Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of interrelated methods of coating non-random and ordered arrays of particles, as well as films containing such arrays. The present invention also relates to the coated non-random and ordered arrays of particles and films prepared therefrom. The coated non-random and ordered arrays are obtained by the use of ferrofluid compositions which may be curable. The arrays and films may contain electrically-conductive particles useful in electronic applications for effecting contact between conductors.

Abstract: A coating for an article includes coating encapsulated micro-spheres which maintain the coating in a fluid state. The coating encapsulated micro-spheres are retained in the coating to form a matrix of hardened coating and coating encapsulated micro-spheres. Damage to the coating form a fissure which breaks open the coating encapsulated micro-spheres adjacent the fissure. The broken coating encapsulated micro-spheres release the fluid coating material contained therein. Because the coating encapsulated micro-spheres release the encapsulated coating material in the fluid state the coating material flows into the fissure to coat the exposed substrate. This provides a “self-healing” ability to the coating which protects the substrate even after the coating is damaged.

Abstract: A masterbatch concentrate for addition to a fiber-forming polyamide to form an acid dye stain-resistant polyamide includes a carrier and a reagent, the reagent having the formula: and can be an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a transition metal salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid. The carrier can be (A) a terpolymer of an alpha-monoolefin, ethylene -&agr;, &bgr; unsaturated carboxylic acid ester and an internal anhydride of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. It can alternatively be (B) a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester, (c) a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyamide, or mixtures of (B) and C).

Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material is made by molding and curing a composition comprising a fibrous base, an inorganic filler, an organic filler and a binder. The inorganic filler, typically zirconium silicate, has a 90% particle size of 0.1 to 8 &mgr;m, a Mohs hardness of 6 to 8, and accounts for 0.1 to 10% by volume of the overall composition. The friction material is useful as brake linings and has a high braking effectiveness in normal use, a small speed spread, low change over time in braking effectiveness, and can prevent morning effect and jerky low-speed braking.

Abstract: A protective yarn having a single fiberglass core fiber and one or more cover members is disclosed. At least one of the cover members are fibers selected from the group consisting of aramid fiber, ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin fiber, polyester, nylon and polyacrylic fibers. To prevent glass fragment breakout, the cover members are wrapped, wound or twisted around the core in a manner which permits successive layers to be wrapped, wound or twisted around the core in an opposite direction from the cover member immediately below. In a preferred embodiment, one of the cover members is a substantially non-slippery fiber. The non-slippery fiber is selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon and cotton. The construction and composition of the invented protective yarn provides a low cost component for making protective gloves and other protective garments capable of providing a user substantial cut protection while affording the user significant freedom of movement.

Abstract: A cube corner article having a structured surface of geometric structures, each geometric structure having a plurality of faces at least some of which are arranged as a cube corner element, is made by providing a first substrate having a plurality of grooves therein, replicating the first substrate in a second substrate, and forming a second plurality of grooves in the second substrate. Geometric structures in the second substrate are formed in part by replication of the first plurality of grooves and in part by the formation of the second plurality of grooves.

Abstract: Process for producing biaxially oriented PET film for use in film capacitors with SMD capabilities and its use for SMD-technology film capacitors The invention describes a process for producing a biaxially oriented film of thickness <10 &mgr;m, where a polymer melt is extruded through the gap of an extrusion die onto a chill roll, stretched longitudinally and transversely and relaxed longitudinally by >0.1% and transversely by >3%, where the edges of the film are held during the longitudinal and transverse relaxation and the film is wound up.

Abstract: A composite material incorporating vapor-phase-epitaxial carbon fibers and metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of interrelated methods for the production of random and ordered arrays of particles and recesses, as well as films containing such arrays and recesses. The present invention also relates to the random and ordered arrays of particles and films prepared therefrom. The ordered arrays are obtained by the use of ferrofluid compositions which may be curable, solidifiable or non-curing/non-solidifiable. The arrays and films may contain electrically-conductive particles useful in electronic applications for effecting contact between leads or pads.

