Abstract: A vibration-damping laminate having a constraining layer secured to a viscoelastic layer. The constraining layer includes a mat of non-thermoplastic fibers. The viscoelastic layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: A wound covering comprising a synthetic polymer material comprising zeolites containing metal ions.

Abstract: A breathable microlayer polymer film comprising a plurality of coextruded microlayers including a first layer comprising a first melt-extrudable polymer and a second layer comprising second melt-extrudable polymer, the first melt-extrudable polymer having a first water vapor transmission rate and the second melt-extrudable polymer having a second water vapor transmission rate less than the first water vapor transmission rate. A method for making such a breathable film is also disclosed. The microlayer polymer film is breathable, but can also be a barrier to liquid, microbial organisms, organic toxins, and body fluids, and is suitable as a covering material for disposable items such as diapers. While the first polymer is more breathable, the second polymer can impart other properties to the microlayer film such as enhanced tensile properties.

Abstract: A thermoformed contoured three-dimensional laminated structure having improved sound absorbing characteristics and which can be formed with shorter mold cycle times includes a porous thermoformable fibrous batt layer and a rigid foam layer. The laminated articles are suitable for use as decorative sound absorbing panels for automotive applications, and are well suited for use as vehicle headliners.

Abstract: A rug underlay formed of a compressed central mat of needle-punched waste or recycled fibers, the upper layer of which is heat fused by a drum to provide a chevron design of lands and grooves alternating between adjoining squares and a lower layer of elastomeric material coating the mat and embossed with a pattern of geometric formation.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable and fireproof acoustic panel includes an underlying panel covered on one or both sides by a cover panel. The underlying panel can be produced with a cover layer on the interior side thereof. The cover layer is composed of two layers, a coarse-pored stabilizing intermediate layer which in turn is covered by a second, fine-pored outer layer, both of which are bonded to one another and to the underlying panel by a matrix of adhesive material.

Abstract: A composite substrate for plastic reinforcement, which comprises a fiber mat and a closed cell foam sheet which are integrated by needling.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved composition and method for treating substrates such as nonwoven fabrics to impart durable properties such as wettability. The composition includes a viscosity modifier that provides reduced viscosity to normally viscous treating agents allowing them to be applied at room temperature without adversely affecting the desired properties of the treated substrate. Advantageously the treating composition includes an alkyl polyglycoside having 8 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and a surfactant such as a blend of ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil and sorbitan monooleate. Nonwovens treated in accordance with the invention with high solids treating compositions at room temperature have a durability of at least 2 cycles in accordance with the runoff test. The treating compositions of the invention are stable and adapted to many conventional treating systems. As little as 1 part in 20 of the addition of the alkyl polyglycoside is effective.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric is constructed to have high breathability, a low modulus and a good hand. The composite is comprised of a fibrous nonwoven material attached to a highly elastic breathable foam film substrate. The foam film substrate is dimensioned to be thin enough to provide numerous apertures and/or voids therethrough. The attachment of the fibrous nonwoven material to the foam film substrate is accomplished by needlepunching portions of at least some strands of the nonwoven material through the apertures in the elastic foam film. During the needlepunching process, the numerous apertures and/or voids in the foam film facilitate the passage of strands of the nonwoven material through the foam film by the needles while minimizing damage to the structure of the foam film by the needles. Alternatively, the composite nonwoven textile is constructed by attaching fibers to the breathable elastic foam film by flocking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning discontinuous fibers (F 101, 212) is described. A feeder apparatus (20, 120, 220, 220A) is used to align the fibers in a horizontal plane for feeding to the aligning apparatus (40, 140, 240, 240A) providing an electrical (E) field to orient the fibers in one preselected direction. A support or conveyor (70, 170, 270) receives the aligned fibers. The method and apparatus provides composite products having improved physical properties because of the alignment. The fibers can be of different lengths and a mixture of different types to make composites with controlled microstructure and properties. The composite materials can be in the form of non-woven, discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic stampable sheets with controlled fiber orientation distribution. The composites are useful for a variety of goods.

