Abstract: Disclosed are a silicon nitride ceramic sintered body and preparation method thereof. The silicon nitride ceramic sintered body includes a sintered bulk and a hard surface layer having a thickness of 10-1000 ?m, formed on a surface of the sintered bulk, wherein the sintered bulk comprises a first silicon nitride crystalline phase and a first grain boundary phase; the hard surface layer comprises a second silicon nitride crystalline phase and a second grain boundary phase; the first grain boundary phase comprises a metal tungsten phase being tungsten elementary substance and/or a tungsten alloy; the second grain boundary phase comprises tungsten carbide particles; tungsten element in the metal tungsten phase accounts for 80-100 wt % of total tungsten element in the first grain boundary phase; and tungsten element in the tungsten carbide particles accounts for 60-100 wt % of total tungsten element in the second grain boundary phase.

Abstract: This disclosure presents several options for spraying paint on large elevated surfaces. In a first example, a lift is equipped with sensors to move a painter along the wall in a serpentine pattern while maintaining a constant separation distance and orientation to facilitate spraying of the wall. In a second example, a spray stamp frame is positioned on the wall in a plurality of different positions to spray discrete portions of the wall by a slide bar that moves along the spray stamp frame at each position. In a third example, one or more cables are strung between vertical supports along the wall and a spray module is moved along or by the cables to spray the horizontal stripe, and this process is repeated to spray a plurality of horizontal stripes at different elevations to spray the wall.

Abstract: An acrylic fiber for artificial hair may include an acrylic copolymer. The acrylic fiber has a fiber cross section including 2 to 4 T-shaped protrusions that extend radially from a central portion. Each of the T-shaped protrusions has an arc-shaped upper side that bulges in a direction away from the central portion. A circumradius of the fiber cross section is 40.0 to 60.0 ?m. A distance between adjacent end portions of the corresponding upper sides of the adjacent T-shaped protrusions is 3.0 to 60.0 ?m. An axial width is 10.0 ?m or more. Torsional rigidity of the acrylic fiber is 0.30 to 2.0 mg·cm2. The acrylic fiber for artificial hair has high volume, good texture, and good twist processability, and a hair ornament may include the acrylic fiber for artificial hair.

Abstract: Compositions for treating a substrate to provide increased lubricity to portions of the substrate surface that come into contact with the surface of a mating component are provided. The treated substrates provide improved lubricity, while maintaining adhesion between the surface of the substrate and an overlying polymer coating and imparting corrosion resistance to the substrate surface. The compositions include a silanol coupling agent in combination with lubricating particles, and an acid, which are dissolved or dispersed in a mixture of organic solvent and water.

Abstract: A multi-bar warp knit fabric structure includes a body yarn and a multi-wrapped hybrid yarn. The hybrid yarn incorporates a specialty core unit, an inside textile cover, and an outside textile cover. The inside textile cover is a static-dissipative yarn helically wrapped around the core unit, and the outside textile cover is a surface-conductive yarn helically wrapped around the inside textile cover and the core unit. The hybrid yarn is integrally knit with the body yarn in a repeating stitch pattern alternately zigzaging lengthwise up selected wales of the fabric structure and floating across the fabric structure in a widthwise course direction. The hybrid yarn cooperates with like knitted multi-wrapped hybrid yarns to form a continuous conductive matrix of static dissipative boxes in the fabric structure.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is an anisotropic thermal conductive resin member including a plurality of bundled thermoplastic resin stretch fibers.