Abstract: A thermal insulating and sound absorbing mat a mat cut to a predetermined length, upper and lower films covering lateral surfaces and front and rear end surfaces of the mat with respective minimal required lengths. The films are not damaged during the compression and packaging process nor torn by the internal pressure of the mat during the unpacking operation. The produced thermal insulating article has a structure that meets the requirements of JIS. Such thermal insulating articles can be manufactured by a highly productive method. Mats cut to a predetermined length are transferred sequentially side by side with an interval between adjacent mats such that the films have respective minimal required lengths. Each mat is covered by the films at the upper and lower surfaces and the lateral surfaces. Then, adjacent mats are stopped at a predetermined position with the interval, and are pushed downwardly at the oppositely disposed end surfaces to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is provided. The fiber network structure is formed from a fabric containing (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn made from a first thermoplastic polymer, and (B) a second thermoplastic polymer which effects bonding of the monofilament cross-over points. The fiber network structures are useful in a variety of articles, including sandwich panels, various spacers, drainage systems, and energy absorption structures.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns films provided with several layers, characterised by the fact that: (A) the surface of a 10-500 &mgr;m thick plastic film is coated optinally with a filler composition layer; (B) the surface of the plastic film or filler layer is given at least one pigmented lacquer layer; (C) the pigmented lacquer layer is optionally coated with a transparent plastic film.

Abstract: The invention provides a prepreg, formed by impregnating carbon fiber with an epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin (A) and a curing agent (B) wherein the matrix resin content Wr (wt %) of the prepreg, the 0° tensile modulus E (GPa) of the carbon fiber, and the in-plane shear strength of S (MPa) of the carbon fiber reinforced composition material obtained by heating and curing the prepreg satisfy the following formulae (i) and (ii): S≧205×LOG(E)+610  (i) 15≦Wr≦40  (ii) The prepreg has a high in-plane shear strength, a high mode I interlayer fracture toughness GIC, an excellent CFRP tube in torsion al strength, a high radial compressive strength and a high impact strength and a light weight.

Abstract: A method for applying an edge protector to a plate made of a brittle material, such as glass or a glass-ceramic or ceramic material, in particular a cooking surface. The edge protector can be applied to a plate made of a brittle material without expensive tools and without prefabricated frame elements because the plate is positioned, with the top leading, in a lower tool element, and an upper tool element is placed on the lower tool element with the positioned plate. A hollow space, which is open toward the top of the upper tool element and defines the shape of the edge, is delimited by the lower tool element and the upper tool element in the area of the edge of the plate. A cold-setting sealing compound is metered into the hollow space, and the plate, together with the edge protector, is removed from the tool following the setting of the sealing compound.

Abstract: A method for attaching fabric to a structural part. The structural part is at least partially surrounded by fabric at least on one side. The structural part, which is provided with holes, is surrounded by the fabric at least in the region of the holes on both hole-opening sides. Fabric pieces on one side are inserted through the holes and are connected to the fabric of the other side in the region of the hole openings by bonding or welding.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the melt extrusion of a molten thermoplastic polymer, e.g., as fibers and nonwoven webs, which apparatus and method utilize ultrasonic energy to assist in the melt-extrusion process. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the molten thermoplastic polymer. The die housing includes a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer, an inlet orifice adapted to supply the chamber with the molten thermoplastic polymer, and an extrusion orifice adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer from the chamber and extrude the polymer. The means for applying ultrasonic energy is located within the chamber. The method involves supplying a molten thermoplastic polymer and extruding the molten thermoplastic polymer through an extrusion orifice in the foregoing apparatus to form a threadline.

Abstract: A metal substrate is treated with a plurality of rotating brushes and a slurry of particulate material such that the treated surface is capable of absorbing incident infrared laser radiation. The substrate is itself capable of being visibly imaged by selective writing with an infrared laser. The substrate is coated with an ablatable coating which is transparent to the imaging infrared laser radiation. Selective exposure to infrared laser radiation ablates this coating in the laser exposed areas as a result of the absorption of infrared radiation by the substrate. The substrate can be anodized after rotary brush graining and still retain its ability to be imaged and ablate a coating. The coated article can be imaged in a computer-to-plate infrared laser imaging device. Depending on the specific coating and substrate selection, the imaged article can be used in a conventional lithographic printing process or in a dryographic printing process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bond-compatible composite membrane that includes a bituminous material layer and a polyester layer and its use as an intermediate layer between a building structure and exterior finishing materials. Unlike conventional composite membranes, the bond-compatible composite membrane has a rough surface that allows bonding materials to adhere to it. Therefore, mechanical devices are not needed to attach the exterior finishing materials to the building structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a void-free laminate, comprising the steps of: (a) enclosing a partially impregnated prepreg in a vacuum envelope, said partially impregnated prepreg comprising a fiber layer partially impregnated with a resin composition; and (b) heating said partially impregnated prepreg under vacuum to withdraw air present in said partially impregnated prepreg and to cause said resin composition (i) to fully infuse into said fiber layer and (ii) to cure thereby forming said void-free laminate. The present invention further provides novel combinations of modified epoxy resins that may be employed with the methods disclosed. The void-free laminates may be utilized for the manufacture of parts for the aerospace and aircraft industries.