Nonwoven Fabrics Comprised of Individualized Bast Fibers

• US 20140066872A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 03/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP (KOCH Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Baer, Samuel Charles, Lerch, Micheal Shea, Wright, Alan Edward
• Granted Patent: US 9,926,654 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/367
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/538 characterised by specific fibre orientation or weave
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2239/064 The fibres being mixed
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2239/1225 Fibre length
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/083 of organic material
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/1615 of natural origin
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/1623 of synthetic origin
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/18 the material being cellulose or derivatives thereof cork or peat B01D39/1646 ; making filter paper D21F11/14
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2262/02 Synthetic macromolecular fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2262/06 Vegetal fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2262/067 Wood fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2262/14 Mixture of at least two fibres made of different materials
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2305/188 Woven fabrics
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2305/20 in the form of a non-woven mat
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/724 Permeability to gases, adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2555/02 Diapers or napkins
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/12 next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/32 comprising polyolefins comprising vinyl (co)polymers or acrylic (co)polymers B32B27/30
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/40 comprising polyurethanes
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/10 characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. formed of separate pieces of material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/06 characterised by the heating method
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 : characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/223 : One or more of the layers being plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/0012 : Mechanical treatment, e.g. roughening, deforming, stretching
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/022 : Non-woven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/024 : Woven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/26 : another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers B32B5/12
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 7/12 : using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• CPC Class Codes: D01G 15/00 : Carding machines or accessories; Card clothing; Burr-crushing or removing arrangements associated with carding or other preliminary-treatment machines de-burring apparatus or machines operating independently D01B
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/4266 : Natural fibres not provided for in group D04H1/425
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/46 : by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres D04H1/45 takes precedence; needling machines D04H18/00
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/492 : by fluid jet D04H1/49 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/50 : by treatment to produce shrinking, swelling, crimping or curling of fibres in combination with needling D04H1/482
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/542 : Adhesive fibres
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/58 : by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives in combination with needling D04H1/488
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/64 : the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2481 : including layer of mechanically interengaged strands, strand-portions or strand-like strips
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3065 : Including strand which is of specific structural definition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/608 : Including strand or fiber material which is of specific structural definition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/627 : Strand or fiber material is specified as non-linear [e.g., crimped, coiled, etc.]

Abstract

Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Claims

1. A nonwoven fabric comprising a majority of individualized fibers which are substantially straight, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free and have a mean length greater than 6 millimeters (min).

2. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers are bast fibers.

3. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers are fibers extracted from flax, hemp, jute, ramie, nettle, Spanish broom, kenaf plants, or any combination thereof.

4. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 10% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

5. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 15% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

6. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 20% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

7. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers having a mean length of at least 7 mm.

8. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length of at least 8 mm.

9. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers having a mean length of at least 9 mm.

10. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length of at least 10 mm.

11. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length greater than 12 mm.

12. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, further comprising crimped or straight staple fibers.

13. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, further comprising crimped or straight man-made cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic fibers, or any combination thereof.

14. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a wet wiper, a dry wiper, an impregnated wiper, a sorbent, a medical supply product, a personal protective fabric, an automotive protective covering, a personal care article, a fluid filtration product, a home furnishing product, a thermal insulation product, an acoustic insulation product, an agricultural application product, a landscaping application product, or a geotextile application product.

15. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a baby wipe, a cosmetic wipe, a perinea wipe, a disposable washcloth, a kitchen wipe, a bath wipe, a hard surface wipe, a glass wipe, a mirror wipe, a leather wipe, an electronics wipe, a lens wipe, a polishing wipe, a medical cleaning wipe, a disinfecting wipe, a surgical drape, a surgical gown, a wound care product, a protective coverall, a sleeve protector, a diaper, a feminine care article, a nursing pad, an air filter, a water filter, an oil filter, or a furniture backing.

16. The nonwoven fabric of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric has thermoplastic fibers substantially dispersed among the individualized fibers and the nonwoven fabric has a pattern present on at least one surface.

