Abstract: A process for the preparation of carbon and/or silicon coated ceramic fibers is disclosed involving contact of a preceramic fiber with a hydrocarbon or a silane which decomposes at a temperature no higher than 500.degree. C. at 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for blow molding articles from liquid crystal polymers containing ionic moieties in the backbone. The ionic moieties increase the melt viscosity of the polymers sufficiently high to blow mold articles therefrom. An illustrative liquid crystal polymer is made from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and sodium 5-sulfoisophthalate.

Abstract: An improved liquid crystalline polymer blend is produced by mixing a preformed thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer in the melt phase with reactants needed to form a second liquid crystalline polymer under conditions sufficient to form the second liquid crystalline polymer. The resulting blends are anisotropic and have improved morphology and improved melt processability. The method is particularly useful when the second liquid crystalline polymer is biphasic or is difficult to synthesize or process in the melt.

Abstract: Silicon carbide whiskers such as those used in reinforcing ceramic composites are deagglomerated by dispersing the whiskers in an aqueous silane dispersant comprising a silane containing nonreactive hydrocarbon groups and reactive hydrolyzable groups, a cationic lubricant and an acid to provide a dispersant pH of about 3.5 to about 6.0. The whiskers can be deagglomerated prior to mixing with the ceramic powder used to form the composite or the whiskers, ceramic powder and aqueous silane dispersant can be mixed simultaneously. Dispersal permits classification and selection of specific aspect ratio distributions for the ceramic composite. Deagglomeration permits use of higher vol. % SiC whiskers while still attaining greater than 99% density.

Abstract: A novel synthetic yarn is disclosed which comprises fibers of different lengths (as specified). At least three groups of synthetic fibers are present in the yarn, with the synthetic fibers within each group being substantially uniform in length. The substantially uniform length of each group of synthetic fibers present in the yarn differs from the substantially uniform length of the synthetic fibers in the other groups. The use of such mixtures of fiber lengths in a synthetic yarn enables the yarn to exhibit physical characteristics such as high bulk which more closely resemble the characteristics of natural fiber-containing yarns. Fabrics having improved physical characteristics may also be produced from the novel synthetic yarns disclosed.

Abstract: A novel synthetic yarn is disclosed which comprises fibers of different lengths (as specified). At least three groups of synthetic fibers are present in the yarn, with the synthetic fibers within each group being substantially uniform in length. The substantially uniform length of each group of synthetic fibers present in the yarn differs from the substantially uniform length of the synthetic fibers in the other groups. The use of such mixtures of fiber lengths in a synthetic yarn enables the yarn to exhibit physical characteristics such as high bulk which more closely resemble the characteristics of natural fiber-containing yarns. Fabrics having improved physical characteristics may also be produced from the novel synthetic yarns disclosed.