THEREFROM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims benefits and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/941,259, filed on November 27, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to opacified polymeric compositions that include a light scattering inorganic additive and a light absorbing additive. The present disclosure also relates to fibers, fabrics, and films that are prepared using the opacified polymeric compositions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is often desirable to prepare articles such as fibers, fabrics, or films from opaque polymeric compositions. Consumers often prefer that certain products, such medical products ( e.g ., gowns, drapes, and covers) and consumer products (e.g, diapers and feminine products), are highly opaque. Present techniques to preparing highly opaque polymeric fibers, fabrics, or films includes the use of very high levels of opacifiers or increasing the thickness of the articles. However, these techniques may create excess waste when the article is disposed and increase production costs due to the need for larger amounts of opacifiers and polymers. SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with the present disclosure, a fiber comprising an opacified polymeric composition is provided, the opacified polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer; 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light scattering inorganic additive; and 50 ppm to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light absorbing additive.

[0005] In accordance with the present disclosure, a fabric is provided, the fabric comprising a plurality of fibers comprising an opacified polymeric composition that comprises a thermoplastic polymer;0.5 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light scattering inorganic additive; and 50 ppm to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light absorbing additive; where the fabric is a woven, nonwoven, or knit fabric, and where: when a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric has an opacity of at least 40% measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45°at a gsm in the range of 5 to 50; when a woven fabric, the woven fabric has an opacity of at least 40% measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45°at a gsm in the range of 10 to 300; and when a knit fabric, the knit fabric has an opacity of at least 40% measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45°at a gsm in the range of 10 to 300.

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, a polymeric film is provided, the fabric comprising a polymeric film comprising an opacified polymeric composition that comprises a hermoplastic polymer; 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light scattering inorganic additive; and 50 ppm to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition of a light absorbing additive; the film has an opacity of at least 40% measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45°at a gsm in the range of 10 to 150.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0007] The Figure is a graph of opacity values for a comparative example and various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Numerous other aspects, advantages, and/or features of the general inventive concepts will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings being submitted herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] While the general inventive concepts are susceptible of embodiment in many different forms and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concepts. Accordingly, the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

[0010] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the general inventive concepts. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0011] The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to an opacified polymeric composition and articles prepared from the opacified polymeric composition. The opacified polymeric composition includes a thermoplastic polymer, a light scattering inorganic additive, and a light absorbing additive. Articles that may be prepared from the opacified polymeric composition include fibers, fabrics ( e.g ., woven, knit, and nonwoven fabrics), and films. Advantageously, it has been found that the inclusion of light absorbing additives allows for an opacified polymeric composition to be prepared that exhibit an advantageous level of opacity with low levels of light scattering inorganic additives and/or at low thicknesses. The opacified polymeric composition may be used in fibers, yarns, or films such as woven fabrics nonwoven fabrics, and polymeric films.

[0012] As indicated above, the opacified polymeric composition includes a thermoplastic polymer. Exemplary thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethane, fluoropolymers, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alconoates, and combinations thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary polymers are described with reference to repeating mer units or functional groups. Accordingly, certain polymers may include two or more of the repeating mer units or functional groups and overlap or fall into one or more of the different polymeric types.

[0013] Suitable polyolefins include homopolymers and copolymers of olefin monomers.

Suitable olefin monomers for use in the polyolefins include, but are not limited to, ethylene, propylene, 1 -butene, 1 -hexene, 4-methyl- 1-pentene, 1-octene, and combinations thereof.

[0014] Specific examples of suitable polyolefins include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (i.e., propylene homopolymer), ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene- 1 -hexene copolymers, ethylene- 1-octene copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0015] Specific examples of suitable polyesters include, but are not limited to polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof.

[0016] Specific examples of suitable polyamides include, but are not limited to, nylon-6, nylon-66, nylon 11, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In accordance with the present disclosure, the thermoplastic polymer may be characterized by a refractive index in the visible light wavelengths (i.e., 400nm to 700nm). In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the thermoplastic polymer is greater than 1.3, greater than 1.35 and greater than 1.4. In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the first polymer is less than 1.75, less than 1.70, and less than 1.65. In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the first polymer is from about 1.3 to about 1.75, from about 1.35 to about 1.70, and from about 1.4 to about 1.65.

