Abstract: Circuit conductors and cables are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, aluminum fiber, or the like.

Abstract: A brush bristle material has at least one kind of diamond abrasive grains or abrading grains contained in a mixed state in a synthetic resin material formed of single threads. The synthetic resin material, while being formed into a linear material from chips, is caused to contain in a mixed state the abrasive grains and eventually manufactured into one brush. A plurality of at least one kind of brush bristles are bundled and consequently finished as a brush bristle material. The covering containing in a mixed state the abrasive grains encloses the bundle from the part excluding the part fixed by the tubular body through the distal end part. Though the brush bristle material has been at a disadvantage in revealing weak nerve due to a large bristle height, the covering has succeeded in canceling the disadvantage. This invention concerns a brush bristle material and a brush for a tubular brush or a segment brush having a large brush bristle height.

Abstract: A formed article obtained by pressure forming a porous body-coated fiber includes an inorganic fiber and a porous body made of fine inorganic particles associated with one another in a ring-shaped or helical manner to form secondary particles. The inorganic fiber is coated with the porous body. Also provided is a formed article made from porous body-coated fiber on a porous body-coated particle. The porous body-coated particle includes a core particle and a porous body made of fine particles of a first inorganic compound associated with one another in ring-shaped or helical manner to form secondary particles. The core particle is coated with the porous body.

Abstract: The resin in a fiber-reinforced resin material that uses a single fiber reinforcing ply or a number of fiber reinforcing plies for reinforcing the resin material is reinforced by dispersing carbon nanofibers therein, whereby a fiber-reinforced composite resin material having improved strength such as compressive strength is provided. In a carbon nanofiber-dispersed resin fiber-reinforced composite material 1, an uncured resin 4 having carbon nanofibers 5 dispersed therein is impregnated into a number of fiber reinforcing plies 2a laid one upon another. Upon curing the resin 4, the strength of the matrix 3 itself is increased through the carbon nanofibers 5 dispersed in the resin 4. Moreover, the fiber reinforcement 2 and the resin 4 are joined together strongly by the carbon nanofibers 5, and hence the strength of the composite material, for example the compressive strength, which hitherto has been dependent on the strength of the resin 4 only, is improved.

Abstract: An electrical insulating vapor grown carbon fiber containing a vapor grown carbon fiber having a fiber diameter of 0.01 to 0.5 ?m, wherein the surface thereof is partially or entirely coated with an electrical insulating material and a method of producing thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A string-like sealing material characterized in that (1) the string-like sealing material is a string-like body (a) obtained by forming a thermosetting resin composition comprising a synthetic resin and a heat-curing agent or a string-like composite structure (b) obtained by arranging a dimension-stabilizing aid along the lengthwise direction of the string-like body (a), (2) the elongation percentage thereof is within 10% as measured by applying a load to become stress of 5 N/cm2 per unit sectional area at 23° C. for 5 minutes to the string-like sealing material in the lengthwise direction thereof, and (3) the string-like body (a) has high shape-retaining ability at normal temperature (5 to 35° C.), but exhibits good melt flowability upon its heat curing.

Abstract: The leather-like sheet substrate of the invention comprises a nonwoven fabric of three-dimensionally entangled superfine fibers (A) of at most 0.5 dtex in fineness and a polymer elastomer (B) filled in the entangled interspaces of the nonwoven fabric, in which the superfine fibers (A) comprise an organophosphorus component-copolymerized polyester and the polymer elastomer (B) contains a metal hydroxide or is copolymerized with an organophosphorus component. The leather-like sheet substrate of the invention and artificial leather obtained from it contain no halogen and are resistant to flames. These have a soft feel and are suitable to applications in the interior field that requires flame retardancy, especially to seats for vehicles, etc.

Abstract: Compositions including a fabric layer with a water-insoluble polymer impregnated into the fabric layer to provide sheets are described. In particular, the sheet composites have a permeability to oxygen in the direction perpendicular to the sheet that is less than one-tenth the transmission rate for the fabric layer alone and less than one-fifth the transmission rate for the polymer alone without the fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced tape including a visually transparent backing layer, a reinforcing scrim preferably of fibers made of visually transparent material along one surface of the backing, and a layer of transparent adhesive covering but not totally wetting the reinforcing scrim so that the scrim is visible along the backing layer before the tape is applied to give a user a visual indication of the strength of the tape. The indexes of refraction of the material of the fibers in the scrim and of the adhesive are similar so that when the layer of adhesive is pressed against a substrate through the backing layer, the adhesive will more totally wet the fibers of the reinforcing scrim, causing them to become significantly less visible in the reinforced tape adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: Process for protecting fiber-reinforced, carbon-containing composites whose matrix comprises, at least in the outer layer, silicon carbide (SiC) and also silicon (Si) and/or silicon alloys against oxidation, which comprises the steps a) impregnation of the composite with an aqueous, phosphate-containing solution, b) drying, c) heat treatment at a temperature which is at least sufficient to convert the dried solution into insoluble compounds which are suitable for forming a self-healing glass, wherein the composite is treated oxidatively to form silicon oxide (SiO2) either prior to step a), between steps a) and b) or during or after step b) and/or c).

