Abstract: A fiber defined by a surface having a concentration of antimicrobial and a center having another concentration of antimicrobial is provided. The concentration of antimicrobial at the surface of the fiber is greater than the concentration of antimicrobial at the center of the fiber. Nonwovens manufactured from the fiber are also provided. The antimicrobial may include an antimicrobial heat labile component in conjunction with a carrier.

Abstract: Containers for the storage and/or transport of potable water having surfaces derived from a range of polymers are provided. The container's surfaces may include a component/carrier combination (typically a heat labile component) which affords thermal stability to the surface containing the component. The component/carrier combination enables a heat labile component to survive exposure to elevated temperatures greater than its decomposition or volatilization temperature during processing or during the container's service. Additionally, the use of a component/carrier combination allows a plurality of otherwise incompatible components to be included within a single formulation. The different components included in the surface are able to impart a range of properties to the container's surface.

Abstract: Surfaces and members having one or more surfaces derived from compositions containing polymers and one or more heat labile and/or incompatible components adsorbed on carrier materials are provided. The heat labile components include materials that, unless adsorbed on a carrier, are transformed at the polymer's processing temperatures (such as for example, heat labile biocides). Incompatible components are materials that generally react or form gels, slimes or precipitates upon mixing. The carrier materials typically include inorganic and/or organic porous materials capable of remaining solid during processing temperatures. Methods for preparing the polymer surfaces and members having polymer surfaces are provided. Members include, but are not limited to, structures, articles, containers, devices, woven/nonwoven articles, remediation materials, and the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are surface treatments such as paints, coatings, stains, varnishes, sealants, films, inks, and the like, containing heat labile component/carrier combinations and methods for making the formulations suitable for treating surfaces. The surface treatments and/or the treated surfaces can be subjected to elevated temperatures at or above which the heat labile component alone decomposes, reacts, or volatilizes. Because the heat labile component adsorbed on the carrier survives the elevated temperature, the resulting treated surfaces exhibit properties derived from the heat labile component(s). Resulting treated surfaces can exhibit properties derived from one or a combination of heat labile components including, but not limited to bacteriocides, fungicides, algaecides, viruscides, insecticides, antibiotics, enzymes, repellents (animal and insect), herbicides, pheromones, molluscicides, acaricides, miticides, rodenticides, fragrances, and the like.

Abstract: Compositions containing polymers and one or more heat labile and/or incompatible components adsorbed on carrier materials are provided. The heat labile components include materials that are inactivated, that volatilize, decompose, or undergo a chemical reaction or transformation at the polymer's processing temperatures (heat labile biocides). Incompatible components are materials that generally react or form gels or precipitates upon mixing. The carrier materials generally include inorganic or organic porous materials capable of remaining solid during processing temperatures. Methods for preparing the polymer compositions are provided.