[0018] In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition is characterized by the weight percent (wt%) of the thermoplastic polymer based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at least 65 wt%, at least 75 wt%, at least 85 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 92.5 wt%, and at least 95 wt% of the thermoplastic polymer. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at most 99.5 wt%, at most 99 wt%, at most 98 wt%, at most 97.5 wt%, at most 97 wt%, and at most 96 wt% of the thermoplastic polymer. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes the thermoplastic polymer in the range of about 65 wt% to about 99.5 wt%, in the range of about 75 wt% to about 99 wt%, in the range of about 85 wt% to about 98 wt%, in the range of about 90 wt% to about 97.5 wt%, in the range of about 92.5 wt% to about 97 wt%, and in the range of about 95 wt% to about 96 wt%.

[0019] As indicated above, the opacified polymeric composition includes a light scattering inorganic additive. Light scattering inorganic additives function to scatter light within the opacified polymeric composition by having a different refractive index than the thermoplastic polymer. Accordingly, when incident light enters the opacified polymeric composition it refracts and scatters when it reaches a light scattering inorganic additive.

[0020] Exemplary light scattering inorganic additives include, but are not limited TiCL,

CaCCh, ZnO, BaSCL, silica, talc, ZnS, SB2O3 _, BaS, and combinations thereof.

[0021] Specific examples of titanium dioxide include rutile titanium dioxide and anatase titanium dioxide. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that titanium dioxide may be prepared by what is referred to as the chloride process or the sulfate process.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the light scattering inorganic additive may be in the form of a particle. In the present disclosure, the light scattering inorganic additive may be characterized by a median particle size, which may be determined by laser diffraction. In the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light scattering inorganic additive is greater than 0.2 microns, greater than 0.3 microns, greater than 0.4 microns, greater than 0.5 microns, and greater than 1 micron. In the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light scattering inorganic additive is less than 45 microns, less than 30 microns, less than 15 microns, less than 10 microns, and less than 5 microns. In the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light scattering inorganic additive is from about 0.2 microns to about 45 microns, from about 0.3 microns to about 30 microns, from about 0.4 microns to about 15 microns, from about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns, and from about 1 micron to about 5 microns.

[0023] In the present disclosure, the light scattering inorganic additive may be characterized by a refractive index. In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the light scattering inorganic additive is greater than 1.5, greater than 1.75, and greater than 2. In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the light scattering inorganic additive is less than 3, less than 2.75, and less than 2.5. In accordance with the present disclosure, the refractive index of the light scattering inorganic additive is from about 1.5 to about 3, from about 2 to about 2.85 and from about 2.2 to about 2.75.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the weight percent (wt%) of the light scattering inorganic additive based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.6 wt%, at least 0.7 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, at least 1 wt%, and at least 1.2 wt% of the light scattering inorganic additive. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at most 5 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 3.5 wt%, at most 3 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and at most 1.5 wt% of the light scattering inorganic additive. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes the light scattering inorganic additive in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, in the range of about 0.6 wt% to about 4wt%, in the range of about 0.7 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, in the range of about 0.8 wt% to about 3 wt %, in the range of about 1 wt% to about 2 wt %, and in the range of about 1.2 wt% to about 1.5 wt%.

[0025] As indicated above, the opacified polymeric composition includes a light absorbing additive. Light absorbing additives function to absorb light within the opacified polymeric composition by absorbing wavelengths of light within the visible spectrum that hit the additive. In the present disclosure, the light absorbing additive may absorb all of the wavelengths that are present in visible light and/or absorb only a portion of the wavelengths that are present in visible light and reflect a portion of the wavelengths that are present in visible light.

[0026] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes a first light absorbing additive that absorbs all of the wavelengths that are present in visible light and a second light absorbing additive that absorbs a portion of the wavelengths that are present in visible light and reflects a portion of the wavelengths that are present in visible light.

[0027] Light absorbing additives that absorb all or substantially all of the visible spectrum wavelengths that are present in visible light may be referred to as black pigments. Exemplary black pigments include, but are not limited to carbon black, iron oxide black (which may also be referred to as ferric oxide), chrome iron oxide, nickel iron chrome, copper chrome, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of carbon black include acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black.

[0028] Light absorbing organic additives that only absorb a portion of the wavelengths that are present in visible light may be referred to as colored pigments. Light absorbing inorganic additives that only absorb a portion of the wavelengths and reflect or scatter the other portions of the visible light may be referred to as colored pigments. Exemplary color pigments include, but are not limited to metal oxides, metal sulfates metal sulfides, Mixed metal salts, Complex inorganic metal mixtures, Ultramarines and combinations thereof. Exemplary color pigments include, but are not limited to, anthroquinones, benzimidazalone, naphtonic acid, napthol pigments dizaos, diketo pyrrolo pyrrole, dioxazine, isoindolinone, mono azo salts, naphtol lake, pthalo, quinacridone, thio indigo, flavothrone, nitro, quinone, indgoid, triaryl carbonium, quinophathalone, and combinations thereof.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the light absorbing additive may be in the form of a particle. In accordance with the present disclosure, the light absorbing additive may be characterized by a median particle size, which may be determined by for example, by laser diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscope. In accordance with the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light absorbing additive is greater than 10 nm, greater than 25 nm, and greater than 50 nm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light absorbing additive is less than 300 nm, less than 250 nm, and less than 200 nm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the median particle size of the light absorbing additive is from about 10 nm to about 300 nm, from about 25 nm to about 250 nm, and from about 50 nm to about 200 nm.