17. A method of making the nonwoven fabric of claim 1, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web; and

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adding thermoplastic fibers to the individualized fibers and thermal bonding the nonwoven fabric.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein bonding is hydroentangling.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein bonding is mechanical needle punching.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein bonding is passing a heated air stream through the web.

22. A laminate comprising the nonwoven fabric of claim 1, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film.

23. The laminate of claim 22, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

24. The laminate of claim 22, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

25. The laminate of claim 22, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

26. The laminate of claim 22, wherein the film is a breathable film.

27. A method of making the laminate of claim 22, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers bundled with pectin to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web;

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric having a support surface;

disposing an adhesive onto either the support surface of the nonwoven fabric or a film;

disposing the film onto the support surface of the nonwoven fabric; and

nipping to form the laminate.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

31. A laminate comprising a first nonwoven fabric and another fabric bonded to the first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric being the nonwoven fabric of claim 1, the another fabric being at least one of a second nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric optionally being an additional nonwoven fabric of claim 1.

32. The laminate of claim 31, wherein the another fabric is bonded to the first nonwoven fabric with an adhesive.

33. A nonwoven fabric comprising a majority of fibers which are non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free and have a mean length greater than 10 mm.

34. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers are bast fibers.

35. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, further comprising crimped or straight staple fibers.

36. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers are fibers extracted from flax, hemp, jute, ramie, nettle, Spanish broom, kenaf plants, or any combination thereof.

37. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 10% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

38. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 15% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

39. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 20% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

40. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the non-cotton, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length greater than 12 mm.

41. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, further comprising crimped or straight man-made cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic fibers, or any combination thereof.

42. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a wet wiper, a dry wiper, an impregnated wiper, a sorbent, a medical supply product, a personal protective fabric, an automotive protective covering, a personal care article, a fluid filtration product, a home furnishing product, a thermal insulation product, an acoustic insulation product, an agricultural application product, a landscaping application product, or a geotextile application product.

43. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a baby wipe, a cosmetic wipe, a perinea wipe, a disposable washcloth, a kitchen wipe, a bath wipe, a hard surface wipe, a glass wipe, a mirror wipe, a leather wipe, an electronics wipe, a lens wipe, a polishing wipe, a medical cleaning wipe, a disinfecting wipe, a surgical drape, a surgical gown, a wound care product, a protective coverall, a sleeve protector, a diaper, a feminine care article, a nursing pad, an air filter, a water filter, an oil filter, or a furniture backing.

44. The nonwoven fabric of claim 33, wherein the nonwoven fabric has thermoplastic fibers substantially dispersed among the individualized fibers and the nonwoven fabric has a pattern present on at least one surface.

45. A method of making the nonwoven fabric of claim 33, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web; and

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising adding thermoplastic fibers to the individualized fibers and thermal bonding the nonwoven fabric.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein bonding is hydroentangling.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein bonding is mechanical needle punching.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein bonding is passing a heated air stream through the web.

50. A laminate comprising the nonwoven fabric of claim 33, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film.

51. The laminate of claim 50, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

52. The laminate of claim 50, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

53. The laminate of claim 50, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

54. The laminate of claim 50, wherein the film is a breathable film.

55. A method of making the laminate of claim 50, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers bundled with pectin to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web;

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric having a support surface;

disposing an adhesive onto either the support surface of the nonwoven fabric or a film;

disposing the film onto the support surface of the nonwoven fabric; and

nipping to form the laminate.

56. A laminate comprising a first nonwoven fabric and another fabric bonded to the first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric being the nonwoven fabric of claim 33, the another fabric being at least one of a second nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric optionally being an additional nonwoven fabric of claim 33.

57. The laminate of claim 56, wherein the another fabric is bonded to the first nonwoven fabric with an adhesive.

58. A nonwoven fabric comprising a majority of individualized fibers which are substantially straight, plant-based, and have a mean length greater than 10 mm.

59. The nonwoven fabric of claim 58, further comprising crimped or straight staple fibers.

60. The nonwoven fabric of claim 58, further comprising crimped or straight man-made cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic fibers, or any combination thereof.

