Abstract: Novel filaments and yarns for carpets, upholstery and other applications, the spinneret and method for their production and carpets manufactured therefrom. The filaments of the invention are solid multi-lobal filaments of complex convex-concave surface contour possessing low luster, low moment of inertia, high color intensity upon dyeing and high covering power. Carpets manufactured therefrom possess low luster, soft hand, high covering power and high body suitable for premium residential application. The filaments of the invention are produced at high throughput and productivity by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to a sheath core fiber with a core and a sheath that comprises a fluoropolymer. Contemplated sheath materials include PVDF, ECTFE, and ETFE, and may have an apparent shear viscosity equal to or less than the apparent shear viscosity of the core material. Especially contemplated sheaths have a weight of 30% or less of the weight of the fiber. Preferred fibers are spun in a spin pack having a sheath material conduit with a ratio of open volume to sheath material mass flow of less than 0.75 for a fiber with a 30 wt % sheath, of less than 1.15 for a fiber with a 20 wt % sheath, and of less than 2.

Abstract: Novel filaments and yarns for carpets, upholstery and other applications, the spinneret and method for their production and carpets manufactured therefrom. The filaments of the invention are solid multi-lobal filaments of complex convex-concave surface contour possessing low luster, low moment of inertia, high color intensity upon dyeing and high covering power. Carpets manufactured therefrom possess low luster, soft hand, high covering power and high body suitable for premium residential application. The filaments of the invention are produced at high throughput and productivity by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: Novel filaments and yarns for carpets, upholstery and other applications, the spinneret and method for their production and carpets manufactured therefrom. The filaments of the invention are solid multi-lobal filaments of complex convex-concave surface contour possessing low luster, low moment of inertia, high color intensity upon dyeing and high covering power. Carpets manufactured therefrom possess low luster, soft hand, high covering power and high body suitable for premium residential application. The filaments of the invention are produced at high throughput and productivity by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An insulating composite material comprising expanded microcells and fiber media and methods for producing same. Microcells incorporated into the fiber media engage the surface projections and the intra-fiber and inter-fiber voids, resulting in increased microcell retention, thereby improving the characteristics of the composite material.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to a sheath core fiber with a core and a sheath that comprises a fluoropolymer. Contemplated sheath materials include PVDF, ECTFE, and ETFE, and may have an apparent shear viscosity equal to or less than the apparent shear viscosity of the core material. Especially contemplated sheaths have a weight of 30% or less of the weight of the fiber. Preferred fibers are spun in a spin pack having a sheath material conduit with a ratio of open volume to sheath material mass flow of less than 0.75 for a fiber with a 30 wt % sheath, of less than 1.15 for a fiber with a 20 wt % sheath, and of less than 2.

Abstract: A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface. The filter also includes a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The hydrocarbon-absorbing material may be a solid material such as, e.g., carbon, or may be a liquid such as a relatively non-volatile organic solvent. Alternatively, the material may be a combined solid and liquid. In one embodiment, each of the elongated fibers includes a central stem and a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from the central stem, with a longitudinally extending slot defined between adjacent lobes. Specific useful filter configurations are detailed.