Abstract: A printing substrate is formed in a single operation by a method of forming and finishing a fabric web. The forming step creates a continuous fabric web. That fabric is sent to an accumulator, then downstream for finishing. The finishing step includes applying a printable coating via a knurled applicator, controlling the level of liquid in the applicator and compensating for knurled roller deflection. The finishing step further includes curing the coated fabric and selectively employing VOC hoods where needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and finishing a continuous fabric web in a single operation. The apparatus includes a fabric web forming station for forming a continuous fabric web and a finishing station downstream from the fabric web forming station for receiving the continuous fabric web from the fabric web forming station and for providing a finishing treatment to the continuous fabric web. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a substantially excess-free applicator which helps to prevent thick spots in the coated fabric web which may occur when a coating applicator is stopped and restarted. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a curing station downstream from the applicator. The curing station may include both a drying station and a heat set station downstream from the drying station. The operating temperatures of the drying and heat set stations are controlled to minimize the amount of air having VOCs to be treated before being discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An airbag made of a flexible fabric having an airbag seam sewn by stitching. The fabric defines an airbag inside and an airbag outside and a seam area, where the airbag inside has applied on it in the seam area a sealant.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and finishing a continuous fabric web in a single operation. The apparatus includes a fabric web forming station for forming a continuous fabric web and a finishing station downstream from the fabric web forming station for receiving the continuous fabric web from the fabric web forming station and for providing a finishing treatment to the continuous fabric web. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a substantially excess-free applicator which helps to prevent thick spots in the coated fabric web which may occur when a coating applicator is stopped and restarted. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a curing station downstream from the applicator. The curing station may include both a drying station and a heat set station downstream from the drying station. The operating temperatures of the drying and heat set stations are controlled to minimize the amount of air having VOCs to be treated before being discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A lightweight coated fabric substrate of high tenacity yams, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene or the like is extrusion coated with a material resulting in a substantially air impermeable fabric with a tear strength-to-weight ratio of at least 8 pounds/oz. per sq. yd. at weights of between 2 and 7.5 oz. per sq. yd.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.

Abstract: Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating a nylon fabric or the like. The apparatus includes a supply roll for supplying a length of fabric having a top and bottom surface and a take-up roll for taking up the length of fabric. An extrusion coating head located between the supply roll and the take-up roll and perpendicular to the movement of the length of fabric applies a plastic coating onto one surface of the length of fabric. A combining roll located between the supply roll and the take-up roll and adjacent to the extrusion coating head joins the plastic coating to the one surface of the length of fabric. In the preferred embodiment, the combining roll is heated to provide improved adhesion of the plastic coating onto the surface of the length of fabric while, at the same time, a water mist prevents sticking. The resulting fabric has a tear strength of greater than about 50 pounds and a weight of less than about 5.5 oz. per sq. yd.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.

Abstract: An awning fabric for use with a backlit sign of the type having a light source disposed on one side of the awning fabric. The awning fabric includes a scrim and a translucent coating on at least one side of the scrim. The scrim is treated with an optical brightener. When the awning fabric is viewed by an observer from the side opposite the light source, the visibility of the scrim to the observer is minimized. The translucent coating may be plastisol. The optical brightener is preferably a fluorescent whitening agent comprising a stilbene derivative. Also disclosed is a method for producing an awning fabric. The method includes applying an optical brightener to a scrim and applying a translucent coating onto at least one side of the scrim. The method may further include applying an opaque coating onto the translucent coating. Thereafter, a solvent is selectively applied to the opaque coating thereby forming a selected pattern on the awning fabric.

Abstract: A high strength, uncoated, uncalendered airbag fabric that is lighter in weight than heretofore and exhibits an air permeability of less than 4 cfm per square foot of area at air pressures of one-half inch of water. The fabric is woven on a fluid jet loom from synthetic, continuous, multi-filament yarns having a denier in the range of 200 to 900.

Abstract: A process of reinforcing airbag fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of the fabric during the cutting process. The process is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerizable resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The airbag fabric is cut in those areas where the coating has been applied and cured, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the airbag fabric edge. The process is particularly suitable for the fabrication of airbags used for the protection of vehicle occupants as in automobiles. Airbags constructed of a breathable, edge-coated fabric are also described.

Abstract: A method for providing an abrasion-resistant, radiation-cured coating on a surface of a polymeric substrate is disclosed, as well as the article produced from the method. The uncured coating material is applied to the substrate, followed by the expulsion of air from the coating. The coating is then cured by directing the radiant energy through the substrate from the surface opposite the surface having the coating thereon to contact the radiation-curable coating.

Abstract: A meshed for producing an abrasion-resistant, ultraviolet radiation cured coating on a surface of a polymeric substrate is disclosed, as well as the article produced from the method. The uncured coating material which is substantially free of non-reactive volatile components is (i) applied to the substrate (ii) heated along with the substrate to a temperature sufficient to drive a portion of the coating material into a region beneath the surface of the substrate, (iii) and cured onto the substrate by exposing the coating material under anaerobic conditions to sufficient ultraviolet radiation to cure the coating material. Heating of the solvent-free coating prior to ultraviolet radiation cure and while in contact with the substrate results in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing an abrasion-resistant, ultraviolet radiation cured coating on a surface of a polymeric substrate is disclosed, as well as the article produced from the method. The uncured coating material which is substantially free of non-reactive volatile components is (i) applied to the substrate (ii) heated along with the substrate to a temperature sufficient to drive a portion of the coating material into a region beneath the surface of the substrate, (iii) and cured onto the substrate by exposing the coating material under anaerobic conditions to sufficient ultraviolet radiation to cure the coating material. Heating of the solvent-free coating prior to ultraviolet radiation cure and while in contact with the substrate results in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hardcoated polycarbonate sheet involves (i) ultraviolet radiation curing an acrylic coating onto one surface of a flexible polycarbonate film via a drum casting technique to yield a flexible, abrasion and chemical resistant hardcoated film; and (ii) laminating the hardcoated film onto a thick rigid polycarbonate substrate by an on-line ultraviolet radiation lamination method. The process is fast, requires minimal labor and provides high optical quality hardcoats for polycarbonate sheet.

Abstract: Methyl methacrylic UV protective coatings for polycarbonate film are disclosed with improved resistance to microcracking.