Abstract: A laminated insole (2) for a footwear has an upper layer (4) of a resilient foam material having an outline (6) shaped for incorporation in the footwear, and a bottom layer of a fibrous mat (10) and having a shape conforming with the outline (6) of the upper layer (4). The fibrous mat (10) includes a multiplicity of fibers (12), a number of which penetrate the foam material of the upper layer (4) for bonding the bottom layer (10) to the upper layer (4), and a stiffening portion (14) for providing stiffness to the insole (2). Preferably, each of the fibers (12) of those penetrating the foam material (4) emerges from the outer surface (16) thereof and thereby provides a pilosity (17) thereon. The laminated product (2) is suitable for use as an insole as well as a slip-in insole in any footwear. It takes advantage of the resilient properties of the foam, the stiffness and thermoformability of the fibrous mat and the comfort provided by the pilosity covering the upper layer of foam.

Abstract: A seat cushion assembly is formed by (a) placing a foam-fabric laminate (14, 15) and an air impervious adhesive film (16) over a mold (18); (b) drawing the adhesive against the foam and urging the fabric against the mold by vacuum; (c) placing a foam pad (12) adjacent to the adhesive film; (d) heating the film and diffusing it into the foam pad and into the foam of the foam-fabric laminate; and (e) curing the film adhesive. The foam layer laminated to the fabric is formed as the reaction product of a polyether polyol or a graft polyether polyol with about 30 to 60 parts by weight of an MDI or polymeric MDI/TDI blended isocyanate with the major portion MDI or mixtures thereof, about 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight water as a blowing agent, about 0.05 to about 0.90 parts by weight amine catalyst and about 0.5 to about 1.5 parts by weight silicone surfactant, wherein all amounts are based on 100 parts by weight polyol.

Abstract: A self-regulating breathable microporous film layer transmits water vapor at normal use conditions, and reduces or eliminates the vapor transmission when the vapor in the environment becomes excessive. The film layer includes a voided polymer matrix and a plurality of fine water-swellable filler particles disposed within the voids. When there is an excess of vapor, the filler particles swell to block or partially block transmission of vapor through the voids and the film layer.

Abstract: A method for producing asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner, centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. The molten asphalt is supplied to the asphalt spinner at a temperature within the range of from about 270.degree. to about 500.degree. F. Also disclosed is a method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers including the steps of establishing a downwardly moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers to integrate the asphalt with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making an asphalt roofing shingle includes the steps of assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: Glass fiber non-woven fabric for base material of laminate comprising binder binding glass fibers to each other and having glass transition temperature of higher than 120.degree. C.

Abstract: An improvement in the sealing of bonded batts of fiberfill is obtained by providing a barrier layer of bonded bicomponent binder fibers on one or both faces of the remainder of the batt to prevent or reduce the tendency of the fiberfill to leak through such faces.

Abstract: Multicomponent thermoplastic continuous filaments are provided, including hollow core multicomponent filaments. The filaments are at least partially splittable into smaller filaments in the absence of mechanical treatment or application of high pressure water jets. The surface energy of the components can be controlled to control separation of the multi-component filaments. Sub-denier and micro-denier filaments of low orientation can be produced from relatively high molecular weight polymers to produce nonwovens of surprising strength, barrier, and cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat, in particular for aircraft, comprising: a cushion made of plastic foam, a supporting body of an open-cell, resilient plastic foam with a first relative density; a middle layer with a second relative density different from the first; and a covering material. The layers are bonded together. A flame-resistant intermediate layer may be arranged between the supporting body and the covering material. The intermediate layer may be formed from a lattice or mesh of high temperature-resistant fibers or threads. The middle layer (18) is a nonwoven fabric of at least one fiber layer of needled or thermally bonded fibers or threads of synthetic and/or natural materials which are preferably applied to a carrier layer by needling.

Abstract: Adhesive tape comprising a stitch-bonded web carrier whose lower surface has been provided with an adhesive coating, characterized in that the upper surface of the carrier has been provided initially with a coating of foam and then with a release coating or only with a release coating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a heat-resistant reinforced polyurethane/polyurea foam by(A) preparing, at an isocyanate index of about 100 to about 115, a foamable reaction mixture comprising(a) an organic polyisocyanate;(b) 0 to about 80% by weight, based on the total amount of components (b), (c), and (d), of an isocyanate-reactive compound containing two or more isocyanate-reactive groups and having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to about 10,000;(c) about 10 to about 90% by weight, based on the total amount of components (b), (c), and (d), of an isocyanate-reactive compound containing two or more isocyanate-reactive groups other than amino groups and having a molecular weight of from 32 to 399; and(d) about 5 to about 35% by weight, based on the total amount of components (b), (c), and (d), of certain organic amines containing at least one amino group having a moderated reactivity toward the organic polyisocyanate, as indicated by a gel time exceeding about 5 seconds measu