SCRUBBING ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates, in general, to scrubbing articles and methods of forming the same.

Scrubbing articles are used in various applications to condition and clean the surface of a workpiece to a desired condition. Various types of scrubbing articles are used for cleaning a variety of workpieces, such as cooking and eating utensils and the like by abrasively removing food particles, sticky oily residues, and associated unhygienic contaminants to restore the workpieces to good and acceptable conditions before every use.

Scrubbing articles have been made from a variety of materials, however such scrubbers suffer various disadvantages, such as disintegrating relatively quickly, are difficult to keep clean, can scratch work piece surfaces, are not able to quickly remove stubborn food deposits, and are unpleasant to the touch.

There continues to be a need for improved abrasive products, including improved scrubbing products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes a flow diagram illustrating a process for forming a scrubbing article according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 includes an image including an exemplary scrubbing article and a first portion of an exemplary scrubbing article according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 includes an illustration of a portion of the first portion of an exemplary scrubbing article according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 includes an illustration of a first portion of a scrubbing article according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 includes an image of a first portion of a scrubbing article according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 includes an illustration of a metal ribbon of a scrubbing article according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 includes an illustration of a read-out of an FTIR analysis of binding materials.

FIG. 8 includes DSC data of a binding material. FIG. 9 includes DSC data of a binding material according to another embodiment.

FIGs. 10-11 include XPS spectra of different samples.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following description, in combination with the figures, is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

As used herein, the terms “comprises” , “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but can include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present), and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one, or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

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 materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments herein relate to scrubbing articles, in particular, to scrubbing materials including a first nonwoven portion and a second portion. The scrubbing articles can have improved hand feel and performance. For example, the scrubbing articles may have improved hand feel, mechanical properties, such as improved integrity, resistance against delamination and/or ply separation, peel strength, tensile strength, or any combination thereof, service life, stiffness, or any combination thereof, and/or performance.

Referring to FIG. 1, a process 100 of forming a scrubbing article is illustrated.

The process 100 may start at block 102, forming a web including nonwoven fibers. In certain embodiments, forming the web may be accomplished by air laying. Alternate web forming methods can be used. For example, wet laying, dry laying, spun-bonding, meltblowing, electro- spinning, carding, or any combination thereof, may be used.

The nonwoven fibers can include an organic material, an inorganic material, a natural material, a semisynthetic material, a synthetic material, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the first type and the second type of fibers may include a thermoplastic material. For example, the web may include fibers including polyamide, polyester, polyolefin, or the like, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the web may include solid polyester fibers.

In an embodiment, the web may include a blend of a plurality of nonwoven fibers. For example, the web may include a first type of fibers and a second type of fibers, wherein the first type of fibers can be different from the second type of fibers in composition, construction, denier, length, ratio, shape, thickness, type, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the composition of the first type of fibers may be different from the composition of the second type of fibers.

In an embodiment, the first type of fibers, the second type of fibers, or both may comprise an organic material. For example, the first type of fibers, the second type of fibers, or both may comprise a polymeric material. In another example, the first type of fibers, the second type of fibers, or both may comprise organic fibers. In an exemplary implementation, the blend may include polyamide, such as nylon, and polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate. A particular example of nylon may include poly [imino( 1,6- dioxohexamethylene)iminohexamethylene] fibers (“Nylon 6,6” fibers). In a particular exemplary implementation, the first type of fibers may include polyamide fibers, and the second type of fibers may include solid polyester fibers. In an even more particular implementation, the blend may comprise the first type of fibers consisting of polyamide fibers, such as nylon fibers, and the second type of fibers consisting of solid polyester fibers, such as solid polyethylene terephthalate fibers.

In a particular embodiment, the web may comprise a blend of a plurality of fibers consisting of polyamide fibers and polyester fibers, wherein polyester fibers may consist of solid fibers. The sizes of fibers can be expressed through denier, a measure of linear density, which is equal to the mass in grams per 9,000 meters of length of a single filament. For instance, a nylon fiber measuring 200 denier means that 9,000 meters of this fiber weighs 200 grams.

In a further embodiment, a difference between a first denier of the first type of fibers and a second denier of the second type of fibers may be within 20% of the bigger of the first and second denier. As used herein, a denier of a type of fibers is intended to refer to the average denier of the fibers of the same type. For Example, the difference between the first and second denier may be not greater than 15% or not greater than 12% or not greater than 10% or not greater 8% or not greater than 6% or not greater than 4% or not greater than 2% or not greater than 1% of the bigger of the first and second denier. In a particular embodiment, the first denier of the first type of fibers may be essentially the same as the second denier of the second type of fibers.

In a further embodiment, the first type of fibers may include a particular first denier that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and/or performance. In an aspect, the first denier may be not greater than 60 or not greater than 55 or not greater than 50 or not greater than 45 or not greater than 40 or not greater than 35 or not greater than 32 or not greater than 29 or not greater than 25 or not greater than 23 or not greater than 21 or not greater than 19 or not greater than 17 or not greater than 15 or not greater than 13. In a further aspect, the first denier may be at least 10 or at least 11 or at least 12 or at least 13 or at least 14 or at least 15 or at least 16 or at least 18 or at least 20 or at least 22 or at least 24 or at least 27 or at least 31 or at least 36 or at least 38 or at least 40 or at least 44. Moreover, the first denier may be in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In a further embodiment, the second type of fiber may include a particular second denier that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and/or performance. In an aspect, the second denier may be not greater than 60 or not greater than 55 or not greater than 50 or not greater than 45 or not greater than 40 or not greater than 35 or not greater than 32 or not greater than 29 or not greater than 25 or not greater than 23 or not greater than 21 or not greater than 19 or not greater than 17 or not greater than 15 or not greater than 13. In another aspect, the second denier may be at least 10 or at least 11 or at least 12 or at least 13 or at least 14 or at least 15 or at least 16 or at least 18 or at least 20 or at least 22 or at least 24 or at least 27 or at least 31 or at least 36 or at least 38 or at least 40 or at least 44. Moreover, the second denier may be in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an embodiment, the blend may comprise a particular amount of the first type of fibers that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and/or performance. In an aspect, the blend may include 5wt% to 95wt% of the first type of fibers, such as 25wt% to 75wt% or 30wt% to 70wt% or 35wt% to 65wt% or 40wt% to 60wt% or 45wt% to 55wt% of the first type of fiber for the total weight of the blend.

In an embodiment, the blend may comprise a particular amount of the second type of fibers that may facilitate formation of the nonwoven hand tool with improved properties and/or performance. In an aspect, the blend may include 5wt% to 95wt% of the second type of fibers, such as 25wt% to 75wt% or 30wt% to 70wt% or 35wt% to 65wt% or 40wt% to 60wt% or 45wt% to 55wt% of the second type of fibers for the total weight of the blend.

In a particular implementation, the web may include a blend of the first type of fibers and second type of fibers, wherein the first type of fibers are 50wt% of the blend, and the second type of fibers are 50wt% of the blend. In an even more particular implementation, the web may include a blend of polyamide fibers and solid polyester fibers, wherein the ratio between the polyamide fibers and solid polyester fibers may be 50:50.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of webs may be formed, wherein each web may be formed including a blend of a plurality of non woven fibers described in embodiments herein.

In an embodiment, one or more webs of nonwoven fibers may be mechanically bonded. For example, the plurality of nonwoven fibers may be subjected to a needle punching process to at least partially entangle and/or intermingle the plurality of fibers.

In a particular embodiment, the needle punching process may comprise a double needling process. The double needling process may generally comprise two needling boards that operate at different parameters to at least partially entangle and/or intermingle the plurality of fibers 104 to form the nonwoven substrate 10s at various needling depths, strokes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke of at least about 75 revolutions / square centimeter (rev/cm ² ), such as at least 76 rev/cm ² , at least 77 rev/cm ² , at least 78 rev/cm ² , at least 79 rev/cm , at least 80 rev/cm , at least 81 rev/cm , at least 82 rev/cm , at least 83 rev/cm , at least 84 rev/cm , or even at least about 85 rev/cm . In some embodiments, the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke of not greater than about 120 rev/cm , such as not greater than 110 rev/cm , not greater than 100 2 2 2 2 rev/cm , not greater than 95 rev/cm , not greater than 90 rev/cm , not greater than 89 rev/cm ,

2 2 2 not greater than 88 rev/cm , not greater than 87 rev/cm , not greater than 86 rev/cm , or even not greater than 85 rev/cm . Further, it will be appreciated that the first board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least about 75 rev/cm to not greater than about 120 rev/cm , or even such as at least about 80 rev/cm to not greater than about 85 rev/cm .

In some embodiments, the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth (i.e., penetration into the nonwoven substrate 102) of at least about 3.0 millimeters (mm), such as at least 3.2 mm, at least 3.4 mm, at least 3.6 mm, at least 3.8 mm, at least 4.0 mm, at least 4.2 mm, at least 4.4 mm, at least 4.6 mm, at least 4.8 mm, at least 5.0 mm, at least 5.2 mm, at least 5.4 mm, at least 5.6 mm, at least 5.8 mm, at least 6.0 mm, at least 6.2 mm, at least 6.4 mm, at least 6.6 mm, at least 6.8 mm, at least 7.0 mm, at least 7.2 mm, at least 7.4 mm, at least 7.6 mm, at least 7.8 mm, at least 8.0 mm, at least 8.2 mm, at least 8.4 mm, at least 8.6 mm, at least 8.8 mm, at least 9.0 mm, at least 9.2 mm, at least 9.4 mm, at least 9.6 mm, at least 9.8 mm, or even at least about 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth of not greater than about 15 mm, such as not greater than 14.5 mm, not greater than 14 mm, not greater than 13.5 mm, not greater than 13 mm, not greater than 12.5 mm, not greater than 12 mm, not greater than 11.5 mm, or even not greater than about 11 mm. Further, it will be appreciated that the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least about 3.0 mm to not greater than about 15 mm, or even such as at least about 3.4 mm to not greater than 11 mm.

