Abstract: The invention is directed to LCP monofilaments and yarn made therefrom which have improved adhesion properties, said monofilaments, and yarn made therefrom, comprising a liquid crystalline polymer filament having a finish selected from the group consisting of esters formed between (a) pentaerythritol and saturated polyols of up to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, and (b) a carboxylic acid of formula C.sub.x H.sub.2x=1 COOH, wherein x is from 2 to 20, and wherein 2 to 6 of the hydroxy functions are converted to ester functions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the finish is an ester formed from the reaction of pentaerythritol and a carboxylic acid of formula C.sub.x H.sub.2x=1 COOH, wherein x is from 2 to 20, and preferably between 14 and 20. The most preferred esters are pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate and pentaerythritol tetraisostearate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary of an aspect ratio of greater than about 1 and less than about 15 to form a filament; and (c) winding the filament at a draw-down ratio of at least about 4. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across the cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: Fibers and yarns of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PET copolymers with a sheath/filamentous core microstructure are formed from unoriented and non crystalline "as spun" source fibers and yarns by drawing to high draw ratios in one step. Fibers and yarns with the sheath/filamentous core microstructure are stiffer than commercial PET fibers. Fibers and yarns with the sheath/filamentous core microstructure may be annealed and relaxed to increase their dimensional stability without loss of the sheath/filamentous core microstructure.

Abstract: In the canning of tow produced by a synthetic textile filament extrusion line, a pair of deflecting rolls having radially projecting spokes are positioned immediately above the tow-receiving can for travel of the tow between the rolls to impose a folding or plaiting of the tow as it is deposited into the can, thereby reducing the linear velocity of the tow to mitigate potential entanglement of the tow within the can. The production output and operational speed of the filament extrusion process may thus be optimized without being limited by the downstream canning operation.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fiber material for use in mastic asphalt in roadbuilding for stabilizing the binder during transport, storage and incorporation, said fiber material being a macromolecular product including at least 95% of polyethylene terephthalate, the diameter of the individual fibers being .gtoreq.0.1 mm, the length to diameter ratio exceeding 5 on average, and the particle size distribution, measured as sieve passthrough as per the draft code of practice for the supply and testing of stabilizing materials in asphalt road construction in line with TP Min-StB Part 6.3.2, producing a proportion of at least 90% for the fractions .ltoreq.0.71 mm and at least 70% for the fractions .ltoreq.0.4 mm, and this product being manufactured by comminution from waste materials based on polyethylene terephthalate monofilaments.

Abstract: A wound dressing that releases, via hydrolysis and in a controlled manner, acetic acid when subjected to body temperatures and moisture, and is made from a cellulose ester substrate with a partial solvent thereon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for reducing the amount of acetaldehyde generated when polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chip is subjected to high temperatures in order to render the PET chip suitable for making food containers, particularly beverage bottles. This process comprises the addition of primary and secondary antioxidants either prior to or after the PET polycondensation reaction in order to reduce the amount of regenerated acetaldehyde produced by the polymer. The polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process reduces regenerated acetaldehyde by at least 25% in comparison to control resin produced without antioxidants, while maintaining suitable color for use as clear glass replacement. There is also disclosed a process for molding a PET preform wherein the polymer prepared as described above is melted, formed into the desired preform shape, and solidified by cooling. This preform can then be reheated above its glass transition temperature and molded into the desired container shape.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for reducing the number of gels generated in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. Gels are crosslinked polymers created by thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation induced during polymer production. The instant process comprises the addition of primary and secondary antioxidants prior to the PET polycondensation reaction in order to reduce the amount of thermal degradation which occurs. The polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process formed approximately 25 to 90% fewer gels while maintaining physical properties suitable for use in fiber, film, and molding applications.

Abstract: A polycondensation reactor for polyesters, polyamides or polyarylates, for example, in which a low viscosity material is introduced into the reactor and a relative high viscosity polymer exits the reactor. The reactor has at least two longitudinally intersecting cylindrical interior chambers, each with a rotating shaft through its length. Each shaft has a plurality of stirrers and spacers designed to wipe all interior surfaces of the reactor. The stirrers can be shaped as a cycloid or involute profile, for example. Generally the stirrers on each shaft are indexed from one another preferably by 90.degree. and intermesh with stirrers on the adjacent shaft. Stirring the low viscosity material by rotating the stirrers (on the shafts) spreads the material into a plurality of thin films. At the temperature and vacuum conditions of the reactor, a volatile component is removed, thus causing the material to polymerize, by condensation, forming a relatively high viscosity polymer.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for making a non-woven, wet-laid, superabsorbent polymer-impregnated structure. The process generally comprises the steps of: mixing; deliquifying; and drying. Specifically, fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and a liquid are mixed to form a furnish. The liquid is treated with a means for inhibiting the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. Then, the furnish is deliquified to form a preformed structure. The preformed structure is dried to form the non-woven, wet-laid, superabsorbent polymer-impregnated structure.

Abstract: In a ballistic fabric, the use of plurality of bicomponent fibers; the ballistic fabric is made from a plurality of bicomponent fibers and a plurality of high strength fibers. The bicomponent fibers have a sheath and a core, the sheath being made of a polymer having a melting point and the core being made of a polymer having a melting point. The sheath's melting point is less than the core's melting point. The fabric is bonded together using the sheath polymer of the bicomponent to the fibers of the fabric.