Abstract: A polyolefin filter for tobacco products and the like was prepared. The extruded element is an open-cell foamed polyethylene or polypropylene having a TPM filtration efficiency greater than 20%. The filter rod can be made by extruding polyethylene containing less than 0.2 moles of a volatile blowing agent per 100 grams of resin at a melt temperature between 130.degree. C. and 150.degree. C., the temperature of the die being between 120.degree. C. and 136.degree. C. Higher melt temperature and die temperature are required for polypropylenes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making fibrous steel webs or matts from particulate iron oxides with the aid of a fiber-forming acrylic polymer. A plurality of continuous filaments are first formed by wet spinning an acrylic polymer spin dope in which particles of iron oxide are dispersed. The filaments obtained are then converted into a precursor web or matt by conventional textile procedures. This is followed by exposing the precursor to a reducing atmosphere (e.g., a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) at a temperature in the range of from about 900.degree. C to 1150.degree. C for a period of about 3 to 8 minutes. Under these conditions, the iron oxide particles are reduced to the metallic state and the polymer in the precursor is pyrolized to carbon and by-product gases. The carbon in the system diffuses into the resulting iron, and the individual metal particles sinter to form a matt of steel wire having a configuration essentially corresponding to that of the precursor.

Abstract: A method for making filamentary steel wire from particulate iron oxides with the aid of a fiber-forming acrylic polymer is disclosed. A precursor filament is first formed by wet-spinning an acrylic polymer spin dope in which particles of iron oxide are dispersed. The resulting precursor filament is then exposed to a reducing atmosphere (e.g., a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) at a temperature in the range of from about 900.degree. C. to 1150.degree. C. for a period of about 3 to 8 minutes. Under these conditions, the iron oxide particles are reduced to the metallic state and the polymer in the precursor is pyrolized to carbon and byproduct gases. The carbon diffuses into the resulting metallic iron, and the individual metal particles sinter to form continuous steel wire.The method has the capability of producing steel wire of an essentially ferritic/pearlitic structure with a tensile property in excess of 140,000 psi.

Abstract: Novel bi-metallic filamentary composites are produced by first forming a conjugate precursor filament comprised of an organic polymer together with particles of a first reducible metal oxide and particles of a second reducible metal oxide with the metal component of each of the two metal oxides being sinterable at a temperature which is below the melting point of the other. The structure of the precursor is characterized by a first longitudinally extending layer along its length which contains the particles of the first reducible metal oxide, and an adhering second essentially distinct longitudinally extending layer extending along its length which contains the particles of the second reducible metal oxide. The essentially discrete layers may be in a sheath-core arrangement or in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: Asymmetric acrylic hollow fibers for use in separatory processes as a selective membrane. The fibers are highly permeable and exhibit a high degree of selectivity in discriminating mixtures into their various components. The fibers are formed by extruding an acrylic polymer solution through an annular orifice while simultaneously injecting a coagulating fluid into the bore of the fiber extrudate as it is formed. The extrusion may be directly into a coagulating bath maintained at a temperature of from 60.degree. to 80.degree. C. or alternatively the freshly extruded fiber may be first passed through an air space (evaporation zone) and thence into the coagulating bath. Following coagulation, the fibers are water washed to remove residual solvent.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for producing cigarette filters comprised of a substantially open-cell foamed thermoplastic polypropylene resin wherein a mixture comprising a thermoplastic polypropylene resin, a volatile blowing agent and a nucleating agent is extruded through a die to produce a strand of foamed resin with the strand then being cut into individual filter elements. The improvement comprises employing as a primary nucleating agent from 0.1 to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the resin, of a particulate compound of a metal selected from Groups IIA, IIIA or IVA of the Mendeleef periodic table of elements together with from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight, based on the weight of the primary nucleating agent, of a synergist consisting of an organic compound having a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group. A particularly effective combination is the use of calcium carbonate as the primary nucleating agent and potassium benzoate as the synergist compound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the hydrolytic stability of the adhesive bond between an RFL type organic adhesive and a steel reinforcing element in steel-rubber composite articles. This is achieved by a pre-treatment of the steel surface before it is coated with the organic adhesive. The pre-treatment includes first immersing the steel element in an aqueous bath containing an acid, or base followed by a water rinse. A primer coating is then applied onto the surface of the steel element which consists of an organo-silane compound of the following formula:X -- R.sup.1 -- Si -- (OR.sup.2).sub.3where X is an amino, glycidoxy or an aminoethyl radical; and wherein R.sup.1 is an alkylene radical of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms when X is amino or glycidoxy and --HN--R.sup.3 --, where R.sup.3 is an alkylene radical of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms when X is aminoethyl; and wherein R.sup.2 is an alkyl of from 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for making steel wire cord from particulate iron oxides with the aid of a fiber-forming acrylic polymer is disclosed. A plurality of continuous filaments are first formed by wet-spinning an acrylic polymer spin dope in which particles of iron oxide are dispersed. The resulting filaments are drawn to increase their tenacity and then twisted to form a precursor cord. This is followed by exposing the precursor to a reducing atmosphere (e.g., a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) at a temperature in the range of from about 900.degree. C. to 1150.degree. C. for a period of about 3 to 8 minutes. Under these conditions, the iron oxide particles are reduced to the metallic state and the polymer in the precursor is pyrolized to carbon and by-product gases. The carbon diffuses into the resulting iron, and the individual metal particles sinter to form continuous steel wire cord having an essentially ferritic/pearlitic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for shaping the cross-section of a metal wire or metal ribbon product obtained by slitting metallic coil stock into multiple lengths of wire with an aspect ratio of 1 or ribbon having an aspect ratio of 2 or more. The product obtained from the slitting procedure is marred by the presence of a burr which impairs mechanical properties and consequently must be eliminated. In previous practice, this was achieved by feeding the slit product through the nip of a pair of mating, shaping rolls having a fixed engagement. However, problems arise from run to run when the rolls are in fixed engagement. For example, variations in the thickness of the material being processed presents difficulties with a fixed engagement.In the disclosed apparatus engagement is allowed to vary while the engagement force is held constant. In brief, this is accomplished by mounting the shaping rolls on separate support members with one of the support members being movable to permit the roll engagement to vary.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the hydrolytic stability of the adhesive bond between an RFL type organic adhesive and the steel reinforcing element in steel-rubber composite articles. This is accomplished by a pre-treatment of the steel surface before it is coated with the organic adhesive. The pre-treatment is conducted in a continuous operation which includes the sequential steps of: (1) cleaning the metal surface by a vapor degreasing method or by immersion in a detergent containing aqueous bath followed by a hot water rinse; (2) coating the surface with a crystalline or microcrystalline zinc phosphate; (3) rinsing the phosphated steel surface with water; (4) subjecting the phosphated surface to a chromate or chromic acid rinse; (5) rinsing again with deionized water; and finally (6) drying the steel reinforcing element.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided for application to substrates of autogenously bonded, non-woven nylon fabrics in order to render these fabrics suitable for use as a label print stock in the production of durable labels for wearing apparel. The coated nylon fabric is resistant to abrasion, laundering and dry-cleaning. It also accepts printing inks with good print register without running or fading.