Abstract: A filter medium (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular for use in an interior air filter (32), comprises a spun-bonded nonwoven formed at least in part of multi-component segmented pie fibers (1) having at least a first plastic component (2) and a second plastic component (3). The multi-component fibers (1) are largely non-split, and in order to manufacture same, segmented pie filaments are spun in a spun-bonding process (S4) to form a spun-bonded nonwoven (10). The segmented pie filaments then form the multi-component fibers (4), the first plastic component (2) and/or the second plastic component (3) being made in particular of a polypropylene.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement comprises a number of colored filaments of different types. The filaments extend from a mounting surface of the head and are grouped together to define an initial color pattern. At least two types of filament have staggered time-controlled color changing properties, wherein each of said type of filament changes its color within pre-defined time periods, the pre-defined time periods being different from each other so that the initial color pattern changes color characteristics over at least a first pre-defined period of time to a first color pattern and over a subsequent second pre-defined period of time to a second color pattern, the second pattern being different from the first pattern.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for manufacturing a crystalline material (e.g., large crystal material) through the solid state conversion of a polycrystalline material are described. A device may be configured to concurrently heat a volume of ribbon, such as an alumina ribbon, using multiple heat sources. For example, a first heat source may heat a first volume of the ribbon and a second heat source may concurrently heat a second volume, for example, within the first volume, where the ribbon may comprise polycrystalline material. The concurrent heating may drive grain growth in the polycrystalline material in at least the second volume, which may convert the polycrystalline material to crystalline material having one or more grains that are larger than one or more grains of the polycrystalline material. The processed ribbon may include a large crystal material or a single crystal material.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement comprises a number of colored filaments extending from a mounting surface of the head and being grouped together to define an initial color pattern. The colored filaments comprise at least a first and a second type of filament, wherein the types of filaments differ in color changing characteristics over a pre-defined period of time, the pre-defined period of time being the same for the first and the second type of filament so that the initial color pattern changes color characteristics over at least a first pre-defined period of time to a first color pattern, the first color pattern being different form the initial color pattern.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a mower cord and including pressing a resin wire rod and plastically deforming at least part of the wire rod in an axis perpendicular direction. Work-hardening of a surface of the plastically deformed portion allows dramatic enhancement of mowing efficiency.

Abstract: A pallet wrapping system with a support bar and at least two adjustment arms coupled to the support bar. The at least two adjustment arms are configured to narrow the width of a stretch film for wrapping a palletized load. Each of the adjustment arms has a captive nut, a stud, a guide, and an adjustment knob. The captive nut is coupled to and configured to translate along the support bar. The stud has a fixed end coupled to the captive nut and a free end extending away from the support bar. The guide has a cylindrical body with an aperture extending through the cylindrical body and a support flange extending outward from the cylindrical body. The stud extends through the aperture. The adjustment knob is coupled to the free end of the stud. The location of each of the adjustment arms along the support bar is adjustable.

Abstract: A microprocessor heat sink fastener, comprising a nut comprising a thermoplastic material and fibrous fill particles and a bore extending along an axis of the nut. The bore has internal threads. The internal threads comprise a surface. At least one of the fibrous fill particles has first and second ends extending from the surface into a sub-surface region.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a top sheet layer, a back sheet layer, and an absorbent system positioned between the top sheet layer and the back sheet layer. The absorbent system can have at least a fluid intake layer, an absorbent core, and a distribution layer. The fluid intake layer can define a fluid intake layer opening and the absorbent core can define an absorbent core opening. A void space is present between the top sheet layer and the distribution layer and the top sheet layer is maintained in a spaced apart relationship from the distribution layer.

Abstract: A filament for an oral care implement has a longitudinal axis and a substantially cross-shaped cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross-shaped cross-sectional area has four projections and four channels. The projections and channels are arranged in an alternating manner. Each channel has a concave curvature formed by neighboring and converging projections. The concave curvature has a radius, and each projection is end-rounded thereby forming a curvature. The curvature has a diameter, and the ratio of the diameter of the curvature of the projection to the radius of the curvature of the channel is from about 0.2 to about 1.5.

Abstract: To provide an aluminum nitride particle having a hexagonal columnar barrel part and bowl-like projection parts at both ends of the columnar part, wherein the long diameter (D) of the barrel part is 10 to 250 ?m, the ratio (L1/D) of the distance (L1) between the apexes of the two projection pars to the long diameter (D) of the barrel part is 0.7 to 1.3, and the percentage of the length or thickness (L2) of the barrel part to the distance (L1) between the apexes of the two projection parts is 10 to 60%. The aluminum nitride particle can provide high heat conductivity and excellent electric insulation to a resin when it is filled into the resin.

Abstract: An absorbent tampon is disclosed herein. The absorbent tampon strikes a balance between fluid distribution and expansion to reduce the likelihood of kinetic leakage and bypass leakage. The tampons have a fluid kinetic value “FKV” and a dynamic expansion value which are associated with their respective Syngyna ratings.

