Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing multi-segmented filaments are provided. In one embodiment a first polymer material is passed into a die, the first polymer material and the die being maintained under predetermined rheological conditions. Next, the first polymer material is extruded through a plurality of die openings in the die, the die openings arranged in a group, the group configured to form at least two elementary filaments. Then, the two elementary filaments are connected to one another by adhesion contact to form a multi-segmented filament. In another embodiment a die for producing multi-segmented filaments is provided. This die comprises a polymer source maintaining a polymer under predetermined rheological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition comprising a fluorochemical oligomeric compound and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The polymer composition is useful in preparing shaped articles such as fibers and films which have desirable oil- and water repellency properties.

Abstract: Fibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to at least one surface of a highly oriented, voided, melt-processed polymeric film. The fibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A manufacturing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of (a) feeding a rubber composition (8) between a heat roller (3) and a belt (7) pressed against the heat roller (3) and pressurizing and crosslinking the rubber composition (8) by means of the heat roller (3) and the belt (7), thereby obtaining a crosslinked sheet material, and (b) cutting the crosslinked sheet material to obtain the rubber thread. A pressure to be applied to the rubber composition (8) at the crosslinking step is 0.03 MPa to 1 MPa. The rubber composition (8) fed at the crosslinking step is previously formed into a sheet by extrusion. Since a dry blend method is employed for the manufacturing method, a great workability can be obtained. The rubber thread obtained by the manufacturing method is easily stretched and is broken with difficulty during the stretch.

Abstract: A method of producing a rubber thread for a golf ball comprises (a) an extruding process of extruding a rubber composition in the shape of a sheet by using an extruder (2) to obtain a sheet material (6); (b) a rolling process of rolling the sheet material (6) to make it thin to obtain a thin sheet material (10); (c) a cross-linking process of cross-linking the thin sheet material (10) to obtain a cross-linked sheet material; and (d) a cutting process of cutting the cross-linked sheet material to obtain a rubber thread. The rolling process is performed successively to the extruding process. The thickness t1 of the sheet material (6) obtained in the extruding process is set to the range of 1 mm to 8 mm both inclusive. The thickness t2 of the thin sheet material (10) obtained in the rolling process is set to the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm both inclusive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fluorochemical oligomer, and polymer composition comprising the fluorochemical oligomeric compound and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The polymer composition is useful in preparing shaped articles such as fibers and films which have desirable oil- and water repellency properties.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers of different cross-sections may be formed without changing the geometry of the spinneret orifices. More specifically, at least two polymers are co-melt-spun through an orifice of fixed geometry so as to achieve a bicomponent fiber having a desired cross-section. In order to change to a bicomponent fiber having a cross-section which is different, therefore, at least one of (1) the differential relative viscosity, (2) the relative proportions of the first and/or second polymers, and (3) the cross-sectional bicomponent distribution of the first and second polymers, is changed. In such a manner, therefore, a wide variety of bicomponent fibers having different cross-sectional geometries may be produced without changing the fixed geometry orifice through which the polymers are co-melt-spun. Thus, bicomponent fiber cross-sections may be "engineered" to suit a variety of needs without necessarily shutting down production equipment in order to change spinnerets.

Abstract: The split PTFE yarn and PTFE filament which are bulky and excellent in the feeling and have good intermingling property can be obtained and the cotton-like PTFE materials can be produced therefrom efficiently at a low percentage of dropped fibers. Further the filter cloth for dust collection which is obtained from those cotton-like materials has a high collection efficiency. The present invention can provide the split yarn having a network structure and obtained by splitting a uniaxially stretched PTFE film in the stretched direction with a needle blade roll; the filament having branches and obtained by cutting the network structure of the split yarn in a longitudinal direction; the methods of production thereof; the method of producing the cotton-like materials by cutting the split yarn or filament and then opening; and a filter cloth for dust collection obtained from the cotton-like materials.

Abstract: An ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of at least 500,000 is subjected to melt forming into a film, the thus obtained molten film or solid state film is transversely stretched while holding both the side edges of the film, the stretched film is longitudinally slitted into tapes, and then the thus obtained tapes are longitudinally stretched thereby to produce high-strength yarns easily. A number of slits are longitudinally or transversely made in films made of an ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of at least 500,000 so that the films each take a meshy form when spread in the direction perpendicular to the slits, and the meshy form structures are stretched in the direction of the slits to prepare meshy webs having a high strength unidirectionally. At least one member selected from the thus prepared meshy webs is used as one nonwoven web, thereby producing a high-strength, web-crossed laminated nonwoven easily.

