2 to 40 g/m2.
Air permeability, determined by a Gurley porosimeter - compliant with ATICELCA MC 18-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards - is lower than 100 min/100 cc of air, preferably lower than 50 min/100 cc of air.
Water steam permeability, determined by Permatran IOOK instrument, sold by Mocon Inc., whose operation is based on ASTM D 6701-01 standard, is of at least 500 (g/m2 H2O) /24h, preferably at least 1000 (g/m2 H2O) /24h.
In a second embodiment (Figure Ib) , the laminate material 8, 9 only differs from that of the first embodiment in that the whole laminate material has a corrugated shape .
The remaining technical features are identical . In both embodiments the corrugated shape preferably has a pitch of about 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm.
It was found that this range provides a better texture feel .
The laminate material of Figure 1 may be obtained by a process comprising the steps of supplying the polyolefin-based nonwoven fabric 9 , by feeding it in a feed direction M and pre-heating it.
The pre-heated nonwoven fabric 9 is then further heated while being deformed transverse to the feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said nonwoven fabric 9.
Pre-heating of the nonwoven fabric 9 was found to considerably reduce the risk of tearing or otherwise damaging nonwoven fibers (by creating the so-called "fluffy effect") as the corrugated shape is imparted.
A substantially and/or generally flat film 8 is simultaneously fed, which is breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable and is composed of two layers of equal thickness and material 8a, 8b, thermally bonded together.
Then, an adhesive is discontinuously spread on the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 or on the two-layer film 8, and the two materials are joined together.
The laminate material of Figure 2 may be obtained by a process that comprises the steps of: simultaneously supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and a breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable film 8 having a substantially and/or generally flat shape .
Once again, the film 8 is composed of two layers of equal thickness and material 8a, 8b, which are thermally bonded together.
Then, an adhesive is discontinuously spread on the nonwoven fabric 9 or on the film 8 , and the two materials are joined together.
The laminate material 8 , 9 so obtained is fed in a direction M and is pre-heated.
Finally, the laminate material 8, 9 is further heated while being deformed in a transverse direction, to impart a transverse corrugated shape to the whole laminate material 8 , 9.
In both processes, width increase in said nonwoven fabric 9 or in the combined nonwoven fabric 9 and breathable film 8 is preferably of 30% to 75% of the initial transverse dimension.
A higher deformation was found to lead to excessive damage to nonwoven fibers and, hence, to the so-called "fluffy effect".
It is important that the nonwoven fabric 9 and the breathable film 8 are joined in-line, i.e. immediately after transverse stretching - with the unwoven fabric retaining the corrugated shape it was imparted during stretching, hence an optimized texture feel.
In both processes as described above, the film 8 may be obtained by blow extrusion of a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film.
The film so extruded is calendered to obtain a flat film formed by two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.
The flat film so obtained is heated to the softening point of its material and further calendered to thermally bond the two layers 8a, 8b together.
Heating of the flat film to the softening point of its material may occur first by conduction and then by radiation using infrared lamps .
Alternatively, the two layers 8a, 8b may be obtained from two co-extruded flat films .
Nevertheless, the tubular film solution is preferred as it provides better mechanical properties transverse to the direction of production.
The laminate material 8 , 9 of Figure Ia may be obtained using a system which comprises means 12 for supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and feeding such nonwoven fabric 9 in a direction M.
The nonwoven fabric 9 may be supplied from a spool or produced in line.
Means 11 are provided, e.g. a heated roller, for pre-heating the nonwoven fabric 9 as it is fed as well as means 3, 4 for stretching under heat the nonwoven fabric 9 transverse to said feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape to the nonwoven fabric 9.
The means 3, 4 for transversely stretching the nonwoven fabric 9 and imparting a corrugated shape thereto include a pair of parallel rollers 3 , 4 in spaced apart relationship, which are designed to rotate in opposite directions co, ωl .
The rollers 3 , 4 have continuous and parallel toothed profiles 5, 6 which interpenetrate without contacting each other and can deform the nonwoven fabric without compressing it.
At least one of the two rollers 3 or 4 is heated. In a more preferred embodiment, both rollers 3, 4 are heated and means are provided for independently controlling the temperature of each roller 3 , 4.
This feature is particularly advantageous because the laminate material 8 , 9 has to be heated to different temperatures on each side to provide optimized results .
The pre-heating and heating means 11 are adapted to heat the laminate material 8, 9 to a temperature of 105 0C to 1200C, preferably of 1120C to 120 °C.
The above operating temperatures shall be intended to apply to a feeding speed of the nonwoven fabric 9
(or the nonwoven fabric 9 joined to the breathable film
8) of 90 to 135 meters/minute, preferably 115 to 135 meters/minute .
When operating at temperatures below those mentioned above, the material feeding speed shall be adjusted as appropriate.
It was further found that, when operating at temperatures below 80°C, the effect of heating becomes negligible .
