Abstract: The present invention relates to an abuse-proofed oral dosage form with controlled release of (1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)phenol for once daily administration, which comprises the active ingredient and/or one or more of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (A), at least one synthetic or natural polymer (C), delayed-release auxiliary substances, optionally physiologically acceptable auxiliary substances (B) and optionally a wax (D), component (C) or (D) in each case exhibiting a breaking strength of at least 500 N, preferably of at least 1000 N.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sputtering target includes preparing a first powder material including at least one of a tin oxide and a mesh-forming oxide; mixing the first powder material and a second powder material comprising carbon or a tin oxide to prepare a mixture; simultaneously performing a primary compression and primary sintering on the mixture in a reduction atmosphere; and simultaneously performing a secondary compression and secondary sintering on the mixture in the reduction atmosphere to prepare the sputtering target.

Abstract: Provided is a collagen structure characterized by: comprising collagen fibers of 1 to 5 ?m in average diameter; and has a water content of 0 to 15 (w/w)% and a collagen density of 50 to 800 mg/cm3. After generating collagen fibers by neutralizing an acidic collagen solution, the resulting solution is subjected to filtration or the like to form crude collagen fibers having a collagen concentration of 12 to 50 (w/v)%. The thus obtained crude collagen fibers are molded into a prescribed shape and then dried, thereby the collagen structure can be produced. Since the collagen structure is produced using, as raw material, collagen fibers that are formed by association of collagen molecules, the collagen structure has excellent cell infiltration property. Further, since the collagen density of the collagen structure is equivalent to that of in vivo collagen tissue, the collagen structure exhibits excellent tissue regeneration capacity when filled into a defective part in vivo.

Abstract: A method for making nonwoven fabrics of fibers comprising one or more primary polypropylenes having a molecular weight distribution of less than 3.5 and a melt flow rate within the range from 5 to 500 dg/min, the fibers having an average diameter of less than 20 ?m, or a denier (g/9000 m) of less than 2.0, thus forming propylene-based fabrics. The propylene-based fabrics may have a MD Tensile Strength (WSP 110.4 (05)) of greater than 20 N/5 cm when calendered at a temperature within the range from 110 to 150° C. Also, the fabrics may have a CD Tensile Strength (WSP 110.4 (05)) of greater than 10 N/5 cm when calendered at a temperature within the range from 110 to 150° C. The fabrics are preferably meltspun, and in particular may be spunbond fabrics.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing solid cellulose filaments or films from a solution of cellulose, NMMO (N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide) and water, including pressure-extruding the solution by one or more extrusion openings and by solidifying the filaments or films in a precipitation bath. The solution is guided between the extrusion opening and the precipitation bath by an air gap, the temperature of the solution on the extrusion opening being lower than 105° C. and the pressure difference in the air gap between the pressure of the solution immediately prior to extrusion and after extrusion is between 8 and 40 bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of modified nanoparticles in wood based panels, in particular OSB-panels for reduction of the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The invention further relates to a wood based panel containing the modified particles and to a method for producing such a wood based panel.

Abstract: A solid formulation includes pimobendan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is homogenously dispersed with a polyvalent acid and a flavor suitable to animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent composition composed of an iron oxide and/or hydroxide, activated carbon, promoters and binders, in the form of extruded tablets or granules, capable of absorbing impurities from fluid streams in order to eliminate the impurities, mainly sulfur compounds, contained in these streams. The present invention also relates to the methods for obtaining the absorbents, and to the use thereof for eliminating impurities contained in liquid and gaseous streams.

