Abstract: A fiber placement system including a compaction roller rotatable about an axis of rotation, the compaction roller including a reflective layer that includes a reflective material dispersed in a polymeric material, and a light source positioned to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation proximate the compaction roller, the beam having a wavelength, wherein the reflective material has a reflectance of at least 80 percent at the wavelength.

Abstract: Multilayered or multitiered structures formed by stacking of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Such multilayered or multitiered structures can be used as thermal interface materials (TIMs).

Abstract: A fiber placement system including a compaction roller rotatable about an axis of rotation, the compaction roller including a reflective layer that includes a reflective material dispersed in a polymeric material, and a light source positioned to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation proximate the compaction roller, the beam having a wavelength, wherein the reflective material has a reflectance of at least 80 percent at the wavelength.

Abstract: A flexible, water-resistant composite material that can be used for the construction of outdoor enclosures. A material can include a combination of fiber, resin and catalyst upon a backing of a textile such as carpet, hook and loop material, or felt. After cure, the material can be cut to suit for assembly. The material can allow for a single piece to serve as two side walls and the roof or floor of an enclosure. The textile side of the material can be utilized for the interior of an enclosure and the composite side can be used for the exterior of the enclosure. An optional decorative or functional layer can be added to the material.

Abstract: A process for fabricating shoes having an outer cork sole insert includes processing raw cork into sheets of predetermined thickness, adhering a thin fabric sheet to one side of the intermediate cork sheets, cutting out cork/fabric sole inserts and placing them into an injection mold, and cycling the plastic injection mold so as to form a cork insert into the plastic sole.

Abstract: A complex electrokinetic decontamination equipment is disclosed, which removes a radionuclide from contaminated soil with a high efficiency, using a combination of a washing decontamination method performed in an electrokinetic unit using electrolyte and an electrokinetic decontamination method performed by the electrokinetic unit. pH values in an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are optimally controlled by a pH control unit, thereby reducing quantity and size of metal oxide particles. In addition, a water level of the electrolyte in the electrokinetic unit may be automatically controlled by an electrolyte supply controller.

Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a plurality of pellets in an infill disposed on a backing material and between individual synthetic fibers extending away from the backing material, wherein the pellets are a fire retardant material, for example, a salt, and more particularly an inorganic salt, encapsulated in a water insoluble material.

Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A second solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive fibers. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network, said conductive fibers, or both. A fourth phase can be present, which fourth phase is comprised one or more conductive species or one or more non conductive species embedded in said first solid phase.

Abstract: Included are compositions for fibers which include a clay nanoparticle and a wax. The composition provides the fibers with oil and water repellency.

Abstract: Disclosed are mineral filler compositions comprising a calcium carbonate, wherein the composition comprises a mineral content characterized by a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of at least 10:1, and wherein the composition is at least substantially free of calcium oxide. Also disclosed are methods for making a mineral filler composition from a renewable biological source of calcium carbonate. Also disclosed are carpets comprising the mineral filler from renewable biological source produced by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Particulate fillers possess no, or very low, amounts of coarse particles. The particulate fillers may be included in compositions, such as polymer compositions including polymer film formed from a polymer composition, such as breathable film. The particulate fillers may be included in spunlaid fiber, and the spunlaid fiber may be included in products and non-woven fabric. The particulate filler may be included in staple fibers, which may be included in carpet.

Abstract: Besides a method for manufacturing a carpet, the invention further relates to a carpet with a LRV higher than 30. In particular such carpet comprises yarns are made of PP/PA/PET/PTT/PBT, which are either white based or solution dyed based, and tufted on a white or very light woven or web substrate, such as PET and/or PP, pre-coated with a polyolefin such as HYPOD or SBR which is whitened with a filler, such as MgCO3, TiO2, ATH, and/or CaCO3, and which may comprise, in particular in the case of loose laid tiles, a secondary heavy coating consisting of a very light coloured secondary heavy coating such as a specific polyolefin, PVC, PVB, EVA or a (synthetic) bitumen, loaded with a filler pre-selected on lightness and purity as CaCO3 and/or ATH and/or specific salts, e.g. NaCl or TiO2.