[0030] In the present disclosure, the light absorbing additive may be characterized by the weight fraction (which may be described as a percentage or in parts per million ‘ppm’) based on the total weight of the opacified polymeric composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at least 50 ppm, at least 75 ppm, and at least 100 ppm of the light absorbing additive. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes at most 5%, at most 1.5%, and at most 1,000 ppm of the light absorbing additive. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition includes the light absorbing additive in the range of about 50 ppm to about 5%, in the range of about 75 ppm to about 1.5%, and in the range of about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm. [0031] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may optionally include a light reflecting additive. Light reflecting additives function to reflect incident light within the opacified polymeric composition that hits the additive. In the present disclosure, the light reflecting additive may be in the form of a flake.

[0032] Exemplary light reflecting additive include, but are not limited to, metal flakes special effect pigment or pearlescent, fluorescent, metallic, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of metal flakes include, but are not limited to, aluminum flakes, copper, tin, and combinations thereof.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may include one or more optional components. Suitable optional components include processing aids (e.g., waxes), release agents, rheology modifiers, antistatic, flame retardants, anti microbials, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and combinations thereof.

[0034] The opacified polymeric composition may be prepared by conventional polymer mixing methods. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be prepared by using a masterbatch or compound. In accordance with the present disclosure, a masterbatch or compound composition is prepared that includes the light scattering inorganic additive and the light absorbing additive mixed into a first thermoplastic polymer. The masterbatch or compound is then mixed into a second thermoplastic polymer to prepare the opacified polymeric composition. The first and second thermoplastic polymers may be the same or different.

[0035] In accordance with the present disclosure, the masterbatch or compound composition may include the first thermoplastic polymer, the light scattering inorganic additive, and the light absorbing additive (along with optional additives). In accordance with the present disclosure, the masterbatch may include a thermoplastic polymer in an amount in the range of 20% to 80%, 30% to 70%, and 40% to 60%, based on the total weight of the masterbatch or compound composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the masterbatch may include a light scattering inorganic additive in an amount in the range of 10% to 40%, 15% to 35%, and 20% to 30%, based on the total weight of the masterbatch or compound composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the masterbatch may include a light absorbing additive in an amount in the range of 5% to 40%, 15% to 35%, and 20% to 30%, based on the total weight of the masterbatch or compound composition.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the change in pressure over time, which may be determined by a pressure filter or DR test. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pressure filter value or DR may provide insights into the processability and spinnability of a polymer composition and the degree of additive dispersion. In accordance with the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition exhibits a DR of at least a maximum of 2bar/g, or maximum of 1.5 bar/gram, or a maximum of 1 bar/g.

[0037] Regardless of how the opacified polymeric composition is prepared, an article may be prepared from the opacified polymeric composition. Suitable articles that may be prepared from the opacified polymeric composition, include but are not limited to, polymeric films, fibers, yams, or fabrics such as woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and knit fabrics.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a fiber. Fibers may be prepared, for example, by extruding the opacified polymeric composition through a spinneret or a die. The fibers may be prepared as staple fibers or continuous fibers. Optionally, the fibers may be combined to form a yam.

[0039] In the present disclosure, fibers prepared by the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the shape of the fiber cross section. Suitable cross sections include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, irregular, crescent, dog bone, multilobal/polylobal, hollow, and multigonal/polygonal. In the present disclosure, polylobal fibers prepared using the opacified polymeric composition may include 3 lobes, 4 lobes, 5 lobes, or greater than 5 lobes.

In the present disclosure, polygonal fibers prepared using the opacified polymeric composition may include 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, or greater than 5 sides.