In some embodiments, the second needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke of at least about 90 revolutions / square centimeter (rev/cm ), such 2 2 2 2 as at least 100 rev/cm , at least 105 rev/cm , at least 110 rev/cm , at least 115 rev/cm , at least 2 2 2 2

116 rev/cm , at least 117 rev/cm , at least 118 rev/cm , at least 119 rev/cm , or even at least about 120 rev/cm . In some embodiments, the second needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke of not greater than about 150 rev/cm , such as not 2 2 2 greater than 140 rev/cm , not greater than 130 rev/cm , not greater than 125 rev/cm , or even not greater than 120 rev/cm . Further, it will be appreciated that the first board of the double needling process may comprise a needling stroke between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least about 90 rev/cm to not greater than about 150 rev/cm , or 2 2 even such as at least about 95 rev/cm to not greater than about 120 rev/cm . In some embodiments, the second needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth (i.e., penetration into the nonwoven substrate 102) of at least about 1.0 millimeters (mm), such as at least 1.5 mm, at least 2.0 mm, at least 2.5 mm, at least 3.0 mm, at least 3.1 mm, at least 3.2 mm, at least 3.3 mm, at least 3.4 mm, at least 3.5 mm, at least 3.6 mm, at least 3.8 mm, at least 4.0 mm, at least 4.2 mm, at least 4.4 mm, at least 4.6 mm, at least 4.8 mm, at least 5.0 mm, at least 5.2 mm, at least 5.4 mm, at least 5.6 mm, at least 5.8 mm, at least 6.0 mm, at least 6.2 mm, at least 6.4 mm, at least 6.6 mm, at least 6.8 mm, at least 7.0 mm, at least 7.2 mm, at least 7.4 mm, at least 7.6 mm, at least 7.8 mm, at least 8.0 mm, at least 8.2 mm, at least 8.4 mm, at least 8.6 mm, at least 8.8 mm, at least 9.0 mm, at least 9.2 mm, at least 9.4 mm, at least 9.6 mm, at least 9.8 mm, or even at least about 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the second needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth of not greater than about 15 mm, such as not greater than 14.5 mm, not greater than 14 mm, not greater than 13.5 mm, not greater than 13 mm, not greater than 12.5 mm, not greater than 12 mm, not greater than 11.5 mm, not greater than 11 mm, not greater than 10.5 mm, or even not greater than about 10.12 mm. Further, it will be appreciated that the first needling board of the double needling process may comprise a needling depth between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least about 1.0 mm to not greater than about 15 mm, or even such as at least about 3.2 mm to not greater than 10.12 mm.

In an embodiment, the web of non-woven fibers may comprise a particular weight that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and/or performance. For example, the web of non-woven fibers may comprise a fiber weight of at least 190GSM or at least 200GSM or at least 210GSM or at least 220GSM or at least 230GSM or at least 240GSM or at least 250GSM. In another example, the fiber weight may be not greater than 290GSM or not greater than 280GSM or not greater than 270GSM or not greater than 260GSM or not greater than 250GSM or not greater than 240GSM or not greater than 230GSM. Moreover, the web of nonwoven fibers may include a fiber weight including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

The process 100 may continue to block 104, applying a binding material to the web. In an embodiment, applying a binding material can include spraying and dip coating the web. In particular, the web may be sprayed on and then dip coated with a binding material. In a further embodiment, a binding material may be applied to both sides of one or more needled webs by spray coating, which may facilitate improved bonding of the nonwoven fibers, bonding between the webs, or both. In a further embodiment, dip coating may be performed by dipping the webs in the binding material and squeezing through rollers to allow the binding material to penetrate and saturate the fibers through-out the product.

In a particular embodiment, the binding material may include a material that may facilitate improved properties and/or performance of the scrubbing article, such as hand feel, stiffness, peel strength, tensile strength, or any combination thereof. The binding material may include precursor binding material that can form the finally formed binding material. For example, the binding material may include resins that may cure or crosslink under curing or crosslinking conditions to form the finally formed binding material.

In an embodiment, the binding material may comprise a particular coating density that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and/or performance. In an aspect, the coating density may be at least 230GSM or at least 250GSM at least 260GSM or at least 280GSM or at least 300GSM or at least 320GSM or at least 350GSM or at least 370GSM or at least 395GSM or at least 410GSM or at least 440GSM or at least 460GSM or at least 480GSM or at least 500GSM. In another aspect, the binding material may comprise a coating density of less than 690GSM or not greater than 600GSM or no greater than 550GSM or no greater than 525GSM or no greater than 510GSM or no greater than 480GSM or no greater than 460GSM. Moreover, the binding material may include a coating density including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an embodiment, the binding material may include a particular glass transition temperature that may facilitate formation of the scrubbing article with improved properties and performance. In an aspect, the binding material comprises a glass transition temperature Tg of not greater than 99 °C or not greater than 90 °C or not greater than 80 °C or not greater than 70 °C or not greater than 60 °C or not greater than 50 °C or not greater than 40 °C or not greater than 34 °C or not greater than 31 °C or not greater than 28 °C or not greater than 25 °C or not greater than 20 °C. In another aspect, the binding material may comprise a glass transition temperature Tg of at least -26 °C or at least -20 °C or at least -15 °C or at least - 10 °C or at least -5 °C or at least 1 °C or at least 5 °C or at least 10 °C or at least 15 °C or at least 18 °C or at least 20 °C or at least 24 °C or at least 28 °C or at least 30 °C. In a particular aspect, the binding material may include a glass transition temperature Tg in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein. For example, the glass transition temperature may be in a range from -15 °C to 60 °C, such as in a range from 5 °C to 50 °C or in a range from 10 °C to 40 °C or in a range from 15 °C to 35 °C or even in a range from 18 °C to 28 °C. In an embodiment, the binding material may include a particular peak of absorbance analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (also referred to as “FTIR”) that may facilitate formation of a scrubbing article with improved properties and performance. Briefly turning to FIG. 7, an overlay of FTIR absorbance peaks is provided, including FTIR absorbance of a representative binding material referred to as D-2B and another binding material referred to as D-7B. The binding material D-2B may include a distinct FTIR absorbance profile compared to D-7B including height of absorbance peaks at the same wavenumbers, wavenumber of absorbance peaks, or any combination thereof. More details of the binding materials D-2B and D-7B are discussed in Examples.

In an aspect, the binding material D-2B can have an absorbance peak between 1320cm’ ¹ to 1410cm’ ¹ . In certain instances, the absorbance may be greater than 0.052 or at least 0.055 or at least 0.058 or at least 0.061 or at least 0.063 or at least 0.065 or at least 0.068 or at least 0.070; and/or the absorbance may be not greater than 0.121 or not greater than 0.113 or not greater than 0.106 or not greater than 0.103 or not greater than 0.098 or not greater than 0.097 or not greater than 0.095 or not greater than 0.092.

In a further aspect, the binding material D-2B can have an absorbance peak between 1200cm’ ¹ to 1300cm’ ¹ . In certain instances the absorbance may be greater than 0.097 or at least 0.100 or at least 0.105 or at least 0.108 or at least 0.110 or at least 0.115 or at least 0.118 or at least 0.120 or at least 0.121 or at least 0.123 or at least 0.125; and/or the absorbance may be not greater than 0.150 or not greater than 0.147 or not greater than 0.145 or not greater than 0.143 or not greater than 0.141 or not greater than 0.137 or not greater than 0.135 or not greater than 0.132 or not greater than 0.130 or not greater than 0.128 or not greater than 0.126 or not greater than 0.124.

In an aspect, the binding material may comprise an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ . In certain instances, the absorbance may be greater than 0.07 or greater than 0.08 or at least 0.1 or at least 0.12 at a wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ . Alternatively or additionally, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance of not greater than 0.2 or not greater than 0.18 or not greater than 0.15 at a wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ . Moreover, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an aspect, the binding material may comprise an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 1600cm’ ¹ to 1700cm’ ¹ . In certain instances, the absorbance may be greater than 0.05 or greater than 0.143 or at least 0.144 or at least 0.145 or at least 0.146 or at least 0.148 or at least 0.149 or at least 0.150 or at least 0.152 at a wavenumber from 1600cm’ ¹ to 1700cm’ ¹ . Alternatively or additionally, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance of not greater than 0.201 or not greater than 0.190 or not greater than 0.185 or not greater than 0.180 or not greater than 0.175 or not greater than 0.172 or not greater than 0.170 or not greater than 0.168 at a wavenumber from 1600cm’ ¹ to 1700cm’ ¹ . Moreover, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 1600cm’ ¹ to 1700cm’ ¹ in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an aspect, the binding material may comprise an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ . In certain instances, the absorbance may be greater than 0.05 or greater than 0.07 or at least 0.09 or at least 0.10 or at least 0.12 at a wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ . Alternatively, or additionally, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance of not greater than 0.2 or not greater than 0.18 or not greater than 0.15 at a wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ . Moreover, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In another aspect, the binding material may comprise a FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 2979cm’ ¹ to 3016cm’ ¹ . In certain instances, the absorbance may be at least 0.055 or at least 0.058 or at least 0.060 or at least 0.062 or at least 0.065 or at least 0.068 or at least 0.070 or at least 0.072. Alternatively or additionally, the binding material may include a FTIR peak of absorbance of not greater than 0.12 or not greater than 0.10 or not greater than 0.08 or not greater than 0.075 at a wavenumber from 2979cm’ ¹ to 3016cm’ ¹ . Moreover, the binding material may include an FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 2979cm’ ¹ to 3016cm ^_1 in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In a further embodiment, the binding material may include an organic material including a thermoset or thermoplastic, an inorganic material, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the binding material may include an organic material including a glass transition temperature and/or FTIR peak of absorbance described in embodiments herein.

In a particular embodiment, the binding material may include an acrylic resin. An exemplary acrylic resin may include the glass transition temperature noted in embodiments herein. In a particular instance, the binding material may include an acrylic resin having a glass transition temperature in a range from 5 °C to 50 °C or in a range from 10 °C to 40 °C or in a range from 15 °C to 35 °C or even in a range from 18 °C to 28 °C. A further example of an acrylic resin may include methyl methacrylate. More particularly, the binding material may include an acrylic emulsion in water. In a further embodiment, the binding material can comprise a self-crosslinkable resin, a non-self-crosslinkable resin, or a combination thereof. In a particular implementation, the binding material can include a self-crosslinkable acrylic resin. A self-cross linkable resin is a resin with polymer chains that can crosslink with each other without the need for any additional compound. In another more particular example, the binding material may include a self-crosslinkable methyl methacrylate latex. Even more particularly, the binding material may include a self-crosslinkable methyl methacrylate emulsion in water.

In another embodiment, the binding material may include a major amount of acrylic resin and a minor amount of one or more of a phenyl resin, melamine formaldehyde, epoxy, alkyd, starch, and urea-formaldehyde. In a particular example, the binding material may include an acrylic resin and melamine formaldehyde.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the binding material may comprise one or more additives. Suitable additives may include grinding aids, fillers, lubricants, wetting agents, thixotropic materials, surfactants, thickening agents, pigments, dyes, antistatic agents, coupling agents, plasticizers, suspending agents, pH modifiers, adhesion promoters, lubricants, bactericides, fungicides, flame retardants, degassing agents, anti-dusting agents, dual function materials, initiators, chain transfer agents, stabilizers, dispersants, reaction mediators, colorants, and defoamers.

