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Abstract

A nonwoven composite web consists of 15 to 50 wt. % of first polyester fibers having a first length, a first denier and a first melting temperature; 15 to 50 wt. % of second polyester fibers having a second length, a second denier and a second melting temperature; 15 to 50 wt. % of third polyester fibers having a third length, a third denier and a third melting temperature; 10 to 35 wt. % of polypropylene fibers; and 1 to 25 wt. % of cellulose fibers. The first, second and third lengths are no less than 1/2 inch, the first, second and third denier are no less than 1.5, and the third melting temperature is less than the first and second melting temperatures respectively. The first and second polyester fibers, the polypropylene fibers and the cellulose fibers are bonded to each other at least in part by solidification of the third polyester fibers after subjecting the web to temperatures in excess of the third melting temperature but not in excess of the first and second melting temperatures. In particular, the web is thermally bonded by calendaring at a temperature of approximately 385.degree. F. The web can be manufactured to have high opacity by adding titanium dioxide and silicone-acrylic latex to the composition. The titanium dioxide and latex are agglomerated and the resulting agglomerates are thermally bonded to the fiber matrix.

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