Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing dyed, polypropylene-based fibers. Polypropylene having a Melt Flow Index of 45 or less is combined with an additive blend to provide the polypropylene-based polymer composition for forming into fibers. The additive blend is a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic or methacrylic ester and maleic anhydride or glycidyl methacrylate combined with an amine-terminated polyamide, in weight ratio 3:1 to 1:1. Fatty acid monoglyceride may also be used in the polymer composition to further improve dyeability. The polypropylene-based fibers are readily dyeable by contacting the fibers with an aqueous dispersion of a disperse dye, to provide fibers with high color intensity (deep hues) and high dye substantivity and color fastness, without the need to employ temperatures in excess of the atmospheric pressure boiling point of the dye dispersion.

Abstract: Microcapsules for inclusion in concrete are disclosed. The microcapsules are adapted to reduce the area of defects in the concrete. The microcapsules may include carbonatogenic bacteria spores in a liquid core, contained in a polymer layer. Also disclosed are concrete compositions including the microcapsules.

Abstract: A cationic polymer is disclosed, represented by: A) wherein “P1” and “P2” represent portions of the cationic polymer to which the first functional group shown in A is bonded, or B) wherein “P” represents the remainder of the cationic polymer to which the second functional group shown in B is bonded, or the cationic polymer may comprise one or more of the first functional groups as shown in A and/or one or more of the second functional groups as shown in B where X represents an anion, typically chlorine. The cationic polymers are useful as textile softeners and for enhancing substantivity and durability of active compounds co-deposited onto textiles with the cationic polymers. Also provided is a method for forming said cationic polymer, a textile treatment composition and a textile treated with said textile treatment composition.

Abstract: A method of treatment for synthetic or natural fibre or yarn includes coating the fibre/yarn with a dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a coating composition which is cured by actinic radiation, such as UV, to provide a flexible conductive layer on the fibre/yarn. The liquid coating composition is sheared along the direction of a long axis of the yarn as it is applied to the yarn whereby the carbon nanotubes are substantially aligned prior to curing of the coating layer to provide improved longitudinal conductance. The method provides conductive fibre/yarn, from which anti-static textiles and fabrics can be formed, by treatment of conventional fibre/yarn and in a method with low energy consumption. The improved conductance allows thin or partial (e.g.

Abstract: Microcapsules for delivery of a liquid onto a surface such as a hard surface or a textile, such as mattress ticking, are disclosed. The microcapsules have a shell with an outer face and an inner face, the inner face encapsulating the liquid, and the liquid contains a microorganism such as a beneficial microorganism in a dormant state. The outer face of the microcapsules may comprise reactive functional groups whereby the outer face is chemically bondable, for instance covalently bondable to said surface. The microcapsules provide a beneficial microflora on said surface by rupture of the capsules deposited onto said surface to release the microorganism onto said surface. This may reduce or obviate the need for chemical antimicrobial agents to clean said surface. For surfaces which are fabrics or textiles, rupture and release may occur during use of the fabric or textile.