Abstract: A spherical annular seal member 46 includes a spherical annular base member 42 defined by a cylindrical inner surface 38, a partially convex spherical surface 39, and large- and small-diameter side annular end faces 40 and 41 of the partially convex spherical surface 39; a plurality of partially convex spherical intermediate layers 43 formed integrally on the partially convex spherical surface 39 of the spherical annular base member 42 and laminated in a radial direction; and an outer layer 45 formed integrally on a partially convex spherical surface 44 of the outermost partially convex spherical intermediate layer 43 of these partially convex spherical intermediate layers 43.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that include a composite of at least three different materials, where the at least three different materials include a conductor, an insulator, and a non-centrosymmetric material, and where each material is disposed in one or more different cross-sectional regions of the fiber, with each region extending along a common length of the fiber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven web includes the step of collecting stretched filaments that form the non-woven web on a fabric in an apparatus for the formation of non-woven webs. The fabric comprises machine direction (MD) yarns and cross-machine direction (CMD) yarns, wherein the MD and CMD yarns are interwoven in a repeating pattern in which at least some of the CMD yarns are interwoven with the MD yarns in pairs that follow the same weaving sequence. Such a fabric can provide potential advantages such as reduced air leakage, reduced air disturbances, and improved web hold-down effect.

Abstract: Disclosed are a preparation method for drawn fibers that enables the preparation of drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fibers exhibiting with high fineness of at least 2,000 denier while having high tenacity and excellent dimensional stability and causes almost no deterioration of tenacity during the manufacturing process of tires such as vulcanization, and a drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fiber and a tire cord that are obtained by the preparation method. The preparation method for drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fiber includes: melt-spinning a polymer comprising at least 90 mol % of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) having a content of terminal carboxyl group (—COOH) in the range of 20 to 30 eq/106 g at a spinning speed of 2,500 to 4,000 m/min to form a undrawn fiber having a fineness of at least 2,000 denier; and drawing the undrawn fiber at a draw ratio of 1.4 to 2.4.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of tow band processing lines and a master air jet in communication with the tow band processing lines to receive a plurality of processed tow bands from the tow band processing lines to form a bulked web. The system may be used to form a bulked web that itself is a nonwoven material or that may be further processed into a nonwoven material.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A production method for a filament non-woven fabric includes a) obtaining filaments having a crystallization temperature not exceeding 112° C. by melting a resin containing polyethylene sulfide as a main component which is not substantially copolymerized with trichlorobenzene; b) pulling and drawing fiber threads formed by discharging the melted resin from spinning nozzles at a spinning speed of at least 5,000 m/min and less than 6,000 m/min by an ejector disposed such that a distance between a bottom face of the spinning nozzles and a compressed air emission outlet of the ejector is 450-650 mm; c) collecting obtained filaments on a moving net, forming a non-woven web; and d) thermocompression bonding the obtained non-woven web using a heating roller.

Abstract: A three-dimensional porous scaffold and a preparation method thereof. The three-dimensional porous scaffold comprises a biodegradable multifilament draw-textured yarn on the inside of a tubular knitted fabric made of a biodegradable polymer. The three-dimensional porous scaffold has a porosity formed by the network mesh structure of the tubular knitted fabric and the 10-150 ?m pores formed in the biodegradable multifilament draw-textured yarn, while it has a bulkiness of 150-1000% due to the biodegradable multifilament drawn textured yarn inserted in the tubular knitted fabric. Thus, the scaffold has a high degree of interconnection between pores, so that cell culture, cell delivery or drug delivery on the stable three-dimensional scaffold structure is performed in an optimized manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a non-powered energy layer, wherein the non-powered energy layer is adapted for being a warming layer of a bedquilt. When a user is covered with the bedquilt using the non-powered energy layer as the warming layer, the non-powered energy layer would emit a far-infrared ray, such that the far-infrared ray would excite the user's skin, so as to make the microvascular dilation and promote the blood circulation and metabolism of user body. Besides being used as the warming layer, the non-powered energy layer can also be applied as inner layers of a mattress or a U-shaped neck bolster. Moreover, through the proof of experiment results, this non-powered energy layer would not over excite human skin when it is in long-term use, and the non-powered energy layer would not bring about allergies, itchiness or swelling in human skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic fiber capable of changing in response to external stimuli. The fiber in accordance with the present invention undergoes a radial symmetric change. The fiber in accordance with the present invention may be heat sensitive, moisture sensitive, magnetic field sensitive, electromagnetic field sensitive, etc. Fibers in accordance with the present invention may be incorporated into yarns that may be knitted or woven into textiles/fabrics. Garments or other articles of manufacture may be formed from textiles/fabrics incorporating dynamic fibers, permitting the properties of garments to alter in response to environmental conditions.