Abstract: A roof assembly comprising: a roof deck; a thermoplastic membrane covering the deck; and a fabric having disposed thereon expandable graphite.

Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic turf having super absorbent materials in order to keep the synthetic turf cooler than conventional synthetic turfs. The present invention also provides for synthetic turf infill cooling particles comprising a layer of water-absorbing material coating a foundation comprising a core substrate. In one embodiment, the cooling particle is comprised of a core particle or substrate, which is coated with a water-absorbing material. In one embodiment, the water-absorbing material is a super absorbent polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain modified nanoparticles grafted with polymers comprise sulfonated benzene groups and preparation thereof. This invention also relates to certain polyester compositions comprising the modified nanoparticles, and their use to improve cationic dyeability of said polyester compositions.

Abstract: A knitted spacer fabric has a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and linking fibers extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, e.g. cement, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid, e.g. water. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations. The bottom layer has an extension that extends beyond the upper face and is connected to the upper face by elastic connecting fibers that draw the extension towards the other face, thereby at least partly closing the space at the edge of the cloth and preventing the settable material from spilling out.

Abstract: A portable synthetic grass turf assembly—that is capable of being assembled, transported, disassembled, and stored—includes a plurality of synthetic grass module units that can be laid side by side atop a base surface to provide a continuous synthetic grass surface for various activities. Each module unit includes a synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed among the synthetic grass ribbons and atop a base sheet. A barrier of synthetic ribbons extends about the perimeter of the module unit to retain the particulate material within the module unit during its transportation and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial turf suitable for sports fields including a substrate to which first artificial grass fibers are attached and a granular infill, which is provided between the first artificial grass fibers and which is made of a recyclable synthetic material. The invention also relates to an improved granular infill for use in an artificial turf suitable for sports fields.

Abstract: An artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, consists of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which grass-resembling filaments project, and a filling layer formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the infill material forming the filling layer comprises a coconut-based vegetable material, in particular coco fiber and/or coco peat or other similar vegetable material in fibrous, ground and/or shredded form.

Abstract: An artificial grass turf carpet comprises a ground structure having an upper surface and upstanding synthetic grass fibers attached to the ground structure, which synthetic grass fibers form a grass surface of the artificial grass turf. The carpet further has upstanding synthetic base layer fibers attached to the ground structure at positions between the upstanding synthetic grass fibers. The base layer fibers have a lower height than the grass fibers. The base layer fibers are positioned tight against one another and against neighboring grass fibers, so that a dense base layer is obtained above which the grass fibers extend. An artificial grass turf system includes such a carpet and preferably includes a thin, rubber-free infill layer on top of the base layer.

Abstract: A medical health care blanket or fabric, formed of micro-denier fibers, e.g., polyester or other suitable polymer, has at least one raised surface, and incorporates an antimicrobial system having durable antimicrobial properties after at least 50, 100, 150, or even up to 200 industrial laundering cycles. A method of contributing to a sanitary health care environment is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are carpet products comprising at least one flexible substrate and at least one coating and/or adhesive layer associated with the at least one flexible substrate. The coating and/or adhesive layer is formed from an aqueous composition comprising: A) an emulsifier-stabilized vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsion copolymer dispersion and B) at least one particulate filler material selected from particulate inorganic compounds and particulate plastic material. The vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer in the copolymer dispersion has a selected ethylene content or glass transition temperature. It is also preferably substantially free of cross-linkable co-monomer moieties which generate formaldehyde upon curing and preferably has a particle size, dw, ranging from about 50 to about 500 nm. The carpet product is substantially free of polyvinyl chloride and bitumen and exhibits a Class B1 flame-retardancy in accordance with DIN 4102-14, corresponding to a critical heat flux of ?about 4.5 kW/m2.

