Differentially entangled nonwoven fabric for use as wipes

Abstract

The invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven wipe, the outer surface of which exhibits highly entangled fibers whereas the inner layer exhibits lightly entangled fibers. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a fibrous batt that is subjected to fluidic energy, preferably hydraulic energy, applied to one or both faces of a fibrous batt. The hydraulic energy is moderated against the basis weight of the fibrous batt to achieve the degree of surface entanglement desired. Wipes formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit a sufficient degree of strength, softness and non-linting performance, while providing the necessary resistance to tearing and abrasion, to facilitate use in a wide variety of applications utilizing wipes, such as graphic arts and lithography.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A nonwoven wipe, comprising a single fibrous batt whereupon the single fibrous batt is entangled by the application of hydraulic energy to form a nonwoven wipe, said nonwoven wipe having a highly entangled outer surface region and a lightly entangled inner core region.  
     
     
         2 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 1  wherein the fibrous batt comprises cotton.  
     
     
         3 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 1  wherein the fibrous batt comprises a blend of cotton and synthetic staple fibers.  
     
     
         4 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 3  wherein the synthetic staple fibers are selected from the group consisting of viscose cellulose, polyacrylates, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and the combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 1  formed by the application of hydraulic energy in the range of about 0.040 to 0.060 hp-hr/lb.  
     
     
         6 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is imaged by the application of hydraulic energy upon a three-dimensional image transfer device having a movable imaging surface.  
     
     
         7 . A nonwoven wipe as in  claim 1 , wherein the fabric further comprises one or more physical performance enhancing chemistries.