Abstract: Microporous material having a spherulitic matrix made from ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer has a plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 0.01 micrometer. The material is made by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process that includes melt mixing ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, diluent and nucleating agent to provide a melt mixed composition; shaping the melt mixed composition; cooling the shaped melt mixed composition to induce phase separation of the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer to provide a phase separated material; and stretching the phase separated material to provide the microporous material. The microporous material may be incorporated into articles and the articles may include one, two or more layers of microporous material.

Abstract: A porous membrane that includes a first zone, the first zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a first nucleating agent, the first nucleating agent having a first concentration in the first zone, the first zone having a first average pore size; and a second zone, the second zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a second nucleating agent, the second nucleating agent having a second concentration in the second zone, the second zone having a second average pore size, wherein the crystallizable polymer is the same in the first zone and second zone, wherein the first average pore size is not the same as the second average pore size, wherein the first nucleating agent and the second nucleating agent are the same or different, wherein the first concentration and the second concentration agent are the same or different and with the proviso that the first nucleating agent and the first concentration are not the same as the second nucleating agent and the second concentration.

Abstract: Microporous materials including a melt-processable, semi-crystalline, thermoplastic (co)polymer, wherein the thermoplastic (co)polymer is miscible in a compatible liquid when heated above a melting temperature of the semi-crystalline thermoplastic (co)polymer, further wherein the microporous material is comprised of a plurality of filaments substantially aligned in a first longitudinal direction, and a mesh extending laterally between the filaments, the mesh comprising a network of interconnected pores having a median diameter less than one micrometer. Methods of making and using such microporous materials (e.g. as films, membranes, battery separators, capacitor separators, fluid filtration articles, separation articles, and the like) are also described.

Abstract: Microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size, methods of making microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size, and methods of using microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size are disclosed.

Abstract: A porous membrane that includes a first zone, the first zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a first nucleating agent, the first nucleating agent having a first concentration in the first zone, the first zone having a first average pore size; and a second zone, the second zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a second nucleating agent, the second nucleating agent having a second concentration in the second zone, the second zone having a second average pore size, wherein the crystallizable polymer is the same in the first zone and second zone, wherein the first average pore size is not the same as the second average pore size, wherein the first nucleating agent and the second nucleating agent are the same or different, wherein the first concentration and the second concentration agent are the same or different and with the proviso that the first nucleating agent and the first concentration are not the same as the second nucleating agent and the second concentration.

Abstract: Microporous material having a spherulitic matrix made from ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer has a plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 0.01 micrometer. The material is made by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process that includes melt mixing ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, diluent and nucleating agent to provide a melt mixed composition; shaping the melt mixed composition; cooling the shaped melt mixed composition to induce phase separation of the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer to provide a phase separated material; and stretching the phase separated material to provide the microporous material. The microporous material may be incorporated into articles and the articles may include one, two or more layers of microporous material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous and antimicrobial articles. The method comprises preparing an initial composition containing a semicrystalline polylactic acid material, a nonpolymeric aliphatic ester diluent, and a nucleating agent. The initial composition is heated to form a melt blended composition. Upon cooling, the melt blended composition phase separates into a composition having two continuous phases. A network of interconnected micropores may be formed by stretching the composition, by removing at least a portion of the nonpolymeric aliphatic ester diluent from the composition, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size, methods of making microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size, and methods of using microporous membranes having a relatively large average pore size are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 ?m, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a transparent film, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. Additionally, the adhesive article comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, the second layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface of the second layer being in contact with the second major surface of the first layer and a third layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the third layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article then comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 ?m, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.

Abstract: A method for obtaining ethanol from a feed solution utilizes an extractant comprising a mixture of at least one alkane and at least one aliphatic alcohol having the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R7 each independently represent H or a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R6 represents a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or taken together R3 and R6 represent an alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and m and n independently represent 0, 1, 2, or 3, with the proviso that if R4 represents H, then at least two of R1, R2, and R3, or at least one of R5 and R7, are straight chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a transparent film, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. Additionally, the adhesive article comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, the second layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface of the second layer being in contact with the second major surface of the first layer and a third layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the third layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article then comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 &mgr;m, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.

Abstract: A method for obtaining ethanol from a feed solution utilizes an extractant comprising a mixture of at least one alkane and at least one aliphatic alcohol having the formula 1

Abstract: There is provided an oil absorbing wipe material suitable for wiping a users' skin or hair and a method for their manufacture. The wipes comprise at least an oil absorbing porous film-like substrate of a crystalline thermoplastic material with at least 40 percent by weight of a nonparticulate filler. Generally, the wipe changes transparency or color (a change in L* of about 10 or more) when loaded with oil to provide an oil absorption indication functionality. The wipe is capable of forming a compact ball by crumpling to a diameter of 2.5 cm or less.

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.