Abstract: A loop material suitable for use in a hook-and-loop fastening system, which loop material includes a bonded carded web having a first side and a second side. The bonded carded web has a basis weight of from about 15 to about 140 grams per square meter and a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 15 mm. The bonded carded web may be thermally pattern bonded. The bonded carded web is composed of fibers having a denier per filament greater than 2, with from 100 to 0 percent by weight of the fibers being thermoplastic polymer fibers and from 0 to 100 percent by weight of the fibers being bicomponent thermoplastic polymer fibers. The first component of the bicomponent fibers has a melting point which is at least about 50.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the second component. The bonded carded web has a plurality of interfiber bonds.

Abstract: A derivatized polysaccharide in which at least a portion of the active hydrogens originally present in the polysaccharide are substituted by monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups to an extent sufficient to provide a degree of substitution of at least about 0.1. The monovalent aliphatic groups contain from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms. The polysaccharide may be cellulose. At least a portion of the carboxylic acid groups present in the derivatized polysaccharide may be crosslinked permanently or reversibly. The monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups may be derived from 2,3-epoxysuccinic acid; 1,2-epoxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 2-(epoxyethyl)-succinic acid; or mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method of preparing a derivatized polysaccharide.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a low-strength sheet having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to entrain air. The apparatus includes an airfoil adapted to extend along the top surface of the sheet. The airfoil, in turn, includes:a bottom surface adapted to extend along a portion of the top surface of the sheet;a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture;a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; anda top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture. The first distance in general is less than the second distance.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate in a range of from about 18 to about 30 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg, a polydispersity less than 4, and a Z-average molecular weight greater than 300,000 as determined by differential refractometry. The composition may include a first thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate lower than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg and a second thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate higher than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg. The weight ratio of the first polypropylene to the second polypropylene is in a range of from about 90:10 to about 10:90. The composition may include from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, based on the weight of the first and second thermoplastic polypropylenes, of a defined alkyl-substituted polysiloxane.

Abstract: A fluid-tight container adapted to contain a fluid, volatile solid, or absorbent for a fluid, in which at least a portion of the container includes a material which, when sufficiently stretched, develops sufficient porosity to allow passage of the fluid through the material. In some embodiments, the material may be a film. For example, the film may be a filled film. As another example, the film may be an elastic film, such as a hard-elastic film. In other embodiments, the material may be a laminate. Components of the laminate may be a film or a nonwoven web, in which case the film may be a filled film or an elastic film, such as a hard-elastic film. Desirably, the laminate will include a film and a nonwoven web. The fluid-tight container may include a fluid-absorbing solid, such as silica gel or activated carbon for absorbing moisture or odors. In such case, the movement of fluid through the material is into the container. Alternatively, the fluid-tight container may include a liquid.

Abstract: A method of improving the effectiveness of a photostabilizer in reducing the deleterious effects of actinic radiation on a polypropylene composition, which method involves compounding a melt-extrudable thermoplastic polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate in a range of from about 18 to about 100 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 230.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg. The polypropylene composition includes a first thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate lower than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 230.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg, a polydispersity greater than about 2.6, and a Z-average molecular weight greater than about 300,000; a second thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate higher than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 230.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg, a polydispersity equal to or less than 2.6, and a Z-average molecular weight equal to or less than 300,000 as determined by gel permeation chromatography; and a photostabilizer.

Abstract: A printable material which includes a first, second, and third layer. The first layer has first and second surfaces. For example, the first layer may be a film or a cellulosic nonwoven web. The second layer overlays the first surface of the first layer. The second layer is composed of a first thermoplastic polymer having a melt flow rate of at least about 15 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg. The third layer overlays the second layer. The third layer includes a second thermoplastic polymer having a glass transition temperature equal to or greater than about 30.degree. C. The third layer also may include from about 1 to about 40 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the second thermoplastic polymer, of a release agent. Desirably, the first and second layers will have smoothness values, as measured by a Sheffield Smoothness Tester, no greater than about 150 cc/minute and no greater than about 100 cc/minute, respectively.