Abstract: The present application provides a full-coverage bulletproof backpack, which comprises: a backpack body, a double-shoulder strap, a first sandwich, and a second sandwich, wherein the double-shoulder strap is fixedly provided on the back side of the backpack body, and the first sandwich and the second sandwich are provided in the backpack body, wherein the first sandwich is fixedly provided with a first bulletproof part, and the second sandwich is provided with a second bulletproof part, the second sandwich is provided with a pulling structure, the upper side of the double-shoulder strap is provided with an upper fixing part, and the lower side thereof is provided with a lower fixing part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyamide (preferably Nylon 66) yarn for weaving or knitting clothes articles which have a cooling effect on the skin of the wearer. The yarn contains an inorganic additive (preferably Titanium dioxide) in an amount of between 0.3 and 3.0 wt % and is characterized by a low crimp modulus and a flat cross section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fiber reinforced cement composite materials incorporating a fiber blend that includes cellulose pulp and synthetic fibers in a ratio selected to provide the composite material with improved water absorption characteristics and the same or improved mechanical properties as compared to equivalent composite materials reinforced with predominantly or all cellulose fibers. Also disclosed herein are fiber blends comprised of a combination of cellulose fibers and polypropylene fibers adapted to reinforce cementitious composite articles manufactured by the Hatschek process and autoclave cured.

Abstract: A method of decoupling an adhesive system from a contact surface of an object is disclosed. The adhesive system has a full adhesive strength in a de-energized state. The adhesive system comprises a backing, carbon nanotubes, each having a first end region, coupled to the backing, and a second end region, opposite the first end region, and charged nanoparticles, each coupled to the second end region of at least one of the carbon nanotubes. The method comprises steps of electrically charging the backing and disengaging the adhesive system from the contact surface. Electrically charging the backing creates an electrical repulsion force between the backing and the charged nanoparticles, so that the full adhesive strength of the adhesive system is decreased to a reduced adhesive strength. Disengaging the adhesive system from the contact surface comprises applying a disengagement force to the adhesive system sufficient to overcome the reduced adhesive strength.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods to produce ultrathin metal nanowires, the metal nanowires produced therefrom, and the use of the metal nanowires as transparent conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to cementitious or grout compositions and drilling fluids including reinforcement fibers and methods relating thereto. The cementitious or grout compositions include dry blend material and reinforcement fibers. Each of the fibers can have one or more of a pre-selected mean length, denier, diameter and aspect ratio to improve dispersion in dry blending the cementitious or grout compositions.

Abstract: An article comprising a yarn comprising an elastomeric propylene-based polymer composition; said polymer composition comprising at least one elastomeric propylene-based polymer, wherein said yarn has a draft greater than 200%; wherein said article is a fabric or a garment.

Abstract: A method for producing an undrawn polyglycolic acid-based resin yarn, including: a discharge step of discharging a molten polyglycolic acid-based resin through a spinneret, to thereby form a fibrous polyglycolic acid-based resin; a keeping step of keeping the fibrous polyglycolic acid-based resin for 0.0012 seconds or more after the discharge in an atmosphere having a temperature of not lower than 110.5° C. but not higher than a melting point of the polyglycolic acid-based resin; and a cooling step of cooling the fibrous polyglycolic acid-based resin obtained in the keeping step, to thereby obtain an undrawn polyglycolic acid-based resin yarn.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include elastomeric films with a basis weight of about 40 gsm or less or about 25 gsm or less. Other embodiments include elastomeric laminates comprising the elastomeric film bonded to one or more substrates (such as nonwoven fabrics). Methods of the making the elastomeric films and elastomeric laminates are also provided.

Abstract: A continuous fastener element in a fastener stringer has a plurality of fine projections disposed on a circumferential surface of a monofilament continuously along a length direction of the monofilament and a plurality of recesses disposed between the projections. A cross-sectional shape of the projection is curved convexly, and a cross-sectional shape of the recess is curved concavely. A curvature of the convex curved surface of the projections is set to be larger than a curvature of the concave curved surface of the recess in a cross-section of the monofilament. At least the projections disposed on the upper and lower leg parts are twisted with respect to an extension direction of the upper and lower leg parts, and a plurality of the projections disposed on the upper leg part or the lower leg part in a twisted state face the same direction.