To increase the material feeding speed, and as a result the process throughput, operation at temperatures above those mentioned above might be envisaged.
However, it was found that operation above 12O0C considerably increases tearing risks during stretching. The toothed profiles 5, 6 of the two rollers 3, 4 have a pitch of 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm and interpenetrate to a depth of 1.7 mm to 4.5 mm.
The two rollers are adapted to cause a 30% to 75% transverse extension of the processed material with respect to its initial width.
Means 14 are further provided for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water-vapor permeable film 8 , which is composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b.
The system further comprises means for discontinuousIy spreading an adhesive on the nonwoven fabric 9 , once the latter has been imparted a corrugated shape, or on the film 8.
Finally, means 15 are provided for joining the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 with the film 8.
The laminate material 8, 9 of Figure Ib may be obtained using a system which comprises means 12 for supplying a nonwoven fabric 9 and means 14 for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water- vapor permeable film 8 , which is composed of two layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b, thermally bonded together.
Further, means are provided for disσontinuously applying an adhesive on the corrugated nonwoven fabric 9 or on the film 8 and means 15 for joining the nonwoven fabric 9 to the breathable film 8.
Further, means feed the laminate composed of the nonwoven fabric 9 and the film 8 in a feed direction M.
Also means 11 are provided for pre-heating the laminate 8, 9 and means 3, 4 for stretching under heat the laminate material 8 , 9 transverse to the feed direction M to impart a transverse corrugated shape thereto .
In both the above systems, the means for making the film 8 composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness 8a, 8b, may be a blown film extruder for making a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film 30 (see Figure 5) with fillers .
A first calender 31 is provided downstream from such extruder for squeezing a tubular film, thereby providing a flat film composed of two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.
Further, means 32, 33 are provided for heating a flat film to its softening point (e.g. a heated roller 32 in combination with infrared lamps 33) , as well as a second calender 34 for joining together two superimposed layers 8a, 8b.

Claims

1. A process for making a laminate material (8, 9), including the steps of: a. Supplying a polyolefiniα nonwoven fabric (9) by feeding it in a feed direction (M) ; b. Pre-heating said nonwoven fabric (9); c. Stretching under heat said nonwoven fabric (9) transverse to the feed direction (M) to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said nonwoven fabric (9) ; d. Supplying a substantially and/or generally flat film (8) , said film (3) being composed of two thermally bonded layers of equal thickness and material (8a, 8b) , said film (8) being breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable ; e . Spreading an adhesive on said corrugated nonwoven fabric (9) or on said film (8) ; f. Joining said stretched nonwoven fabric (9) , now having said transverse corrugated shape, with said film (8) .
2. A process for making a Laminate material (8, 9), including the steps of: a. Supplying a nonwoven fabric (9) ; b. Supplying a substantially and/or generally flat film (8) said film (8) being composed of two thermally bonded layers of equal thickness and material (8a, 8b) , said film (8) being breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable ; c. Spreading an adhesive on said nonwoven fabric (9) or on said film (8) ; d. Joining said nonwoven fabric (9) to said breathable film (8) ; e. Feeding said nonwoven fabric (9) , joined to said breathable film (8) , in a direction (M) ; f . Pre-heating said nonwoven fabric (9) , joined to said breathable film (8) ; g. Stretching under heat said nonwoven fabric (9) , joined to said breathable film (8) , transverse to said feed direction (M) to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said stretched nonwoven fabric (8, 9) .
3. A process as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said nonwoven fabric is made of spun-bonded polypropylene, having an initial average basis weight of 11 g/m2 to 18 g/m2.
4. A process as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said film (8) is made of a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based material.
5. A process as claimed in claim 4, wherein said film
(8) is made of a polyethylene-based material with fillers .
6. A process as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the corrugated shape being imparted has a pitch of about 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm.
7. A process as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said transverse stretching pitch for imparting a corrugated shape causes an extension of the width of said nonwoven fabric (9) or said nonwoven fabric (9) joined to said breathable film (8) , of 30% to 75 % of the initial transverse dimension.
8. A process as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said film (8) is obtained by the steps of: Forming a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film by blow extrusion;
Calendering said tubular to obtain a flat film composed of two superimposed layers (8a, 8b) ;
Heating said flat film (8) to the softening point of its material;
Calendering again said heated flat film (8) to thermally bond said two layers (8a, 8b) .
9. A process as claimed in claim 8, wherein said heating of the flat film to the softening point of its material occurs first by conduction and then by radiation.