Abstract: An oral disintegrating tablet containing (1) D-mannitol, (2) an active ingredient, (3) one or more disintegrating agents selected from the group consisting of crospovidone and carmellose, and (4) one or more lubricants selected from the group consisting of sodium stearyl fumarate and sucrose esters of fatty acids. The oral disintegrating tablet of the present invention has some excellent properties of (1) allowing easy production in a common facility without necessitating a specialized pharmaceutical technique, (2) having an appropriate strength that does not breakdown in the process of distribution, (3) having a fast disintegrating ability in the oral cavity, and (4) also having excellent ingestion feel such as greatly reduced bitterness or gritty feel; therefore, the tablet can be suitably used as a dosage form that is suitable for aged individuals, children, and seriously ill patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer powder which comprises polyamide, and to the use of this powder for shaping processes, and also to moldings produced from this polymer powder. The shaping processes are layer-by-layer processes which use powders, where regions of the respective layer are selectively melted via introduction of electromagnetic energy. The selectivity may be achieved, with no intention of restricting the invention thereto, be achieved via masks, application of inhibitors, of absorbers, or of susceptors, or via focusing of the energy introduced. After cooling, the regions then solidified can be removed in the form of moldings from the powder bed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a granule, wherein the granule has an active agent and a wax dispersed therein, and the granule exhibits excellent friability when compressed to form a pharmaceutical composition. The subject matter disclosed herein is also directed to methods of preparing the granules and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising the granules. The compositions and methods disclosed provide granules and pharmaceutical compositions for immediate release of the active agent and do not substantially prolong the release of the active agent from the granule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the regeneration of bone by three-dimensional callus distraction. The invention further relates to the use of such devices and to methods for three-dimensional callus distraction.

Abstract: Gravity-laid inorganic fiber webs and methods of making and using are disclosed. The gravity-laying process comprises mechanically separating inorganic fibers and collecting the fibers as a web, and may comprise blending of multiple types of inorganic fibers and/or blending of inorganic particulate additives with the fibers.

Abstract: Monolithic gravity-laid inorganic fiber webs that are greater than about 5 cm in thickness are disclosed. Methods of making and using such webs are also disclosed. The gravity-laying process comprises mechanically separating inorganic fibers and collecting the fibers as a monolithic thick web, and may comprise blending of multiple types of inorganic fibers and/or blending of inorganic particulate additives with the fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a sustained-release preparation containing pioglitazone or a salt thereof as an active ingredient and showing superior sustainability. A sustained-release preparation containing pioglitazone or a salt thereof, which shows a dissolution ratio of pioglitazone of average 25-58% at the 2-hour time point, and average 60-100% at the 4-hour time point, in a dissolution test according to the 50 rpm USP Paddle Method and using pH 2.0 KCl/HCl buffer at 37° C. as a test solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tablet having a weight of 30-200 mg and consisting of: 60-100 wt. % of granules consisting of: 50-90% by weight of the granules of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA); 6-35% by weight of the granules of microcrystalline cellulose; 0-20% by weight of the granules of one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable granule ingredients; and 0-40 wt. % of one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable tablet components. These tablets can suitably be used to orally administer DHEA in dosages of around 50 mg and are sufficiently small to be incorporated in, for instance, ordinary oral contraceptive blister packs.

Abstract: An example of a nanoballoon thermal protection system includes a refractory ceramic foam having carbide balloons. The foam has a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the foam. Each of the carbide balloons is hollow and has a diameter greater than 0 nm and less than 900 nm. Each of the carbide balloons includes a refractory carbide. In addition, a vehicle with thermal shield includes a surface and a first and second nanoballoon closed cell foam coatings. Each of the foam coatings has a melting point temperature greater than 1000° C. and a density less than 85%. Each of the foam coatings has hollow balloons having a diameter less than 900 nm. Each of the foam coatings includes a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the respective coating. Methods for manufacturing a nanoballoon system and a nanoballoon thermal protection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of compositions containing niacin, the process including a first compaction step of niacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, then a second compaction step of a dry blend comprising niacin and microcrystalline cellulose and a further compression step into tablets. Stable tablet compositions including niacin are capable of extended release of niacin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic composition suitable for manufacturing a thermoplastic sheet for producing a medical cast, such as a radiation mask. The composition has a polymeric component comprising a mixture of a styrene acrylonitrile copolymer and polycaprolactone, optionally together with a cross-linker and/or a filler, wherein the polymeric component comprises, 20 to 40 weight % of a styrene acrylonitrile copolymer and 80 to 60 weight % of a polycaprolactone, expressed in weight % of the polymeric component, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a glass transition temperature of 35° C.-80° C. The invention further relates to a thermoplastic sheet and to a medical cast, in particular a radiation mask, obtainable from said composition. In a final aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing said sheet and said radiation mask.

