Abstract: Synthetic thermoplastic fibers are produced by drawing the fibers, applying a finishing agent to the drawn fibers, and crimping the fibers in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure. Superior crimped products are obtained having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use.

Abstract: The crimped products are produced having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use. Such products are disclosed having deposited on the surface of the fibers a thin coating of a finishing agent comprising distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Such products can be produced by crimping in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure.

Abstract: A finishing agent composition is disclosed made of a major amount of a surface-active material having softening properties for polyolefin fibers, and smaller amounts of a nonionic wetting agent, buffering agent and a corrosion inhibitor, the amounts of the components being such that, when the composition is dispersed in water to provide a dispersion containing from about 1 to about 4 weight percent solids, the dispersion has a pH within the range of 6 to 8.

Abstract: A composition that can be rotationally molded with a minimum formation of bubbles comprises solid polymer, a cross-linking agent, a solid pigment in an amount to provide a surface area up to 30 m.sup.2 /100 grams of polymer, and a transition metal catalyst residue content of less than about 3 parts per million.

Abstract: Synthetic thermoplastic fibers are crimped in the presence of steam in a crimping zone wherein there are present a defined first region of low but increasing steam pressure, a defined second region of substantially constant, relatively high steam pressure, and a defined third region of decreasing steam pressure. Superior crimped products are obtained having a more permanent bulkiness which resists deterioration during further processing and subsequent use.