Abstract: A carpet product comprises a backing material and a face yarn, wherein the face yarn comprises synthetic carpet fibers and synthetic fibers having high moisture transport properties. Preferred face yarns are composed of a combination yarn comprising the synthetic carpet fibers commingled with the synthetic fibers having moisture transport properties. The carpet products have a texture and feel approximating that of conventional synthetic fiber facings, yet effectively transport moisture so that the carpets feel drier upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: This invention provides polyamide compositions and films made therefrom, having enhanced physical properties and a high degree of transparency. More particularly, the invention pertains to polyamide compositions having increased transparency while maintaining a high degree of crystallinity. The polyamide compositions contain a first polyamide homopolymer or copolymer having balanced amino and acid terminal group; and a second polyamide homopolymer or copolymer having an excess of terminal amino groups, wherein the first polyamide is present in an amount of from about 10 to about 95 percent by weight and the second polyamide is present in an amount from about 5 to about 90 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the first and second polyamides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for abating emissions from a manufacturing stream comprising the steps of:(a) from the manufacturing stream, feeding the emissions comprising NO.sub.x to a scrubbing reactor;(b) to the emissions in the scrubbing reactor, adding alkali solution and NO.sub.2 in an amount sufficient so that a substantial amount of the NO.sub.x forms ammonium nitrite or ammonium nitrate while maintaining the pH of the formed ammonium nitrite solution at greater than about 7.5 and vent gas comprising mist exits from the scrubbing reactor;(c) maintaining the temperature of the vent gas at less than about 40.degree. C.; and(d) removing the mist from the vent gas.

Abstract: An armor system useful, for example, as a shroud, comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer is disclosed. The first layer is arranged to receive an impact from a large projectile prior to the second layer and engages the projectile to slow its velocity. The second layer is substantially coextensive with the first and dissipates the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, preferably by deforming in response to the impact. Both layers comprise fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d. In another embodiment, the layers are reversed relative to the impact face of the system so that the second layer becomes the first layer and is resistant to projectiles impacting the system, while the first layer becomes the second layer and resists deformation of the system by projectile impacts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of purified caprolactam comprising the steps of:(a) depolymerizing polyamide-containing carpet in the presence of steam to obtain crude caprolactam and steam;(b) removing substantially all of said water from said crude caprolactam and steam(c) distilling the resulting concentrated crude caprolactam at a pressure of less than about 8 mmHg and a temperature from about 110.degree. C. to about 145.degree. C. so as to form overheads and bottoms of the caprolactam; and(d) crystallizing the caprolactam overheads to obtain caprolactam crystals and mother liquor.The resulting purified caprolactam may then be used to make polycaprolactam which may then be used in engineered materials or spun into fiber.

Abstract: Solutions of intermediate molecular weight polymers from about 200,000 to about 4,000,000, such as polyethylene, in a relatively non-volatile solvent are extruded through an aperature at constant concentration and thereafter stretched at a ratio of at least about 3:1 prior to cooling to form a first gel. The first gels are extracted with a volatile solvent to form a second gel, and the second gel is dried to form a low porosity xerogel. Stretching occurs with any one or more of the first gel, second gel or xerogel. The polyethylene products produced by our process include products having a molecular weight between about 200,000 and about 4,000,000 a tenacity of at least about 13 grams/denier, a modulus of at least about 350 gram/denier, a porosity of less than 10% by volume, a crystalline orientation function of at least about 0.95, and a main melting temperature of at least about 140.degree. C.

Abstract: By poststretching, at a temperature between about 135.degree. and 160.degree. C., a polyethylene fiber, which has already been oriented by drawing at a temperature within 5.degree. C. of its melting point, an ultra high modulus, very low creep, low shrink, high tenacity polyolefin fiber having good strength retention at high temperatures is obtained. The poststretching can be in multiple stages and/or with previous annealing. The poststretching should be done at a draw rate of less than 1 second.sup.-1. Tensile modulus values over 2,000 g/d for multifilament yarn are consistently obtained for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, with tensile strength values above 30 g/d while at the same time dramatically improving creep (at 160.degree. F. (71.1.degree. C.) and 39,150 psi load) by values at least 25% lower than fiber which has not been poststretched. Shrinkage is improved to values less than 2.5% of the original length when heated from room temperature to 135.degree. C.

