Abstract: This invention relates to support garments which provide a support function through the utilization of a dried polyurethane coating placed on certain areas of the target fabric surface. Such a coating produces a reduction in the elongation characteristics of the target fabric thereby exhibiting a manner of providing support to the target fabric which is comfortable to the wearer and inexpensive to produce. The inventive garments may be utilized as sports brassieres, swimwear, “control-top” underwear, girdles, athletic supporters, medical braces, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ultra violet absorbing polymer latex is provided. The inventive process involves the emulsion polymerization of a benzotriazole- or benzophenone-containing monomer with a vinyl functional monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, preferably 1-dodecanethiol. The latex provides excellent long-lasting, easy to apply, difficult to remove, ultraviolet absorption properties for many different substrates, most notably fabrics. Different articles and fabrics coated, covered, laminated, and the like, with the inventive latex are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to metallized, particularly aluminized, fabrics which are coated with specific polyurethane finishes and primer coatings comprising novel phosphate-containing primers. Such specific polyurethanes are cross-linked when reacted with the primer coatings and applied in latex form. Upon impregnation within metal-coated fabrics, these particular polyurethanes encapsulate the metal particles and provide vastly improved washfastness properties to the fabrics and thus ensure the retention of substantially all the metal coating within and on the target fabric. The phosphate-containing primer provides remarkably improved adhesion between the metal and the polyurethane for excellent durability and washfastness. The primer compositions as well as the methods of producing a metallized coated with a primed polyurethane encapsulant are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to support garments which provide a support function through the utilization of a dried polyurethane coating placed on certain areas of the target fabric surface. Such a coating produces a reduction in the elongation characteristics of the target fabric thereby exhibiting a manner of providing support to the target fabric which is comfortable to the wearer and inexpensive to produce. The inventive garments may be utilized as sports brassieres, swimwear, “control-top” underwear, girdles, athletic supporters, medical braces, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation through a printing procedure of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, (iii) a cloud point surfactant, (iv) a thickener, and (v) optionally, a cross-linking agent, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid, which, in turn, permits the surfactant to gel and uniformly coagulate the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably a circular knit comprised of polyester and/or lycra fibers. The composite may be utilized within any fabric application requiring a support function, particularly as joint braces, sports brassieres, support apparel, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation through a printing procedure of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, (iii) a cloud point surfactant, (iv) a thickener, and (v) optionally, a cross-linking agent, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid, which, in turn, permits the surfactant to gel and uniformly coagulate the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably a circular knit comprised of polyester and/or lycra fibers. The composite may be utilized within any fabric application requiring a support function, particularly as joint braces, sports brassieres, support apparel, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, and (iii) a cloud point surfactant, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid and gel the surfactant which then uniformly coagulates the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably comprised of polyester fibers. The composite may be utilized as upholstery in furniture or in automobiles, apparel, drapery, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, and (iii) a cloud point surfactant, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid and gel the surfactant which then uniformly coagulates the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably comprised of polyester fibers. The composite may be utilized as upholstery in furniture or in automobiles, apparel, drapery, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: Processes (30, 40) have been developed for forming nitride films (35, 45, 37, 47) at low temperatures and at near atmospheric pressure on sample materials 12, including metals, for example, Co, Cr, Fe, Mo, Si, Ta, Ti, V, and W, and including group IV and group III-V semiconductors, for example, Si and GaAs, respectively. The processes (30, 40) are performed using a reaction system (10) which comprises a reactor (11) enclosed within a dry box (13), a hydrazine bubbler (18), gas sources (14a-14e), and an optional gas disposal system (22) for disposing of exhaust from the reactor (11). The surface of the sample material (12) is initially cleaned to remove any oxides and carbon compounds. The surface is then maintained at a temperature between 0.degree. and 400.degree. C. and at a pressure between 0.001 and 10,000 Torr. The surface is treated with hydrazine by introducing the hydrazine in a gaseous phase over the surface.