Abstract: A dialysis method for selectively removing chromates from cooling tower blow-down streams while retaining calcium and magnesium scaling compounds is provided. Preferential transport of chromates through the walls of hollow fiber assemblies is achieved by control of the chromic acid dissociation equilibrium, through feed and product pH adjustment. In a preferred mode, blowdown waste water is brought into contact with the exterior surface of the fibers while chromate-free make-up water is simultaneously circulated through the fiber bores. The permeating species is collected by the make-up water within the fiber bores for re-use in corrosion inhibition.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating asymmetric acrylic hollow fibers for use in separatory processes as a selective membrane. The fibers are highly permeable and exhibit a high degree of selectivity in discriminating mixtures into their various components. The fibers are formed by extruding an acrylic polymer solution through an annular orifice while simultaneously injecting a coagulating fluid into the bore of the fiber extrudate as it is formed. The extrusion may be directly into a coagulating bath maintained at a temperature of from 60.degree. to 80.degree.C. or alternatively the freshly extruded fiber may be first passed through an air space (evaporation zone) and thence into the coagulating bath. Following coagulation, the fibers are water washed to remove residual solvent.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing orifice plugging when melt extruding a steel-titanium alloy to form fine diameter wire. This is accomplished by controlling the oxygen potential in the melt above the orifice at a level wherein the activity of titania within the melt is maintained at from 0.3 to unity -- the standard state of unit activity being defined as the melt saturated in titania at the concentrations of titanium and oxygen therein and at the melt temperature.

Abstract: A surface sweeping broom in which the handle is attached to an elongated brush head of circular cross-section. The brush head contains a cylindrical inner core overlaid with a molded thermoplastic brushing surface. The molded brushing surface is comprised of a base or matrix and fingerlike projections which are integrally fused with the matrix and extend vertically from it. In one embodiment, the brush head is provided with a centered bore which extends completely through it. The bore is threaded to secure a handle member which can be inserted at either end of the bore. Thus, when a brushing surface becomes worn, the handle can be reversed. In this manner, all four quadrants of the circular brushing surface can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: A polyolefin filter for tobacco products and the like was prepared. The extruded element is an open-cell foamed polyethylene or polypropylene having a TPM filtration efficiency greater than 20 percent. The filter rod can be made by extruding polyethylene containing less than 0.2 moles of a volatile blowing agent per 100 grams of resin at a melt temperature between 130.degree.C. and 150.degree.C., the temperature of the die being between 120.degree.C. and 136.degree.C. Higher melt temperature and die temperature are required for polypropylenes.