[0040] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a bicomponent fiber. Bicomponent fibers are fibers that include a cross-section that has different regions of a first polymer composition and a second polymer composition (and optionally additional polymer compositions). In the present disclosure, a bicomponent fiber may include a first component that comprises the opacified polymeric composition and a second component that comprises a thermoplastic polymer as described above. Alternatively, the bicomponent fiber may include a first component that comprises a first opacified polymeric composition and a second component that comprises a second opacified polymeric composition (e.g, an opacified polymeric composition that has a different feature or property than the first opacified polymeric composition). Exemplary types of bicomponent fibers that may employ the opacified polymeric composition include but are not limited to side-by-side, core-sheath, segmented, and island in the sea.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the fiber that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the linear density in grams of fiber per 9000 meters (“denier”). In accordance with the present disclosure, the fiber that includes the opacified polymeric composition has a linear density of at least 1 denier, at least 1.5 denier, and at least 2 denier. In accordance with the present disclosure, the fiber that includes the opacified polymeric composition has a linear density of at most 5 denier, at most 10 denier, and at most 20 denier. In accordance with the present disclosure, the fiber that includes the opacified polymeric composition has a linear density of about 1 denier to about 20 denier, in the range of about 1.5 denier to about 15 denier, and in the range of about 2 denier to about 10 denier.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a nonwoven fabric. Nonwoven fabrics may be prepared from staple or continuous fibers, of the opacified polymeric composition, as described above that are bonded together to form a fabric. The fibers may be bonded by various methods including, but not limited to, chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Suitable methods for preparing a nonwoven fabric include, but are not limited to, a process melt spinning such as spunbond, melt-blown, flashspun, electrospun, air laid, carded, and wet laid. Suitable methods for bonding a nonwoven fabric include, but are not limited to, needle punching, solvent bonding, thermal bonding, resin bonding, and hydroentanglement.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the nonwoven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the weight of the nonwoven fabric in grams per square meters (“gsm”). In accordance with the present disclosure, where the nonwoven fabric has weight per area of at least 5 gsm, at least 10 gsm, and at least 20 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the nonwoven fabric has weight per area of at most 50 gsm, at most 40 gsm, and at most 30 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the nonwoven fabric has weight per area of in the range of about 5 gsm to about 50 gsm, in the range of about 5 gsm to about 40 gsm, and in the range of about 5 gsm to about 30 gsm.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the nonwoven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by a percent light transmittance, which may be determined by a spectrophotometer. [0045] In the present disclosure, the nonwoven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by an opacity measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45° of at least 40%, of at least 45%, of at least 50%, of at least 55%, of at least 60%, of at least 65%, of at least 70%, of at least 75%, of at least 85%, and of at least 90%. [0046] In accordance with the present disclosure, the nonwoven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be a white opacified polymeric composition. The degree of whiteness may be determined using a colorimeter and characterized using the CIELAB color space (which may also be referred to as L*a*b*). In accordance with the present disclosure, opacified polymeric composition has an L value of at least 80, at least 85, at least 90, at least 91, at least 92, at least 93, at least 94, and at least 95.

[0047] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a woven fabric. Woven fabrics may be prepared from fibers or yarns of opacified polymeric composition as described above. Suitable weaves that may be used in the woven fabric include, but are not limited to, plain weaves, twill weaves, satin weaves, basketweave, jacquard, dobby, and leno.

[0048] In the present disclosure, the woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the weight of the woven fabric in grams per square meters. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the woven fabric has weight per area of at least 10 gsm, at least 50 gsm, and at least 75 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the woven fabric has weight per area of at most 200 gsm, at most 250 gsm, and at most 300 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the woven fabric has weight per area of in the range of about 10 gsm to about 300 gsm, in the range of about 50 gsm to about 250 gsm, and in the range of about 75 gsm to about 200 gsm. [0049] In the present disclosure, the woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by a percent light transmittance, which may be determined by spectrophotometer. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the woven fabric has a thickness of 200 microns, the percent transmittance at 700 nm of the opacified polymeric composition is less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, and less than 0.5%.

[0050] In the present disclosure, the woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by an opacity measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45° of at least 40%, of at least 45%, of at least 50%, of at least 55%, of at least 60%, of at least 65%, of at least 70%, of at least 75%, of at least 85%, and of at least 90%.