A particular example of the binding material may include an acrylic resin, one or more of a phenyl resin, melamine formaldehyde, epoxy, alkyd, starch, and urea-formaldehyde, and optionally one or more additives including filler.

In a further embodiment, the process 100 may include drying the one or more webs after the binding material is sprayed on. Drying may include heating the one or more webs and/or curing the binding material. In a further embodiment, heating can be applied for the binding material to cure after dip coating. In a particular implementation, the one or more wet webs may be heated to a temperature from 130 °C to 210 °C or from 140 °C to 165 °C. In another particular implementation, heating may be performed for minutes to hours to facilitate curing of the binding material. In an exemplary curing step, heating may be applied for up to 0.5 hours, such as 1 to 25 minutes or 3 to 15 minutes.

In a particular embodiment, the binding material may include filler. Exemplary filler may include hydrophilic or partially hydrophobic filler, semi-reinforcing filler, or any combination thereof. In another example, the binding material may include filler particles, wherein the particles may include average particle size, D50, from Inm to 100 microns or in a range from 10 microns to 100 microns. In a further example, filler may include an inorganic material. A particular example may include a calcium carbonate filler, a silica filler, or a mixture thereof. More particularly, filler may include silica particles, fumed silica, precipitated silica, silicate, such as aluminum silicates, colloidal silica, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, filler may be included in the binding material for at least one of the steps of spray coating or dip coating. In a particular embodiment, dip coating may be performed with a binding material including filler. More particularly, silica particles may be used.

In an embodiment, the binding material may include a particular content of filler that may facilitate improved property and/or performance of nonwoven scrubbing articles. For example, the binding material may include at least 0.3wt% of filler for the total weight of the binding material, such as at least 0.5wt%, at least 0.7wt%, at least 0.8wt%, at least 1.0wt%, at least l.lwt%, at least 1.5wt%, or at least 1.9wt% of filler for the total weight of the binding material. Alternatively or additionally, the binding material may include not greater than 8wt% of filler, such as not greater than 6wt%, not greater than 5wt%, not greater than 3wt%, not greater than 2.5wt%, not greater than 2.1wt%, not greater than 1.8wt%, not greater than 1.5wt%, or not greater than 1.3wt% for the total weight of the binding material. In a particular implementation, the binding material may include silica particles in a content noted herein.

In a particular embodiment, the process 100 may include spraying the web with a first binding material and dip coating the web with a second binding material that may be different from the first binding material. For example, the first and second binding material may differ in composition, curing temperature, curing time, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the first and second binding material may include the same components in different contents. In a particular example, each of the first and second binding materials may include the same resins, such as acrylic resin, melamine formaldehyde, and/or another resin noted in embodiments herein, wherein the ratio between acrylic resin and one other resin may be different between the first and second binding materials. In a further example, the first and the second binding material may include different additives and/or the amount thereof. In a more particular example, each of the first and the second binding materials may include acrylic latex and melamine formaldehyde.

In certain embodiments, spray-coating and dip-coating may be performed with the same or different binding material. After drying the dip-coated web, the first portion may be formed. In an embodiment, after curing, the binding material may include an acrylic-based material. In another embodiment, the first portion may include a binding material including cross-linked acrylic, cross-linked melamine formaldehyde poly (methyl methacrylate), or any combination thereof. In certain instances, the binding material may include melamine formaldehyde cross-linked acrylic, melamine formaldehyde cross-linked methyl methacrylate, or the like, or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the binding material may include a curing reaction product from one or more components of the binding material. For example, the curing reaction product may be formed from materials including acrylic, such as methyl methacrylate, melamine formaldehyde or any combination thereof.

After curing, the dried body may include a particular GSM. In an embodiment, the body comprises a weight of at least 320GSM, at least 350GSM, at least 38OGSM, at least 400GSM, at least 430GSM, at least 450GSM, at least 480GSM, or at least 530GSM. Additionally or alternatively, the weight may be not greater than 620GSM, not greater than 600GSM, not greater than 580GSM, not greater than 540GSM, not greater than 510GSM, not greater than 480GSM, not greater than 450GSM, not greater than 430GSM, not greater than 410GSM, or not greater than 38OGSM.

In a particular embodiment, the first portion may include a plurality of plys that are bound to one another via the binding material, wherein each ply can include a web, wherein at least a portion of at least some webs may be coated with a binding material. In another particular embodiment, each of the webs may be coated with a binding material. In particular, an exterior surface of the body may include a binding material. In still another particular embodiment, at least some, a majority, or essentially all of the nonwoven fibers may be coated with a binding material.

FIG. 2 includes an image of an exemplary first portion 220 and an image of an exemplary scrubbing article 200 including the first portion 220 coupled to a second portion 110 according to an embodiment. The first portion 220 can include a lofty, open web of fibers.

FIG. 3 includes a blown-up illustration of a portion of a first portion of an exemplary nonwoven article 220. A plurality of nonwoven fibers 304 are coated with a binding material 310 and 314. In a particular implementation, the binding material 310 may be sprayed on, and the binding material 314 may be dip coated over the binding material 310 and the fibers 304. As illustrated, the plurality of fibers 314 may be entirely coated with the binder material 310, the binding material 314, or both. The binding material 310 and 314 may include filler 312. In another example, the binding material 314 may include filler 312 and the binding material 310 may be essentially free of filler. Alternatively, the binding material 310 may include filler 312 and the binding material 314 may be essentially free of filler 312. In a further example, filler 312 may be in a same or different amount when present in the binding material 310 and 314.

The binding material 310 may be directly coated over the fibers 304 such that the binding material 310 abuts the fibers 304 and may be an inner coating overlying at least a majority or essentially all of the fibers 304. The binding material 314 may be an outer coating overlying at least the majority of the binding material 310 and/or some of the fibers 304. In particular examples, the binding material 314 may form at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the nonwoven article 302. In more particular examples, the binding material 314 may overlie essentially all of the binding material 310. The binding material 310 and 314 may include any of the features described in embodiments herein with respect to binding materials.

The process 100 may continue to block 106 to couple the first portion to a second portion. In a further embodiment, the process 100 comprises laminating the first portion onto the second portion. In a particular embodiment, performing lamination may include applying an adhesive layer to the first portion, the second portion, or both. In a further embodiment, the first portion can be adhered to the second portion via the adhesive layer. In particular embodiments, the adhesive layer can include a hot melt. In a further embodiment, the hot melt may comprise a glue density of at least 90GSM or at least 100GSM or at least 110GSM; additionally or alternatively, the glue density may be not greater than 175GSM or not greater than 165GSM or not greater than 160GSM or not greater than 145GSM or not greater than 130GSM or not greater than 120GSM or not greater than 110GSM or not greater than 100GSM or not greater than 90GSM. In a particular implementation, melted polyurethane may include a GSM from 80 to 150, such as from 85 to 120 or from 90 to 110. In another particular embodiment, the adhesive layer may include polyurethane. In a further embodiment, melted polyurethane may be applied to the first portion. In a particular implementation, the operation may be carried out kiss coating technique.

In an embodiment, the process 100 may include curing the adhesive layer after coupling the second portion to the first portion. Curing may be conducted to allow complete solidification of the adhesive layer. In an exemplary implementation, curing may be conducted at ambient temperature for 20 to 40 hours, such as 22 to 30 hours. After curing, the body of a scrubbing article may be formed. In a particular embodiment, after curing, the adhesive layer comprises polyurethane cross-linked to an acrylic-based material.

Optionally, the body may be shaped and/or sized. For example, the body may be cut into handheld sizes and/or desired shapes. For instance, the body may be formed into a shape including a rectangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a diamond shape circular, a round shape, or another geometric shape, or a non-geometric shape as desired.

In an embodiment, the body of a scrubbing article may include an interface between the first portion and the second portion. In a further embodiment, the interface may include a material resulting from curing the adhesive layer.

In a particular embodiment, the body may include an interface including bonded carbon, bonded oxygen, or any combination thereof. In another particular embodiment, the interface may include bonded carbon corresponding to one or more XPS peaks at a certain binding energy (eV), bonded oxygen corresponding to an XPS peak at a certain binding energy (eV), or a combination thereof. In this disclosure, binding energy may be analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (also referred to as “XPS”) as follows.

The second portion of a scrubbing article may be removed from the first portion by peeling to expose the interface between the first and second portions. The first portion with the exposed interface may be cut into the size of 1cm by 1 cm and placed on the sample holder for XPS analysis. The surface flatness should be maintained to avoid background

XPS spectra may be recorded using a hemispherical analyzer in an ultrahigh vacuum chamber with a base pressure of 4 x 10’ mBar. Nexsa Surface Analysis System from Thermo Fisher Scientific or a functional equivalent testing system can be used. Electrons are emitted using the monochromated, micro-focused, low-power Al K-alpha X-ray source. A small spot lens mode can be applied, and the high-resolution spectra can be recorded from a sampled spot size of approximately 400 pm with an energy resolution of about 0.1 eV. Absolute energy scales can be calibrated by referencing the Ag 3d signals of a cleaned contaminant-free silver surface. The spectra of elements, for example, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, can be calibrated with respect to the first portion (reference sample used in this disclosure). Then samples can be scanned. Each spectra can be scanned 15 times and the average can be plotted.

In a particular embodiment, XPS spectra of the interface may include peaks at particular binding energy (eV). In another particular embodiment, the interface may have XPS spectra that may be free of peaks at a certain binding energy (eV). In an embodiment, the XPS spectra of the interface may include an XPS peak at binding energy 282.6 eV to 284.6 eV, 288 eV to 290 eV, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the XPS spectra may include a peak at binding energy 283.64 eV, 288.5 eV, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, XPS spectra of the interface may include an XPS peak at binding energy 530.2 eV to 532.2 eV. In a particular example, the XPS spectra of the interface may include a peak at binding energy 531.21 eV. In a further embodiment, the XPS spectra of the interface may be free of a peak at binding energy 286 eV to 287 eV, a peak at binding energy 533 eV to 534 eV, a peak at binding energy 399 eV to 401 eV, or any combination thereof. In a particular example, the XPS spectra of the interface may be free of a peak at binding energy 286.31 eV, a peak at binding energy 284.60 eV, a peak at binding energy 533.67 eV, a peak at binding energy 531.96 eV, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the interface may include bonded carbon including O-C=O, C-C having pi transition, and/or C-0 having pi transition. In a further embodiment, the interface may be essentially free of bonded oxygen including 0-(C=0)-0 and/or C=O that corresponds to peaks at 531.5- 532 eV. In a further embodiment, the interface may be essentially free of bonded carbon including C-O-C and/or C=O and/or C-N that corresponds to an XPS peak at 286.3 eV.

