Abstract: A method of treating fibers to improve resistance to high temperatures and relative humidity includes providing poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers, exposing the PBO fibers to an atmosphere of supercritical CO2 saturated with an epoxy silane, i.e. 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane. The PBO fibers are subjected to a first pressurizing and heating stage at a first temperature (50° C.) for a first period of time. The PBO fibers are then subjected to a second pressurizing and heating stage including increasing the temperature to a second temperature (110° C.) and holding at the second temperature for an additional period of time. The PBO fibers include 2-5 wt % of 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane after diffusing the CO2 out of the PBO fibers. The fibers are particularly useful in making lightweight body armor system components.

Abstract: A method of treating fibers to improve resistance to high temperatures and relative humidity includes providing poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers, exposing the PBO fibers to an atmosphere of supercritical CO2 saturated with an epoxy silane, i.e. 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane. The PBO fibers are subjected to a first pressurizing and heating stage at a first temperature (50° C.) for a first period of time. The PBO fibers are then subjected to a second pressurizing and heating stage including increasing the temperature to a second temperature (110° C.) and holding at the second temperature for an additional period of time. The PBO fibers include 2-5 wt % of 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane after diffusing the CO2 out of the PBO fibers. The fibers are particularly useful in making lightweight body armor system components.

Abstract: A hybrid reclosable fastener with both mechanical mating and adhesive reclosable mating elements and a method of forming the hybrid reclosable fastener is described herein. Mechanical mating elements include mating portions having cooperating coupling parts configured to provide mechanical mating along with adhesive mating elements including an adhesive material formed on the cooperating coupling parts configured to provide an adhesive mating.

Abstract: A hybrid reclosable fastener with both mechanical mating and adhesive reclosable mating elements and a method of forming the hybrid reclosable fastener is described herein. Mechanical mating elements include mating portions having cooperating coupling parts configured to provide mechanical mating along with adhesive mating elements including an adhesive material formed on the cooperating coupling parts configured to provide an adhesive mating.

Abstract: A hybrid reclosable fastener with both mechanical mating and adhesive reclosable mating elements and a method of forming the hybrid reclosable fastener is described herein. Mechanical mating elements include mating portions having cooperating coupling parts configured to provide mechanical mating along with adhesive mating elements including an adhesive material formed on the cooperating coupling parts configured to provide an adhesive mating.