Abstract: Disclosed is a powders-affixed nonwoven fabric prepared from a fiber web comprising powder materials and fine short fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less in a dispersed state in the powders-containing fiber web, the powders-containing fiber web being formed by a method other than a wet-laid method. Further, a process for manufacturing the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric, and a sheet material comprising the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous article wherein a sulfur containing atomic group is introduced onto at least a part of outer-inner surfaces of the article, a ratio (S/C) of the number of sulfur atoms (S) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 7×10−4 or more, a ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 0.2 or more, and the ratio (S/C) and the ratio (O/C) are determined by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an inorganic material-based article comprising the steps of

Abstract: Disclosed is a powders-affixed nonwoven fabric prepared from a fiber web comprising fine short fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less in a dispersed state in the fiber web, and powder materials affixed to the fiber web formed by a method other than a wet-laid method. Further, a process for manufacturing the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric, and a sheet material comprising the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for a discharge treatment, comprising a pair of electrodes located opposite to each other; an element for applying an alternating current-high voltage between the electrodes; and an element for passing a gas mainly composed of air at a rate of 10 m/sec or more through a space formed between the electrodes is disclosed. Further, a process for a discharge treatment of an article, comprising applying an alternating current-high voltage between a pair of electrodes located opposite to each other, to the article placed between the electrodes, while a gas mainly composed of air is passed at a rate of 10 m/sec or more through a space formed between the electrodes, to thereby expose the article to an electric discharge induced between the electrodes, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric comprising dispersed fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less, wherein an adhesion rate of substances adhered to the nonwoven fabric is 0.5 mass % or less. Further, a process and an apparatus for manufacturing the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric, as well as a sheet material comprising the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for a discharge treatment, comprising

Abstract: A porous article wherein a sulfur containing atomic group is introduced onto at least a part of outer-inner surfaces of the article, a ratio (S/C) of the number of sulfur atoms (S) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 7×10−4 or more, a ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 0.2 or more, and the ratio (S/C) and the ratio (O/C) are determined by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for electret treatment is described, involving(1) placing the dielectric article between a combination of a first ion-repulsive electrode and a first ion-attractive electrode and between a combination of a second ion-repulsive electrode and a second ion-attractive electrode, under a specified arrangement;(2) supplying a first positive ion and a first negative ion from a first ion generating means between the dielectric article and the first ion-repulsive electrode, the first ion generating means being selected from an alternating current surface discharge element and an alternating current corona-type ion generating element;(3) applying a direct current voltage between the first ion-repulsive electrode and the first ion-attractive electrode to produce a first potential difference therebetween, whereby only one of the first positive and negative ions is moved in a specified direction, and is transferred on the dielectric article;(4) supplying a second positive ion and a second negative ion from a sec

Abstract: A modified porous non-conductor is provided wherein its outer and inner, surfaces have been treated by placing the porous non-conductor between a pair of electrodes which are located opposite to each other and carry a dielectric layer on a surface facing the other electrode, respectively, so that the porous non-conductor is brought into contact with both dielectric layers without coming into contact with the electrodes; and then, applying an alternating current voltage having a frequency of about 0.1 Khz to about 100 Khz between the electrodes to thereby induce an electric discharge in voids contained in the porous non-conductor and sandwiched between a pair of the electrodes.

Abstract: A process for treating outer-inner surfaces of a porous non-conductor, comprising steps of:placing said porous non-conductor between a pair of electrodes which are located opposite to each other and carry a dielectric layer on a surface facing the other electrode, respectively, so that said porous non-conductor is brought into contact with both dielectric layers without coming into contact with said electrodes; and then,applying an alternating current voltage having a frequency of about 0.1 KHz to about 100 KHz between said electrodes to thereby induce an electric discharge in voids contained in said porous non-conductor and sandwiched between a pair of said electrodes is disclosed.