In another particular embodiment, the interface may have XPS spectra including peaks at binding energy (eV) that may correspond to particularly bonded carbon, particularly bonded oxygen, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the XPS spectra may include a peak at binding energy 282.6 eV to 284.6 eV that may correspond to carbon bond, such as certain C-0 and/or C-C, (e.g., C-0 having pi transition and/or C-C having pi transition), a peak at binding energy at 288 eV to 290 eV that may correspond to O-C=O, a peak at binding energy 530.2 eV to 532.2 eV that may correspond to O-(C=O)-O, or any combination thereof. In another particular embodiment, the interface may have XPS spectra free of one or more peaks at binding energy (eV) that may correspond to particularly bonded carbon, particularly bonded oxygen, particularly bonded nitrogen, or any combination thereof. In a further example, the XPS spectra may be free of a peak at binding energy 286 eV to 287 eV that may correspond to C-O-C, C=O, C-N, or any combination thereof, a peak at binding energy 533 eV to 534 eV corresponding to O-(C=O)-O, C=O, or a combination thereof.

FIGs. 4 and 5 include an illustration of a portion of the second portion 110 of the exemplary scrubbing article 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. The second portion 110 can include a first fiber element 111 and a second fiber element 115. The first fiber element 111 can include a woven or non-woven material. In an embodiment, the second fiber element can consist of a single fiber element. In an embodiment, the second fiber element can comprise a plurality of fibers. The second fiber element 115 can include metal. More specifically, the second fiber element 115 can include a metal ribbon. The metal ribbon can be a stainless steel ribbon. The second fiber element can extend along a tortuous pathway throughout the first layer where the second fiber element extends into and out of the first fiber element. The second fiber element 115 can include at least one turn 116 that extends from the surface of the first layer. In some instances, the turn 116 extending from the surface of the first layer 110 can include a twist. In other instances, the turn 116 extending from the surface of the first layer 110 does not include a twist. The metal ribbon can have a substantially planar top surface defined by the length, L, and the width, W. The metal ribbon can have a substantially planar side surface defined by the length, L, and thickness, T. The metal ribbon can also have a substantially planar bottom surface opposite the top surface and extending parallel to the top surface. The metal ribbon can have a substantially linear edge between the top surface and side surface, wherein the linear edge is defined by a first internal angle of at least 20 degrees and not greater than 160 degrees.

In an embodiment, the second fiber element 115 can have a length L, a width W, and a thickness T, where L>W>T. The second fiber element 115 may have a particular aspect ratio W: T that may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the aspect ratio W:T, can be at least 1.2 or at least 1.4 or at least 1.6 or at least 1.8 or at least 2.0 or at least 2.2 or at least 2.6 or at least 2.8 or at least 3.0 or at least or at least 3.5 or at least 4 or at least 4.5 or at least 5 or at least 5.5 or at least 6 or at least 6.5 or at least 7 or at least 7.5 or at least 8 or at least 8.5 or at least 9. In another embodiment, the aspect ratio can be no greater than 100 or no greater than 95 or no greater than 90 or no greater than 85 or no greater than 80 or no greater than 75 or no greater than 70 or no greater than 65 or no greater than 60 or no greater than 55 or no greater than 50 or no greater than 45 or no greater than 40 or no greater than 35 or no greater than 30 or no greater than 25 or no greater than 20. It will be appreciated that the aspect ratio W:T may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 1.2 and not greater than 70, at least 3.0 and not greater than 95, or at least 5 and not greater than 30.

The second fiber element 115 may have a particular width, W, which may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the width, W, can be at least 150 microns or at least 160 microns or at least 170 microns or at least 180 microns or at least 190 microns or at least 200 microns or at least 210 microns or at least 215 microns or at least 220 microns or at least 230 microns or at least 240 microns or at least 250 microns. In another embodiment, W can be no greater 500 microns or no greater than 480 microns or no greater than 460 microns or no greater than 440 microns or no greater than 420 microns or no greater than 400 microns or no greater than 380 microns or no greater than 360 microns or no greater than 340 microns or no greater than 320 microns or no greater than 300 microns. It will be appreciated that the width may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 150 microns and not greater than 500 microns, at least 190 microns and not greater than 440 microns, or at least 210 microns and not greater than 300 microns.

The second fiber element 115 may have a particular thickness, T, which may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the thickness, T, can at least 10 microns or at least 11 microns or at least 12 microns or at least 13 microns or at least 14 microns or at least 15 microns or at least 16 microns or at least 17 microns or at least 18 microns or at least 19 microns or at least 20 microns. In another embodiment, T can be not greater than 50 microns or not greater than 48 microns or not greater than 46 microns or not greater than 44 microns or not greater than 42 microns or not greater than 40 microns or not greater than 38 microns or not greater than 36 microns or not greater than 34 microns or not greater than 32 microns or not greater than 30 microns. It will be appreciated that the thickness may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 10 microns and not greater than 50 microns, at least 12 microns and not greater than 32 microns, or at least 15 microns and not greater than 40 microns.

In an embodiment, the second portion may include a binder 118 overlying at least a portion of the second portion; or more particularly, the second fiber element 115. The binder 118 can include an antimicrobial agent. In an embodiment, the binder can comprise a self- crosslinkable resin, a non-self-crosslinkable resin, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the binder can include an acrylic resin, a styrene resin, or a combination thereof. A self-cross linkable resin is a resin with polymer chains that can crosslink with each other without the need of any additional compound. In an embodiment, the binder may include a styrene acrylic binder. In an embodiment, the binder may include a styrene acrylic binder. In an embodiment, the binder may include a-Methylstyrene, N-butylmethacrylate, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the binder may include an acrylic emulsion in water. In an embodiment, the binder may include methyl methacrylate.

The binder 118 may include a particular antimicrobial agent that may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include silver or zinc or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include zinc. In a more particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can include zinc pyrithione (hereinafter “ZPT”). In an embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can consist of ZPT. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial may comprise powdered ZPT. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial may comprise a ZPT emulsion.

In an embodiment, the binder 118 can have a particular concentration of antimicrobial agent that may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the concentration of antimicrobial agent in the binder can be at least lwt% for a total weight of the binder, or at least 1.2wt% or at least 1.4wt% or at least 1.6wt% or at least 1.8wt% or at least 2.0wt% or at least 2.2wt% or at least 2.4wt% or at least 2.6wt% or at least 2.8wt% or at least 3.0wt% or at least 3.2wt% or at least 3.4wt% or at least 3.6wt% or at least 3.8wt%. In another embodiment, the concentration of antimicrobial agent in the binder can be no greater than 10wt% for a total weight of the binder, or no greater than 9.6wt% or no greater 9.2wt% or no greater than 8.8wt% or no greater than 8.4wt% or no greater than 8.0wt% or no greater than 7.6wt% or no greater than 7.2wt% or no greater than 6.8wt% or no greater than 6.4wt% or no greater than 6.0wt% or no greater than 5.6wt% or no greater than 5.2wt% or no greater than 4.8wt% or no greater than 4.4wt%. It will be appreciated that the concentration of antimicrobial agent may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example, but not limited to, at least lwt% and not greater than 10wt%, at least 2.0wt% and not greater than 5.6wt%, or at least 1.8wt% and not greater than 4.4wt% or no greater than 4.2wt% or no greater than 4.0wt% or no greater than 3.8wt% or no greater than 3.2wt% or no greater than 3.0wt% or no greater than 2.8wt% or no greater than 2.6wt% or no greater than 2.4wt% or no greater than 2.2wt% or no greater than 2.0wt%.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a particular antimicrobial effectiveness that may facilitate improved performance and/or manufacturing of the scrubbing article. Antimicrobial effectiveness can be measured as detailed in the examples according to ASTM 2149-13a.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Staphylococcus aureus of at least 95% according to ASTM 2149-13a of at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or at least 99.5%. In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Staphylococcus aureus of no greater than 99.999%. It will be appreciated that the bacterial reduction may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Escherichia coli of at least 95% according to ASTM 2149-13a of at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or at least 99.5%. In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Escherichia coli of no greater than 99.999%. It will be appreciated that the bacterial reduction may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Klebsiella pneumonia of at least 95% according to ASTM 2149-13a of at least 96% or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or at least 99.5%. In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a bacterial reduction against Klebsiella pneumonia of no greater than 99.999%. It will be appreciated that the bacterial reduction may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

In an embodiment, the binder 118 can have a first glass transition temperature Tgl and a second glass transition temperature Tg2, where Tg2 > Tgl. Tg may be measured using differential scanning calorimetry. In an embodiment, Tgl can be at least 200 K or at least 205 K or at least 210 K or at least 215 K or at least 220 K or at least 225 K or at least 230 K or at least 235 K or at least 240 K. In another embodiment Tgl can be no greater than 300 K or no greater than 295 K or no greater than 290 K or no greater than 285 K or no greater than 280 K or no greater than 275 K or no greater than 270 K or no greater than 265 K or no greater than 260 K or no greater than 255 K or no greater than 250 K. It will be appreciated that Tgl may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 200 K and no greater than 300 K or at least 210 K and no greater than 260 K or at least 240 L and no greater than 265 K.

In an embodiment, Tg2 can be at least 250 K or at least 255 K or at least 260 K or at least 265 K or at least 270 K or at least 275 K or at least 280 K or at least 285 K or at least 290 K or at least 295 K. In another embodiment Tg2 can be no greater than 350 K or no greater than 345 K or no greater than 340 K or no greater than 335 K or no greater than 330 K or no greater than 325 K or no greater than 320 K or no greater than 315 K or no greater than 310 K or no greater than 305 K or no greater than 300 K. It will be appreciated that Tg2 may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 250 K and no greater than 350 K or at least 260 K and no greater than 300 K or at least 290 L and no greater than 335 K.

In an embodiment, the binder 118 can have a particular Tg ratio Tg2/Tgl that may facilitate improved manufacturing and/or performance of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment Tg2/Tgl can be at least 1.01 or at least 1.02 or at least 1.03 or at least 1.04 or at least 1.05 or at least 1.06 or at least 1.07 or at least 1.08 or at least 1.09 or at least 1.10 or at least 1.11 or at least 1.12 or at least 1.13 or at least 1.14 or at least 1.15 or at least 1.16 or at least 1.17 or at least 1.18 or at least 1.19 or at least 1.20 or at least 1.21. In another embodiment, Tg2/Tgl can be no greater than 1.50 or no greater than 1.49 no greater than

1.48 no greater than 1.47 no greater than 1.46 no greater than 1.45 no greater than 1.44 no greater than 1.43 no greater than 1.42 no greater than 1.41 no greater than 1.40 no greater than 1.39 no greater than 1.38 no greater than 1.37 no greater than 1.36 no greater than 1.35 no greater than 1.34 no greater than 1.33 no greater than 1.32 no greater than 1.31 no greater than 1.30 no greater than 1.29 no greater than 1.28 no greater than 1.27 no greater than 1.23 no greater than 1.25. It will be appreciated that Tg2/Tgl may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 1.02 and no greater than 1.50, or at least 1.14 and no greater than 1.39 or at least 1.20 and no greater than 1.25.

