Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are produced by forming a spunbond nonwoven fabric first layer of continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments; forming a wet-laid nonwoven fabric second layer of discrete length thermoplastic polymer fibers; and bonding the first and second layers in opposing face-to-face relationship to form a composite support, where the first and second layers define first and second outer surfaces of the composite support. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: The filtration medium is of a composite construction and includes a liquid permeable nonwoven fabric substrate and a liquid permeable film layer of polyolefin resin adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric substrate and forming one of the exposed surfaces of the filtration medium. An antimicrobial agent is incorporated in the film layer. Preferably, the liquid permeable film layer is a polyolefin film having a plurality of liquid permeable apertures extending therethrough. The antimicrobial agent is blended with the polyolefin resin prior to extrusion of the film so that it is present throughout the film layer. The antimicrobial agent may be present in the film layer at a concentration of from 0.01% to 5% by weight, based on the weight of the film layer.

Abstract: The fabric is of a composite construction and includes an air and liquid permeable nonwoven fabric substrate and an air and liquid permeable layer of thermoplastic resin adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric substrate and forming one of the exposed surfaces of the composite fabric. A functional chemical is incorporated in the thermoplastic resin layer. Preferably, the liquid permeable layer is a polyolefin film having a plurality of liquid permeable apertures extending therethrough. The functional chemical is blended with the polyolefin resin so that it is present throughout the film layer. The functional chemical diffuses from the film layer to provide for controlled release of the active functional chemical at an optimum duration and rate.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are provided. The fabric laminates generally include at least two layers: a spunbond layer of continuous filament fibers and a wet-laid layer of discontinuous filaments. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: Microspheres for nuclear waste storage are formed by gelling droplets containing the waste in a gelation fluid, transferring the gelled droplets to a furnace without the washing step previously used, and heating the unwashed gelled droplets in the furnace under temperature or humidity conditions that result in a substantially linear rate of removal of volatile components therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in making non-woven fabrics by wet-laying an aqueous dispersion. The apparatus and method screens, separates and remover fiber defects and foreign matter above a prescribed size from other dispersion fibers. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and several outlets, an accelerator within the housing for creating relative movement between the dispersion fluid and fibers to axially align at least some of the fibers in the direction of dispersion flow to disperse those fibers in the dispersion and a separator within the housing for separating bundles and lumps above a prescribed size from other dispersion fibers. The housing discharges the bundles and lumps above the prescribed size from the process at one outlet, and passes the other dispersion fibers through to another outlet for use in the wet-laying process.

Abstract: A method for direct chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide to substrates, especially nuclear waste particles, is provided by the thermal decomposition of methylsilane at about 800.degree. C. to 1050.degree. C. when the substrates have been confined within a suitable coating environment.

Abstract: A method for producing a cesium-retentive waste form, characterized by a high degree of compositional stability and mechanical integrity, is provided by subjecting a cesium-loaded zeolite to heat under conditions suitable for stabilizing the zeolite and immobilizing the cesium, and coating said zeolite for sufficient duration within a suitable environment with at least one dense layer of pyrolytic carbon to seal therein said cesium to produce a final, cesium-bearing waste form. Typically, the zeolite is stabilized and the cesium immobilized in less than four hours by confinement within an air environment maintained at about 600.degree. C. Coatings are thereafter applied by confining the calcined zeolite within a coating environment comprising inert fluidizing and carbon donor gases maintained at 1,000.degree. C. for a suitable duration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in making non-woven fabrics by wet-laying an aqueous dispersion. The apparatus and method screens, separates and remover fiber defects and foreign matter above a prescribed size from other dispersion fibers. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and several outlets, an accelerator within the housing for creating relative movement between the dispersion fluid and fibers to axially align at least some of the fibers in the direction of dispersion flow to disperse those fibers in the dispersion and a separator within the housing for separating bundles and lumps above a prescribed size from other dispersion fibers. The housing discharges the bundles and lumps above the prescribed size from the process at one outlet, and passes the other dispersion fibers through to another outlet for use in the wet-laying process.