Abstract: A connecting rod includes a shank extending along a shank axis and a first end portion coupled to the shank. The first end portion has an annular shape. The connecting rod also includes a second end portion coupled to the shank. The second end portion has an annular shape. Each of the shank, the first end portion, and the second end portions includes a fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber-reinforced composite includes a matrix and a plurality of fibers embedded in the matrix. At least one of the shank fibers is elongated along the shank axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymer protecting layer, a lithium metal negative electrode, a lithium secondary battery. In the lithium secondary battery of the present disclosure, a polymer protecting layer comprising a polymer ionic liquid is coated on a surface of a lithium metal sheet.

Abstract: Optionally dyed woven fabrics and garments are disclosed that exhibit fire resistance, arc resistance, moisture management (water release rate and wicking), and abrasion resistance without the undesirable addition of topical treatments. Certain embodiments of the woven fabric are disclosed that comprise a plurality of weft yarns comprising a blend of fibers with inherently fire resistant fibers with superior moisture management properties and a plurality of warp yarns, optionally dyed, comprising cellulose derivatives. The woven fabrics are particularly useful in denim work clothes because they are comfortable to wear and exhibit fire resistance and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface modifying agents for polymeric and/or textile materials, methods of making and/or using a surface modifying agent to modify and functionalize polymeric and/or textile materials, and/or methods of using surface modified or functionalized polymeric and textile materials, and/or products using or incorporating surface modified or functionalized polymeric and textile materials. For example, the surface modifying agent in precursor form can be styrene sulfonyl azide monomer, polymer or copolymer capable of undergoing a chemical reaction in the presence of heat or light to form one or more styrene sulfonated nitrene monomers, polymers or copolymers, which are capable of chemically reacting with the surface of a polymeric or textile material to endow a specific or desired chemical surface functionality to the surface of a polymeric or textile material.

Abstract: Grease resistant coatings for fibrous materials, particularly paper and the like used for packaging but also nonwoven, woven or knitted textile materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an environmentally safe, grease and/or adhesion resistant article comprising an absorbent substrate, a cross-linking agent, and a polymer; wherein the substrate is first coated with the cross-linking agent and is then coated with the polymer.

Abstract: Polyolefin fiber fabrics can be endowed with oil-repellent properties by treating them first in a plasma atmosphere to raise their surface tension, then with a polyorganosiloxane containing polyoxyalkylene groups and finally with a polyacrylate or polyurethane containing perfluoroalkyl radicals. The fabrics thus obtained are useful for medical as well as other applications.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, a ballistic resistant structures and articles formed from a hybrid of woven and non-woven fibrous components that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The hybrid structures are particularly useful for the formation of or for use in conjunction with soft, flexible body armor.

Abstract: A stain repellent composition comprising a cellulose based compound which has been modified hydrophobically.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing a finish formulation for the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic finishing of surfaces, comprising a dispersant incorporating dispersed, activated particles with hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface groups and a binder, in which particles with hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface groups are comminuted in the dispersant for activation, and the binder is added before or after activation. The obtained finish formulation clearly improves the physical properties of a transparent finish while maintaining very good hydrophobing/oleophobing. It is suitable for finishing all surfaces, in particular for finishing fibers or textiles of all kinds.

Abstract: Partially fluorinated amino acid derivatives are provided that are useful as organogelators and surface treatment materials to provide oil- and water- repellency properties to substrates. Also provided are composite materials comprising a porous support and a porous nanoweb. The porous nanoweb contains fibrous structures of about 10 nm to about 1000 nm effective average fiber diameter.

Abstract: In order to provide grease, oil and wax resistance to a paper substrate, a coating containing a binder, a filler material and calcium carbonate is used. The coating of the invention is essentially free from fluorocarbons, which are considered harmful to human and animal populations, and surfactants and other chemicals which may alter the color of the coated paper. The coated paper has a GE brightness level between approximately 50 and approximately 90, while providing superior grease, oil and wax resistance.

Abstract: A system and method for depositing a substance onto a substrate comprises continuously transporting the substrate in a transport direction while traversing a deposition arrangement across the substrate to deposit the substance in a number of swathes. During such movement the positions of the deposition arrangement and the substrate are controlled with respect to one another such that the swathes complement one another to provide substantially uniform coverage of the substrate. As a result of the defined arrangement, improved substrate speeds can be achieved since there is no need for the substrate to stop at each traverse.

Abstract: The invention relates to fabrics, comprising fibers and a coating that is covalently bound on the surface of the fibers, characterized in that the fabrics are temperature-stable at 200° C. The invention further relates to methods for the production thereof, fuel cells and gas diffusion layers comprising the fabrics, and to the use thereof in fuel cells and gas diffusion layers.

Abstract: A finishing composition is proposed for deposition by continuous flow inkjet technique onto a textile substrate. The composition comprises a dispersion or emulsion of a functional finishing agent in a vehicle and the jetted composition has a conductivity of greater than 500 ?S/cm. The size of particles in the dispersion or emulsion of the finishing composition is less than about 5 microns. By ensuring sufficient fineness of the particles, effective and reliable droplet deposition may proceed without clogging of the nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface material for an automobile internal trim panel consisting of a fiber sheet, wherein the fiber sheet contains an oil repellent and substantially consists of non-water absorbent fibers; an oil repellency of at least one surface of the surface material is grade 1 or more in an evaluation by an AATCC Test Method 118-1997; and a grade of the oil repellency of one surface of the surface material is different from that of the other surface thereof. Further, an automobile internal trim panel comprising the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for the application of a finishing layer to a textile support material. A water repellent or oil repellent layer, a so-called finishing layer, is applied to a textile support material selected from the group of fibers, tissues, and fabrics. The water repellent or oil repellent finishing layer comprises at least two water repellent or oil repellent components wherein a first component comprises one or more dispersants and a second component comprises one or more dispersed phases or colloids, and wherein the dispersant and the dispersed phase are present in the gel state.