Abstract: A fiber is provided with a polymer having a cross-section and a length. A particulate is distributed in the polymer in an amount to make the fiber detectable by X-ray detection or magnetic detection. The particulate is present in a core, a sheath, or both portions of polymer matrix. A process of detecting a fabric article is provided that includes the formation of a fiber in the form of a polymer having a cross-section and a length. A particulate is distributed in the polymer. A fiber is formed into a fabric. A fabric article is then manufactured from the fabric. The fabric article passes through an X-ray detector or a magnetic detector. A signal is collected from the X-ray detector or the magnetic detector indicative of the presence of the fabric article.

Abstract: Adsorptive media for chromatography, particularly ion-exchange chromatography, derived from a shaped fiber. In certain embodiments, the functionalized shaped fiber presents a fibrillated or ridged structure which greatly increases the surface area of the fibers when compared to ordinary fibers. Also disclosed herein is a method to add surface pendant functional groups that provides cation-exchange or anion-exchange functionality to the high surface area fibers. This pendant functionality is useful for the ion-exchange chromatographic purification of biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber which is produced by means of a melt spinning method, including a first component including a melt processable, fully fluorinated first polymer, and a second component including a thermoplastic second polymer.

Abstract: A multilayered polymer composite film includes a first polymer material forming a polymer matrix and a second polymer material coextruded with the first polymer material. The second polymer material forms a plurality of fibers embedded within the polymer matrix. The fibers have a rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flame retardant composition as well as fibers comprising a matrix and an additive wherein each of the matrix and the additive is independently selected from Ultra High Molecular weight Polyethylene (UHMPE) and Polyphosphazene (PPZ) and wherein, when the matrix is UHMPE, the additive is PPZ and when the matrix is PPZ, the additive is UHMPE. Further the present disclosure provides a process of melt spinning the flame retardant composition of a matrix and an additive wherein each of the matrix and the additive is independently selected from UHMPE and PPZ and wherein, when the matrix is UHMPE, the additive is PPZ and when the matrix is PPZ, the additive is UHMPE to obtain flame retardant fibers.

Abstract: Polymer blends include bio-based polymers or copolymers with post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymers or copolymers and a compatibilizer. Fibers may be prepared from the polymer blends. In addition, a life cycle analysis of the polymer blends may be superior in at least four of seven categories of the life cycle analysis relative to virgin polyamide 6.6. Methods of making the fibers from polymer blends are also described. The polymer blends are particularly useful in flooring applications, such as carpeting.

Abstract: A fibrous columnar structure aggregate having excellent mechanical properties, a high specific surface area, excellent heat resistance, excellent pressure-sensitive adhesive properties under temperature conditions ranging from room temperature to a high temperature, and such pressure-sensitive adhesive property that its adhesive strength for adherends different from each other in surface free energy does not change (the aggregate is free of adherend selectivity). The fibrous columnar structure aggregate (1) includes fibrous columnar structures having a plurality of diameters, in which the distribution width of the diameter distribution of the fibrous columnar structures having the plurality of diameters is 10 nm or more, and the relative frequency of the mode of the diameter distribution is 30% or less.

Abstract: Glass fibers having non-circular cross sections, excellent strength and excellent modulus of elasticity, and a fiber-reinforced resin compact using the same are provided. The glass fibers having non-circular cross sections are obtained by spinning the molten glass prepared by melting a glass composition as a raw material for the glass fibers. The glass fibers have a composition in which the content of SiO2 is 57.0 to 63.0% by mass, the content of Al2O3 is 19.0 to 23.0% by mass, the content of MgO is 10.0 to 15.0% by mass and the content of CaO is 5.5 to 11.0% by mass, in relation to the total amount of the glass fibers, and the ratio of the content of MgO to the content of CaO, MgO/CaO falls within a range from 0.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerated cellulose fiber in the form of a solid viscose flat fiber having the following properties: The fiber consists of cellulose by more than 98%. The ratio of width B to thickness D of the fiber is 10:1 or higher. The fiber surface is essentially smooth. The fiber is essentially transparent. The fiber according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of paper.

Abstract: A highly durable, high-strength thermal shield element is provided for the interior lining of the combustion chamber of a gas turbine. For this purpose, the thermal shield element comprises a base produced from a solidified cast ceramic material into which a plurality of reinforcing elements are integrated, to increase the tensile strength of the thermal shield element.

