Abstract: Glass fibers of curly habit may be prepared from a heterogeneous melt of blended particles of at least two distinct glasses. Linear glass primaries controllable in pot and marble processing may be prepared from the heterogeneous melts. Fibers prepared from the randomly heterogeneous primaries exhibit a unique biodissolution mechanism and high biodissolution rates. The process is also amenable to other glass fiberization processes, including the rotary process and the sliver process.

Abstract: Described is an inorganic fiber comprising silica dioxide, calcium oxide, and alkali oxide having a free energy of hydration greater than (more positive than) -5.00 kcal/mol, an enthalpy of formation less than (more than negative than) -210.0 kcal/mol, a dissolution rate in simulated extra cellular fluid greater than 750 (calculated as nanograms of fiber/per square centimeter of fiber surface area/per hour) having an average fiber diameter not greater than 4.5 micrometers. Also described is a method of manufacturing the fibers.

Abstract: A process for the production of polymeric substances from metal alkoxides is provided comprising the steps of:(a) reacting at least a monofunctional carboxylic acid and at least a monofunctional hydroxylated organic compound in the presence of a suitable esterification catalyst to yield water in situ, and thereafter;(b) adding to the reaction mixture in (a) above at least a divalent metal alkoxide in an amount sufficient to form the desired polymeric network of at least partially hydrolyzed metal alkoxide.Also provided is a process for coating a substrate comprising applying the above disclosed polymeric substance to a substrate preferably by a dipping, spraying, or spinning technique. Articles coated with the polymeric substance provided by the process of the present invention are also disclosed.