Abstract: For manufacturing tape or yarns, plastic polymer material is extruded into a film (20, 21) having a pattern of parallel, longitudinal, alternating ribs (31, 32) and deep, narrow grooves (33, 34) on each of its two opposite sides, at least a plurality of the grooves (33, 34) in one side each being located diametrically opposite one of the grooves (34, 33) in the other, opposite side. Yarns and tapes obtained in the form of or from such a film typically have a substantially improved tensile strength and are more supple and smooth.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven fabric of ultrafine polyolefin fibers by subjecting a web of splittable conjugate polyolefin fibers to a water needle processing, and non-woven fabric thus obtained are described. The polyolefin composite fibers, contain 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of a hydrophilic component blended therein. The non-woven fabrics include ultrafine fibers having a size of 0.5 denier or less and a non-circular cross-section. Splitting and peeling off of the conjugate fibers and generation of static electricity with the composite fibers at a carding step is suppressed. The non-woven fabrics have an excellent wiping property, softness, and hydrophilic property.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for extruding viscoelastic polymers. Specifically, the invention is directed to an extrusion die for manufacturing viscoelastic and similar polymers while reducing or eliminating die swell. These polymers typically exhibit Deborah numbers that are in the range of 20 to 30 as compared to 1 to 5 of styrene butadiene, as well as high elasticity or elastic modulus. The method and apparatus can be used to manufacture xerographic toner that has a relatively low melting temperature, which can cause a reduction in the power consumption of a printer or copier, and can increase the life of some of the fuser components contained within the machine. More importantly, use of toner particles created using the present invention can reduce or eliminate the phenomenon known as "vinyl off set," which causes the transfer of a hard copy image onto a vinyl material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for in-situ green sheet slitting. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and method that uses a modified green sheet slitting machine so that it can provide an in-situ slitting of green sheets that result in a plurality of separate green sheets rolls or strips.

Abstract: A method of producing a surgical implant, device, or part thereof, made of biodegradable material for performing at least one function selected from the group consisting of supporting, joining and separating tissue and keeping open a tissue cavity. One biodegradable rod which is wound around a winding center into a helical configuration in a manner that between successive winds there is provided a space free of material of the biodegradable rod, and which is reinforced with biodegradable reinforcement element in a biodegradable matrix the reinforcement elements being oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction of the biodegradable rod.

Abstract: Electrically conductive tape yarns of two or more layers comprising thermoplastic polymer resin and electrically conductive particles are prepared by a process comprising extruding a multilayer film containing at least one electrically conductive layer and at least one layer substantially free of electrically conductive particles, quenching the film, slitting the film into tapes and orienting the film before or after slitting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by stretching a material including, as a main component, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, to a total draw ratio of at least 20, subjecting the resulting stretched polyethylene material to a splitting treatment, and impregnating the resulting material with a thermosetting resin. The split stretched polyethylene material has improved adhesion to the impregnant resin and can be used as a good base material for prepreg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the continuous production of a polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity by rolling an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene film or film like material and then drawing the rolled material, wherein a thermoplastic resin film having incorporated therein at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a coloring agent, a weathering stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, an adhesion promoter and a dyeability-imparting agent is laminated to the film material in the rolling step and the resulting polyethylene material is further slit or split as required. This method makes it easy to color the polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity and to impart weather resistance and other desirable properties thereto.

Abstract: A die for the preparation of a toner resin in an extruder having a housing defining a housing aperture therein and a conveyor for conveying the resin through the housing aperture to form a stream of resin is provided. The die includes a member connected to a first end of the housing. The member defines an opening therethrough. The member includes a splitter disposed adjacent the opening for splitting a stream of resin passing through the opening in a first direction into two separate streams of resin.

