Abstract: A flexible, ignition resistant, biregional fiber is disclosed, wherein the fiber is preferably derived from a single homogeneous polymeric precursor composition, said biregional fiber comprising an inner core region of a thermoplastic polymeric composition and a surrounding outer sheath region of a thermoset carbonaceous material. The biregional fiber is particularly characterized by having a ratio of the radius of the core region with respect to the total radius of the fiber (r:R) of from about 1:4 to about 1:1.05, an LOI value of greater than 40, a breaking twist angle of from 4 to 13 degrees, and a bending strain value of from greater than 0.01 to less than 50%.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ignition resistant carbonaceous material by exposing a meltblown or spunbonded acrylic precursor material in the form of at least one ply of a generally planar fibrous web, matt or batt to ionizing radiation to crosslink said acrylic material which is then heat treated in an inert atmosphere to increase the carbon content of said irradiated material to form said carbonaceous material. The invention also resides in a continuous self bonded fibrous carbonaceous material having a carbon content of from about 65% to less than about 92%, an oxygen content of less than about 2%, and a specific resistivity of from about 10.sup.-1 to about 10.sup.10 ohm-cm. Preferably said carbonaceous material has an oxygen content of less than about 1% and a nitrogen content of from about 5% to about 30%.

Abstract: The present invention resides in ignition resistant non-linear carbonaceous fiber or fiber tow having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1:1 but equal to or less than 1.2:1. The fibers have a multiplicity of crimps along their length with a crimp frequency on the order of from 6 to 15 crimps per inch. Fibers of the invention have an elongatability of from about 2 to about 9%, a pseudo-elongatability of from about 0.2 to about 18%, and a tenacity without a loss of elongation on the order of at least 6 g/d. The carbonaceous fibers can be used, for example, as thermal insulation and/or fire resistant insulation in vehicles, building structures or clothing in furniture coverings, carpets, and the like, and can be used alone or blended with other fibers to form fine yarns.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ignition resistant carbonaceous material by exposing a meltblown or spunbonded acrylic precursor material in the form of at least one ply of a generally planar fibrous web, matt or batt to ionizing radiation to crosslink said acrylic material which is then heat treated in an inert atmosphere to increase the carbon content of said irradiated material to form said carbonaceous material. The invention also resides in a continuous self bonded fibrous carbonaceous material having a carbon content of from about 65% to less than about 92%, an oxygen content of less than about 2%, and a specific resistivity of from about 10.sup.-1 to about 10.sup.-10 ohm-cm. Preferably said carbonaceous material has an oxygen content of less than about 1% and a nitrogen content of from about 5% to about 30%.

Abstract: A process for preparing a non-flammable linear non-graphitic carbonaceous polymeric fiber, yarn or tow having improved elongability containing the step of heat treating a linear stabilized polymeric fiber, yarn or tow having an LOI greater than 40 without any substantial tension or stress in an inert non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature so as to irreversibly heat set said fiber yarn or tow.

Abstract: There is provided a non-flammable expanded fiber comprising carbonaceous polymeric substantially irreversibly heat set fiber having an LOI value of greater than 40, and the fibrous structures thereof. Also, provided are stabilized expanded polymeric fibers.

Abstract: The present invention resides in ignition resistant non-linear carbonaceous fiber or fiber tow having a reversible deflection ratio equal to or less than 1.2:1. The fibers have a multiplicity of crimps along their length with a crimp frequency on the order of from 6 to 15 crimps per inch. Fibers of the invention have improved elongatability of from about 2 to about 9%, a pseudo-elongatability of from about 0.2 to about 18%, and a tenacity without a loss of elongation on the order of at least 6 g/d. The carbonaceous fibers can be used, for example, as thermal insulation and/or fire resistant insulation in vehicles, building structures or clothing in furniture coverings, carpets, and the like, and can be blended with other fibers to form fine yarns.

Abstract: A process for preparing a non-flammable linear non-graphitic carbonaceous polymeric fiber, yarn or tow having improved elongability which comprises the step of heat treating a linear stabilized polymeric fiber, yarn or tow having an LOI greater than 40 without any substantial tension or stress in an inert non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature so as to irreversibly heat set said fiber yarn or tow.

Abstract: A structure is provided comprising carbonaceous materials for absorbing and/or reflecting radiated energy or electromagnetic energy. The structure is useful for camouflage or for shielding electromagnetic radiation, especially microwaves.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for separating fluids or non-biotechnological products in solution, wherein said apparatus has a fibrous element which permits flow of fluids therethrough and is composed of irreversibly set non-graphitic carbonaceous fibers having an LOI greater than 40.

Abstract: A flame retardant polymeric foam having a flame retarding amount of non-graphitic carbonaceous materials having an LOI value greater than 40.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for separating fluids or non-biotechnological products in solution, wherein said apparatus has a fibrous element which permits flow of fluids therethrough the improvement wherein the fibrous element is composed of non-flammable irreversibly heat set non-graphitic carbonaceous fibers having an LOI greater than 40.

Abstract: A composition comprising a thermoplastic electroconductive resin matrix containing a multiplicity of reinforcing carbonaceous fibers, the improvement which comprises said reinforcing fibers comprising resilient shaped reforming elongatable non-linear non-flammable conductive carbonaceous fibers, the fibers having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1.2:1 and an aspect ratio (1/d) of greater than 10:1.

Abstract: A thermally stable metal coated carbonaceous fiber batting, fiber tow, yarn or fabric which maintains loft, has some degree of resiliency and some degree of stability in the presence of various concentrations of oxygen at elevated temperatures said fibers having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1.2:1 and an aspect ratio greater than 10:1.

Abstract: A thermally stable ceramic and/or metal coated carbonaceous linear fiber batting, fiber tow, yarn or fabric which maintains some degree of stability in the presence of various concentrations of oxygen at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A thermally stable ceramic coated carbonaceous fiber batting, fiber tow, yarn or fabric which maintains loft, has some degree of resiliency and some degree of stability in the presence of various concentrations of oxygen at elevated temperatures said fibers having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1.2:1 and an aspect ratio greater than 10:1.

Abstract: A means for improving the fire resistance of carbonaceous polymeric substance comprising a non-graphitic carbonaceous polymeric material having an LOI value greater than 40, produces a char formation greater than 65% and a thermoconductivity less than 1 BTU ft/Hr ft.sup.2 .degree.F. by utilizing an organosilicone polymer in an amount to provide ignition resistance. Also, there is provided a means for improving the fire resistance and thermal stability of resins and polymers.

Abstract: A multicomponent polymeric fiber, film or foam having at least one component comprising fire resistant carbonaceous material and another component comprising non-carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A flame-retardant polymeric foam which comprises a carbonaceous irreversibly heat set, cellular polymer derived from a stabilized polyacrylonitrile based foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in hot air balloons and the like. An insulation of carbonaceous fibers is provided on the interior of the balloon's envelope and/or the skirt, nozzle or scoop which is light weight and provides flame and scortch protection.