Abstract: A method is for molding a gas hydrate pellet for improving convenience of handling of a natural gas hydrate during transportation and storage, and thereby improving the practical use of the natural gas hydrate. Gas hydrate slurry is fed in a compression chamber, and pressure and compression are applied to the gas hydrate slurry by advancing a compression plunger. At that time, a stroking speed of the compression plunger is set minimum, preferably less than a value expressed by a stroke length of the compression plunger at compression×10?2 (m/min). By advancing the compression plunger at low speed, binding between particles of the gas hydrate is tightened, thereby the gas hydrate pellet with increased shearing strength can be molded.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyester nonwoven fabric which can be used as an useful primary backing substrate for a carpet since it exhibits good physical properties even after tufting process, and a method for manufacturing the same. The polyester nonwoven fabric of the present invention comprises an one-component filament and a sheath-core type filament both of which have a fineness of 4 to 10 denier. The one-component filament comprises a first polyester polymer having a melting point of 250° C. or higher, the sheath-core type filament comprises the first polyester polymer of 70 to 95 wt % as a core component and a second polyester polymer of 5 to 30 wt % as a sheath component, and a melting point of the second polyester polymer is lower than the melting point of the first polyester polymer by 20° C. or more.

Abstract: Disclosed is a melt-blown fiber web with improved concentration force and elasticity, whereby a melt-blown fabric is cut and sealed at predetermined intervals using knives having arbitrary patterns so that concentration force and elasticity of the melt-blown fiber web can be improved without degrading the inherent function of the fiber web. Further disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing the melt-blown fiber web. The melt-blown fiber web includes thermoplastic filaments, wherein cutting portions and sealing portions are arranged on top and bottom surfaces of the fiber web at predetermined intervals along a thickness of the fiber web so that a concentration force and elasticity of the fiber web are improved.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous element is presented. A powdery metal-ceramic composite material is produced. The composite material has a metal matrix and a ceramic portion amounting to less than 25 percent by volume. The metal matrix is at least partially oxidized to obtain a metal oxide. The metal-ceramic composite material is grinded and mixed with powdery ceramic supporting particles to obtain a metal-ceramic/ceramic mixture. The metal-ceramic/ceramic mixture is shaped into the porous element. The porous element can be used as an energy storage medium in a battery.

Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate adhered to the carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. Carbon nanostructures can be agglomerated with one another and densified to form a carbon nanostructure layer in which at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes in each carbon nanostructure are aligned substantially parallel to one another. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure layer can include providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures that are free of a growth substrate adhered to each carbon nanostructure, and forming a carbon nanostructure layer by depositing the carbon nanostructures on a surface.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods of manufacture of a filtration media, such as a personal protection equipment mask or respirator, which may incorporate an electrospinning process to form nanofibers. Some embodiments may comprise electrospinning material onto a convex mold, which may, for example, be in the shape of a human face. Other embodiments may comprise electrospinning material onto an inner and/or outer shell of a personal protective equipment mask, such as a flat fold mask. In an embodiment, the electrospun nanofibers may be functionalized, and therefore may, for example, be operable to capture one or more gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite fiber having a high surface area and flexibility and a method for manufacturing the same, and a substrate containing the composite fiber and a method for manufacturing the same. The composite fiber contains a first component and a second component, and has a maximum diameter and a circumference. The first component has a central portion and a plurality of extension portions. A maximum length of the central portion is less than three quarters of the maximum diameter. The first component is in an amount of 50 wt % to 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the composite fiber. The second component has a plurality of outer portions disposed between two extension portions, and the second component is in an amount of 5 wt % to 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the composite fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferromagnetic particles capable of exhibiting a high purity and excellent magnetic properties from the industrial viewpoints and a process for producing the ferromagnetic particles, and also provides an anisotropic magnet, a bonded magnet and a compacted magnet which are obtained by using the ferromagnetic particles. The ferromagnetic particles comprising an Fe16N2 compound phase in an amount of not less than 80% as measured by Mössbauer spectrum and each having an outer shell in which FeO is present in the form of a layer having a thickness of not more than 5 nm according to the present invention can be produced by subjecting aggregated particles of an iron compound as a starting material whose primary particles have a ratio of [(average deviation of major axis lengths of particles)/(average major axis length of particles)] of not more than 50%, Uc of not more than 1.55, Cg of not less than 0.95, Cg2 of not less than 0.

