Abstract: Composite polymer electrolytes for use in alkali-metal based electrochemical devices, which electrolytes contain chopped electrically non-conductive fibers in an electrolyte slurry which has been cured on a release tape and then pressed onto an electrode, or which slurry is coated directly onto said electrode, and then cured.

Abstract: Composite electrodes which are used in electrochemical devices, such as alkali-metal polymer electrolyte electrochemical devices, contain chopped metallized fibers in an electrode slurry which has been cured and then pressed onto a metal base, or which is coated directly onto the base prior to curing.

Abstract: Battery packaging construction of flexible plastic barrier structures which are useful for battery cells or battery packs, to protect the active battery components from outside contamination. One or more battery cells or packs are packaged between multi-layered barrier structures which may be extruded or laminated construction, are joined by heat sealing, and each include at least a first layer which is a sealant layer, a second layer which is a water vapor barrier layer, a third layer which is an oxygen barrier layer, and an outside layer, which can be one of the above layers, or a separate layer to provide increased mechanical strength to the package.

Abstract: Flexible, sheet-type covering material is made by coating a porous mat with mechanically frothed plastic foam. The foam is gelled, at least partially fused and then calendered to crush the foam.

Abstract: Flexible, sheet-type covering material having a porous mat substrate with a layer of mechanically frothed and crushed, heat cured, foamed thermoplastic vinyl polymer adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A textured polyurethane surface is created from a vinyl substrate by first forming a smooth, uncured polyurethane coating on the substrate and then heating the thus coated substrate to a temperature between about 100.degree. and about 160.degree. C for 1 to 10 minutes followed by heating to temperatures of 170.degree. to 210.degree. C for 0.5 to 10 minutes. A textured surface may also be provided on a vinyl substrate having a previously cured polyurethane coating thereon by waiting at least about 1 week after the urethane coating has been cured and then heating the coated substrate to a temperature between about 140.degree. C and about 210.degree. C for 0.1 to 10 minutes. A preferred application is in the creation of textured surfaces on sheet vinyl floor and wall coverings coated with polyurethane.