Abstract: Self-bonded nonwoven web and woven fabic composites comprising at least one layer of a uniform basis weight self-bonded, fibrous nonwoven web comprising substantially randomly disposed, substantially continuous thermoplastic filaments adhered to at least one layer comprising woven thermoplastic yarns in the form of woven fabrics such as wall covering fabric, softside luggage fabric and leno weave fabric.

Abstract: Polyolefin resin compositions and oriented microporous films prepared from same comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a propylene homopolymer or random propylene copolymer having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and components selected from a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and an inorganic filler, and to processes for forming such films wherein the microporous films have improved breathability, strength, toughness and break elongation.

Abstract: A self-bonded, fibrous nonwoven web having a uniform basis weight of about 0.1 oz/yd.sup.2 or greater and improved physical properties, a method for producing same and composite fabrics comprising the nonwoven web useful for applications in for example, hygiene, healthcare and agriculture markets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a pump beam into a multi-pass amplifier to achieve a high degree of pump-input beam overlap.

Abstract: Layered, fiber-reinforced composites toughened by the use of thermosetting matrix resins including rigid particles are improved in toughness when the particles are porous and have a spheroidal spongy structure, are formed of a polyamide. The method of the invention is particularly effective in improving the toughness of composites based on thermoset matrix resins, and particularly epoxy resins.

Abstract: An end-pumped laser oscillator having an amplifier including a solid-state gain medium. Pump beams, which are generated by two groups of laser diode bars placed between the optical elements defining the optical resonator, are directed onto opposite end surfaces of the solid-state gain medium, which intersect the optical axis of the optical resonator. The laser diode bars of each group are circumferentially distributed about the optical axis in a uniform pattern and at the same distance along the optical axis from the gain medium. One group of diode bars is located to one side of the gain medium and the other group is located to the other side of the gain medium. Pump beam energy is thereby effectively and efficiently directed onto both end surfaces of the solid-state gain medium from a plurality of laser diode bars allowing the output power produced by the gain medium to be scaled to the thermal limits of the gain medium.

Abstract: A porous film composite comprising at least one layer of an oriented polymeric porous film comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a polypropylene homopolymer or random copolymer of propylene having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least one component selected from a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and calcium carbonate adhered to at least one layer of a polymeric foam product, a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric such as a carded web of staple fibers, a spunbond fabric, meltblown fabric and a self-bonded, fibrous, nonwoven web.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion compositions comprise a binder component comprising a film-forming, water-dispersible, carboxyl group-containing elastomeric polymer composition, a thickener component, a chlorinated polyolefin component, and a polyorganosiloxane component dispersed in an aqueous liquid. Such compositions additionally comprising a crosslinking agent and, optionally, colorant composition are used for coating and printing substrates.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids from primary aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms wherein the reaction is in semi-continuous or continuous mode. Acetic acid is prepared from ethanol in high conversion, selectivity and yield. Acetic acid is useful as a solvent for the manufacture of terephthalic acid and other organic compounds.

Abstract: A poly(aryl ether sulfone) blend comprising (a) from about 25 to about 99 percent by weight of a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) and (b) from about 1 to about 75 percent by weight of a second poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprising bisphenol A moieties.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the addition of H.sub.2 O in acid catalyzed processing of hydrocarbons are disclosed. The H.sub.2 O is added to the hydrocarbons in the form of steam, increasing the quantity of H.sub.2 O dissolved in the acid catalyst after contact of the acid catalyst with the steam-added hydrocarbon feed. Entrained water present in the steam-added hydrocarbon feed can be decanted prior to contacting the acid with the feed.

Abstract: A catalyzed, continuous vapor phase process to convert a C.sub.2 or higher olefin in combination with methanol to a mixture containing at least one higher molecular weight alcohol, for example, isobutanol, over a magnesium oxide composition. The process also may contain a lower aldehyde and/or ketone in the feed.

Abstract: Described are processes for the gas-phase mono N-alkylation of an aniline or an aminonaphthalene using a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 aliphatic alcohol or ether over certain catalyst compositions based upon crystalline molecular sieves or amorphous silica-aluminas.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel process for the preparation of polycarbonate and/or polyarylate block copolymers with poly(aryl ethers). The process is comprised of the steps:(a) the reaction of a dihydroxy-terminated poly(aryl ether) oligomer with a high molecular weight polycarbonate, or a high molecular weight polyarylate, or a high molecular weight poly(arylate-carbonate) to yield a block copolymer; followed by(b) the coupling of the material obtained in step (a) to the required molecular weight, using a diaryl ester of carbonic acid or of a dicarboxylic acid.Both steps are performed in the presence of a catalyst. The copolymerizations can be run in bulk under vacuum in a single or twin screw extruder. Using the above conditions high molecular weight, high quality block copolymers having a combination of excellent properties are obtained in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: Catalyzed vapor-phase processes are taught for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted ethylbenzene to a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted styrene. Barium pyrophosphate and the pyrophosphate-containing calcination product of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).sub.8.nH.sub.2 O, n running between about 1 to about 4, are shown to effectively catalyze these dehydrogenations at a low enough temperature such that very little cracking of the lower alkyl group occurs which gives superior conversions and selectivities to the corresponding styrenes and lengthened catalyst lifetime. An improved method of preparation of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).nH.sub.2 O is described as well as the new material which is essentially KFe.sub.3 H.sub.6 (P.sub.2 O.sub.7).sub.4.

Abstract: A dehydrocyclization process is described for producing polynuclear organic compounds by contacting a starting organic material having at least one ring moiety comprising at least two adjacent ring carbon atoms each bonded to an independently selected monovalent radical comprising at most about eight carbon atoms provided at least one of the monovalent hydrocarbon radicals comprises more than one carbon atom with a crystalline copper aluminum borate catalyst. The preferred catalyst comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of (a) crystalline copper aluminum borate and (b) zero valent copper on a support comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.4 B.sub.2 O.sub.9 and the crystalline copper aluminum borate, the zero valent copper on the support being formed by the reduction of the crystalline copper aluminum borate.

Abstract: Improved polyphthalamide compositions, particularly for injection molding applications, comprise a polyphthalamide component with at least two recurring units selected from terephthalamide, isophthalamide and adipamide units and having high heat deflection temperature when filled with glass fibers; reinforcing fibers; and effective amounts of particulate talc. Molded articles prepared from such compositions exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties, including high heat deflection temperature, even when molded using molds heated below Tg of the polyphthalamide component, often facilitating molding using steam or hot water-heated molds.

Abstract: A high density, substantially oxide-free metal layer is deposited by spray deposition on a substrate in an atmosphere containing ambient air having an oxygen content above about 0.1% by weight. This is accomplished by directing a supersonic-velocity jet stream of hot gases carrying metal particles at the substrate through an inert gas shroud. The layer is useful as a corrosion barrier and for repairing metal substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method for cleaning chemical, metallic and particulate contaminants from solid surfaces. The new method comprises irradiating the surface with essentially ultraviolet laser radiation whose parameters are selected to avoid causing substantial chemical or physical change at the surface.

Abstract: Improved nucleic acid probes capable of specifically hybridizing to rRNA of Salmonella and not to rRNA of non-Salmonella are described along with methods utilizing such probes for the detection of Salmonella in food and other samples.