Abstract: A knitted spacer fabric having a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and linking fibres extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, e.g. cement, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid, e.g. water. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations. The bottom layer has an extension that extends beyond the upper face and is connected to the upper face by elastic connecting fibres that draw the extension towards the other face, thereby at least partly closing the space at the edge of the cloth and preventing the settable material from spilling out.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports transition turf field having at least two strips with a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The backing material consists of at least two layers of a woven material, with the bottommost one coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a shock layer and coupled together using a hook and loop fastening system. The field is covered with an infill preferably consisting of resilient particles. The field is easily installed and removed and is ideal for use in indoor, multiuse sports and entertainment facilities that require a multitude of different flooring surfaces.

Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive carbon fibers. A second solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network.

Abstract: An apparel constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with selected thermal and moisture transfer properties in order to provide improved performance characteristics. The inner layers manage the body heat of an individual by reflection and thermal retention while also providing moisture wicking and antimicrobial function. The middle layers manage thermal isolation from the external temperatures by using materials with very low thermal conductivity in combination with waterproof layers that can also be breathable. The outer layers manage external durability, water repellency and waterproofness. The apparel can be constructed with all layers made into one material and in one garment, or constructed as two garments with one being for body heat thermal function and one being for weather insulation and reflection function. The material is made to be optionally form fitting with high stretch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyester yarns made from two or more different polyesters. The invention is also directed to finished articles made from two or more different polyesters, and especially to carpets.

Abstract: The invention provides a knitted spacer fabric having a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and pile yarns extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations.

Abstract: A composite structure mainly composed of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril and a water swellable solid body, the fine fibers being obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof, and at least part of the surface of the solid body is covered with the fine fibers. The absorbent composite can be formed in various form of, for example, particle, pellet, sheet and the like, especially of a sheet type with a supporting sheet of a non-woven fabric. The present invention further provides a method of making the composite structure.

Abstract: Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼? to 4? in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the ability to transform a variety of inert, synthetic, popular, modern nonwovens and other filamentous materials into reactive products having a wide and diverse varying nature due to the coatings that can be successfully applied. This principle holds true especially for the web forming nonwovens of which the high lofts are an ideal dimensional matrix material, for not only having a good carrying capacity for a wide variety of active ingredients, but can scrub and entrap soils and particles as well, sometimes simultaneously. The active ingredient is held and protected within the open cell of the carrier media by means of an adhesion enhancing agent, such as a tackifier, that is coated on the fibers of the nonwoven carrier.

Abstract: An aggregate turf filler for use with the turf of athletic fields and landscaped areas which comprise crushed silica sand particles (SiO2) which are substantially round in shape and are sized to be between 12 and 40 mesh. An acrylic based sealer covering the outer surface of each of the silica sand particles. Finally, providing that the silica sand particles have a smooth outer surface, possess an angle of repose of less than 30°, repel water, resist compacting, present no damaging sharp edges when incorporated with the turf and are environmentally safe.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Abstract: In order to provide a radio wave absorber that can be produced easily and has excellent radio wave absorption characteristics, a conductive surface 2 of a conductive paint 6 is formed on one surface 1a of a mat-shaped inorganic fiber bulk material 1.

Abstract: A superhydrophobic polymer fabrication is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fibers, such as staple fibers, comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one coated filler, wherein the at least one coated filler has an average particle size of less than or equal to about 3 microns, and wherein the at least one coated filler is present in an amount of less than or equal to about 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the fibers. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing staple fibers, webs, fabrics, and carpets comprising adding at least one filler to at least one polymeric resin and processing the resulting mixture.