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber having a boron nitride layer in a fiber surface and having the following properties of a to c, a. the existent ratio of boron slopingly increases towards the surface of the fiber, b. the existent ratio of boron in the region of from the fiber surface to a depth of 500 nm is 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, c. the existent ratio of boron in a fiber central portion which is a region of a depth of at least 3 ?m below the fiber surface is 0 to 0.2% by weight, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Compositions including modified carbide-containing nanorods and/or modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbide containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing modified carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reinforced carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to reinforced carbon nanotubes having a plurality of microparticulate carbide or oxide materials formed substantially on the surface of such reinforced carbon nanotubes composite materials. In particular, the present invention provides reinforced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a plurality of boron carbide nanolumps formed substantially on a surface of the reinforced CNTs that provide a reinforcing effect on CNTs, enabling their use as effective reinforcing fillers for matrix materials to give high-strength composites. The present invention also provides methods for producing such carbide reinforced CNTs.

Abstract: A protective coating for a carbon-containing component comprises a material selected from the group consisting of non-stoichiometric silicon and carbon; non-stoichiometric silicon and oxygen; non-stoichiometric silicon and nitrogen; compounds of silicon, oxygen, and carbon; compounds of silicon, oxygen and nitrogen; compounds of silicon, nitrogen, and carbon; and silicon.

Abstract: Compositions including oxycarbide-based nanorods and/or carbide-based nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including oxycarbide-based nanorods and/or carbide based nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided. The fluid phase catalytic reactions catalyzed include hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurisation, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodemetallisation, hydrodeoxigenation, hydrodearomatization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, isomerization, alkylation, dealkylation and transalkylation.

Abstract: The invention provides a rubber reinforcing cord that can be suitably used as a material for reinforcing rubber materials such as tires, belts and hoses and is excellent in fatigue resistance. This invention is also a rubber reinforcing cord in which a carbon fiber bundle is impregnated with a resin composition comprising a rubber, wherein the elastic modulus of dried film of the rubber latex at 25° C. (G′) is 0.4 MPa or less, and the carbon fiber bundle has a knot-breaking strength of 500 MPa or more.

Abstract: A fire-resistant and water-resistant low-voltage electrical cable including a conductor and a first internal layer to protect it against water based on a polymer compound containing no halogen, crosslinked or not, and a second layer consisting of a blend of a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer and of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one &agr;-olefin, optionally with a diene, and of an agent having fire retardant properties, the ratio of the thicknesses of the outer layer and the internal layer being from 1 to 7.

Abstract: An antibacterial cloth having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0% by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of Al2O3, 1-22 mol % of one or ore selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: Silicon infiltration technology is used to produce ceramic bodies having utility as ballistic armor. In a first aspect of the invention, the ballistic armor includes a reaction-bonded silicon carbide body (RBSC). Good ballistic performance can be advanced by loading the permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated to a high degree with one or more hard fillers, and by limiting the size of the largest particles making up the mass. In a second aspect, the silicon infiltration technology, e.g., siliconizing or reaction-bonding, is used to bond silicon carbide fibers to at least the back surface of a ceramic armor body, thereby enhancing ballistic stopping power. A third aspect of the invention pertains to the ability to engineer RBSC bodies such that there is little dimensional change during processing, thereby permitting high dimensional reproducibility in large-scale production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly durable, moisture-permeable, waterproof material that is high in moisture-permeability and waterproofness and able to achieve good adhesion with such a coat layer as moisture-permeable, water-resistant layer and with such a fibrous structural material as fabric, and a method for the production thereof. The moisture-permeable, waterproof material of the invention comprises a moisture-permeable, water-resistant layer, a fibrous structural material, and a water-swellable adhesive layer interposed between the former two to adhere them together, wherein the surfaces of the single fibers comprising said fibrous structural material are coated with a pre-treating agent containing a polyhydric compound as main component, said fibrous structural material and said water-swellable adhesive layer being adhered via the pre-treating agent.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, cut-resistant composite yarn which has a core member including at least one cut-resistant strand, a cover member including at least one strand wrapped around and enclosing the core member, wherein at least one strand in either the core member or the cover member is treated with and incorporates an antimicrobial compound. The yarn can be used to fabricate cut-resistant garments, such as gloves, worn by meat cutters and others who work with knives, saws and other sharp implements. The antimicrobial effect reduces bacteria, mold and fungi growth on the garments between washings.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic composite is described which contains at least one supporting zone having oxidation-sensitive reinforcing fibers as well as a matrix. The matrix optionally contains oxidation-sensitive components. The composite further contains at least one surface layer, as well as at least one additional protective layer disposed between the supporting zone and surface layer, and whose matrix is composed substantially of at least one component of the matrix of the supporting zone or cover layer. The protective layer further contains additives that form self-healing layers.