61. The nonwoven fabric of claim 58, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a wet wiper, a dry wiper, an impregnated wiper, a sorbent, a medical supply product, a personal protective fabric, an automotive protective covering, a personal care article, a fluid filtration product, a home furnishing product, a thermal insulation product, an acoustic insulation product, an agricultural application product, a landscaping application product, or a geotextile application product.

62. The nonwoven fabric of claim 58, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a baby wipe, a cosmetic wipe, a perinea wipe, a disposable washcloth, a kitchen wipe, a bath wipe, a hard surface wipe, a glass wipe, a mirror wipe, a leather wipe, an electronics wipe, a lens wipe, a polishing wipe, a medical cleaning wipe, a disinfecting wipe, a surgical drape, a surgical gown, a wound care product, a protective coverall, a sleeve protector, a diaper, a feminine care article, a nursing pad, an air filter, a water filter, an oil filter, or a furniture backing.

63. The nonwoven fabric of claim 58, wherein the nonwoven fabric has thermoplastic fibers substantially dispersed among the individualized fibers and the nonwoven fabric has a pattern present on at least one surface.

64. A method of making the nonwoven fabric of claim 58, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web; and

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising adding thermoplastic fibers to the individualized fibers and thermal bonding the nonwoven fabric.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein bonding is hydroentangling.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein bonding is mechanical needle punching.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein bonding is passing a heated air stream through the web.

69. A laminate comprising the nonwoven fabric of claim 58, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film.

70. The laminate of claim 69, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

71. The laminate of claim 69, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

72. The laminate of claim 69, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

73. The laminate of claim 69, wherein the film is a breathable film.

74. A method of making the laminate of claim 69, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers bundled with pectin to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web;

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric having a support surface;

disposing an adhesive onto either the support surface of the nonwoven fabric or a film;

disposing the film onto the support surface of the nonwoven fabric; and

nipping to form the laminate.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

76. The method of claim 74, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

77. The method of claim 74, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

78. A laminate comprising a first nonwoven fabric and another fabric bonded to the first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric being the nonwoven fabric of claim 58, the another fabric being at least one of a second nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric optionally being an additional nonwoven fabric of claim 58.

79. The laminate of claim 78, wherein the another fabric is bonded to the first nonwoven fabric with an adhesive.

80. A nonwoven fabric formed of a majority of fibers comprising individualized bast fibers with less than 10% of the pectin content of the naturally occurring bundled bast fiber from which the individualized bast fibers are derived, the individualized bast fibers being formed into an unbounded web in the dry state, and the bast fibers having a mean length greater than 12 mm.

81. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is formed by a method employing a mechanical card.

82. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is formed by a method employing a combination of a mechanical card and a forced air stream.

83. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is bonded by hydroentangling.

84. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the hydroentangled web is treated with an aqueous adhesive and exposed to heat.

85. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is bonded by mechanical needle punching.

86. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is bonded by passing a heated air stream through the web.

87. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the web is bonded by applying an aqueous adhesive to the unbounded web and exposing the web to heat.

88. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the individualized bast fibers comprise less than 20% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring bundled bast fiber.

89. The nonwoven fabric of claim 80, wherein the individualized bast fibers comprise less than 0.15% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring bundled bast fiber.

90. A method of making the nonwoven fabric of claim 80, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web; and

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising adding thermoplastic fibers to the individualized fibers and thermal bonding the nonwoven fabric.

92. The method of claim 90, wherein bonding is hydroentangling.

93. The method of claim 90, wherein bonding is mechanical needle punching.

94. The method of claim 90, wherein bonding is passing a heated air stream through the web.

95. A laminate comprising the nonwoven fabric of claim 80, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film.

96. The laminate of claim 95, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

97. The laminate of claim 95, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

98. The laminate of claim 95, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

99. The laminate of claim 95, wherein the film is a breathable film.

100. A method of making the laminate of claim 95, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers bundled with pectin to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web;

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric having a support surface;

disposing an adhesive onto either the support surface of the nonwoven fabric or a film;

disposing the film onto the support surface of the nonwoven fabric; and

nipping to form the laminate.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

102. The method of claim 100, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

103. The method of claim 100, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

104. A laminate comprising a first nonwoven fabric and another fabric bonded to the first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric being the nonwoven fabric of claim 80, the another fabric being at least one of a second nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric optionally being an additional nonwoven fabric of claim 80.