Abstract: Bicomponent moulded article made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which, in the manner of the side-by-side type, is composed of two PTFE components which shrink under the effect of heat and differ in their hot-air shrinkage by at least 1%. A preferred embodiment is in the form of a fibre which can be crimped under heat treatment. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by stretching a material including, as a main component, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, to a total draw ratio of at least 20, subjecting the resulting stretched polyethylene material to a splitting treatment, and impregnating the resulting material with a thermosetting resin, and a process for producing said prepreg. The split stretched polyethylene material has improved adhesion to the impregnant resin and can be used as a good base material for prepreg.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite material comprising a molecularly-oriented thermoplastic polymer base having at least one thermoplastic surface polymeric layer. This surface polymeric layer is compatibly bonded to the polymer base by molecular interspersion between the contiguous surfaces of the adjoining base and surface layer. The surface polymeric layer also has a softening temperature lower than that of the polymer base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a split polyethylene stretched material having a tensile strength of at least 0.7 GPa when twisted in the range of 50-500 times/m, which material is produced by subjecting a polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, i.e. an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to stretching and then subjecting the stretched polyethylene to splitting, as well as a process for producing said material. The split polyethylene stretched material according to the present invention has a large surface area and accordingly can be easily laminated to other materials, and has a high strength and flexibility.

Abstract: Cotton-like polytetrafluoroethylene materials are obtained by opening a uniaxially stretched article of molded polytetrafluoroethylene by a mechanical force. Those cotton-like materials comprise the 5 to 150 mm long fibers having branches and crimps and non-uniform section. The cotton-like materials are excellent in intermingling property and can be easily made into non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A process for making metallized plastic molding pellets comprising: first metallizing a laminated plastic sheet by sandwiching an electrically conductive metal foil in between two plastic films; secondly slicing the metallized laminated plastic sheet into a plurality of metallized plastic strips; thirdly wetting and binding the metallized plastic strips, which are radially arranged, with a thermoplastic resin matrix to form a metallized plastic bar by pultrusion processing; and finally cutting the pultruded metallized bar to obtain homogeneously metallized plastic pellets for making effective EMI shields.

Abstract: A para-aramide dope of low degree of polymerization exhibiting an optical anisotropy containing 4-10% by weight of a para-aramide having an inherent viscosity of 1.0-2.5 dl/g and 2-10% by weight of an alkali metal chloride or an alkaline earth metal chloride in a polar amide solvent;a para-aramide fiber obtained by spinning the above-mentioned para-aramide dope of low degree of polymerization;a para-aramide pulp obtained by cutting the above-mentioned para-aramide fiber into a short fiber, mechanically fibrillating the short fiber with a high shearing force and thereafter drying the fibrillated short fiber;a process for producing a para-aramide fiber which comprises adding 0.94-0.99 mole of a para-oriented aromatic dicarboxylic acid halide to 1.00 mole of a para-oriented aromatic diamine in a polar amide solvent in which 2-10% by weight of an alkali metal chloride or an alkaline earth metal chloride is dissolved, carrying out a polymerization at a temperature of -20.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing optical fibers includes extruding a transparent thermoplastic plastic sheet having plurality of transversely shaped and spaced parallel grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of extrusion. The thermoplastic sheet is rolled between polished rollers having upstanding circumferential ribs matching the shape and spacing of the grooves in the thermoplastic sheet. The rollers separate the extruded thermoplastic sheet into a plurality of elongated fibers and polish and cool the separated fibers. A preferred embodiment includes a first extruding die extruding said thermoplastic sheet having an index of refraction and a second extrusion die applying a co-extruded coating of plastic having an index of refraction lower than the index of refraction of the transparent sheet. The ribs of the polished rollers form various channel shapes that may produce optical fibers in both circular and non-circular cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: Using an unsintered or sintered polytetrafluoroethylene yarn as at least part of warp and/or filling, a seamless tubular fabric is constructed. This construction is made by circular weaving or by inserting the filling into the warp prepared in the form of a hank or skein.

Abstract: Bulky split fibers having bond strength are produced by preparing a composite synthetic resin film of three layer structure having a polypropylene layer formed of a polypropylene/polyethylene blend and a polyethylene layer on either surface of the polypropylene layer, slitting and stretching the composite film to thereby form stretched tapes, and causing splitting of the stretched tapes for fibrillation. An integral article is prepared from the resultant split fibers by mixing them alone or with plant fibers and then heating at a temperature between the melting points of polyethylene and polypropylene, thereby integrating together the split fibers with each other or with the plant fibers.