Abstract: Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼? to 4? in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising: an aqueous dispersion of fluoroalkylsilyl surface modified nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, zirconia, layered magnesium silicate, aluminosilicate, natural clay, synthetic clay and mixtures thereof, and wherein the fluoroalkylsilyl is: (F(CF2)nCH2CH2)mSi(O—)p, where n is 2, 3 or 4, p is 1, 2 or 3, and m is (4?p). Also disclosed are processes of making an aqueous dispersion of fluoroalkylsilyl surface modified nanoparticles, and treating a substrate with an aqueous dispersion of fluoroalkylsilyl surface modified nanoparticles. Articles and substrates comprising the fluoroalkylsilyl surface modified nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having at least one strip having a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a multilayer backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The multiplayer backing material has a top mesh polypropylene layer at least three layers of a backing material coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a fine aggregate layer placed over a coarse aggregate layer and a geotextile fabric. The geotextile fabric is placed onto a compacted and leveled subgrade. A ground rubber infill, with or without sand particles and diatomaceous earth, is introduced onto the strips. In alternative arrangements, a series of perforated drains and drain tiles may be introduced to the coarse aggregate layer to promote drainage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer or styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene polymer (SEBS) as infill material in artificial turf systems. Artificial turf has achieved growing popularity in recent years, particularly for football fields. The vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer comprises a polyolefin and a rubber wherein the rubber is dynamically vulcanised by the use of a curing agent. The polyolefin is chosen from polyethylene or polypropylene and the rubber is chosen from EPDM or EPM. The rubber is dynamically vulcanised by a curing agent chosen from sulfur, sulfurous compounds, metal oxides, maleimides, phenol resins, silanes or peroxides.

Abstract: Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides polymer organoclay composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and an organoclay, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer organoclay composite.

Abstract: A design and process are provided in which a thermosetting adhesive layer is applied as a slurry to a flocked surface.

Abstract: Polyamide yarns, filaments and fibers in which nanoparticles are dispersed, process for the preparation thereof and applications of these.

Abstract: A production method according to the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises a step of obtaining a vinyl chloride resin paste sol by mixing a plasticizer and a vinyl chloride resin, a granulated material mixing step of mixing a granulated material having a grain size of 300 ?m or less obtained by granulating a discarded carpet material containing a vinyl chloride resin with the vinyl chloride resin paste sol, a filling material adding step of obtaining a backing composition by mixing an inorganic filling material with a paste sol obtained at the granulated material mixing step, and a step of integrally laminating the backing composition on a back surface of a surface skin member.

Abstract: A flooring, for example for pitches for soccer, five-a-side football, American football, rugby, etc. which includes a polyolefin-based impermeable layer and an elastic mattress laid on top of the impermeable layer which includes a core layer having an agglomerate granular material and an envelope that envelops the core layer. A structure of synthetic-grass covering is laid on top of the elastic mattress and includes a sheetlike substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate to simulate the grassy sward of natural turf, as well as a particulate filling material or infill dispersed between the filiform formations to maintain the filiform formations themselves in a substantially upright condition. The flooring is suited to being laid directly on the previously flattened laying foundation so as to bestow a camber thereon to facilitate draining, such as a pitched camber.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Abstract: A system and method for forming synthetic/artificial grass or turf products in which a series of tufts of artificial/synthetic grass filaments or yarns are formed in a backing material. The system generally will include spaced rows of needles mounted along a tufting zone and which are reciprocated through the backing to different penetration depths. A series of loopers and a series of hooks will be aligned with and will engage the needles in order to form cut and loop pile tufts of yarns having varying lengths in the backing material.

Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes continuously introducing molten resin to a pressure zone at a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, such that pressure in the pressure zone forces some of the resin into an array of stem cavities defined in the mold roll to form resin stems while a remainder of the resin forms a base at the roll surface, interconnecting the stems. The method includes forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements and transferring an image substance onto the peripheral surface of a nip transfer roll that transfers the image substance into the pressure zone. The image substance becomes bonded to the resin of the base in the pressure zone to form an image visible on the base.

Abstract: By utilizing specially processed waste carpeting as a filler in the production of carpet backcoating, roofing materials, or other similar products, the amount of waste carpeting that is landfilled or otherwise disposed of is significantly reduced as is the need for mining the mineral fillers. Waste carpeting (post-consumer and/or waste from new carpet manufacture) containing calcium carbonate and a thermoplastic resin is collected and size-reduced to a size corresponding to the size of calcium carbonate typically used as a filler. The size-reduced waste carpeting is added as filler to at least one other material, such as polymers in standard latex, EVA, or PVC carpet backcoatings, to provide a composite used in the manufacture of a useful product (like carpet backcoating), and then the composite material is used to make the useful product (such as carpet backcoating, which is used as a primary or secondary backcoating in the manufacture of new carpeting).