MD STRETCH LAMINATE HAVING CD STRETCH
The presently described technology provides a machine-direction stretch elastic laminate having in addition cross-direction stretch. The elastomeric laminate comprises an elastic film layer laminated to at least one nonwoven fabric layer and may be used in elasticized features of various articles, such as disposable absorbent articles. Methods for producing the elastic laminate are also described.
1 . A laminated elastic composite comprising:
(a) at least one nonwoven fabric layer;
(b) at least one elastic film layer laminated to at least one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, the elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction, wherein the elastic film layer is stretched to at least about 50% of its initial machine direction length prior to lamination; and
wherein the laminated elastic composite has a machine direction tensile force at 50% elongation of less than about 10 Newtons/25.4 mm and a cross direction tensile force at 25% elongation of less than about 6 Newtons/25.4 mm.
2 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the elastic film layer is stretched to at least about 20% or greater of its initial cross direction length prior to lamination.
3 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the elastic film layer is stretched to at least about 40% of its initial cross direction length prior to lamination.
4 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the nonwoven fabric layer is gathered.
5 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the nonwoven fabric layer is corrugated.
6 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the machine direction tensile force at 50% elongation is less than about 5 Newtons/25.4 mm.
7 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the cross direction tensile force at 25% elongation is less than about 4 Newtons/25.4 mm.
8 . The laminated elastic composite of claim 1 , wherein the composite further comprises at least one additional nonwoven fabric layer laminated to an opposite surface of the elastic film layer.
9 - 27 . (canceled)
28 . A disposable article comprising: at least one laminated elastic composite comprising:
(a) at least one nonwoven fabric layer;
(b) at least one elastic film layer laminated to at least one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, the elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction, wherein the elastic film layer is stretched to at least about 50% of its initial machine direction length prior to lamination; and
wherein the laminated elastic composite has a machine direction tensile force at 50% elongation of less than about 10 Newtons/25.4 mm and a cross direction tensile force at 25% elongation of less than about 6 Newtons/25.4 mm.