Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method of making a multi-ply wiper/towel product with cellulosic microfibers. The method includes compactively dewatering a nascent web that includes at least about 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfibers and has an apparently random distribution of fibers. The dewatered web having the apparently random distribution of fibers is applied to a transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a creping belt. The belt-creping step occurs under pressure in a belt creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping belt. The web is dried to form a dried web having a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper side of the dried web. The hollow domed regions have a sidewall of a relatively high local basis weight formed along at least a leading edge thereof. The web also has connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the hollow domed regions of the dried web, and transition areas provided with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions that transition from the connecting regions into the sidewalls of the hollow domed regions formed along at least the leading edge thereof.

First Claim