In an embodiment, the binder 118 can have a particular Tg difference, Tg2 - Tgl that may facilitate improved manufacturing and/or performance of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment Tg2 - Tgl can be at least at least 1 K or at least 2 K or at least 3 K or at least 4 K or at least 5 K or at least 6 K or at least 7 K or at least 8 K or at least 9 K or at least 10 K or at least 11 K or at least 12 K or at least 13 K or at least 14 K or at least 15 K or at least 16 K or at least 17 K or at least 18 K or at least 19 K or at least 20 K or at least 21 K or at least 22 K or at least 23 K or at least 24 K or at least 25 K or at least 26 K or at least 27 K or at least 28 K or at least 29 K or at least 30 K or at least 31 K or at least 32 K or at least 33 K or at least 34 K or at least 35 K or at least 36 K or at least 37 K or at least 38 K or at least 39 K or at least 40 K or at least 41 K or at least 42 K or at least 43 K or at least 44 K or at least 45 K or at least 46 K or at least 47 or at least 48 K or at least 49 K or at least 50 K. In another embodiment Tg2 - Tgl can be no greater than 100 K or no greater than 95 K or no greater than 90 K or no greater than 85 K or no greater than 80 K or no greater than 75 K or no greater than 70 K or no greater than 65 K or no greater than 60 K or no greater than 55 K or no greater than 50 K. It will be appreciated that Tg2 - Tgl may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 1 K and not greater than 100K or at least 25 K and not greater than 75 K or at least 26 K and not greater than 95 K.

In an embodiment, the binder 118 can have a particular coating density that may facilitate improved manufacturing and/or performance of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the coating density can be at least at least at least 5GSM or at least 10GSM or at least 15GSM or at least 20GSM or at least 25GSM or at least 30GSM or at least 35GSM or at least 40GSM or at least 45GSM or at least 50GSM or at least 55GSM or at least 60GSM or at least 65GSM or at least 70GSM or at least 75GSM or at least 80GSM or at least 85GSM or at least 90GSM. In another embodiment, the coating density can be no greater than 150GSM or no greater than 145GSM or no greater than 140GSM or no greater than 135GSM or no greater than 130GSM or no greater than 125GSM or no greater than 120GSM or no greater than 115GSM or no greater than 110GSM or no greater than 105GSM. It will be appreciated that the coating density may be between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above, including for example but not limited to, at least 15GSM and not greater than 140GSM or at least 25GSM and not greater than 150GSM or at least 20GSM and not greater than 145GSM.

In another embodiment, the binder 118 may include a fragrance that may improve the user experience of the scrubbing article. For example, fragrances known for use in liquid detergents may be utilized.

In an embodiment, the second portion can include woven cloths having a stainless steel ribbon interlocked with the cloth fibers. FIG. 6 includes an illustration including the metal ribbons of the second portion of an exemplary scrubbing article.

It is noteworthy that the scrubbing article of embodiments herein can comprise one or more beneficial physical and mechanical properties. In certain embodiments, the scrubbing article can comprise improved combined properties and performance, such as two or more of stiffness, a peel strength, a loft, an elongation %, a tensile strength, a Toughness, a mean pore size, an air permeability, a Machine Direction Orientation Index, a wear rate, service life, performing efficacy, integrity, resistance to delamination, and a Burnt Food Removal Rating.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a particular stiffness that may facilitate improved manufacturing and/or performance of the scrubbing article. In an embodiment, the stiffness of the body of the scrubbing article may be no greater than 54000mg or no greater than 53900mg or no greater than 53800mg or no greater than

53700mg or no greater than 53200mg or no greater than 53000mg or no greater than

5 lOOOmg or no greater than 50300mg or no greater than 49200mg or no greater than

49000mg or no greater than 47500mg or no greater than 46900mg or no greater than

45200mg or no greater than 44700mg or no greater than 43600mg or no greater than

42500mg or not greater than 41300mg or not greater than 40000mg or not greater than 39500mg or not greater than 38500mg. Alternatively or additionally, the body of the scrubbing article may comprise the stiffness of a stiffness of at least 27000mg or at least 29000mg or at least 30000mg or at least 3 lOOOmg or at least 32000mg or at least 33OOOmg or at least 33500mg or at least 34200mg or at least 35000mg or at least 36000mg or at least 37000mg or at least 38OOOmg or at least 39000mg or at least 40000mg or at least 42000mg or at least 43000mg or at least 44000mg or at least 45000mg or at least 46000mg or at least 47000mg. Moreover, the body of the scrubbing article may include stiffness in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein. In this disclosure, stiffness can be measured using a Gurley type bending resistance machine according to ASTM D6125 - 97, Standard Test Method for Bending Resistance of Paper and Paperboard (Gurley Type Tester), as measured in the machine direction.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may include a particular peel strength that may facilitate improved performance of the scrubbing article. As described herein, peel strength is tested by an accelerated test. The scrubbing article samples can be soaked in boiling water for 15min and then tested using Peeling Strength Universal Testing Machine. The scrubbing article samples can be prepared by cutting into sample size 200mm x 25.4 mm (Machine direction). Once samples are cut, manually delaminate by peeling steel cloth from nonwoven substrate up to half portion (100mm). Load each end of the prepared sample into opposing grips / jaws on UTM. Conduct test at a constant loading rate throughout the length of the specimen. (Load cell: lOkN, Displacement Rate: 300 mm/min). Peel strength testing was repeated 5 times for each type of sample.

In an embodiment, the body of the scrubbing article may include a peel strength of greater than 2.66kgf, such as at least 2.85kgf or at least 3.05kgf or even greater than 3.05kgf. In a further embodiment, the peel strength may be at least 3.07kgf or at least 3.12kgf or at least 3.15kgf or at least 3.19kgf or at least 3.23kgf or at least 3.28kgf or at least 3.33kgf or at least 3.37kgf or at least 3.40kgf or at least 3.45kgf or at least 3.48kgf or at least 3.50kgf or at least 3.51kgf or at least 3.53kgf or at least 3.57kgf or at least 3.59kgf or at least 3.61kgf or at least 3.65kgf or at least 3.68kgf or at least 3.71kgf or at least 3.73kgf or at least 3.80kgf or at least 3.90kgf or at least 4.05kgf or at least 4.1 Ikgf or at least 4.23kgf or at least 4.30kgf. Alternatively or additionally, the peel strength of the body may be not greater than 8.10kgf or not greater than 7.85kgf or not greater than 7.35kgf or not greater than 7.12kgf or not greater than 6.88kgf or not greater than 6.53kgf or not greater than 6.15kgf or not greater than 5.85kgf or not greater than 5.42kgf or not greater than 5.13kgf or not greater than 4.83kgf or not greater than 4.76kgf or not greater than 4.66kgf or not greater than 4.56kgf or not greater than 4.45kgf or not greater than 4.35kgf or not greater than 4.25kgf or not greater than 3.90kgf. Moreover, the body of the scrubbing article may include a peel strength in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have an improved cut rate. For example, the cut rate on day 1 steel side according to the TUV test (± 10%) of 25-28 seconds.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may have a longevity according to the TUV Mumbai test (± 10%) of at least 15 Days.

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may include a first portion having a particular stiffness that may facilitate improved properties and performance of the scrubbing article. In an aspect, the stiffness may be not greater than 40000mg, such as not greater than 38OOOmg or not greater than 35000mg or not greater than 33OOOmg or not greater than 3 lOOOmg or not greater than 30000mg or not greater than 28500mg or not greater than 28000mg or not greater than 27000mg or not greater than 26000mg or not greater than 25500mg or not greater than 25000mg or not greater than 24500mg or not greater than 23500mg or not greater than 23000mg or not greater than 22500mg or not greater than 22000mg or not greater than 21500mg or not greater than 21000mg or not greater than 20000mg or not greater than 19000mg or not greater than 18000mg or not greater than 17000mg or not greater than 16000mg or not greater than 15500mg or not greater than 15000mg. In another aspect, the stiffness may be greater than 11230mg or greater than 1254 Img or at least 12550mg or at least 12600mg or at least 12800gm or at least 13000mg or at least 13100mg or at least 13180mg or at least 13200mg or at least 13500mg or at least 138OOmg or at least 14000mg or at least 14200mg or at least 14400mg or at least 14600mg or at least 14800mg or at least 15000mg or at least 15200mg or at least 15320mg or at least 15400mg or at least 15670mg or at least 16000mg or at least 16500mg or at least 17000mg or at least 17500mg or at least 17750mg or at least 18000mg or at least 18O3Omg or at least 18100mg. In a particular aspect, the stiffness may be in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an embodiment, the first portion may comprise a particular peel strength that may facilitate improved performance of the scrubbing article. The peel strength of the first portion is in reference to 180° peel strength and tested using Peeling Strength Universal Testing Machine according to ASTM D903 (180° peel strength).

In an embodiment, the first portion may include a peel strength greater than 2.06kgf, such as greater than 2.06kgf or greater than 2.45kgf or at least 2.50kgf or at least 2.60kgf or at least 2.68kgf or greater than 2.68kgf or at least 2.70kgf or at least 2.72kgf or at least 2.74kgf or at least 2.76kgf or at least 2.78kgf or at least 2.80kgf or at least 2.82kgf or at least 2.84kgf or at least 2.86kgf or at least 2.88kgf or at least 2.90kgf or at least 2.92kgf or at least

2.94kgf or at least 2.96kgf or at least 2.98kgf or at least 3.OOkgf or at least 3.02kgf or at least

3.24kgf or at least 3.06kgf or at least 3.08kgf or at least 3.1Okgf or at least 3.12kgf or at least

3.15kgf or at least 3.2Okgf or at least 3.25kgf or at least 3.30kgf or at least 3.4Okgf or at least

3.5Okgf or at least 3.6Okgf or at least 3.7Okgf or at least 3.75kgf or at least 3.80kgf or at least

3.93kgf or at least 3.96kgf or at least 3.98kgf. In another aspect, the first portion may include a peel strength that may be not greater than 8. lOkgf or not greater than 8.05kgf or not greater than 8.OOkgf or not greater than 7.85kgf or not greater than 7.55kgf or not greater than 7.35kgf or not greater than 7.25kgf or not greater than 7.12kgf or not greater than 7.00kgf or not greater than 6.85kgf or not greater than 6.60kgf or not greater than 6.5Okgf or not greater than 6.3Okgf or not greater than 6.20kgf or not greater than 6. lOkgf or not greater than 5.90kgf or not greater than 5.8Okgf or not greater than 5.70kgf or not greater than 5.65kgf or not greater than 5.50kgf or not greater than 5.30kgf or not greater than 5.20kgf or not greater than 5. lOkgf or not greater than 4.90kgf or not greater than 4.80kgf or not greater than 4.70kgf or not greater than 4.65kgf or not greater than 4.50kgf or not greater than 4.50kgf or not greater than 4.35kgf or not greater than 4.25kgf or not greater than 4.20kgf or not greater than 4.15kgf. In a particular aspect, the first portion may include peel strength in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein.

