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Abstract

A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another. The web includes a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on the first surface of said web to the second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force. Each of the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originates as an aperture in the first surface of the web and has a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of the second surface of said web. The continuously interconnected sidewall terminates to form at least one aperture in the second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of the dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from the first surface to the second surface of said web by the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks. The first surface of the web in which the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further includes a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than the macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks. The smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibit a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact the first surface of said web generally in the direction of the second surface of said web by capillary attraction.

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