Abstract: Polyetherimide compositions are described wherein the polyetherimide composition comprises a polyetherimide comprising a reacted combination of alkali metal salts comprising an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound and an alkali metal salt of a monohydroxy aromatic compound with a bis(halophthalimide), wherein the alkali metal salt of the monohydroxy aromatic compound is included in an amount of greater or equal to 5 mole percent based on the total moles of the alkali metal salts, and the polyetherimide has a weight average molecular weight less than 43,000 Daltons. The polyetherimide exhibits lower levels of chlorine and chlorine end groups, lower levels of bis(halophthalimide) and bis(phthalimide), and low plate-out during manufacturing.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube (CNT) extrusion. The method includes providing a carbon source, and extruding the CNT extrusion through an extrusion die. The extruded CNT extrusions can be spun into fibers, strands or the like in order to produce a final product. The carbon source can be mixed with a liquid prior to being extruded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 1.5 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments. The method is based on the use of lobed spunbonded filaments which have been treated by means of thickening means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellets, comprising pultruding a plurality of reinforced fiber bundles in a molten thermoplastic resin while twisting the plurality reinforced fiber bundles to form a strand in which the reinforced fibers are coated with the thermoplastic resin, and cutting the strand to a predetermined length to form pellets, wherein the strand is pultruded under the conditions that the melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin is adjusted such that the melt flow rate is 500 to 1500 g/10 min, and the twisting angle ? of the reinforced fiber bundles with respect to the pultruding direction of the strand is set as follows: 0°<??50°.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular fiber arrangement of a fiber-reinforced composite part and a tubular fiber arrangement as an intermediate product for a composite part. The local conditions are taken into account in an especially simple and reliable manner with respect to the geometry of the composite part and its load profile. When forming the composite part on a core, the fiber mass supplied during the formation of the tube is proportional to the local circumference of the composite part which results from the diameter. The advancement speed of the core remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing a melt-blown fabric web, by which a melt-blown fabric web having improved filament cohesion and excellent bulky characteristics and sound-absorbing performance is manufactured. The apparatus includes a heat extruder for heating a thermoplastic resin composition and extruding the melted thermoplastic resin, a melt-blown fiber spinner for spinning the extruded thermoplastic resin as a melt-blown fiber in a filament form, a variable gas injector for injecting gas whose injection speed and injection quantity are continuously changed at random to the melt-blown fiber spun from the melt-blown fiber spinner to cause the injected gas to collide with the spun melt-blown fiber, and a collector for collecting the melt-blown fiber, which is spun from the melt-blown fiber spinner and collides with the gas, to form a melt-blown fabric web.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven electret web comprising fibers made from a thermoplastic polymer material which comprises a polymer, a first additive (a) and a second additive (b), wherein the first additive (a) comprises a hindered amine and the second additive (b) comprises a metal salt of a carboxylic acid and/or an organic amide derived from a carboxylic acid and an amine. The invention further provides a process for making the nonwoven electret web, a fiber, a process for making the fiber, a mullti-layer sheet, and the use of the nonwoven electret web, the fiber or the multilayered sheet as a filter material or as a dust-removing fabric for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube array on a substrate is provided. The carbon nanotube array is divided with a separating line to form a strip-shaped carbon nanotube array. A carbon nanotube film is pulled out from the strip-shaped carbon nanotube array.

Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide fibers and products that incorporate the polyarylene sulfide fibers are described as are methods of forming the fibers and products. The polyarylene sulfide fibers can incorporate a reactively functionalized polyarylene sulfide that can provide improved compatibility between the polyarylene sulfide and other materials, including both additives to the polyarylene sulfide composition that is used to form the fibers and external materials that may be located adjacent to the fibers in a composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastomeric resins, fibers made from said resins, fabrics made with said fibers, and applications and uses for the resins, fibers and fabrics. The elastomer resins of the invention provide high strength fibers and well balanced fabrics with good physical properties and chemical resistance, making them attractive for use in various applications that use elastic fibers and fabrics.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric includes flame retardant fibers and binding fibers mixed with the flame retardant fibers. The binding fibers set a thickness of the fabric. Application of a flame to the fabric causes the binding fibers to degrade and the flame retardant fibers to expand such that the thickness of the fabric increases, for example by a factor of two or more. The non-woven fabric can be used in a wide variety of different applications. For example, the non-woven fabric may be used to make seals of a drier, heat shields, fire barriers, and/or vents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parchmentized fibrous support containing parchmentizable synthetic fibers parchmentized with sulfuric acid, the process for making such a support and the use thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications. In an embodiment of the invention, a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications is provided. The device includes a frame formed of biodegradable material such as a mixture of polylactic acid and a resin, a biodegradable battery such as a flexible biodegradable lithium ion battery, an antenna, an environmental event detector formed from biodegradable material responsive to a change in environmental conditions, and signal generating circuitry configured to be responsive to detecting an environmental event by broadcasting a signal to other sensor devices in a mesh network and also to re-broadcast signals received from other sensor devices in the mesh network.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric composite containing coir fibers and a method for producing such composites. The non-woven fabric composite is comprised of coir fibers, which are large diameter, lignin-rich fibers, with a high viscous flow temperature and a high degradation temperature combined with fibers made of a thermoplastic polymer with a lower viscous flow temperature such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer fiber such as polylactic acid, or mixture thereof. A hot-pressed non-woven fabric composite material prepared from the non-woven fabric composite.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises a metal silicate, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic absorbent including a fiber web formed of a melt-blown fiber and a polypropylene staple fiber, wherein the melt-blown fiber is prepared by melt-extruding a resin composition including a homo polypropylene and a polypropylene-based elastomer. Tensile elongation of the acoustic absorbent is improved as the content of the polypropylene-based elastomer increases. Due to excellent fitting property, the acoustic absorbent has excellent fitting property and, thus, can be efficiently fixed in a product with a complicated surface appearance. Further, by using a predetermined content of a polypropylene-based elastomer, the acoustic absorption performance of the acoustic absorbent is considerably improved.

Abstract: A spinnable, gel-free and thermally stable polyester composition includes at least one dicarboxylic acid or monoesters thereof or diesters thereof; at least one diol; at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; at least one sodium or lithium based aromatic co-monomer and at least one hydroxyl terminated polyester polyol. The polyester is produced by esterifying at least one dicarboxylic acid or monoesters thereof or diesters thereof and at least one diol along with at least one acid anhydride at a temperature in the range of 250° C. to 290° C. and pressure in the range of 0 kg/cm2g to 5 kg/cm2g; and polycondensing the esterified mixture along with at least one sodium or lithium based aromatic compound and at least one hydroxyl terminated polyether polyol at a temperature in the range of 250° C. to 290° C. and under vacuum of 0.1 torr to 10 torr.

Abstract: A Meltblown process for producing non-woven fabrics with flame-retarding capability from natural cellulose comprises following steps. Blend pulp and solvent of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) to form slurry. Evaporate water content from slurry by a Thin Film Evaporator to form dope. Extrude the dope off spinneret bank to form filament bundle via meltblown process. Coagulating regenerate, water rinse, hydro-entangled needle-punch and dry the filament bundle to form normal natural cellulose nonwoven. Soaking roll formed nonwoven by flame retardant of N-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(methoxy phosphorus acyl). Orderly dry, bake, neutralize, soaping clean, water rinse, baking dry, soaking roll, alkaline clean, water rinse, dry and coil the nonwoven to produce modified natural cellulose nonwoven of flame retarding capacity.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring system, apparatus and method for securing a catheter to a patient's skin, having two flexible side members and a cross-member therebetween to which a retaining assembly is mounted. The retaining assembly may hold a catheter hub at an angle for patient comfort. Gripping tabs secure to each retaining assembly side are gripped while advancing a cannula guide needle into the patient's vein and while attaching the catheter hub to a medical accessory, such as intravenous (I.V.) tubing, for increased patient comfort, reduction of the risk in contamination and patient infection, and to more easily and quickly start an I.V.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent component comprising the steps of providing individual sheets of pulp; attaching a first individual pulp sheet to one or more second individual pulp sheets to form a strip of pulp; feeding the strip of pulp into a defiberizer; defiberizing the strip of pulp to form defiberized fibers; and depositing the defiberized fibers onto a forming surface to form the absorbent component.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of strand-shaped products such as synthetic bands, fiber strands, monofilaments, or films, which are extruded from a polymer melt. The device comprises an extrusion device, a cooling device, several rolling feed units and several processing devices mounted between the rolling feed units. In order to obtain short control paths and compact machine units, the processing devices according to the invention are arranged in tiers one above the other, wherein the rolling feed units face each other at both ends of the processing devices so that the product passes through the processing devices in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.

Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.

Abstract: Fibrous structures containing a plurality of solid additives and a plurality of filaments are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for manufacturing a non-woven fabric provided with optimum softness and resistance characteristics, as well as attractive appearance. Particularly, the invention relates to a process and equipment for manufacturing non-woven fabrics (NWF) both of the spun-lace type, either spunbonded and carded (hydro-entangled NWF), and the non-woven fabrics thereby obtained by means of hydro-embossing and thermo-embossing treatments.

Abstract: The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention is characterized by a porosity in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 and an average pore size in the range of 0.5 ?m to 5.0 ?m. The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention preferably has a maximum pore size (?m)/average pore size (?m) ratio of 1.30 or lower. The nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention is obtained by press-molding a nonwoven fabric at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin which constitutes the nonwoven fabric sheet. According to the present invention, there is provided a nonwoven fabric sheet that has a high porosity, small uniform pore sizes and excellent productivity, which can suitably be used in various applications such as filters, light diffusing material, liquid absorber and heat insulating materials; and a method for producing the nonwoven fabric sheet.

Abstract: Processes for producing nonwoven web products containing sub-micron fibers are provided, and more specifically processes for producing nonwoven web products having sub-micron fibers formed by fibrillation of polymer films are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial leather that comprises two or more types of short fibers made of different components and thus exhibits superior texture, flexibility, breathability and fullness and enables great weight reduction, and a method for manufacturing the same. The artificial leather includes a non-woven fabric having a fineness of 0.001 to 0.5 denier, and a polymeric elastomer impregnated in the non-woven fabric, wherein the short fibers are two or more types of polyester short fibers having different numbers of repeat units of —CH2—.

Abstract: A bimodal bioabsorbable polymer composition. The composition includes a first amount of a bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a first molecular weight distribution; a second amount of said bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a second molecular weight distribution having a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 50,000 Daltons, the weight average molecular weight ratio of said first molecular weight distribution to said second molecular weight distribution is at least about two to one; wherein a substantially homogeneous blend of said first and second amounts of said bioabsorbable polymer is formed in a ratio of between about 50/50 to about 95/5 weight/weight percent. Also disclosed are a medical device, a method of making a medical device and a method of melt blowing a semi-crystalline polymer blend.

Abstract: A composite fabric product comprises at least one layer of textile material and at least one layer of melted plastic material, wherein non-melting textile material is embedded in at least one of the said layers of melted plastic material, and wherein filaments or yarns located in at least one of said layers of textile material extend into said at least one layer of melted plastic material and interlace with the non-melting textile material embedded therein.

Abstract: A porous monocomponent nonwoven web contains a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. There are at least five times as many microfibers as larger size fibers, and a histogram of the mass fraction of fibers vs. fiber size exhibits a larger size fiber mode greater than 10 ?m. The web may be made by flowing fiber-forming material through a die cavity having larger size orifices and at least five times as many smaller size orifices to form filaments, attenuating the filaments into fibers and collecting the attenuated fibers to form the nonwoven web. The web is especially well suited to the manufacture of self-supporting three dimensional articles such as molded cup-shaped respirators and pleated air filters.

Abstract: A multiple fiber spinning apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The apparatus includes an extruding unit, a spin block unit and a spinning nozzle unit. The extruding unit includes extruders that melt, extrude and transfer polymer materials. The spin block unit includes a gear pump unit which has gear pumps connected to each of the extruders. The gear pumps receive the polymer materials from the corresponding extruders and discharge the polymer materials. The spin block unit further includes a flow passage unit which has flow passages connected to the respective gear pumps. The spinning nozzle unit includes spinning nozzles, each of which is connected to one of the gear pumps of each extruder by the corresponding flow passage, so that each spinning nozzle receives the molten polymer materials and spins the polymer materials into a fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a cigarette filter material having a filter having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.