In an embodiment, the first portion may include a particular tensile strength that may facilitate improved performance of the nonwoven hand tool. In an aspect, the first portion may comprise tensile strength of at least 14.6kgf or at least 18.1kgf or at least 18.3kgf or at least 18.4kgf or at least 18.6kgf or at least 18.8kgf or at least 19.0kgf or at least 19.2kgf or at least 19.4kgf or at least 19.6kgf or at least 19.8kgf or at least 20.0kgf or at least 20.2kgf or at least 20.4kgf or at least 20.6kgf or at least 20.8kgf or at least 20.9kgf or at least 21. Ikgf or at least 21.2kgf or at least 21.3kgf. In another aspect, the body may comprise tensile strength of not greater than 40.0kgf or not greater than 38.5kgf or not greater than 33.5kgf or not greater than 31.5kgf or not greater than 28.8kgf or not greater than 26.5kgf or not greater than 27.6kgf or not greater than 25.8kgf or not greater than 24.5kgf or not greater than 22.2kgf. In a particular aspect, the first portion may include tensile strength in a range including any of the minimum and maximum values noted herein. Tensile strength can be measured according to ASTM D5034 - 09(2017), Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test), as measured in the machine direction. In an embodiment, the first portion can comprise a particular air permeability. The air permeability can be measured according to ASTM D737, Standard Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics.

In an embodiment, the first portion can comprise a particular pore size (i.e., mean pore size). The pore size can be measured according to ASTM D6767 - 16, Standard Test Method for Pore Size Characteristics of Geotextiles by Capillary Flow Test.

In another embodiment, the scrubbing article can comprise a particular loft (i.e., thickness), or any combination thereof that may facilitate improved property and performance of the scrubbing article. In an example, the body may include a loft thickness of 8mm to 25mm, such as 9mm to 20mm or 10mm to 15mm. The loft thickness can be tested using a loft meter. In another embodiment, the body of the nonwoven hand tool may comprise a particular Toughness (or Work of Rupture), which is a measure or calculation of the area under the curve of a plot of stress vs. strain, based on values measured during tensile strength testing.

In an embodiment, the body of the scrubbing article and/or the first portion can comprise a beneficial Machine Direction Orientation Index as measured according to NWSP 407.0.R0(15), “Fiber Orientation Distribution of Nonwoven Fabrics.”

In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may comprise a particular elongation percentage in the machine direction (i.e., percentage of elongation before breakage and/or separation of fibers 104). In an embodiment, the scrubbing article may comprise an elongation percentage of at least 5%, such as at least 10%; additionally or alternatively, the elongation percentage may be not greater than 60%, such as not greater than 50% or not greater than 40%. Elongation can be measured according to ASTM D5034 - 09(2017), Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test), as measured in the machine direction.

In a further embodiment, the first portion may be impregnated with abrasive particles. In at least one embodiment, the scrubbing article may include a body that may be free of abrasive particles.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or more of the embodiments as listed below.

EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1. A scrubbing article comprising: a body including: a first portion comprising a web of non-woven fibers, wherein the first portion comprises a stiffness of not greater than 40000mg; and a second portion coupled to the first portion, wherein the second portion comprises a different structure than the first portion, wherein the body comprises a peel strength of greater than 3.05kgf.

Embodiment 2. The scrubbing article of embodiment 1, wherein the peel strength is at least 3.07kgf or at least 3.12kgf or at least 3.15kgf or at least 3.19kgf or at least 3.23kgf or at least 3.28kgf or at least 3.33kgf or at least 3.37kgf or at least 3.40kgf or at least 3.45kgf or at least 3.48kgf or at least 3.53kgf or at least 3.57kgf or at least 3.59kgf or at least 3.61kgf or at least 3.65kgf or at least 3.68kgf or at least 3.71kgf or at least 3.73kgf or at least 3.80kgf or at least 3.90kgf or at least 4.05kgf or at least 4.1 Ikgf or at least 4.23kgf or at least 4.30kgf; and/or wherein the peel strength is not greater than 8.10kgf or not greater than 7.85kgf or not greater than 7.35kgf or not greater than 7.12kgf or not greater than 6.88kgf or not greater than 6.53kgf or not greater than 6.15kgf or not greater than 5.85kgf or not greater than 5.42kgf or not greater than 5.13kgf or not greater than 4.83kgf or not greater than 4.76kgf or greater than 4.25kgf or not greater than 3.90kgf.

Embodiment 3. The scrubbing article of embodiment 1 or 2, where the scrubbing article comprises a stiffness of at least 27000mg or at least 29000mg or at least 30000mg or at least 3 lOOOmg or at least 32000mg or at least 33OOOmg or at least 34200mg or at least 35000mg or at least 36000mg or at least 37000mg or at least 38OOOmg or at least 39000mg or at least 40000mg or at least 42000mg or at least 43000mg or at least 44000mg or at least 45000mg or at least 46000mg or at least 47000mg; and/or wherein the stiffness of the abrasive article is no greater than 54000mg or no greater than 53900mg or no greater than 53800mg or no greater than 53700mg or no greater than 53200mg or no greater than 53000mg or no greater than 5 lOOOmg or no greater than 50300mg or no greater than 49200mg or no greater than 49000mg or no greater than 47500mg or no greater than 46900mg or no greater than 45200mg or no greater than 44700mg or no greater than 43600mg or no greater than 42500mg or not greater than 41300mg or not greater than 40000mg or not greater than 39500mg or not greater than 38500mg.

Embodiment 4. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first portion comprises the stiffness of not greater than 38OOOmg or not greater than 35000mg or not greater than 33OOOmg or not greater than 3 lOOOmg or not greater than 30000mg or not greater than 28500mg or not greater than 28000mg or not greater than 27000mg or not greater than 26000mg or not greater than 25500mg or not greater than 25000mg or not greater than 24500mg or not greater than 23500mg or not greater than 23000mg or not greater than 21000mg or not greater than 20000mg or not greater than 19000mg or not greater than 18000mg or not greater than 17000mg or not greater than 16000mg or not greater than 15500mg or not greater than 15000mg; and/or wherein the first portion comprises the stiffness of greater than 11230mg or greater than 1254 Img or at least 12550mg or at least 12600mg or at least 12800gm or at least 13000mg or at least 13100mg or at least 13180mg or at least 13200mg or at least 13500mg or at least 138OOmg or at least 14000mg or at least 14200mg or at least 14400mg or at least 14600mg or at least 14800mg or at least 15000mg or at least 15200mg or at least 15320mg or at least 15400mg or at least 15670mg or at least 16000mg or at least 16500mg or at least 17000mg or at least 17500mg or at least 17750mg or at least 18000mg or at least 18O3Omg or at least 18100mg.

Embodiment 5. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first portion comprises a binding material overlying at least a portion of the web, wherein the binding material comprises an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof, wherein the binding material comprises a thermoplastic.

Embodiment 6. The scrubbing article of embodiment 5, wherein the binding material comprises a FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ and/or at a wavenumber from 2800cm’ ¹ to 3100cm’ ¹ .

Embodiment 7. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 6, wherein the binding material comprises a glass transition temperature Tg of not greater than 99 °C or not greater than 90 °C or not greater than 80 °C or not greater than 70 °C or not greater than 60 °C or not greater than 50 °C or not greater than 40 °C or not greater than 35 °C or not greater than 20 °C; and/or wherein the binding material comprises a glass transition temperature Tg of at least -26 °C or at least -20 °C or at least -15 °C or at least -10 °C or at least -5 °C or at least 1 °C or at least 5 °C or at least 10 °C or at least 15 °C or at least 20 °C or at least 24 °C or at least 28 °C or at least 30 °C or at least 35 °C.

Embodiment 8. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the binding material comprises an acrylic -based material, wherein the binding material comprises poly (methyl methacrylate).

Embodiment 9. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the binding material comprises melamine formaldehyde and cross-linked acrylic.

Embodiment 10. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 9, wherein the binding material comprises a first binding material applied to the first portion by spray- coating, wherein the first binding material overlies at least a portion, a majority, or essentially an entirety of the web.

Embodiment 11. The scrubbing article of embodiment 10, wherein the binding material comprises a second binding material applied to the first portion by dip-coating, wherein the second binding material overlies at least a portion of the first coating, the web, or both.

Embodiment 12. The scrubbing article of embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the binding material comprises a second binding material applied to the first portion by dip-coating, wherein the second binding material overlies at least a majority or essentially an entirety of the first binding material, wherein at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first portion comprises the second binding material.

Embodiment 13. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 12, wherein the binding material comprises a coating density of at least 210GSM or at least 220GSM or at least 2400GSM or at least 260GSM or at least 280GSM or at least 300GSM or at least 320GSM or at least 350GSM or at least 370GSM or at least 395GSM or at least 410GSM or at least 440GSM or at least 460GSM or at least 480GSM or at least 500GSM; and/or wherein the binding material comprises a coating density of not greater than 600GSM or no greater than 550GSM or no greater than 530GSM or no greater than 510GSM or no greater than 480GSM or no greater than 460GSM.

Embodiment 14. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 13, wherein the binding material comprises filler, wherein the filler comprises hydrophobic and/or partially hydrophobic filler, wherein the filler comprises particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size D50 of Inm to 100 microns, wherein the filler comprises nanoparticles.

Embodiment 15. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 14, wherein the filler comprises a calcium carbonate filler, a silica filler, silicates, e.g., aluminum silicates, or a mixture thereof.

