Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer, POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.

Abstract: Construction materials are described that contain polyoxymethylene fibers. The polyoxymethylene fibers are treated with a sizing composition that improves dispersibility. In addition to improving dispersibility, the sizing composition improves various physical properties of the resulting hardened structural material. The sizing composition, for instance, can increase impact resistance, flexural strength, compressive strength, and/or residual strength in comparison to an identical construction material containing polyoxymethylene fibers that are untreated.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer, POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer. POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.

Abstract: A monofilament fiber as described made from a polyoxymethylene polymer. Polyoxymethylene polymer can be blended with an abrasion additive in order to improve abrasion resistance. The polyoxymethylene polymer may be combined with a thermoplastic elastomer and a coupling agent. The fiber can be used as fishing line, as bristles for a brushing device, or the like.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber that contains two or more components arranged in distinct zones across the cross-section of the multicomponent fiber is provided. The components are arranged in a sheath/core configuration in which the core component is substantially surrounded by the sheath component. One of the sheath and the core is formed from a polyarylene sulfide composition and the other of the sheath and the core is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic polymer other than a polyarylene sulfide. Further, the polyarylene sulfide is “functionalized” in that it contains at least one functional group in its molecular structure (e.g., at its molecular terminal end). Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such functional groups can improve the adhesion between the core and sheath components, thereby resulting in a fiber having improved thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A fibrous material that contains polyarylene sulfide fibers coated with an emulsion copolymer is provided. The emulsion copolymer that is coated onto the polyarylene sulfide fibers is crosslinked. For example, the copolymer may contain a reactive co-monomer that acts as a crosslinking agent. Alternatively, a separate crosslinking agent may be combined with the emulsion copolymer. In either case, the resulting copolymer composition is cured after it is applied to the fibers to initiate the formation of crosslink bonds between the emulsion copolymer and create a three-dimensional network that is capable of coating and encapsulating the fibers. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that this three-dimensional network is able to physically entrap disperse dyes when applied to the fibers.

Abstract: A fabric that contains a blend of textile and polyarylene sulfide fibers is provided. At least a portion of the textile fibers, polyarylene sulfide fibers, or a combination thereof are coated with an emulsion copolymer that is crosslinked. The copolymer composition is cured after it is applied to the fibers to initiate the formation of crosslink bonds between the emulsion copolymer and create a three-dimensional network that is capable of coating and encapsulating the fibers. It is believed that this three-dimensional network is able to physically entrap disperse additives when applied to the fibers. Still further, the present inventors have discovered that the emulsion copolymer can uniformly coat the fibers and thus readily receive the additive, which eliminates the need for high temperatures and/or pressures during a dyeing process, for example, and can also result in a relatively uniform coating of the additive on the fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer. POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.