Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions, compositions, and methods that include a vinyl polymer that includes ethylene oxide-containing side chains and alkyl-Y-containing side chains, wherein Y is O or NR, wherein R is H or CH3, and wherein the alkyl group of the alkyl-Y-containing side chain has at least 4 carbon atoms on average in a cyclic, branched-, or straight-chain configuration and optionally including one or more heteroatoms.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions, compositions, and methods that include a vinyl polymer having a pKa of less than 4 that includes anionic group-containing side chains and alkyl-Y-containing side chains, wherein Y is O or NR, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and wherein the alkyl group of the alkyl-Y-containing side chain has at least 4 carbon atoms on average in a cyclic, branched-, or straight-chain configuration and optionally including one or more heteroatoms.

Abstract: A durable fibrous sheet material comprised of a melt-blown fiber web having a plurality of reinforcing fibers extending therethrough is provided. The reinforcing fibers are needled through the web of melt-blown fibers and are then bonded to fibers on the opposing faces of the layer of melt-blown fibers to hold the reinforcing fibers in position. Solid particles can be dispersed in the layer of melt-blown fibers. Such particles are preferably vapor-sorptive particles, e.g., activated carbon, so that the sheet material will sorb vapors passing therethrough. The sheet material is particularly useful as a component of a chemical protective garment.