Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting the adhesion of textiles to rubber compounds through a vinyl compound plasma pre-treatment procedure and a subsequent application of resorcinol-formaldehyde latex (RFL) to the textile surface. The inventive method encompasses a process through which free radicals of compounds comprising strong carbon-carbon bonds form a film over textile films and then covalently bonded to the resin component of the RFL. Such a method thus produces an extremely strong and versatile adhesive that facilitates adhesion between rubber compounds and heretofore unusable or difficult-to-use textiles. The resultant textile/rubber composites are utilized as reinforcements within such materials as automobile tires, fan belts, conveyor belts, and the like. Such materials and composites are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: Improved polypropylene fibers exhibiting greatly reduced heat- and moisture-shrink problems are provided. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.

Abstract: A lightweight loop pile fabric having improved particle pick-up is described. In addition, a patterned loop pile fabric is described. The fabric has a plurality of multifilament loops extending from at least one of its surfaces, with at least some of the loops being teased. In one embodiment, the loops are formed from splittable multifilament yarns which are hypersplit during the manufacturing process to form teased loops. The fabrics perform particularly well in the manufacture of wiping cloths with enhanced performance characteristics. In addition, the fabrics enable the production of patterned articles having performance characteristics similar to or exceeding those of unpatterned goods. A process for making the fabrics is also described.

Abstract: A base substrate having a first side and a second side, and a loop extending from the first side of the base substrate. The loop is formed of a yarn having at least one filament with a cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.2, a corner edge, and/or at least a concave portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyester textile fabric having a relatively low level of particulate contaminates and high absorbency is provided by heatsetting the fabric at a temperature of 300° F. or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting the adhesion of textiles to rubber compounds through a vinyl compound plasma pre-treatment procedure and a subsequent application of resorcinol-formaldehyde latex (RFL) to the textile surface. The inventive method encompasses a process through which free radicals of compounds comprising strong carbon--carbon bonds form a film over textile films and then covalently bonded to the resin component of the RFL. Such a method thus produces an extremely strong and versatile adhesive that facilitates adhesion between rubber compounds and heretofore unusable or difficult-to-use textiles. The resultant textile/rubber composites are utilized as reinforcements within such materials as automobile tires, fan belts, conveyor belts, and the like. Such materials and composites are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: The invention presents a vanadium tetracyanoethylene solvent complex for electromagnetic field shielding, and a method for blocking low frequency and magnetic fields using these vanadium tetracyanoethylene compositions. The compositions of the invention can be produced at ambient temperature and are light weight, low density and flexible. The materials of the present invention are useful as magnetic shields to block low frequency fields and static fields, and for use in cores in transformers and motors.