Abstract: A masking film includes an adhesion layer that includes a blend of hydrogenated styrene block copolymer and low density polyethylene. The adhesion layer has an outer adhesion surface configured to contact a substrate. The outer adhesion surface has an average surface roughness Ra of between 100 nm and 350 nm, and an average spacing between peaks Sm of between 20 ?m and 150 ?m. The masking film also includes a release layer on a side of the adhesion layer opposite the outer adhesion surface.

Abstract: A masking film includes an adhesion layer that includes a blend of hydrogenated styrene block copolymer and low density polyethylene. The adhesion layer has an outer adhesion surface configured to contact a substrate. The outer adhesion surface has an average surface roughness Ra of between 100 nm and 350 nm, and an average spacing between peaks Sm of between 20 ?m and 150 ?m. The masking film also includes a release layer on a side of the adhesion layer opposite the outer adhesion surface.

Abstract: IR-emitting or reflecting polymer fibers are formed by blending a high concentration of IR-emitting or reflecting particles with a thermoplastic polymer and meltblowing fibers which have an average diameter of 20 ? or less. The meltblowing process allows for inclusion of a high concentration of the IR-emitting or reflecting particles, yet allows fibers to be formed. These can be formed into a soft, air-permeable, nonwoven web. The fibers can be monocomponent or bicomponent or multicomponent and can be textured or shaped.

Abstract: IR-emitting or reflecting polymer fibers are formed by blending a high concentration of IR-emitting or reflecting particles with a thermoplastic polymer and meltblowing fibers which have an average diameter of 20 ? or less. The meltblowing process allows for inclusion of a high concentration of the IR-emitting or reflecting particles, yet allows fibers to be formed. These can be formed into a soft, air-permeable, nonwoven web. The fibers can be monocomponent or bicomponent or multicomponent and can be textured or shaped.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers and films that incorporate IR-emitting materials are disclosed. These fibers and films can be loaded with higher concentrations of IR-emitting materials than was previously thought possible. The IR emissivity of the resulting polymeric materials can be enhanced by increasing the surface area of these fibers and films. Laminates of the fibers or films with other substrate layers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a breathable multilayer microporous film comprise a first outer film layer, a second inner film layer, and a third outer film layer, wherein each film layer comprises at least one pore-forming filler and one thermoplastic polymer. Each film layer is rendered microporous and breathable by stretching each film layer having the pore-forming filler therein, wherein the first and third outer film layers have first and third maximum pore sizes, respectively, and the second inner film layer has a second maximum pore size different than the respective maximum pore sizes of the first and third outer film layers of the multilayer film. The multilayer microporous film passes ASTM F 1671-03 test.

Abstract: Moisture-resistant materials comprise an open net-like fabric with strands of varying thicknesses and polymer film thereon. The material is both resistant to water penetration and also slip resistant under dry or wet conditions. The moisture-resistant materials are suitable for use in various applications including roofing underpayment, flashing, housewrap and other construction sheet-like materials. An optional second layer of fabric may be applied to the moisture-resistant material, for example, to improve the strength, tear resistance, and scuff resistance of the moisture-resistant material.

Abstract: Breathable materials comprise a fabric layer and a polymer film layer thereon, the polymer film layer comprising a polymer composition and a filler, wherein the breathable material has undergone a physical manipulation to render the polymer film layer microporous such that the WVTR of the breathable material is greater than about 50 g/m2·24 hr, and wherein the breathable material has a first length dimension and a first width dimension before said physical manipulation and a second length dimension and a second width dimension after said physical manipulation, wherein the second length dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first length dimension and the second width dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first width dimension.

Abstract: Breathable materials comprise a low-elongation fabric layer and a microporous coating thereon. The microporous coating comprises a crystalline polymer composition and a filler. The materials are suitable for use in various applications including housewrap and other construction embodiments. Methods of making a breathable material comprise extrusion coating a low-elongation fabric layer with a composition comprising a crystalline polymer composition and a filler to form a coating on the low-elongation fabric layer, and incrementally stretching the coated nonwoven layer to render the coating microporous.

Abstract: Embodiments of a breathable multilayer microporous film comprise a first outer film layer, a second inner film layer, and a third outer film layer, wherein each film layer comprises at least one pore-forming filler and one thermoplastic polymer. Each film layer is rendered microporous and breathable by stretching each film layer having the pore-forming filler therein, wherein the first and third outer film layers have first and third maximum pore sizes, respectively, and the second inner film layer has a second maximum pore size different than the respective maximum pore sizes of the first and third outer film layers of the multilayer film. The multilayer microporous film passes ASTM F 1671-03 test.