Embodiment 16. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 5 to 15, wherein the filler comprises silica, wherein the filler comprises fumed silica, precipitated silica, colloidal silica or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 17. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the web comprises a blend of a plurality of nonwoven fibers including polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 18. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the second portion comprises a first fiber element comprising a woven or non-woven material; and a second fiber element comprising metal, wherein the second fiber element comprises at least one self-interlocking arrangement.

Embodiment 19. The scrubbing article of embodiment 18, wherein the second fiber element comprising a metal ribbon having a length L, a width W, and a thickness T, where L>W>T, and wherein the aspect ratio, W:T, is at least 1.2.

Embodiment 20. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the first portion is attached to the second portion via an adhesive layer comprising a hot melt.

Embodiment 21. The scrubbing article of embodiment 20, wherein the hot melt comprises a glue density of at least 90GSM or at least 100GSM or at least 110GSM; and/or wherein the glue density is not greater than 175GSM or not greater than 165GSM or not greater than 160GSM or not greater than 145GSM or not greater than 130GSM or not greater than 120GSM or not greater than 110GSM or not greater than 100GSM or not greater than 90GSM.

Embodiment 22. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 20 to 21, wherein the adhesive layer comprises polyurethane.

Embodiment 23. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the adhesive layer comprises polyurethane cross-linked to an acrylic-based material.

Embodiment 24. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the scrubbing article is essentially free of abrasive particles.

Embodiment 25. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of plys bound to each other, wherein each ply comprises a web of non-woven fibers; and wherein the first portion comprises peel strength greater than 2.06kgf.

Embodiment 26. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the first portion comprises the peel strength of greater than 2.45kg/ inch or greater than 2.68kgf or at least 2.70kgf or at least 2.72kgf or at least 2.74kgf or at least 2.76kgf or at least 2.78kgf or at least 2.80kgf or at least 2.82kgf or at least 2.84kgf or at least 2.86kgf or at least 2.88kgf or at least 2.90kgf or at least 2.92kgf or at least 2.94kgf or at least 2.96kgf or at least 2.98kgf or at least 3.00kgf or at least 3.02kgf or at least 3.24kgf or at least 3.06kgf or at least 3.08kgf or at least 3.10kgf or at least 3.12kgf or at least 3.15kgf or at least 3.20kgf or at least 3.25kgf or at least 3.30kgf or at least 3.40kgf or at least 3.50kgf or at least 3.60kgf or at least 3.70kgf or at least 3.75kgf or at least 3.80kgf or at least 3.93kgf or at least 3.96kgf or at least 3.98kgf.

Embodiment 27. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the first portion comprises the peel strength of not greater than 8.10kgf or not greater than 8.05kgf or not greater than 8.00kgf or not greater than 7.85kgf or not greater than 7.55kgf or not greater than 7.35kgf or not greater than 7.25kgf or not greater than 7.12kgf or not greater than 7.00kgf or not greater than 6.85kgf or not greater than 6.60kgf or not greater than 6.50kgf or not greater than 6.30kgf or not greater than 6.20kgf or not greater than 6.10kgf or not greater than 5.90kgf or not greater than 5.80kgf or not greater than 5.70kgf or not greater than 5.65kgf or not greater than 5.50kgf or not greater than 5.30kgf or not greater than 5.20kgf or not greater than 5.10kgf or not greater than 4.90kgf or not greater than 4.80kgf or not greater than 4.70kgf or not greater than 4.65kgf or not greater than 4.50kgf or not greater than 4.50kgf or not greater than 4.35kgf or not greater than 4.25kgf or not greater than 4.20kgf or not greater than 4.15kgf.

Embodiment 28. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the body comprises the stiffness of not greater than 38OOOmg or not greater than 35000mg or not greater than 33OOOmg or not greater than 3 lOOOmg or not greater than 30000mg or not greater than 28500mg or not greater than 28000mg or not greater than 27000mg or not greater than 26000mg or not greater than 25500mg or not greater than 25000mg or not greater than 24500mg or not greater than 23500mg or not greater than 23000mg or not greater than 2 lOOOmg or not greater than 20000mg or not greater than 19000mg or not greater than 18000mg or not greater than 17000mg or not greater than 16000mg or not greater than 15500mg or not greater than 15000mg.

Embodiment 29. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the first portion comprises the stiffness of not greater than 38OOOmg or not greater than 35000mg or not greater than 33OOOmg or not greater than 3 lOOOmg or not greater than 30000mg or not greater than 28500mg or not greater than 28000mg or not greater than 27000mg or not greater than 26000mg or not greater than 25500mg or not greater than 25000mg or not greater than 24500mg or not greater than 23500mg or not greater than 23000mg or not greater than 2 lOOOmg or not greater than 20000mg or not greater than 19000mg or not greater than 18000mg or not greater than 17000mg or not greater than 16000mg or not greater than 15500mg or not greater than 15000mg.

Embodiment 30. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the first portion comprises the stiffness of greater than 11230mg or greater than 1254 Img or at least 12550mg or at least 12600mg or at least 12800gm or at least 13000mg or at least 13100mg or at least 13180mg or at least 13200mg or at least 13500mg or at least 138OOmg or at least 14000mg or at least 14200mg or at least 14400mg or at least 14600mg or at least 14800mg or at least 15000mg or at least 15200mg or at least 15320mg or at least 15400mg or at least 15670mg or at least 16000mg or at least 16500mg or at least 17000mg or at least 17500mg or at least 17750mg or at least 18000mg or at least 18O3Omg or at least 18100mg.

Embodiment 31. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the portion comprises tensile strength of at least 14.6kgf or at least 18.1kgf or at least 18.3kgf or at least 18.4kgf or at least 18.6kgf or at least 18.8kgf or at least 19.0kgf or at least 19.2kgf or at least 19.4kgf or at least 19.6kgf or at least 19.8kgf or at least 20.0kgf or at least 20.2kgf or at least 20.4kgf or at least 20.6kgf or at least 20.8kgf or at least 20.9kgf or at least 21. Ikgf or at least 21.2kgf or at least 21.3kgf.

Embodiment 32. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein the portion comprises tensile strength of not greater than 40.0kgf or not greater than 38.5kgf or not greater than 33.5kgf or not greater than 31.5kgf or not greater than 28.8kgf or not greater than 26.5kgf or not greater than 27.6kgf or not greater than 25.8kgf or not greater than 24.5kgf or not greater than 22.2kgf.

Embodiment 33. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the web comprises a blend of a plurality of fibers comprising a first type of fibers and a second type of fibers, and wherein the first type of fibers is different from the second type of fibers in composition, construction, denier, length, ratio, shape, thickness, type, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 34. The scrubbing article of embodiment 33, wherein the first type fiber is different from the second type of fibers in composition, wherein the first type fibers, the second type of fibers, or both comprise organic fibers.

Embodiment 35. The scrubbing article of embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the first type of fibers, the second type of fibers, or both comprise a polymeric material.

Embodiment 36. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the first type of fibers comprises polyamide, wherein the second type of fibers comprises polyester and/ trilobal polyester.

Embodiment 37. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises the first type of fibers consisting of polyamide fibers and the second type of fibers consisting of solid polyester fibers and/or trilobal polyester. Embodiment 38. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 37, wherein the first type of fibers comprise nylon, wherein the second type of fibers comprises polyethylene terephthalate and/or trilobal polyester.

Embodiment 39. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 38, wherein the web comprises a blend of a plurality of fibers comprising solid polyester fibers and/or trilobal polyester.

Embodiment 40. The scrubbing article of embodiment 37, wherein the blend of the plurality of fibers comprises solid polyethylene terephthalate fibers and/or trilobal polyester.

Embodiment 41. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the web comprises a blend of a plurality of fibers consisting of polyamide fibers and polyester fibers and/or trilobal polyester, wherein polyester fibers consist of solid fibers, wherein trilobal polyester fibers consist of solid fibers.

Embodiment 42. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 41, wherein a difference between a first denier of the first type of fibers and a second denier of the second type of fibers is within 20% of the bigger of the first and second denier or not greater than 15% or not greater than 12% or not greater than 10% or not greater 8% or not greater than 6% or not greater than 4% or not greater than 2% or not greater than 1% of the bigger of the first and second denier.

Embodiment 43. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 42, wherein a first denier of the first type of fibers is essentially the same as a second denier of the second type of fibers.

Embodiment 44. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 43, wherein a first denier of the first type of fiber and a second denier of the second type of fiber is independently not greater than 60 or not greater than 55 or not greater than 53 or not greater than 51 or not greater than 49 or not greater than 46 or not greater than 42 or not greater than 40 or not greater than 36 or not greater than 33 or not greater than 29 or not greater than 25 or not greater than 23 or not greater than 21 or not greater than 19 or not greater than 17 or not greater than 15 or not greater than 13.

Embodiment 45. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 44, wherein a first denier of the first type of fiber and a second denier of the second type of fiber is independently at least 10 or at least 11 or at least 12 or at least 13 or at least 14 or at least 15 or at least 16 or at least 18 or at least 20 or at least 22 or at least 24 or at least 27 or at least 31 or at least 36 or at least 38 or at least 40 or at least 44. Embodiment 46. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 45, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises: 5 to 95wt% of the first type of fibers for a total weight of the blend; and 5 to 95wt% of the second type of fibers for a total weight of the blend.

Embodiment 47. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 46, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises 25wt% to 75wt% of the first type of fiber or 30wt% to 70wt% or 35wt% to 65wt% or 40wt% to 60wt% or 45wt% to 55wt% of the first type of fiber for a total weight of the blend; and 25wt% to 75wt% of the second type of fiber or 30wt% to 70wt% or 35wt% to 65wt% or 40wt% to 60wt% or 45wt% to 55wt% of the second type of fiber for a total weight of the blend.

Embodiment 48. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 33 to 46, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises 50% of the first type of fiber and 50% of the second type of fiber.

Embodiment 49. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 48, wherein the body comprises a binding material, wherein at least some of the non-woven fibers are coated with the binding material.

Embodiment 50. The scrubbing article of embodiment 49, wherein at least some of the plurality of plys are bound to one another via the binding material.

Embodiment 51. The scrubbing article of embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the binding material comprises an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof, wherein the binding material comprises a thermoplastic, a thermoset, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 52. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 48 to 51, wherein the binding material comprises a FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ , at a wavenumber between 1200cm’ ¹ to 1300cm’ ¹ , at a wavenumber between 1320cm’ ¹ to 1410cm’ ¹ , at a wavenumber from 1600cm’ ¹ to 1700cm’ ¹ , or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 53. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 48 to 52, wherein the binding material comprises a FTIR peak of absorbance at a wavenumber from 2979cm’ ¹ to 3016cm’ ¹ .