105. The laminate of claim 104, wherein the another fabric is bonded to the first nonwoven fabric with an adhesive.

106. A nonwoven fabric comprising about 85 weight percent individualized fibers and about 15 weight percent regenerated cellulose fibers, based upon total fiber weight, the fibers being individualized fibers which are substantially straight, plant-based, and substantially pectin-free and have a mean length greater than 6 mm.

107. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers are bast fibers.

108. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers are fibers extracted from flax, hemp, jute, ramie, nettle, Spanish broom, kenaf plants, or any combination thereof.

109. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 10% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

110. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 15% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

111. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based substantially pectin-free fibers have less than 20% by weight of the pectin content of the naturally occurring fibers from which the substantially pectin-free fibers are derived.

112. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers having a mean length of at least 7 mm.

113. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length of at least 8 mm.

114. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers having a mean length of at least 9 mm.

115. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length of at least 10 mm.

116. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the substantially straight, plant-based, substantially pectin-free fibers have a mean length greater than 12 mm.

117. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a wet wiper, a dry wiper, an impregnated wiper, a sorbent, a medical supply product, a personal protective fabric, an automotive protective covering, a personal care article, a fluid filtration product, a home furnishing product, a thermal insulation product, an acoustic insulation product, an agricultural application product, a landscaping application product, or a geotextile application product.

118. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a baby wipe, a cosmetic wipe, a perinea wipe, a disposable washcloth, a kitchen wipe, a bath wipe, a hard surface wipe, a glass wipe, a mirror wipe, a leather wipe, an electronics wipe, a lens wipe, a polishing wipe, a medical cleaning wipe, a disinfecting wipe, a surgical drape, a surgical gown, a wound care product, a protective coverall, a sleeve protector, a diaper, a feminine care article, a nursing pad, an air filter, a water filter, an oil filter, or a furniture backing.

119. The nonwoven fabric of claim 106, wherein the nonwoven fabric has thermoplastic fibers substantially dispersed among the individualized fibers and the nonwoven fabric has a pattern present on at least one surface.

120. A method of making the nonwoven fabric of claim 106, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web; and

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric.

121. The method of claim 120, further comprising adding thermoplastic fibers to the individualized fibers and thermal bonding the nonwoven fabric.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein bonding is hydroentangling.

123. The method of claim 120, wherein bonding is mechanical needle punching.

124. The method of claim 120, wherein bonding is passing a heated air stream through the web.

125. A laminate comprising the nonwoven fabric of claim 106, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film.

126. The laminate of claim 125, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

127. The laminate of claim 125, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

128. The laminate of claim 125, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

129. The laminate of claim 125, wherein the film is a breathable film.

130. A method of making the laminate of claim 125, the method comprising:

chemically treating naturally occurring fibers bundled with pectin to substantially remove pectin and form substantially individualized fibers;

carding the substantially individualized fibers to form a randomly arrayed fiber web;

bonding the randomly arrayed fiber web to form the nonwoven fabric having a support surface;

disposing an adhesive onto either the support surface of the nonwoven fabric or a film;

disposing the film onto the support surface of the nonwoven fabric; and

nipping to form the laminate.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the film comprises a polyethylene polymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a polyurethane polymer, a polyurethane copolymer, or a styrenebutadiene copolymer.

132. The method of claim 130, wherein the film comprises linear low density polyethylene.

133. The method of claim 130, wherein the adhesive is a sprayable latex, a polyalphaolefin, or an ethylene vinyl acetate.

134. A laminate comprising a first nonwoven fabric and another fabric bonded to the first nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric being the nonwoven fabric of claim 106, the another fabric being at least one of a second nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, the second nonwoven fabric optionally being an additional nonwoven fabric of claim 106.

135. The laminate of claim 134, wherein the another fabric is bonded to the first nonwoven fabric with an adhesive.