Abstract: A fiber of expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene in which an amount of a conductive particulate filler is incorporated imparting a measure of conductivity to the fiber is disclosed. The fiber may be twisted along its length. The fiber may be a continuous monofilament fiber, a tow, a staple, or a flock.

Abstract: Process for making wireless twist ties including extruding and quenching molten polymeric materials to form ribbon or perforated sheets. Wireless twist ties include polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer and polystyrene and particulate rubber impact modifier. Wireless twist ties, when elongated, exhibit deformation before failure of at least 50%.

Abstract: Bulky split fibers having bond strength are produced by preparing a composite synthetic resin film of three layer structure having a polypropylene layer formed of a polypropylene/polyethylene blend and a polyethylene layer on either surface of the polypropylene layer, slitting and stretching the composite film to thereby form stretched tapes, and causing splitting of the stretched tapes for fibrillation. An integral article is prepared from the resultant split fibers by mixing them alone or with plant fibers and then heating at a temperature between the melting points of polyethylene and polypropylene, thereby integrating together the split fibers with each other or with the plant fibers.

Abstract: The present invention uses, as a base material, a multi-layer film comprising more than two layers and formed from thermoplastic resins different in melting point from one another. A sectional construction of the multi-layer film or a tape obtained from the multi-layer film is applied to a sectional construction of a fibre without modification, the multi-layer film or tape being formed into the fibre. The invention provides a composite fibre which is much more excellent as compared to a conventional heat adhesive composite fibre by melt spinning, a water-absorbing material using the composite fibre as a base material and a method for the production of the same by the stated simple means.

Abstract: Provided is a high-performance PVA fiber and its production.Each filament of the PVA fiber of the present invention having a structure comprising an aggregate of substantially innumerable fibrils, the fiber has high strength, elastic modulus, and resistances to fatigue, hot water and chemicals and can be pulpified while keeping its excellent features such as high strength. The PVA fiber of the present invention cannot, even drawn to a high ratio, be readily whitened by virtue of its fibril-aggregate structure, and can hence be made still higher in performances. The PVA fiber can be obtained by adding to a PVA solution a relatively large amount of surface active agent, and wet or dry-jet-wet spinning the thus prepared dope solution into an aqueous alkaline coagulating bath.

Abstract: plurality of synthetic-resin strands are made in a nozzle having a housing forming a passage having an upstream end and a downstream end. The downstream end is formed as an elongated slot having a relatively great length and a relatively short width measured perpendicular to its length. An extruder connected to the housing at the upstream end of the passage introduces a fluent thermoplastic synthetic resin thereinto under pressure so the resin exits from the slot in a predetermined flow direction. A plurality of blades are retained in holders on the nozzle immediately downstream of the downstream of the passage at the slot with each blade traversing the slot crosswise of its length. Thus the resin exiting from the slot is cut by the blades into the strands. The holders are adjustable along the slot for horizontally displacing and fixing the blades so as to vary the dimensions of the strands.

Abstract: The present invention uses, as a base material, a multi-layer film comprising more than two layers and formed from thermoplastic resins different in melting point from one another. A sectional construction of the multi-layer film or a tape obtained from the multi-layer film is applied to a sectional construction of a fibre without modification, the multi-layer film or tape being formed into the fibre. The invention provides a composite fibre which is much more excellent as compared to a conventional heat adhesive composite fibre by melt spinning, a water-absorbing material using the composite fibre as a base material and a method for the production of the same by the stated simple means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrillated weatherproof web having a network structure, which can be produced with ease and is economical. The web comprises a multilayer composite film composed of at least two layers, one being a first layer (I) made of a first thermoplastic resin and the other a second layer (II) made of a second thermoplastic resin having a melting point lower than the first thermoplastic resin and containing at least 300 ppm of a light resistance imparting agent. A number of slits have been formed in a longitudinal or transverse direction. The web has been oriented at a draw ratio in a range of from 1.1 to 15 times. A nonwoven fabric making use of one or more fibrillated webs of the above sort and processes for the production of the web and nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating fibrillated polyolefin film prior to crimping, to improve the crimping, and thus the yield and variability as a filter, of the tow. The fibrillated tow is crimped while still hot from the heating step. The resulting fibers have more uniform crimping at higher levels than those not subject to heating.

