Multi-Region Pulp Article

Abstract

Molded pulp article having two or more differing regions in a single layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-region pulp article comprising:
 a first region comprising a first pulp-fiber type;   a second region comprising a second pulp-fiber type;   wherein the first region and the second region are disposed in a single pulp layer;   wherein the first fiber-type differs from the second fiber-type;   wherein at least one of the first region or second region comprises one or more additives.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein a transition layer is disposed between at a portion of the first region and second region. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises at least 90% of a fiber-type and the second region comprises at least 90% of a differing fiber type. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises at least 80% of a fiber-type and the second region comprises at least 80% of a differing fiber type. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises at least 70% of a fiber-type and the second region comprises at least 70% of a differing fiber type. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 2 , wherein the transition region comprises less than 70% of at least one of a first pulp-fiber type or a second pulp-fiber type. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 2 , wherein the transition region comprises less than 60% of at least one of a first pulp-fiber type or a second pulp-fiber type. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first pulp-fiber type or the second pulp-fiber type comprises a cellulose pulp fiber. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 8 , wherein the cellulose pulp fiber is at least one mechanically treated or chemically treated. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 8 , wherein the cellulose pulp fiber is at least one of a hardwood pulp fiber or a softwood pulp fiber. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 10 , wherein the hardwood pulp fiber has average lengths in the range of about 0.7 mm to about 2 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 10 , wherein the softwood pulp fiber has average lengths in the range of about 2 mm to about 7 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises at least one of binder, dispersing agent, lubricating agent, or coating. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the second region comprises at least one of binder, dispersing agent, lubricating agent, or coating. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first region or second region has a density of about 350 kg/m3 to about 1200 kg/m3. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first region or second region has a tensile strength of about 3 kN/m to about 21 kN/m. 
     
     
         17 . The multi-region pulp article of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more additives are at least one of sizing agents, wet strength additives, dry strength additives, colorants, fillers, dispersing agents, binders, and lubricating agents.