Abstract: A wood polymer composite additive includes at least one maleic anhydride grafted polymer coupling agent, a second coupling agent that is at least one of a silane and siloxane, at least one peroxide crosslinking agent; and an amine compound. A wood polymer composite includes the additive, a thermoplastic polymer and cellulosic material. A wood polymer composite article is formed by extruding the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decontaminating a skin area contaminated with noxious substances by absorbing or capturing the substances, and the method comprises the steps of applying absorbent textile composite material to the contaminated skin area for a predetermined period of time, and removing the absorbent textile composite material from the contaminated skin area.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to flexible ceramic fibers and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic nanofibers, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun flexible ceramic nanofibers, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decontaminating human skin from noxious substances without a washing and/or massage procedure, wherein the method comprises applying a textile composite to a contaminated skin area for a predetermined period of time, wherein a washing procedure or a massage procedure is not utilized; and removing the textile composite from the contaminated skin area.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides devices for cell or tissue culture, comprising a three-dimensional structure, which further includes fibrils with beads and/or particles. The present invention also relates to novel methods for manufacturing devices for cell or tissue culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decontaminating human skin from noxious substances without a washing and/or massage procedure, wherein the method comprises applying a textile composite to a contaminated skin area for a predetermined period of time, wherein a washing procedure or a massage procedure is not utilized; and removing the textile composite from the contaminated skin area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides an absorbent textile composite material which comprises a flexible carrier layer and an active layer connected with the carrier layer, wherein the active layer comprises a nanofiber nonwoven optionally filled with a superabsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and to structures that can be produced from such fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and methods by which such fibers are made.

Abstract: An absorbent textile composite material for decontaminating the skin. The absorbent textile composite material comprises a flexible carrier layer and an active layer connected with the carrier layer. The active layer comprises a nanofiber nonwoven filled with a superabsorbent to absorb and retain noxious substances from the skin. The absorbent textile composite material is used in a method for decontaminating the skin from noxious substances without a washing and/or massage procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and to structures that can be produced from such fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and methods by which such fibers are made.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to ceramic fibers, which when employed in sheets to provide flexibility and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic nanofibers and ceramic nanofiber sheets, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun ceramic nanofibers and nanofiber sheets, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device, such as a stent, having a coating comprising a release component and an insoluble fibrous component. The release component is capable of being degraded thus leaving a gap between the stent and the insoluble fibrous component. Further, the insoluble fibrous component is capable of being wrapped about the stent, and capable of moving substantially freely about the stent upon degradation of the release component. This capacity enables the insoluble fibrous component to form a reinforced thrombus plug in, for instance, an aneurysm or fistula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: A method of preserving a biological material includes the steps of providing at least one fiber-forming material, mixing at least one biological material, and optionally, one or more additives, to the at least one fiber-forming material to form a mixture, and forming at least one fiber from the mixture, wherein the resulting fiber has a diameter between 0.3 nanometers and about 25 microns. A biological material preserved by this method is also disclosed.