Abstract: A cover tape for winding on a grip of a device comprising an elongated cloth layer and an elastic layer. The cloth layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is made of silicone gel and bonded to the first surface of the cloth layer for enabling the second surface of the cloth layer to be exposed to the outside when spirally winding the cover tape round the grip with the elastic layer adhered to the periphery of the grip.

Abstract: A technical fabric is disclosed that combines sweat-repellent and thermally insulating characteristics, which is easy to produce, which is economical, effective and reliable over time, and which provides absolute comfort for the athlete or any individual wearing a garment manufactured from this fabric, regardless of the physical exertion made and the climatic conditions in cold as well as in heat.

Abstract: A process for drying/heat-treating nonwoven webs in which the web is partially dried under tension in a first drying zone and further heat treated under low tension or in a substantially tensionless state a second drying zone. The process significantly reduces the occurrence of stretch-type defects in the nonwoven webs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydophobic, oleophobic and stain resistant fabric comprising a woven, non-woven, or knitted fabric substrate coated with a polymer system comprising a scrub resistant first layer at least partially penetrating the fabric substrate, the scrub resistant first layer including a polymer composition containing polymer compositional constituents similar to constituents on the fabric substrate; and a second layer comprising a fluoropolymer reacted to the surface of the scrub resistant first layer. A method for producing a hydophobic, oleophobic and stain resistant fabric including the steps of selecting a suitable fabric substrate and applying a base coating to form a scrub resistant first layer at least partially penetrating the fabric substrate; drying and curing the scrub resistant first layer; applying a fluoropolymer coating over the first layer to form a second layer; and drying and curing the second layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface material for an automobile internal trim panel consisting of a fiber sheet, wherein the fiber sheet contains an oil repellent and substantially consists of non-water absorbent fibers; an oil repellency of at least one surface of the surface material is grade 1 or more in an evaluation by an AATCC Test Method 118-1997; and a grade of the oil repellency of one surface of the surface material is different from that of the other surface thereof. Further, an automobile internal trim panel comprising the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter that includes a first electret filter layer through which an airstream first passes before encountering a second electret filter layer. The first filter layer exhibits nondecreasing removal efficiency and removes a majority of a challenge aerosol; whereas the second layer exhibits decreasing removal efficiency and has an initial quality factor greater than the first layer. Together, the first and second electret filter layers can provide a filter that exhibits a nondecreasing removal efficiency and a relatively low pressure-drop. The filter can provide nondecreasing removal efficiency and reduced pressure drop even though the second electret filter layer exhibits decreasing removal efficiency in contrast to the desired nondecreasing removal efficiency for the filter as a whole.

Abstract: A textile treatment process, treatment bath, and treated fabric are disclosed. The process imparts water repellant, stain resistant, and wrinkle-free properties as well as aesthetically pleasing hand properties to a fabric made in whole or in part of fibers having a hydroxyl group, such as cellulosic fibers, though immersion in an aqueous bath and subsequent heating for curing. The aqueous treatment bath contains a urea resin, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and, preferably, fluoroalkyl acrylate co-polymer.

Abstract: An article, such as a filter or film, has a treated laminate with an expanded PTFE membrane and a porous support scrim. The treated laminate is formed by contacting a laminate having an expanded PTFE membrane and a porous support scrim with an oleophobic treatment agent dissolved in an organic solvent. The oleophobic treatment agent is deposited onto the expanded PTFE membrane and porous support scrim as the organic solvent is removed. The oleophobic treatment agent is typically a fluoropolymer. The article can be used, for example, as a filter over a port in a housing of an electronics or other device.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fluorochemical agent, a copolymer extender, and a blocked isocyanate extender and substrates treated with such compositions that possess high initial water repellency and laundry durable water repellency.

Abstract: There is disclosed the manufacture and use of nonwoven absorbent mats laminated with barrier film for manhole aprons. The absorbent aprons are used about manholes during routine maintenance of underground transformers, utility cables, etc. The nonwoven aprons are coated to prevent the absorbed liquid from leaching through. The mat is specially designed to absorb contaminated liquid very quickly. The nonwoven mat is made out of cotton shoddy fibers and/or a mixture of synthetic fibers and/or synthetic fibers only with film on one side. The mat has a 36-inch manhole opening in the center thereof. The mat is thin and lays flat to conform to the road. The thickness of the mat ranges from 0.075" to 0.25" in order to avoid any tripping hazard.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, dry matrix, which contains not more than about 3% moisture at room temperature, is impregnated with a water free treatment mixture containing a lipid and a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture includes a glycol, a surfactant and a lipid emollient, lubricant, medicament or skin protectant. Methods for manufacturing and using the impregnated matrices are also taught.

Abstract: A method of making a reinforced laminate, including the steps of placing a reinforcing grid on a first outer sheet of thermoplastic, preparing an elastomeric material capable of forming a tie layer between two sheets of thermoplastic, and laminating a second outer sheet of thermoplastic to the first sheet of thermoplastic and the reinforcing grid with the tie layer of elastomeric material therebetween, whereby the reinforcing grid is held by the elastomeric tie layer in between the first outer sheet of thermoplastic and the second outer sheet of thermoplastic, and the reinforcing grid being displaceable within the elastomeric tie layer.

Abstract: A method for imparting soil resistance to unscoured carpets, and a carpet treated in accordance with the method, are provided. In accordance with the method, a substrate comprising unscoured carpet fibers is treated with the ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, such as an ammonium salt of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The treated substrate is found to have enhanced water and oil repellency in both heat cured and room temperature drying conditions.