Abstract: Airborne or aqueous organic compound collection using carbon nanotubes. Exposure of carbon nanotube-coated disks to controlled atmospheres of chemical warefare (CW)-related compounds provide superior extraction and retention efficiencies compared to commercially available airborne organic compound collectors. For example, the carbon nanotube-coated collectors were four (4) times more efficient toward concentrating dimethylmethyl-phosphonate (DMMP), a CW surrogate, than Carboxen, the optimized carbonized polymer for CW-related vapor collections. In addition to DMMP, the carbon nanotube-coated material possesses high collection efficiencies for the CW-related compounds diisopropylaminoethanol (DIEA), and diisopropylmethylphosphonate (DIMP).

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and water resistant fabric is disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for use in constructing luggage. The fabric, however, is also well suited for many other applications, such as use in constructing sportswear, outdoor apparel, military apparel, and the like. The fabric is treated with a chemical composition. It has been discovered that the chemical composition greatly enhances the abrasion resistance of the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is made from nylon multifilament yarns.

Abstract: In a honeycomb sandwich panel having a honeycomb core, and a front surface layer and a rear surface layer sandwiching the honeycomb core on its upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the front surface layer and the rear surface layer is made of a fiber reinforced plastic using a phenolic resin as a matrix.

Abstract: A fiber velvet comprising nano-size fibers or nanofibrils attached to micro-size fibers is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing the velvet as well as various uses of the velvet are also described. For example, the fiber velvet can be used as a thermal interface or as an adhesive material. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of the micro-size or larger diameter fibers. Various attributes of the micro-size fibers and of the nano-size fibers, for example, geometry (e.g. size, length, packing density) material type (e.g. carbon, metal, polymer, or ceramic) and properties (e.g. conductivity, modulus, surface energy, dielectric constant, surface roughness) can be selected depending on the desired attributes of the fiber velvet. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: 12A high temperature gas turbine component includes an inner core made of a monolithic ceramic material embedded within an outer CMC shell. The inner core may be formed with a through hole, blind hole, wear pads and the like. A method of making the bushing includes the steps of a) forming an inner core of silicon nitride or silicon carbide; and b) applying a ceramic matrix composite material over substantially all of the inner core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epoxy resin composition for FRP that will be used for fishing rods, golf club shafts, and the like, a prepreg that is an intermediate material made up of an epoxy resin composition combined with reinforcing fibers, and a tubular molded article obtained using it. The epoxy resin composition for FRP of the present invention comprises (A) a bisphenol A-type epoxy resin, (B) an epoxy resin having oxazolidone rings, and (C) a curing agent. By using the epoxy resin composition for FRP of the present invention, a prepreg quite excellent in handleability and a tubular molded article improved in flexural strength in the longitudinal direction and crushing strength in the diametrical direction can be obtained.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mould, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: A reinforcing fiber, in particular for fiber composite materials, has a core which is provided with a layer of a pyrolysable binder. A coating of pyrolytic carbon or sugar is provided between the core and the layer fiber strands are provided with reinforcing fibers of this type and fiber strands are coated in this way. Fiber composite materials can be prepared with these reinforcing fibers. Processes for producing reinforcing fibers and composite materials involve coating fiber strands.

Abstract: Silicon infiltration technology is used to produce ceramic bodies having utility as ballistic armor. In a first aspect of the invention, the ballistic armor includes a reaction-bonded silicon carbide body (RBSC). Good ballistic performance can be advanced by loading the permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated to a high degree with one or more hard fillers, and by limiting the size of the largest particles making up the mass. In a second aspect, the silicon infiltration technology, e.g., siliconizing or reaction-bonding, is used to bond silicon carbide fibers to at least the back surface of a ceramic armor body, thereby enhancing ballistic stopping power. A third aspect of the invention pertains to the ability to engineer RBSC bodies such that there is little dimensional change during processing, thereby permitting high dimensional reproducibility in large-scale production.

