US Patent 8168550 - Extensible nonwoven webs containing monocomponent nanocomposite fibers

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8168550.html

This patent from Procter Gamble teaches incorporation of nanofibers into nonwoven webs to achieve absorbent articles such as diapers and wipes that are softer and more extensible. Claim 1 reads:

1. A nonwoven web comprising monocomponent nanocomposite fibers, the nanocomposite fibers comprising:

a) a polymer composition; and

b) a nanoparticles composition, wherein the nonwoven web has an average elongation at peak load that is greater than the average elongation at peak load of a comparable web without nanocomposite fibers.

US Patent 7267789 - Melt blowing method used to form nanofiber webs

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7267789.html

Melt blowing is a process for producing fibrous material using high velocity air to attenuate filaments. This patent from Procter & Gamble uses this method to embed particles into nanofiber webs. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method of forming a nonwoven web comprising the steps of: a. forming fibers from a melt film fibrillation process including a central fluid stream, b. introducing particulates into the central fluid stream, c. mixing said fibers with said particulates to form a fiber-particulate mix, and d. depositing the mix on a surface to form a web.

US Patent 7208429 - Nanoparticles for toilet tissues or paper towels

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7208429.html

This patent from Procter+Gamble teaches applying nanostructured material toward the achievement of better toilet paper. Claims 1 and 13 read:

1. A finished fibrous structure comprising a solid additive comprising a nanoparticle additive wherein the solid additive is present on a surface of the finished fibrous structure at a greater level by weight than within the finished fibrous structure and wherein the finished fibrous structure exhibits a stretch at peak load of at least about 10%.

13. A finished fibrous structure comprising a solid additive comprising a nanoparticle additive wherein the solid additive is present on a surface of the finished fibrous structure at a greater level by weight than within the finished fibrous structure and wherein the finished fibrous structure exhibits a density of less than about 0.10 g/cm^3.