Abstract: Sulfur-based roof shingles which consist essentially of a fibrous base mat coated on at least one surface with a plasticized-sulfur composition were found to have surprising flexibility and fire resistance when compared to similar asphalt shingles.

Abstract: In the reaction of 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol with aqueous formaldehyde forming isomeric alkene-1,5-diols, particularly 3-methylene-1,5-pentanediol and 3-methyl-2-pentene-1,5-diol, it has been found that yields of the diols surprisingly are substantially increased if the reaction is effected in the presence of added isobutene and the mol ratio of 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol to formaldehyde is at least 1:1.

Abstract: A composition comprising sulfur, an aromatic polymeric polysulfide sulfur plasticizer, a mica filler, and a triarylphosphate has exceptional craze resistance when used as a coating formulation.

Abstract: Improved adhesion of the semi-conducting layer to the conducting layer in a thin film photovoltaic cell is obtained by incorporating a minor amount of the element or elements of the conducting layer in the semi-conducting layer.

Abstract: Yarn tensioning apparatus particularly suitable for receiving essentially tensionless yarn and giving it a generally uniform output tension level includes friction surfaces across which the yarn is drawn to progressively raise the tension level and work out tangles. The tension surfaces are long, so that, in passing transversely over them, the yarn may take a variety of paths to accommodate the abrupt fluctuations associated with tangle release events. Near the output, a member having a friction nose at one end is pivoted at its opposite end and includes a curved intermediate portion that may swing down to contact a yarn engaging portion of a friction pin; the arrangement being such that an increase in yarn tension causes movement of the member relative to the pin in a direction to produce tension-reducing effects, and vice versa.