Abstract: A nanostructure comprised of a primary layered non-cylindrical nanostructure support and at least one type of secondary substantially graphitic nanostructure grown therefrom. Both the primary layered nanostructure support and the layered substantially graphitic secondary nanostructure are substantially crystalline, wherein the secondary nanostructure, which will preferably be carbon, has a smaller diameter than the primary non-cylindrical nanostructure.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mould, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: Antistatic fabric for flexible containers for bulk material that includes electrically non-conducting threads and static dissipative, special permanent antistatic threads. The static dissipative, special permanent antistatic threads are made of a thermoplastic synthetic with an additive mixed in that increases the conductivity. The static dissipative, special permanent antistatic thread is shaped like a small band or tape with an approximately rectangular cross-section or a multifilament of very thin filaments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating composition capable of being cold vulcanised (EVF), characterised in that it comprises, in a mixture: (1) at least one polyorganosiloxane having, per molecule, at least two C2-C6 alkenyl groups bound to silicon; (2) at least one polyorganosiloxane having, per molecule, at least two hydrogen atoms bound to silicon; (3) a catalytically effective amount of at least one catalyst, consisting of at least one metal belonging to the platinum group; (4) an adherence promoter; (5) optionally a reinforcing system which can be at least a polyorganosiloxane resin and/or a reinforcing filler; (6) optionally at least one cross-linkage inhibitor; (7) and mineral or organic hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A filter composite comprises a first layer of glass fibers having random orientation, and synthetic resinous fibers extending in close association with the glass fibers, the glass fibers having: i) diameters between 1 and 16 microns ii) lengths between about ¼ and 1½ inches the synthetic fibers having denier between 1.6 and 40, and length between ¼ and 2 inches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of inhibiting catalyzed oxidation of carbon-carbon composites involving the steps of treating a carbon-carbon composite having pores with a liquid composition, preferably an aqueous solution, containing (a) phosphoric acid, (b) a zinc salt, and (c) an aluminum salt and heating the treated carbon-carbon composite to a temperature sufficient to form deposits within the pores. In one aspect, the deposit comprises a dispersion of aluminum-rich phosphate in zinc-rich phosphate. This solution may be used in combination with a silicon carbide barrier coating, applied by either painting or by CVD, to allow application at higher temperatures. The adherence of the barrier coating may be improved by preoxidizing the surface to increase porosity at the surface. Articles, including friction brakes, and the aqueous compositions are also part of this invention. The methods and articles show improved penetration and retention of the catalyzed oxidation inhibitors.

Abstract: A deodorant fibrous material contains (1) as a first deodorant material, at least one deodorant component selected from inorganic type and polyorganic acid, ester or salt type components, (2) as a second deodorant material, at least one hydrazine compound and (3) a synthetic resin binder. The deodorant fibrous material can be produced by applying to a fibrous material by a padding or coating method, a liquid composition containing the above components (1)-(3), followed by subsequent heat treatment.

Abstract: A member for brakes that has a light weight, shock resistance characteristics, excellent corrosion resistance characteristics etc., high abrasive wear resistance characteristics and is made from fiber-composite material is comprised of an assemblage of yarns in which yarns, containing at least a bundle of carbon fibers and a carbon component other then carbon fiber are three-dimensionally combined and integrally formed so as to avoid separation there between; and matrices made of Si—SiC-based material filling the spaces between said yarns adjacent to each other within said assemblage of yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and rigid porous structures that contain nanorods having carbides and/or oxycarbides and methods of making and using such compositions and such rigid porous structures. The compositions and rigid porous structures can be used either as catalysts and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided. The fluid phase catalytic reactions catalyzed include hydrogenation hydrodesulfuriaation, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodemetallization, hydrodeoxygenation, hydrodearomatization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolyis, isomerization, alkylation, dealkylation, oxidation and transalkylation.

Abstract: A composite, contains substrate fibers, and carbon ion exchanger, on the substrate fibers. The fiber provides a support to the carbon ion exchanger, resulting in excellent mechanical properties, compared to carbon fiber ion exchangers.

