Abstract: Auxetic fabric structures, of the sort which can be useful in conjunction with composite materials, and related methods of fabrication.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions containing a graft polymer and a filler such as nano-sized silica having flame resistant properties are described.

Abstract: Auxetic fabric structures, of the sort which can be useful in conjunction with composite materials, and related methods of fabrication.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions containing a graft polymer and a filler such as nano-sized silica having flame resistant properties are described.

Abstract: A multilayer polymeric film having dead bend characteristics which are substantially planar isotropic is a laminate of at least two layers of one or more polymeric films, in which:A. each polymeric film layer is highly oriented in one direction, such that each polymeric film layer has dead bend properties with respect to bending deformations substantially normal to the direction of orientation; andB. the direction of orientation of each polymeric film layer forms an angle of at least about 30 degrees with the direction of orientation of each adjacent polymeric film layer.A method for making the multilayer polymeric film having dead bend characteristics also is provided.

Abstract: A multilayer polymeric film having dead bend characteristics which are substantially planar isotropic is a laminate of at least two layers of one or more polymeric films, in which:A. each polymeric film layer is highly oriented in one direction, such that each polymeric film layer has dead bend properties with respect to bending deformations substantially normal to the direction or orientation; andB. the direction of orientation of each polymeric film layer forms an angle of at least about 30 degrees with the direction of orientation of each adjacent polymeric film layer.A method for making the multilayer polymeric film having dead bend characteristics also is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a process for melt spinning a partially oriented yarn of increased birefringence, and hence higher orientation, for a given wind-up speed. The process comprises extruding a molten fiber forming polyester through a shaped orifice to form a molten filamentary material, which is then passed in the direction of its length into a quench zone wherein the filamentary material is contacted with a first gaseous quenching medium. While the filamentary material is still in a deformable state, however, it is passed through a hot zone provided with an atmosphere having a temperature greater than the first gaseous quenching medium and greater than the glass transition temperature of the molten polyester filamentary material.

Abstract: An improved process for the thermal stabilization of an acrylic fibrous material or film is provided. The fibrous material or film initially is contacted with aniline provided at an elevated temperature. Such aniline treatment (as described) has been found to render the fibrous material or film capable of undergoing thermal stabilization on a more expeditious basis. Subsequently the resulting fibrous material or film is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of approximately 200.degree. to 360.degree. C. until a stabilized fibrous material or film is formed.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing articles containing carbon fibers when the fibers are temporarily plasticized to render them more flexible thereby permitting tortuous mechanical manipulation of the fibers to be carried out with little or no mechanical damage. The improvement comprises exposing the carbon fibers to agents capable of intercalating single crystals of graphite, such as bromine or iodine monochloride which have the effect of plasticizing the fibers by lowering their tensile modulus. While the fiber yarns are appreciably more flexible in the plasticized state, and have a higher elongation-at-break, on removal of the plasticizer they tend to return to their original state but retain a measurable degree of the shape imparted to them.

Abstract: An improved process for the thermal stabilization of an acrylic fibrous material or film is provided. The fibrous material or film initially is contacted with aniline provided at an elevated temperature. Such aniline treatment (as described) has been found to render the fibrous material or film capable of undergoing thermal stabilization on a more expeditious basis. Subsequently the resulting fibrous material or film is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of approximately 200.degree. to 360.degree. C. until a stabilized fibrous material or film is formed.