Abstract: A process for producing a solid dispersion of an active ingredient which comprises feeding the active ingredient and a matrix-forming agent to an extruder and forming a uniform extrudate, wherein the extruder comprises at least two rotating shafts (2), each of the shafts (2) carrying a plurality of processing elements disposed axially one behind the other, the processing elements defining (i) a feeding and conveying section (R; A), (ii) at least one reverse-flight section (D), and (iii) a discharging section (E), wherein the processing elements defining the reverse-flight section (R; D) comprise at least one reverse-flight element (14) which is based on a screw-type element having a conveying direction being opposite to the general conveying direction of the extruder.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers comprises: (a) a sugar syrup containing a reducing sugar and having a dextrose equivalent DE of at least 50 and less than 85; (b) a polycarboxylic acid component; (c) an amine component; and, optionally, (d) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component (b) and an amine component (c).

Abstract: When manufacturing golf balls having a structural component which is a molded and vulcanized material obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition containing, as the essential ingredients, a base rubber and an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, the distinguishability of structural components such as cores can be enhanced by including also a soluble pigment within, and thereby coloring, the rubber composition. Moreover, vulcanized rubber powder obtained by rendering processing scrap and waste from such cores into powder can be easily decolorized by liquid washing to remove the pigment, thus enabling advantageous use of the vulcanized rubber powder as a compounding ingredient in the manufacture of other golf ball cores without affecting the color tone of the manufactured balls.

Abstract: A radiation shielding material contains ground scrap tire rubber, granulated iron or other metals of moderate cost, and a suitable binder, such as polyurethane or asphalt. The rubber particles can also have a metallic coating.

Abstract: An oriented bamboo strand board and method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: (a) cutting a bamboo stalk (4) into sections (6), and splitting each section (6) into 3-12 arc bamboo blanks (8) in the radial direction; (b) removing a outer surface part (10) and inner surface part (11) of the arc bamboo blank (8) by a thicknesser; (c) flaking the bamboo blank after removal of the outer surface part (10) and inner surface part (11) into bamboo flakes (14) with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 mm in the chordwise or substantially chordwise direction; (d) applying glue to the bamboo flakes (14) after drying, and orientedly spreading. The bamboo flakes have large width, break-resistance, good flatten characteristic and easy glue application, and the mechanical strength of produced oriented bamboo strand board is 1.5-1.6 times as much as that of the oriented bamboo strand board manufactured by radial flaking.

Abstract: Coal compacts which are suitable for coking in coke oven chambers are prepared by pressing and compacting coal in a pressing device having a design which shapes the surface of the coal compacts to provide higher surface area. Already compacted coal blocks can be pressed to generate the surface shape. The resulting coal compacts exhibit significantly improved properties during the coking process, resulting in improved gas and heat exchange. A device for compacting coal preferably contains a plate provided with shaping elements on the pressing surface.

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite-polymer nanocomposites, which are nanoparticles/microparticles, methods for making them, and articles made from them are disclosed. These methods are capable of preparing nanocomposites exhibiting more homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles than is seen using previous methods. Such nanocomposites and articles are useful for a wide variety of applications, such as biological, medical, biochemical, biosensor, fuel cell, and aerospace applications.