Abstract: A reinforced vitreous carbon composite suitable for use in the formation of wear-resistant assemblies, such as joint prosthetic devices, bearings, current collectors, sealing components, brake linings, electrical motor brushes, and other tribological products. The reinforced composite is formed by impregnating a metal reinforcement structure with a furfuryl alcohol resin, and polymerizing the resin while thermally managing the polymerization process, to produce a poly(furfuryl) alcohol continuous phase that is isotropic, homogeneous and essentially completely void-free, e.g., in a bulk composite form having dimensions greater than 25 millimeters in each of the x, y and z directions thereof.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is to provide a rubber reinforcing cord that can be suitably used as a reinforcing material of rubber materials such as tires, belts and hoses and is excellent in fatigue resistance. This invention is a rubber reinforcing cord, characterized in that a carbon fiber bundle having a breaking extension of 1.7% or more is impregnated with a resin composition containing a rubber latex, and that the initial gradient (dM/dy) at y=0 of the bending load M—deflection y curve of the cord is 1000 N/m or less. This invention is a substantially twist-less rubber reinforcing cord, characterized in that a carbon fiber bundle having a breaking extension of 1.7% or more is impregnated with a resin composition containing a rubber latex, and that the number of twist of the cord is 10 per meter or less.

Abstract: A method of treating hemp fiber and yarn by partially impregnating the hemp fibers with treating compositions is disclosed. The treating compositions are water-based or organic solvent-based and may contain true soaps, starches, waxes, polyalkalene resins or another chemical that demonstrates the ability to provide the advantages listed herein. The key to the present invention is the partial impregnation of the hemp fibers and yarns, which are also part of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides for oxidatively resistant carbon/carbon composites and other graphite-like material, a method for the preparation of these materials, and their use in high temperature applications, preferably in brakes for airplanes. The carbon/carbon composite or graphite-like material, which is resistant to oxidation at high temperatures comprises a fiber-reinforced carbon/carbon composite or graphite in contact with a phosphoric acid based penetrant salt solution which contains the ions formed from the combination of the following: 10-80 wt % H2O, 20-70 wt % H3PO4, 0-25 wt % MnHPO4.1.6H2O, 0-30 wt % Al(H2PO4)3, 0-2 wt % B2O3, 0-10 wt % Zn3(PO4)2 and 0.1-25 wt % alkali metal mono-, di-, or tri-basic phosphate.

Abstract: A molding material comprises at least the following components A, B and C, with the component C arranged to contact a composite comprising the components A plus B. The components are elongated members identified as: A A continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, B A thermoplastic polymer or oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 50,000 and a melt viscosity lower than that of the component C, and C A thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides molded fireplace articles comprising a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers that are substantially uniformly coated with a colored metal oxide. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing molded fireplace articles comprising: providing a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers; mixing the fibers with a binder and a liquid to form a slurry; pouring the slurry into a mold having a desired shape; and forming the slurry into a shaped article. A method of preparing non-white inorganic fibers is also provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a colorant solution formed by dispersing or dissolving a metal compound into a carrier liquid, providing an inorganic fiber, applying the colorant solution to the inorganic fiber to form a colorant coated fiber, and heating the colorant coated fiber to a temperature sufficient to decompose the metal compound to a non-white metal oxide that is substantially uniformly coated on said fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent article such as sanitary napkins and panty liners comprising a topsheet, absorbent core, and backsheet which are breathable by the incorporation of a breathable backsheet and have a reduced tendency to exhibit garment wet through. The backsheet comprises at least one air permeable layer such as an apertured formed film or fibrous layer which is applied and preferably coated with a non-soluble, liquid swellabe material, such as polyvinyl alcohol. Upon contact with fluid discharge, the material swells and closes the apertures of the layer, thereby reducing air permeability and preventing the passage of liquid through the layer and thus through the backsheet onto the garment of the wearer of the article.

Abstract: A process for improving the mechanical properties, particularly the flexural rigidity, of aramid fibers by directly depositing a diamond-like-carbon coating onto the surface of the fibers is disclosed. Diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coated aramid fibers having increased flexural rigidity are also disclosed. DLC coated aramid fibers show an increase in flexural rigidity and suppression of low yielding behavior when compared to uncoated aramid fibers.

Abstract: A polymer matrix composite is provided including graphitized vapor grown carbon fiber mats. A mat comprises semi-continuous vapor grown carbon fiber. The preferred method of producing the composite includes the steps of providing at least one mat of vapor grown carbon fiber and infiltrating liquidized polymeric material into the interstices of the mat by a hot press process. The resulting polymer matrix composite has a thermal conductivity between 400 W/m-K and 700 W/m-K, a density between 1.10-1.40/cc, and an insulating surface, and is useful as a component it electronic devices, aircraft, spacecraft, portable electronics, and other thermal management applications.