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Abstract

A lightweight nonwoven material having hydrophilic characteristics is described. The nonwoven material includes at least three layers wherein a first layer is spunlaid, a second layer is meltblown, and a third layer is spunlaid, the first and third layers being external layers. The basis weight of the nonwoven material is 13.5 gsm or less and the basis weight of the second meltblown layer is 3.5 gsm or less, preferably less than 3.0 gsm, and more preferably less than 2.5 gsm. Hydrophilicity is imparted to the nonwoven material by inclusion of a surfactant additive in an extrusion melt during formation of fibers, or by topical treatment following formation of the layers of the nonwoven material. The method of making the nonwoven material involves formation of the layers thereof as continuous fibers and forming the layers in a continuous sequential manner, i.e., a subsequent layer being formed on top of a preceding layer or layers.

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First Claim