Launderable plant-based substrate that is thermally bonded with biobased fibers

Abstract

Described herein are nonwoven fabrics, wipers, and methods of making thereof. According to one or more aspects, a nonwoven fabric includes an entangled web of individualized bast fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. At least a portion of the bast fibers and a portion of the PLA fibers are thermally bonded together.

1 . A nonwoven fabric, comprising:
 an entangled web of individualized bast fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) fibers;   wherein at least a portion of the bast fibers and a portion of the PLA fibers are thermally bonded together.   
     
     
         2 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1 , wherein the PLA fibers are present in an amount in a range from about 8 to about 30 weight % (wt. %). 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1 , wherein the individualized bast fibers have a mean length of about 6 to about 55 millimeters (mm). 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1 , wherein the PLA fibers have a melting point of about 120° C. to about 170° C. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 1 , wherein the individualized bast fibers are substantially pectin-free. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A nonwoven fabric, comprising:
 an entangled web of individualized bast fibers, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, and cellulose fibers;   wherein at least a portion of the PLA fibers are thermally bonded to the bast fibers and at least a portion of the PLA fibers are thermally bonded to the cellulose fibers.   
     
     
         18 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the cellulose fibers are regenerated cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         19 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the PLA fibers are present in an amount in a range from about 8 to about 30 weight % (wt. %). 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the individualized bast fibers have a mean length of about 6 to about 55 millimeters (mm). 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is biodegradable according to ASTM International D6400 or D6868 standard tests. 
     
     
         28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the PLA fibers have a melting point of about 120° C. to about 170° C. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The nonwoven fabric of  claim 17 , wherein the individualized bast fibers are substantially pectin-free. 
     
     
         35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method of making a nonwoven fabric, the method comprising:
 forming a web comprising individualized bast fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) fibers;   entangling the individualized bast fibers and the PLA fibers; and   heating to thermally bond at least a portion of the individualized bast fibers with at least a portion of the PLA fibers.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the web further comprises cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the cellulose fibers are regenerated cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein heating is performed at a temperature of about 120° C. to about 170° C. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the PLA fibers are present in an amount in a range from about 8 to about 30 weight % (wt. %). 
     
     
         41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the individualized bast fibers have a mean length of about 6 to about 55 millimeters (mm). 
     
     
         44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the PLA fibers have a melting point of about 120° C. to about 170° C. 
     
     
         46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the individualized bast fibers are substantially pectin-free. 
     
     
         48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . (canceled)