Abstract: A method for reducing penetration of a liquid through flexible nonwoven, preferably film-fibril, sheets that have been pierced by one or more fastening elements. The method comprises discontinuously coating a hydrophobic foam in strips onto one side of a nonwoven film-fibril sheet to form a composite structure. The composite structure, preferably the foam side, is positioned against the outside surface of the framing structure of a building such that the foam strips align with the studs of the building. The facing material is then secured by one or more fastening elements through the composite structure. The nonwoven sheets with foam strips provide resistance to air infiltration and liquid penetration between the interior of the building and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process for diffusing and subliming water-soluble and water-insoluble materials into never-dried, shrinkable aromatic polyamide fibers, using steam heated at certain controlled temperatures, within a specially designed treatment chamber and a process and apparatus for treating a tow of shrinkable material.