10. A system for making a laminate material (8, 9), comprising: a. Means (12) for supplying a nonwoven fabric and means for feeding said nonwoven fabric (9) in a direction (M) ; b. Means (11) for pre-heating said nonwoven fabric
(9) as it is fed; c. Means (3, 4) for stretching under heat said nonwoven fabric (9) transverse to said feed direction (M) so as to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said nonwoven fabric (9) , said means (3, 4) comprising a pair of parallel rollers (3, 4) in spaced apart relationship, and adapted to rotate in opposite directions (ω, ωl) , said rollers (3, 4) having continuous and mutually parallel toothed profiles (5, 6) which interpenetrate without contacting each other; d. Means (14) for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water-vapor permeable film (8) , which is composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness ( 8a , 8b) ; e . Means for discontinuously applying an adhesive on said corrugated nonwoven fabric (9) or on said film (8) ; f . Means (15) for joining said corrugated nonwoven fabric (9) to said breathable film (8) .
11. A system for making a laminate material (8, 9), comprising: a. Means (12) for supplying a nonwoven fabric (9) ; b. Means (14) for making and supplying a water impervious and air and water-vapor permeable film (8) , which is composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness (8a, 8b) ; c. Means for discontinuously applying an adhesive on said corrugated nonwoven fabric (9) or on said film (8) ; d. Means (15) for joining said nonwoven fabric (9) to said breathable film (8) ; e. Means for feeding said nonwoven fabric (9), with said breathable film (8) in a feed direction (M); f. Means (11) for pre-heating said breathable film
(8) joined to said nonwoven fabric (9) ; g. Means (3, 4) for stretching under heat said breathable film (8) , joined to said nonwoven fabric (9) , transverse to said feed direction (M) and to impart a transverse corrugated shape to said nonwoven fabric (9) joined to said breathable film (8) , said means (3, 4) comprising a pair of parallel rollers (3, 4) in spaced apart relationship, and adapted to rotate in opposite directions (ω, ωl) , said rollers (3, 4) having continuous and mutually parallel toothed profiles (5Λ 6) which interpenetrate without contacting each other.
12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means for making and supplying a film (8) composed of two thermally bonded layers of identical material and thickness (8a, 8b) sequentially comprise :
A blown-film extruder for forming a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based tubular film with fillers /
A first calender for squeezing a tubular film, thereby providing a flat film composed of two superimposed layers (8a, 8b) /
Means for heating a polyolefin- and/or elastomer-based film to its softening point as it is fed; - A second calender for joining together two superposed layers (8a, 8b) of the film material heated to its softening point.
13. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said means for heating said flat film to the softening point sequentially comprise conduction heating means and radiation heating means .
14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said toothed profiles (5, 6) have a pitch of 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm and interpenetrate to a depth of 1.7 mm to 4.5 mm, and are adapted to cause a 30% to 75% transverse extension with respect to the initial width of said nonwoven fabric (9) or the initial width of said nonwoven fabric (9) joined to said film (8) .
15. A laminate material (8, 9), comprising: a. A substantially and/or generally flat film (8) , said film (8) being composed of two thermally bonded layers of equal thickness and material (8a, 8b) , said film (8) being breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable; b. A nonwoven fabric layer (9) having a corrugated shape, which is joined to said film (8) by an adhesive; said laminate material having c. An overall basis weight of 26 g/m2 to 40 g/m2; d. A water vapor permeability of at least 500 (g H2O m2)/24 h; and e. An air permeability, according to ATICELCA MC 18-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards, below 100 min/100 cc of air.
16. A laminate material (8, 9) , comprising: a. A film (8) , said film (8) being composed of two thermally bonded layers of equal material and thickness (8a, 8b) , said film (8) being breathable, water impervious and water-vapor permeable ; b. A nonwoven fabric layer (9) which is joined to said nonwoven fabric layer (9) by an adhesive; said laminate material having a corrugated shape as well as c. A total basis weight of 26 g/m2 to 40 g/m2; d. A water vapor permeability of at least 500 (g H2O m2)/24 h; and e. An air permeability, according to ATICELCA MC 18-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards, below 100 min/100 cc of air.
17. A laminate material (8, 9) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said corrugated profile of said nonwoven fabric (9) or said nonwoven fabric
(9) joined to said film (8) has a pitch of about 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm.
18. A laminate material (8, 9) as claimed in any- preceding claim, wherein said nonwoven fabric is made of spun-bonded polypropylene .
19. A laminate material as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said film (8) is made of an elastomer- and filler-based material.
20. A laminate material as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said film (8) is made of a polyolefin- and filler-based material .
21. A laminate material as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said film (8) is made of a polyolefin-, elastomer- and filler-based material.
22. A laminate material as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said film (8) is made of a polyethylene- and filler-based material .
23. Use of a laminate material as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22 , for making hygiene and/or medical products .
PCT/IB2006/003845 2005-08-31 2006-08-31 Process and apparatus for making a laminate material and laminate material WO2007039828A2 (en)

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ITMI2005A001615 2005-08-31
ITMI20051615 ITMI20051615A1 (en) 2005-08-31 2005-08-31 PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR REALIZING A LAMINATED MATERIAL LAMINATED MATERIAL AND ITS USE

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