Abstract: A pull-activated container adapted to hold a fluid, volatile solid, or absorbent for a fluid wherein at least a portion of the container includes a laminate which, in turn, includes a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a grasping means. The first layer is a fibrous sheet, the second layer is a film having a first side and a second side, and the third layer is a porous fibrous sheet. The third layer is inside the container. The first layer is bonded to the first side of the second layer and has a first bonding strength and the third layer is bonded to the second side of the second layer and has a second bonding strength. For example, the first bonding strength may be greater than the second bonding strength to an extent sufficient to permit selectively removing the first and second layers from the third layer without tearing the third layer. The grasping means is affixed to the first layer and has a third bonding strength which is greater than the second bonding strength.

Abstract: A polyolefin film for use as a sterilization wrap material which includes a film with a thickness of from about 0.005 mm to about 0.2 mm and having a plurality of discontinuous thinned regions. The thinned regions constitute at least about 25 percent of the surface area of the film. The thickness and area of the thinned regions are adapted to permit the passage of steam and water vapor through the film during steam sterilization. The film is made by a method which involves extruding a molten polyolefin film at a first temperature and passing the molten film through a nip. The nip includes an anvil roll and a pattern roll. The anvil roll has a smooth surface and the surface of the pattern roll is maintained at a temperature which is at least about 150.degree. C. lower than the first temperature and is selected to prevent sticking of the film to either roll.

Abstract: A polyolefin film for use as a sterilization wrap material which includes a film with a thickness of from about 0.005 mm to about 0.2 mm and having a plurality of discontinuous thinned regions. The thinned regions constitute at least about 25 percent of the surface area of the film. The thickness and area of the thinned regions are adapted to permit the passage of steam and water vapor through the film during steam sterilization. The film is made by a method which involves extruding a molten polyolefin film at a first temperature and passing the molten film through a nip. The nip includes an anvil roll and a pattern roll. The anvil roll has a smooth surface and the surface of the pattern roll is maintained at a temperature which is at least about 150.degree. C. lower than the first temperature and is selected to prevent sticking of the film to either roll.

Abstract: Proteins are applied to a polymeric article by contacting the polymeric article with a protein and exposing the contacted polymeric article to a frequency with a sufficient power dissipation for a sufficient period of time. A frequency range for applying proteins to a polymeric article is between about 5 kHz to about 40 kHz with a minimum power dissipated of about 1 watt. As a result, polymeric articles so treated exhibit improved water wettability, proteins may be applied to the polymeric articles very rapidly and more uniformly than by other methods, and polymeric articles having selected zones of wettability may be produced.

Abstract: A fibrous web having a length, a width and a thickness, with at least about 50 percent of the fibers aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the length and width of the web. The web defines a plurality of spaced-apart gaps, each having a top and a bottom, and each of the gaps extends from one surface of the web at least about 50 percent through the thickness of the web. The density of a portion of the web defining the bottom of the gap is greater than the density of a portion of the web defining the top of the gap. The portion of the web which defines the top of the gap may be composed substantially of terminal ends of the fibers. In addition, the portion of the web which defines the bottom of the gap may be composed substantially of continuous fibers. The fibrous web may be a meltblown nonwoven web or a neck-stretched, meltblown nonwoven web.

Abstract: A polyolefin film for use as a sterilization wrap material which includes a film with a thickness of from about 0.005 mm to about 0.2 mm and having a plurality of discontinuous thinned regions. The thinned regions constitute at least about 25 percent of the surface area of the film. The thickness and area of the thinned regions are adapted to permit the passage of steam and water vapor through the film during steam sterilization. The film is made by a method which involves extruding a molten polyolefin film at a first temperature and passing the molten film through a nip. The nip includes an anvil roll and a pattern roll. The anvil roll has a smooth surface and the surface of the pattern roll is maintained at a temperature which is at least about 150.degree. C. lower than the first temperature and is selected to prevent sticking of the film to either roll.