Abstract: A method for processing lignocellulosic precursors that includes the following steps: A. provide a suitably sized lignocellulosic precursor with less than 11% moisture content; B. pack a hydrothermal processing vessel with between 1 and 3 times the free flow volume of the lignocellulosic precursor; C. subject the lignocellulosic precursor in the hydrothermal processing vessel to steam below 100 bar for up to 10 minutes; E. explosively decompress to ambient pressure; and then dry the resultant lignocellulosic product to below about 15% moisture content.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free, aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and a pre-reacted product of an alcohol or polyol and monomeric or polymeric polycarboxylic acid or polyglycerol is provided. The pre-reacted product may include glycerol and esters of citric acid such a monoglyceryl citrate, diglyceryl citrate, and triglyceryl citrate as well as other higher molecular weight citric acid-based esters. The inclusion of the pre-reacted product in the binder composition helps to speed the crosslinking reaction, induces faster water evaporation, decreases the viscosity of the binder, helps to reduce the amount of water needed for application of the binder, decreases tackiness, and helps to achieve a maximum vertical expansion of the insulation pack in the transfer zone. The binder composition may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the wet production of granules from powdered materials, in particular raw materials for the production of glass. The process of the invention comprises the following successive steps: (i) the powdered materials to be granulated are divided into at least two portions: a first portion and a second portion; (ii) a binder liquid is added to the first portion of powdered materials; (iii) the first mixture thus obtained is agglomerated in the granulator in order to obtain granules (a); (iv) the second portion of powdered materials is added to the granulator; and (v) the new mixture obtained is agglomerated in the granulator in order to obtain granules (b). This sequenced granulation process allows granules to be obtained that have a degree of moisture that assures their stability and their ease of handling eliminating the drying step.

Abstract: A machine for deforming and cutting plastic strands of recycled plastic for use as a secondary reinforcement in concrete includes a multi-strand supply of recycled plastic and a mechanism for advancing the multi-strands into and through the machine. The advancing mechanism may be several sets of motor driven roller sets each of which is connected to a common motor by a belt. The machine includes three sets of deformation mechanisms, a heater for softening the deformed strands and a cutter powered by a separate motor for cutting the softened plastic strands.

Abstract: A method for producing leather pellets, and a method for producing compound granules from leather pellets and a polymer material, for use in molded parts or films. The leather pellets are produced through the following steps: Shavings, crust leather remnants and finished leather waste are obtained as waste products in leather production and finished leather processing; the shavings, crust leather remnants and finished leather waste are milled into ground leather stock comprising leather fibers; the ground stock is pressed into leather pellets; and the leather pellets are dried to a residual moisture content of no more than 30% by weight. The leather pellets can be mixed with a polymer material at a ratio of 10-95% by weight and bonded to one another and shaped forming compound granules. The compound granules can be used to produce molded parts by injection molding or films by calendering.

Abstract: Recycling of laminate flooring based on a separation of the panels (1) into particles which are connected with a binder and formed to a new sheet shaped material. A building panel includes a surface layer and a wood fiber based core, and the wood fiber based core includes aluminum oxide particles.

Abstract: A zinc oxide (ZnO)-based sputtering target, a method of manufacturing the same, and a thin-film transistor (TFT) having a barrier layer deposited using the same. The zinc oxide-based sputtering target includes a sinter containing zinc oxide doped with gallium oxide, the content of the gallium oxide ranging, by weight, from 10 to 50 percent of the sinter, and a backing plate bonded to the rear surface of the sinter to support the sinter. The zinc oxide-based sputtering target can be subjected to direct current (DC) sputtering, and improve the contact and etching characteristics of a barrier layer that is deposited using the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a textured element may include (a) collecting a plurality of filaments upon a textured surface to form a non-woven textile and (b) separating the non-woven textile from the textured surface. Another method of manufacturing a textured element may include depositing a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments upon a first surface of a polymer layer to (a) form a non-woven textile and (b) bond the filaments to the polymer layer. A textured surface may then be separated from a second surface of the polymer layer, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the second surface having a texture from the textured surface.

