Abstract: An elongated sleeve for protecting elongated substrates is disclosed. The sleeve has a flexible elongated backbone extending lengthwise along the sleeve. A plurality of flexible, resilient ribs extend transversely from the backbone. The ribs are biased into a concave, preferably circular shape to define a central space for receiving the substrates. The backbone may be continuous, discontinuous or split and may intersect the ribs at a point spaced from their mid point, defining asymmetrical ribs. One or more layers of material are attached to the ribs forming a covering which defines a lengthwise seam along the ends of the ribs providing access to the central space. The layers may be positioned on either or both inside or outside of the ribs. The layers may provide a reflective surface for thermal protection.

Abstract: An extruded monofilament is formed from a compatibilized blend of polyphenylene sulfide and a polyamide resin. The blend is compatibilized by the addition of a compatibilizing resin selected from the group consisting of chemically modified and functionalized polyolefins. Preferably, from about 25 to about 99 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin and from about 75 to 1 parts by weight of at least one polyamide resin, together with from about 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compatibilizer are blended and extruded to form the monofilament. The resultant monofilament exhibits improved physical properties as compared to unblended polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS), as well as uncompatibilized blends of PPS with other materials. The monofilaments prepared from these compatibilized blends are useful as components of industrial fabrics, particularly fabrics such as are used as belts on paper forming machines. The polymer blend and a process for the manufacture of the monofilaments are also provided.

Abstract: An extruded monofilament is formed from a compatibilized blend of polyphenylene sulfide and a polyamide resin. The blend is compatibilized by the addition of a compatibilizing resin selected from the group consisting of chemically modified and functionalized polyolefins. Preferably, from about 25 to about 99 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin and from about 75 to 1 parts by weight of at least one polyamide resin, together with from about 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compatibilizer are blended and extruded to form the monofilament. The resultant monofilament exhibits improved physical properties as compared to unblended polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS), as well as uncompatibilized blends of PPS with other materials. The monofilaments prepared from these compatibilized blends are useful as components of industrial fabrics, particularly fabrics such as are used as belts on paper forming machines. The polymer blend and a process for the manufacture of the monofilaments are also provided.