[0051] In accordance with the present disclosure, the woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be a white opacified polymeric composition. The degree of whiteness may be determined using a colorimeter and characterized using the CIELAB color space (which may also be referred to as L*a*b*). In accordance with the present disclosure, woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition has an L value of at least 80, at least 85, at least 90, at least 91, at least 92, at least 93, at least 94, and at least 95.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a knit fabric. Knit fabrics may be prepared from fibers or yarns of opacified polymeric composition as described above. Suitable knits that may be used in the knit fabric include, but are not limited to, basic, garter stitch, stockinette stitch, reverse stockinette stitch, basket stitch, seed stitch, waffle stitch, rib, English rib, farrow rib, eyelet and lace, raspberry stitch, cable and twist, cable stitch, slipped stitch patterns, crossed stitch, herringbone stitch, linen stitch, loop stitch, bobble, tricot knitting, and combinations thereof. [0053] In the present disclosure, the knit fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the weight of the knit fabric in grams per square meters. In accordance with the present disclosure, the knit fabric has weight per area of at least 10 gsm, at least 50 gsm, and at least 75 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the knit fabric has weight per area of at most 100 gsm, at most 200 gsm, and at most 300 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the knit fabric has weight per area of in the range of about 10 gsm to about 300 gsm, in the range of about 50 gsm to about 150 gsm, and in the range of about 50 gsm to about 200 gsm.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the knit fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by a percent light transmittance, which may be determined by spectrophotometer. In accordance with the present disclosure, where the knit fabric has a thickness of 200 microns, the percent transmittance at 700 nm of the opacified polymeric composition is less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, and less than 0.5%.

[0055] In the present disclosure, the knit fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by an opacity measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45° of at least 40%, of at least 45%, of at least 50%, of at least 55%, of at least 60%, of at least 65%, of at least 70%, of at least 75%, of at least 85%, and of at least 90%.

[0056] In accordance with the present disclosure, the knit fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be a white opacified polymeric composition. The degree of whiteness may be determined using a colorimeter and characterized using the CIELAB color space (which may also be referred to as L*a*b*). In accordance with the present disclosure, knit fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition has an L value of at least 80, at least 85, at least 90, at least 91, at least 92, at least 93, at least 94, and at least 95.

[0057] In the present disclosure, the opacified polymeric composition may be used to prepare a film. Suitable methods for preparing the film may include, but are not limited to, film casting, extrusion, blown film, laminated, coextruded, solution deposition, and calendar rolled. [0058] In the present disclosure, the film that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by the weight of the film in grams per square meters. In accordance with the present disclosure, the film has weight per area of at least 10 gsm, at least 20 gsm, and at least 30 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the film has weight per area of at most 50 gsm, at most 100 gsm, and at most 150 gsm. In accordance with the present disclosure, the film has weight per area of in the range of about 10 gsm to about 150 gsm, in the range of about 20 gsm to about 100 gsm, and in the range of about 30 gsm to about 50 gsm. [0059] In the present disclosure, the film that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by a percent light transmittance, which may be determined using spectrophotometer. In accordance with the present disclosure, the film has a thickness of 200 microns, the percent transmittance at 700 nm of the opacified polymeric composition is less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, and less than 0.5%.

[0060] In the present disclosure, the film that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be characterized by an opacity measured on a reflectance spectrophotometer at 45° of at least 40%, of at least 45%, of at least 50%, of at least 55%, of at least 60%, of at least 65%, of at least 70%, of at least 75%, of at least 85%, and of at least 90%.

[0061] In accordance with the present disclosure, the film that includes the opacified polymeric composition may be a white opacified polymeric composition. The degree of whiteness may be determined using a colorimeter and characterized using the CIELAB color space (which may also be referred to as L*a*b*). In accordance with the present disclosure, woven fabric that includes the opacified polymeric composition has an L value of at least 80, at least 85, at least 90, at least 91, at least 92, at least 93, at least 94, and at least 95.

[0062] In accordance with the present disclosure, the films, fibers, yarns, or fabrics prepared from the opacified polymeric composition may be used to single use or disposable products such as diapers, feminine, or incontinence products, surgical gowns & drapes and protective lab coats & hazmat suits.

EXAMPLES

[0063] Five masterbatch were made in polypropylene resin (formulations shown in Tables 1-5). A control nonwoven was made that consisted of only polypropylene. Masterbatch 1 was mixed at different percentages (2%, 2.8%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) with polypropylene (98%, 97.2%, 96%, 94%, 92% and 90% respectively) to get a required amount of Ti02 in final fiber (nonwoven). Masterbatches 2, 3, 4, & 5 were mixed with polypropylene at 2% usage rate to get required amount of Ti02 and carbon black in final fiber. All of the mixtures were spun in to nonwovens on a pilot nonwoven line. Nonwovens made were between 20 - 25 gsm.

Table 1: Masterbatch 1 Table 2: Masterbatch 2

Table 3: Masterbatch 3

Table 4: Masterbatch 4 Table 5: Masterbatch 5

[0064] The scope of the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the particular exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concepts and their attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the methods and systems disclosed. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts, as described and claimed herein, and any equivalents thereof.