Abstract: A spinneret having tri-arc holes may be used to produce tri-arc filaments. In some instances, tri-arc holes have a Y-shape with three prongs and each prong having an arc at the end of the prong that tapers from the end of the arc to a connection point of an adjacent arc, and tri-arc filaments have a generally-Y shape cross-section with bulbous or arcing tips. Further, tri-arc filaments may be useful in a plurality of applications including, but not limited to, filters, filters comprising particulate additives, and smoking device filters.

Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (1) comprises a bulk polymer (2) within which is embedded sub-micron (c. 200 to 220 nm) composite material wires (3) having Ag and carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) 4. The CNTs are embedded in the axial direction and have diameters in the range of 9.5 to 10 nm and have a length of about 0.7 ?m. In general the pore diameter can be in the range of 40 to 1200 nm. The material (1) has particularly good thermal conductivity because the wires (3) give excellent directionality to the nanotubes (4)—providing very low resistance heat transfer paths. The TIM is best suited for use between semiconductor devices (e.g. power semiconductor chip) and any type of thermal management systems for efficient removal of heat from the device.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: A carbon fiber precursor fiber having a weight average molecular weight Mw(F) of 200,000 to 700,000 and a degree of polydispersity MZ(F)/Mw(F), wherein MZ(F) indicates Z-average molecular weight of the fiber, of 2 to 5.

Abstract: A three-dimensional preform, composite components formed with the preform, and processes for producing the preform and composite materials. The three-dimensional preform includes first and second sets of tows containing filaments. Each tow of the first set has a predetermined polygonal cross-sectional shape and is embedded within a temporary matrix. The preform is fabricated from the first and second sets of tows, in which the second set of tows are transverse to the first set of tows, adjacent tows of the second set are spaced apart to define interstitial regions therebetween, and the polygonal cross-sectional shapes of the first set of tows are substantially congruent to the cross-sectional shapes of the interstitial regions so as to substantially fill the interstitial regions.

Abstract: An elongated metallic structural member having anisotropic flexural stiffness characteristics which can be conveniently produced, is disclosed. Anisotropic bending behavior is achieved by directionally controlling, at least in part, the composition and/or microstructure. The invention is particularly applicable to articles requiring the bending stiffness in the flexible plane to be much lower than in the stiff plane as desired, among others, in a variety of shafts, tubes and rods used in sporting goods.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a support and a cleaning arm partly embedded in the support. The cleaning arm includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: An artificial fiber for use in an artificial grass sports field is disclosed wherein, seen in a transverse sectional direction of the fiber, at least part of the fiber is provided with a stiffness-enhancing portion extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. The artificial fiber includes at least two fiber flange portions, at least one fiber flange portion forming the stiffness-enhancing portion, while at least two fiber flange portions have a uniform thickness. The improved artificial fiber is less flexible and consequently exhibits less tendency to deform to a flat orientation, but does not increase the risk of injuries to players or have an adverse effect on the playing characteristics of the field. Also disclosed is an artificial grass lawn, suitable for sports fields, having a substrate to which one or more artificial fibers of the invention are attached.

Abstract: Copper nanostructures with relatively small dimensions and method for producing such structures are discloses. The ratios of the various reaction products may be adjusted to produce pentagonal nanowires and other structures such as tadpole shaped nanowires, nanocubes or pentagonal bi-pyramids.

Abstract: Filamentous bodies which are longitudinally extended and other film-like constructions are made by combining liquid silicone-containing precursors with air and extruding them. Distinct types or grades of fibers, strands, and other film-like constructions are produced which have a multiplicity of useful applications and indications for use owing to their inherent memory, compactability, tensile strength and density. Processes for making the novel enhanced filamentous bodies and products by the same can be optimized for uses ranging from safe and effective (“leak-free”) prosthetics to cushions, inserts, membranes, in a plurality of fields from consumer electronics to medical devices, and athletic or orthopedic shoe inserts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing hollow carbon fibers having an empty space in the cross section thereof. More specifically, the disclosed method includes melt-spinning an acrylonitrile-based polymer by using a supercritical fluid as a plasticizer; drawing spun fibers to prepare hollow precursor fibers; and stabilizing and carbonizing the hollow precursor fibers to prepare the hollow carbon fibers. The hollow carbon fibers obtained by the disclosed method have at least a 10 to 50% lower specific gravity than conventional hollow carbon fibers (solid), but have similar mechanical properties to the conventional fibers. Furthermore, the diameter of carbon fibers can be adjusted, thereby making it possible to widen the application of hollow carbon fibers.