Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating or clarifying a turbid wastewater containing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of proteinaceous materials, fats, oils, and other biological contaminants. The methods of the present invention include the steps of (a) contacting turbid wastewater to cellulose ester fibrets under conditions sufficient to flocculate the contaminant to form a treatment suspension, and then (b) separating the flocculants from the treatment suspension to provide a clarified wastewater.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a composite fiber matrix loaded with immobilized functional particulate and including void spaces forming tortuous flow paths, is provided. The particulate is beneficially distributed in the interior of the fibrous structure in three dimensions and fused to a low melting component of the composite fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particulate. A filtration structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the fiber matrix, and including a microfiber web located within the structure, is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing cellulose acetate articles such as fibers. The process includes the following steps: Cellulose acetate is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution, the solvent made up of from 5% to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide and from 95% to 50% of a compatible solvent such as acetone. The solvent is above the supercritical conditions of CO.sub.2. The solution is filtrated of insoluble matter and extended to form a fiber or similar article.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a composite fiber matrix loaded with immobilized functional particulate and including void spaces forming tortuous flow paths, is provided. The particulate is beneficially distributed in the interior of the fibrous structure in three dimensions and fused to a low melting component of the composite fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particulate. A filtration structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the fiber matrix, and including a microfiber web located within the structure, is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating co-mingled polymeric materials, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is described. The process involves selectively dissolving a supercritical fluid into one of the materials at the appropriate temperature and pressure. Upon rapid reduction of the system pressure, the selected material foams providing a change in density. Under ambient conditions, the polymeric materials having a large density difference can be separated by means of aqueous separation and flotation. The preferred supercritical fluid for the process is carbon dioxide, and PVC is the material into which the supercritical fluid is preferentially dissolved.

Abstract: Continuous processes for the preparation of electrets and the products produced thereby, including filter fabrics, are disclosed. The process employs a continuous film or continuous filaments in the form of a tightly packed warp having a warp density as determined by light transmission of not more than 40%. The continuous film or continuous filament in the form of a tightly packed warp are continuously fed one or more times through a corona charging station having electrodes disposed on both sides of the material being treated, the material being treated being simultaneously heated while being subjected to a corona discharge of from 6 KV to 20 KV direct current.

Abstract: Continuous processes for the preparation of electrets and the products produced thereby, including filter fabrics, are disclosed. The process employs a continuous film or continuous filaments in the form of a tightly packed warp having a warp density as determined by light transmission of not more than 40%. The continuous film or continuous filament in the form of a tightly packed warp are continuously fed one or more times through a corona charging station having electrodes disposed on both sides of the material being treated, the material being treated being simultaneously heated while being subjected to a corona discharge of from 6 KV to 20 KV direct current.

Abstract: High polyacrylonitrile polymers containing at least 85 percent acrylonitrile can be melt extruded into useful shaped articles when plasticized with a plasticizing system comprising a low boiling acetonitrile fraction and a high boiling fraction capable of plasticizing the polyacrylonitrile at extrusion temperatures.