Abstract: There is provided a random mat of the present invention including: reinforcing fibers having an average fiber length of 5 to 100 mm; and a thermoplastic resin, wherein a fiber areal weight of the reinforcing fibers is from 25 to 3,000 g/m2, for a reinforcing fiber bundle (A) including the reinforcing fibers equivalent to or more than a critical single fiber number defined by formula (1), a ratio of the reinforcing fiber bundle (A) to a total amount of the reinforcing fibers in the mat is from 30 vol % to less than 90 vol %, and an average number (N) of the reinforcing fibers in the reinforcing fiber bundle (A) satisfies formula (2): Critical single fiber number=600/D ??(1) 0.7×104/D2<N<1×105/D2 ??(2) wherein D is an average fiber diameter (?m) of single reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A composite board is manufactured from hydrophobic coconut coir fibers which have been treated to remove at least a portion of coconut pith therefrom; and a hydrophobic vinyl polymer, such as a polyolefin. The composite board is manufactured without any step of chemically modifying coconut coir fibers. The composite board is manufactured by removing at least a portion of coconut pith from coconut coir fibers using a cyclonic separator; combining coconut coir fibers with a hydrophobic polymer to form a mixture; and extruding the mixture to form a composite board.

Abstract: Thermosetting resins and thermosetting composites comprising the thermosetting resins are hot-formable. The compositions result from contacting at least one thermosetting resin precursor with at least one hardener selected from acid anhydrides in the presence of at least one transesterification catalyst. The thermosetting resin precursor includes hydroxyl functions and/or epoxy groups, and optionally ester functions, and the total molar quantity of the transesterification catalyst is between 5 and 25% of the total molar quantity of hydroxyl and epoxy contained in the thermosetting resin precursor. Methods for manufacturing articles comprising the thermosetting resins and methods for recycling the thermosetting resins are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a fire resistant cellulose material. Such a method comprises processing cellulose fibers into a fiber mixture, and then forming a wetted mixture from the fiber mixture and a fire-retarding solution, wherein the wetted mixture has a solids content of the fire-retarding solution substantially uniformly and thoroughly dispersed therethrough. In some aspects, a cohesive mixture may be formed from the wetted mixture and a binding agent, and the cohesive mixture then formed into a formed cellulose product. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a building panel such as ceiling tile for example includes, in addition to any by-product perlite fines, additional perlite fines in an amount sufficient to improve the fire resistance of the building panel over the fire resistance of the building panel without the additional perlite fines. In one aspect, the additional perlite fines can comprise at least approximately 3.5% perlite fines by weight. In another aspect, the additional perlite fines can have an average diameter of approximately 23 microns or less. Methods of manufacture related to the building panel also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pharmaceutical granulate comprising Fesoterodine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizer, which can be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, xylitol, polydextrose, isomalt, dextrose, and combinations thereof, and is preferably a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of xylitol and sorbitol. The granulate is suitable for incorporation into pharmaceutical compositions comprising a gel matrix formed by at least one type of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose into which the Fesoterodine is embedded and, optionally, further excipients. In certain embodiments, the granulate is formed by a process of wet granulation.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particle foams which have cells having a mean cell size in the range from 20 to 500 ?m and in which the cell membranes have a nanocellular or fibrous structure having pore or fiber diameters below 1500 nm, and also processes for producing them.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which two or more forming chambers are used to process inorganic fibers by gravity-laying methods. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to open inorganic fibers and using a second forming chamber to process the opened inorganic fibers, optionally to blend the opened inorganic fibers with additional inorganic fibers and/or with particulate additives, and to collect the inorganic fibers as a mat. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to form a first inorganic fiber layer and a second forming chamber to form a second inorganic fiber layer, and consolidating the first and second inorganic fiber layers so as to provide a multilayer gravity-laid inorganic fiber web.