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: This invention relates in general to the formation of films having a controlled molecular orientation prepared from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers, and containing a binder in the micro-infrastructure. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, waterproof sheet materials comprising a microporous polymeric film and a hydrophilic filler material infiltrated into the pores of the film, and to methods for making such sheet materials. In the methods of the present invention, the liquid hydrophilic material or precursor thereof is infiltrated into the pores of the microporous film after the film has been stretched in the lengthwise direction, but before the film is stretched in the transverse direction. By coating the microporous film prior to the transverse stretching step, superior waterproof sheet materials are obtained.

Abstract: A cross linked film fibre is made by slitting or splitting polymeric film. In a preferred embodiment the fibre is made into a fabric which is impregnated with a polymeric matrix material. The matrix is preferably also cross-linked, this being done at the same time, or separately from, cross-linking of the fibre. The preferred embodiment is particularly useful for enclosing a substrate.

Abstract: Normally "dry" or hydrophobic polymers, such as polyolefins, polyesters and the like are rendered more moisture absorptive to improve "breathability" by providing an adherent surface of a hydrophilic polymer. Composite fibers are obtained by stretching a laminated or coated structure of a hydrophobic polymer film and a hydrophilic polymer film, longitudinally dividing the stretched film into a plurality of strips and fibrillating the stretched strips. Alternatively, the film can first be subdivided into the plurality of longitudinal strips and then stretched and fibrillated. In the resulting shaped articles (e.g. fibers), a discontinuous, discrete, adherent covering of the hydrophilic polymer component is provided on a core or substrate composed of the hydrophobic polymer. For example, the moisture regain of high density polyethylene fibers can be increased to more than 1%.

Abstract: A porous sheet having a good softness and being excellent in moisture permeability, water resistance and mechanical strength characteristics such as tensile strength and tear strength is obtained by forming into a sheet a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin, 50 to 400 parts by weight of a filler and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a silicone oil, and drawing the sheet.

Abstract: The throughput of an apparatus for processing fibrous materials is increased by a fiber outlet portion consisting essentially of a plurality of dividers oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the impact elements (such as hammers and rotor blades), said dividers having a leading surface which is inwardly slanted in the direction of travel of the impact elements and dividers being separated by continuous or semi-continuous slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a net composed of a regular array of longitudinal ribbon-formed continuous filaments of a polymer substance, and a regular array of transverse stems of different polymer matter, said filaments being embedded in said stems, as well as to a process of producing such net from a sheet consisting of a regular array of longitudinal ribbon-like polymer filaments embedded in a polymer matrix, the filament polymer having a higher melting point than the matrix polymer, by transversely impressing said sheet at a temperature where said matrix is at least semi-molten and the filaments are solid, then splitting the structure.

Abstract: Process for the netlike opening of fibrilled polymeric films, said process consisting in conveying to an opening device of the conventional type (based, for instance, on diverging transferring elements and on lateral film pulling elements such as clamps, grippers or pins, which engage the film at its edges and which are fixed on said traverse elements) the fibrilled film of an undulated or corrugated shape, with the front of the corrugations or waves perpendicular to the direction of the transferring motion, so that the length of the film between the lateral consecutive pulling elements be in excess with respect to the distance between said elements, wherefore said excess will compensate the longitudinal shrinkage that the film will suffer during the transversal opening.

Abstract: A process for producing porous films which comprises blending 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin with 50 to 500 parts by weight of barium sulfate preferably having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 7 .mu.m, melting the resulting resin composition and forming it into a film, and then stretching the film at least uniaxially by a factor of 1.5 to 7.

Abstract: A process for producing porous films which comprises melting a resin composition consisting essentially of (1) 100 parts by weight of a high-pressure-processed low-density polyethylene resin having a melt index of 0.5 to 7 and a density of 0.915 to 0.935, a linear low-density polyethylene resin having a melt index of 0.5 to 8.5 and a density of 0.915 to 0.935, or a mixture thereof and (2) 50 to 500 parts by weight of barium sulfate having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 7 .mu.m; forming the molten resin composition into a film; and then stretching the film at least uniaxially by a factor of 1.5 to 7. As the linear low-density polyethylene resin, a copolymer of ethylene and hexene and/or octene is particularly preferred.