Embodiment 54. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 53, wherein the binding material comprises a glass transition temperature Tg of not greater than 99 °C or not greater than 90 °C or not greater than 80 °C or not greater than 70 °C or not greater than 60 °C or not greater than 50 °C or not greater than 40 °C or not greater than 35 °C or not greater than 20 °C. Embodiment 55. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 54, wherein the binding material comprises a glass transition temperature Tg of at least -26 °C or at least - 20 °C or at least -15 °C or at least -10 °C or at least -5 °C or at least 1 °C or at least 5 °C or at least 10 °C or at least 15 °C or at least 20 °C or at least 24 °C or at least 28 °C or at least 30 °C or at least 35 °C.

Embodiment 56. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 55, wherein the binding material comprises an acrylic, wherein the binding material comprises an acrylicbased material, wherein the binding material comprises poly(methyl methacrylate).

Embodiment 57. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 56, wherein the binding material comprises melamine formaldehyde and cross-linked acrylic.

Embodiment 58. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 1 to 57, wherein the body comprises a first coating overlying at least some of the non-woven fibers and a second coating overlying at least a portion of the first coating, at least some of the non-woven fibers, or both, wherein the first coating comprises a different material than the second coating.

Embodiment 59. The scrubbing article of embodiment 58, wherein the first coating is applied by spray-coating and the second coating is applied by dip coating after the first coating is applied.

Embodiment 60. The scrubbing article of embodiment 58 or 59, wherein the first coating, the second coating, or both comprises a binding material comprising acrylic, wherein the acrylic comprises poly(methyl methacrylate); and/or wherein the first coating, the second coating, or both comprises a binding material comprising acrylic cross-linked with another resin, wherein the other resin comprises phenyl resin, melamine formaldehyde, epoxy, alkyd, starch, urea-formaldehyde, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 61. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 60, wherein the binding material comprises a coating density of at least 210GSM or at least 220GSM or at least 230GSM or at least 240GSM or at least 250GSM at least 260GSM or at least 280GSM or at least 300GSM or at least 320GSM or at least 350GSM or at least 370GSM or at least 395GSM or at least 410GSM or at least 440GSM or at least 460GSM or at least 480GSM or at least 500GSM.

Embodiment 62. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 61, wherein the binding material comprises a coating density of not greater than 600GSM or no greater than 550GSM or no greater than 530GSM or no greater than 510GSM or no greater than 480GSM or no greater than 460GSM or no greater than 410GSM or no greater than 390GSM or no greater than 350GSM or no greater than 310GSM or no greater than 290GSM or no greater than 260GSM.

Embodiment 63. The scrubbing article of any one of embodiments 49 to 62, wherein the binding material comprises filler, wherein the filler comprises hydrophobic or partial hydrophilic filler, wherein the filler comprises particles having an average particle size of Inm to lOOmicrons.

Embodiment 64. The scrubbing article of embodiment 63, wherein the filler comprises a calcium carbonate filler, silicates, e.g., aluminum silicates, a silica filler, or a mixture thereof.

Embodiment 65. The scrubbing article of embodiment 63 or 64, wherein the filler comprises silica, wherein the filler comprises fumed silica, precipitated silica, colloidal silica or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 66. The scrubbing article of embodiments 1 to 65, wherein the nonwoven fibers comprise a weight of at least 150GSM or at least 170GSM or at least 190GSM or at least 210GSM or at least 230GSM or at least 250GSM.

Embodiment 67. The scrubbing article of embodiments 1 to 66, wherein the nonwoven fibers comprise a weight of not greater than 320GSM or not greater than 305GSM or not greater than 385GSM or not greater than 270GSM or not greater than 250GSM or not greater than 230GSM or not greater than 220GSM.

Embodiment 68. The scrubbing article of embodiments 1 to 67, wherein the nonwoven is essentially free of abrasive particles.

Example 1

Nonwoven Samples B1-B5 are formed. Loose webs are prepared using air-laid technology and different kinds of staple fibers made out of Nylon and polyester and needled to give fiber entanglement. Details of the fibers are included in Table 2. The webs are sprayed with the first binding material, an emulsion latex based formulation included in Table 1, on both sides to improve mechanical strength. RHOPLEX™ TR-407 Emulsion is a self crosslinkable acrylic emulsion in water including Methyl methacrylate. Wet webs are cured at 140-150 °C to allow coating formation on the fibers. Table 1

Table 2

Samples Bl, B2, and B5 are used to form Samples D-l, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D-7 by dip coating the webs. Sample B3 failed the Taber abrasion test and was believed not suitable for making a nonwoven hand tool and thus not used further. Samples Bl, B2, and B5 have a dry GSM range of 330-350.

Dip coating is performed with Samples Bl, B2, and B5 and different latex formulations containing functional additives. Formulation details are included in Table 3. Primal™ NW-1845K Binder is a non-crosslinkable styrene acrylic binder including a- Methylstyrene and N-butylmethacrylate. Dip coatings are performed by dipping the webs and squeezing through rolls to allow the latex formulation to penetrate and saturate the fibers throughout the products. Dip coated webs are then cured at 140-150 °C. Details of Samples D-l, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D-7 are included in Table 3. The dry GSM of the samples after curing is 430+50. Properties of Samples D-l, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D-7 were tested and included in Table

3. The measurements of the properties in Table 3 are the average of at least 3 samples for each sample designation. Table 3

The data suggests Samples D-2 and D-4 demonstrated improved combined properties of stiffness, peel strength and/or tensile strength compared to Samples D-l, D-3, and D-7. Properties of Samples B2 and D-2 are tested and included in Table 4. The measurements of the properties in Table 4 are the average of at least 3 samples for each sample designation. D-2 demonstrated improved stiffness, peel strength and tensile strength compared to B2.

Table 4 FIG. 7 includes a readout of an FTIR analysis of Rhoplex TR407 (referred to as D-2B in FIG. 7) and Nwl845K latex, wt% (referred to as D-7B in FIG. 7). It can be observed D- 2B has a distinct FTIR absorbance profile than D-7B. For instance, different absorbance can be observed at wavenumber from 900cm’ ¹ to 1100cm’ ¹ , wavenumber from 960cm’ ¹ to 1050cm’ ¹ , wavenumber from 1320cm’ ¹ to 1410cm’ ¹ , and/or wavenumber from 2979cm’ ¹ to 3016cm’ ¹ . FIGs. 8 and 9 include data from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of D-7B and D-2B, respectively. It can be observed D-7B has the glass transition temperature of -26.79 °C and D-2B includes the glass transition temperature of 24.49 °C.

Scrubber samples P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-6, P-7, and P-8 are formed using Samples D-l, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D-7 as the backings. Details of the samples are included in Table 5 below.

The scrubbers are prepared by laminating the backings of D-l, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D- 7 onto steel cloths. A hot melt glue (i.e., PU-HMG-609.45) is applied to backings to form Samples P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, and P-6. This operation is carried out using a kiss coating technique by applying melted polyurethane with a GSM of 90-110 to the backings. Once the glue is applied on the backing, steel cloth is laminated on the glue side. The laminated articles are cured at ambient temperature for 24 hours to allow complete solidification of the glue layer.

Scrubber samples P7 are prepared by spraying solvent based polyurethane (i.e., PL101) with a concentration of 180-220GSM onto the backing and then being laminated with steel cloth. The laminated articles are cured for 24 hours at ambient temperature to remove solvent.

Scrubber samples P8 are prepared by spraying water based polyurethane (SIMALFA 900PU) with a concentration of 180-220GSM on the backing and being laminated with steel cloth. The laminated articles are cured at ambient temperature for 24 hours.

Properties and performance of the scrubber articles were tested and the average of at least 3 samples for each sample designation is included in Table 5. Stiffness of the scrubbing articles was tested according to the embodiments herein. Peel strength was tested using accelerated method according to the embodiments herein. Table 5

Longevity was tested as follows. Stainless steel plates were buffed with a nonwoven plate. A mixture was prepared according to the composition detailed below in Table 6. 25 g of the mixture was added to the stainless steel plate and spread into a 7-8” diameter. The stainless steel plate with the food mixture was placed on a 200° hot plate and the food was charred for 2 minutes. The charred food was then allowed to cool at room temperature. An exo dish wash soap bar was grated, and the grated soap was mixed with water in a 1 : 1 wt ratio. 5 ml of the soap solution was dispensed onto the charred food plate. The plate was scrubbed using a sample scrubber 6 times in the clockwise direction and 6 times in the counterclockwise direction. The time spent scrubbing was recorded. After scrubbing 6 times in each direction, the timer was stopped, and the plate was rinsed with flowing water. The scrubbing, timing, and rinsing steps were repeated until the charred food was completely removed. The process was repeated multiple times daily with the total scrubbing time being recorded. Efficacy was determined by the number of consecutive days the scrubber samples can completely remove 25 g of the charred food described above from the stainless steel plate at a rate of less than 36 seconds. Table 6

It can be observed that Samples D2 and D4 demonstrated improved peel strength, efficacy, and longevity compared to the rest of the samples.

Example 2

A representative scrubber article sample, S2, was formed in the same manner as Sample P2 of Example 1. Sample S3 was formed in the same manner as Sample P7 of Example 1. Sample S4 was formed in the same manner as Sample D2 of Example 1. Sample S4 was used as a reference sample for XPS analysis of Samples S2-S3. The XPS analysis was performed as described in embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 includes core carbon (Is) spectra of Samples S2 to S4. Sample S4 has a binding energy peak at 284.6 eV that corresponds to carbon bound to carbon (C-C). Sample S2 has a binding energy peak at 283.64 eV that corresponds to C-C and/or C-0 having pi transition and another energy peak at 288.5 eV that corresponds to O-C=O. Sample S3 has a binding energy peak at 286.31 eV that corresponds to C-O-C, C=O, C-N, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 11 includes core oxygen (Is) spectra of Samples S2 to S4. Sample S4 has a binding energy peak at 531.96 eV. Sample S3 has a binding energy peak at 533.67 eV that corresponds to O-(C=O)-O, C=O, or any combination thereof. The peaks at 531.5 to 532 eV correspond to C-O. Sample S2 has a binding energy peak at 531.21 eV that corresponds to C-O.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. Reference herein to a material including one or more components may be interpreted to include at least one embodiment wherein the material consists essentially of the one or more components identified. The term “consisting essentially” will be interpreted to include a composition including those materials identified and excluding all other materials except in minority contents (e.g., impurity contents), which do not significantly alter the properties of the material. Additionally, or in the alternative, in certain non-limiting embodiments, any of the compositions identified herein may be essentially free of materials that are not expressly disclosed. The embodiments herein include a range of contents for certain components within a material, and it will be appreciated that the contents of the components within a given material total 100%. The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.