Abstract: A polyamide homopolymer or copolymer film which is coated with a transparent aqueous dispersion of a polyurethane and crosslinker, with subsequent crosslinking of the urethane. The coated film is preferably uniaxially or biaxially stretched. The resulting coated film has improved adhesion to biologically derived glues which find use in packaging and laminated articles such as paperboard structures which are then shaped into boxes for consumer use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the recovery of caprolactam from polycaprolactam processing waste. The present process for depolymerizing polycaprolactam waste to form caprolactam comprises the step of: in the absence of added catalyst, contacting the polycaprolactam waste with superheated steam at a temperature of about 250.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. and at a pressure within the range of about 1.5 atm to about 100 atm and substantially less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature wherein a caprolactam-containing vapor stream is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides biaxially oriented multilayer fluoropolymer films. They are produced by coextruding or laminating films having at least one layer of a fluoropolymer, at least one layer of a thermoplastic homopolymer or copolymer and an intermediate adhesive layer which is preferably a polyolefin having at least one functional moiety of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof. With this structure the thermoplastic layer allows the fluoropolymer layer to be biaxially stretched many times its original length. A high orientation ratio for the fluoropolymer film increases the mechanical strength, toughness, and water vapor barrier properties of the film while using a thinner gauge fluoropolymer film. Coextrusion processing can be done at higher temperatures, i.e. in the range of from at about 280.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. These temperatures allow films to be produced in the absence of polymer degradation and film melt fracture.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel nylon compositions that maintain their appearance on weathering in the presence of U.V. light and a process of their manufacture. These composition are useful in a variety of applications including fibers, molded plastic parts, films and coatings.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polyamide, a polyolefinic modifier, and an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the recovery of caprolactam from polycaprolactam-containing waste material. The present process for depolymerizing multi-component waste material comprising polycaprolactam and non-polycaprolactam components to form caprolactam comprises the step of: in the absence of added catalyst, contacting the multi-component waste material with superheated steam at a temperature of about 250.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. and at a pressure within the range of about 1 atm to about 100 atm and substantially less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature wherein a caprolactam-containing vapor stream is formed. The formed caprolactam may then be used in the production of engineered resins and fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the recovery of caprolactam from polycaprolactam-containing waste material. The present process for depolymerizing multi-component waste material comprising polycaprolactam and non-polycaprolactam components to form caprolactam comprises the step of: in the absence of added catalyst, contacting the multi-component waste material with superheated steam at a temperature of about 250.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. and at a pressure within the range of about 1 atm to about 100 atm and substantially less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature wherein a caprolactam-containing vapor stream is formed. The formed caprolactam may then be used in the production of engineered resins and fibers.

Abstract: A composition which is a blend of at least two different polyetheramide copolymers, one having predominantly hard polyamide segments and one having predominantly soft polyether segments. When formed into a film and attached to a textile fabric, forms a laminate which is suitable for the production of surgical gowns, and the like. Such films are strong, have good moisture barrier properties while allowing the transmission of air therethrough and have a softness to which provides a clothlike feel.

Abstract: A process for selectively separating polyamides from multi-component waste materials including the steps of subjecting the multi-component mix to a specific mixture of caprolactam and water at a preselected temperature range below the degradation temperature of the polymer to be recovered, separating the formed polyamide solution, and recovering the desired polyamide. The process is very desirable for separating multi-component waste materials which contain not only nylon 6, but also nylon 6,6. The recovered polyamide may be used in molding applications and in fiber such as carpet fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of vibration welding of thermoplastic joints. Such welding is conducted by vibrating two fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under pressure along their common interface to generate frictional heat to melt and fuse their surfaces together. Fibers from at least one surface penetrate both into the weld and into the other surface. As a result, the welded, fiber reinforced thermoplastic surfaces have increased tensile strength than heretofore achievable. Vibration welds of reinforced thermoplastic surfaces according to this invention achieve a maximum tensile strength as high as about 120% of a weld formed by the unreinforced surfaces of corresponding thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A method of producing highly oriented multilayer films comprising coextruding films having at least one layer of a fluoropolymer, at least one layer of a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer and an intermediate adhesive layer of a polyolefin having at least one functional moiety of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof. With this structure the polyolefin layer allows the fluoropolymer layer to be stretched up to ten times its original length. Such a high orientation ratio for the fluoropolymer film increases the mechanical strength, toughness, and water vapor barrier properties of the film while using a thinner gauge fluoropolymer film. Coextrusion processing is done at higher temperatures, i.e. in the range of from at about 280.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. These temperatures allow films to be produced in the absence of polymer degradation and film melt fracture.

Abstract: Multilayered films produced by coextruding or laminating films comprised of at least one layer of polymethylpentene, at least one layer of a polyamide and an intermediate polymeric adhesive layer. The polyamide layer allows the polymethylpentene layer to be stretched up to 6 times its original length. Such a high orientation ratio for the mulitlayered film increases the mechanical strength and toughness properties of the film. The mulitlayered films are suitable for use as release films for high temperature composite applications such as printed circuit boards.