Abstract: A surface-segregatable, melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is provided which includes at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and at least one additive having the general formula, ##STR1## in which: (A) R.sub.1 -R.sub.9 are independently selected monovalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl groups;(B) R.sub.10 is hydrogen or a monovalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group;(C) m represents an integer of from 1 to about 4;(D) n represents an integer of from 0 to about 3;(E) the sum of m and n is in the range of from 1 to about 4;(F) p represents an integer of from 0 to about 5;(G) x represents an integer of from 1 to about 10;(H) y represents an integer of from 0 to about 5;(I) the ratio of x to y is equal to or greater than 2;(J) the additive has a molecular weight of from about 350 to about 1,400; and(K) the additive is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight, based on the amount of thermoplastic polyolefin.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer-reinforced paper which includes preparing an aqueous suspension of fibers, at least about 50 percent, by dry weight, of which are cellulosic fibers; distributing the suspension on a forming wire; removing water from the distributed suspension to form a paper; and treating the paper thus formed with a polymer-reinforcing medium which contains a bulking agent to give the polymer-reinforced paper. The treatment of the paper is adapted to provide in the polymer-reinforced paper from about 15 to about 70 percent, by weight, of bulking agent, based on the dry weight of the cellulosic fibers in the paper. Alternatively, the bulking agent can be added to a polymer-reinforced paper after it has been formed. In certain embodiments, the bulking agent is a polyhydric alcohol. In other embodiments, the bulking agent is a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 1,500.

Abstract: A method of preventing localized arcing to ground during treatment of a sheet material in a corona discharge field generated by a corona discharge apparatus having at least two electrodes, which method involves passing the sheet material to be treated through the corona discharge field, in which the sheet material to be treated is electrically isolated from the electrodes. When the corona discharge apparatus has a bare metal electrode and a dielectric-covered electrode, the sheet material to be treated is passed through the corona discharge field as a layer of a multilayered composite having at least three layers, in which at least one of the layers is a nonconductive sheet material situated between the sheet material to be treated and the bare metal electrode.

Abstract: A composition for increasing the resistance to removal by an aqueous liquid of surfactants from a polymeric fabric including fibers having a plurality of fiber-fiber interstices at junctions of two or more fibers. The composition includes water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is structurally dissimilar to and less soluble in water than the first surfactant. One of the first and second surfactants has a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. no greater than about 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the water. In certain embodiments, the first and second surfactants are adapted to preferentially locate in the fiber-fiber interstices and resist removal therefrom by aqueous liquid. The preferential location of the surfactants in the fiber-fiber interstices of the fabric is accomplished by working the fabric after application of the composition to the fabric.

Abstract: A coextruded block composite which includes a porous first block. The block is permeable to fluids and includes a granular component and a binder component. The block has interconnected pores therethrough having a first average diameter. The composite also includes a second block. In addition, at least one of the first block and the second block is continuous and at least a portion of the second block is contiguous with at least a portion of the first block. The second block also may be permeable to fluids. Additional blocks may be present, if desired. One or more of the blocks other than the first block may be a porous block having a granular component and a thermoplastic binder component. The coextruded block composite may be employed as a filter medium.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate in a range of from about 18 to about 30 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg, a polydispersity less than 4, and a Z-average molecular weight greater than 300,000 as determined by differential refractometry. The composition may include a first thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate lower than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg and a second thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate higher than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg. The weight ratio of the first polypropylene to the second polypropylene is in a range of from about 90:10 to about 10:90. The composition may include from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, based on the weight of the first and second thermoplastic polypropylenes, of a defined alkyl-substituted polysiloxane.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is proved which includes a thermoplastic polymer and an improved additive system. In one embodiment, a melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is provided which includes a thermoplastic polyolefin and an improved additive system made up of a first component and a second component, in which (A) the first component is a defined alkyl-substituted polysiloxane having a number-average molecular weight of from about 3,000 to about 36,000 and which is present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the amount of thermoplastic polyolefin; and (B) the second component is a hydrophobic fumed silica, in which the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is in the range of from about 10 to about 70. In a desired embodiment, the particles of second component are in the range of from about 0,001 to about 1 micrometer.