Abstract: Multilayer microporous films comprise first and second microporous film layers. The first film layer has a first maximum pore size and the second film layer has a second maximum pore size different from the first maximum pore size. In a more specific embodiment, the multilayer microporous films comprise coextruded first, second and third microporous film layers. One of the first, second and third film layers has a maximum pore size smaller than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film or larger than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film, and the one layer does not have an unconstrained surface in the multilayer film. Methods for producing multilayer microporous films provide a first film layer having a maximum pore size upon stretching which is different from that of a second film layer upon stretching.

Abstract: A footwear system. There is: a foot covering including a sole and an upper portion permanently coupled together; a decorative member covering the upper portion; a first securing system, securing the decorative member to the upper portion, that includes a first securing member coupled to the upper portion and a second securing member coupled to the decorative member; a securing slide coupled to the decorative member to the upper portion; and a flap coupled to the decorative member, configured to conceal the securing slide. The foot covering and the decorative member include a plurality of shoe lace holes. There is also a plurality of snaps configured to couple the decorative member to the upper portion around a set of shoe lace holes; and a fastening system including an adjustable strap coupled to the underside of the decorative member and configured to constrict the decorative member against the upper portion.

Abstract: Moisture-resistant materials comprise an open net-like fabric with strands of varying thicknesses and polymer film thereon. The material is both resistant to water penetration and also slip resistant under dry or wet conditions. The moisture-resistant materials are suitable for use in various applications including roofing underpayment, flashing, housewrap and other construction sheet-like materials. An optional second layer of fabric may be applied to the moisture-resistant material, for example, to improve the strength, tear resistance, and scuff resistance of the moisture-resistant material.

Abstract: Breathable materials comprise a fabric layer and a polymer film layer thereon, the polymer film layer comprising a polymer composition and a filler, wherein the breathable material has undergone a physical manipulation to render the polymer film layer microporous such that the WVTR of the breathable material is greater than about 50 g/m2·24 hr, and wherein the breathable material has a first length dimension and a first width dimension before said physical manipulation and a second length dimension and a second width dimension after said physical manipulation, wherein the second length dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first length dimension and the second width dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first width dimension.

Abstract: Breathable materials comprise a low-elongation fabric layer and a microporous coating thereon. The microporous coating comprises a crystalline polymer composition and a filler. The materials are suitable for use in various applications including housewrap and other construction embodiments. Methods of making a breathable material comprise extrusion coating a low-elongation fabric layer with a composition comprising a crystalline polymer composition and a filler to form a coating on the low-elongation fabric layer, and incrementally stretching the coated nonwoven layer to render the coating microporous.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by the polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used to form collapsible dispensing containers and/or components thereof. Blends of the copolymers with propylene polymers are disclosed and used to form a body wall layer or a collapsible dispensing container head having good bond strength with a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer. Methods for improving the adhesion between collapsible dispensing container components, such as between body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and another body wall layer formed of a propylene polymer, or between a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and a collapsible dispensing container head formed of a propylene polymer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multilayer microporous films comprise first and second microporous film layers. The first film layer has a first maximum pore size and the second film layer has a second maximum pore size different from the first maximum pore size. In a more specific embodiment, the multilayer microporous films comprise coextruded first, second and third microporous film layers. One of the first, second and third film layers has a maximum pore size smaller than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film or larger than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film, and the one layer does not have an unconstrained surface in the multilayer film. Methods for producing multilayer microporous films provide a first film layer having a maximum pore size upon stretching which is different from that of a second film layer upon stretching.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by the polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used to form collapsible dispensing containers and/or components thereof. Blends of the copolymers with propylene polymers are disclosed and used to form a body wall layer or a collapsible dispensing container head having good bond strength with a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer. Methods for improving the adhesion between collapsible dispensing container components, such as between body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and another body wall layer formed of a propylene polymer, or between a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and a collapsible dispensing container head formed of a propylene polymer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by the polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used to form collapsible dispensing containers and/or components thereof. Blends of the copolymers with propylene polymers are disclosed and used to form a body wall layer or a collapsible dispensing container head having good bond strength with a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer. Methods for improving the adhesion between collapsible dispensing container components, such as between body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and another body wall layer formed of a propylene polymer, or between a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and a collapsible dispensing container head formed of a propylene polymer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by a polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used as a film or as a layer in multiple layer films, including molecularly oriented and irradiated heat shrinkable films. Novel blends of the copolymers with other polymeric materials are disclosed and used as a film or a layer in a film particularly in molecularly oriented and heat shrinkable films. Bags made from the multiple layer films are especially useful for shrink packaging primal cuts of meat. Processes for the formation of flexible films and packages made therefrom are also disclosed.