Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroplastic drawn molded article is disclosed in which a fluoroplastic molded article is brought into contact with a heating medium set at a temperature exceeding the static melting point of the molded article and drawn at a temperature at which the molded article does not substantially melt. The fluoroplastic drawn molded article produced in accordance with the present invention is significantlly improved in physical properties such as tensile strength and tensile modulus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making multicomponent fibers or nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a synthetic fiber including providing a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, mixing the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55.degree. C.

Abstract: A gel profile article comprising a multi-filament yarn carrier carrying an elongate body of gel which encloses more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, more preferably substantially all, of the perimeter of the carrier as viewed in transverse cross-section, wherein the carrier is at least partly composed of synthetic polymeric material, preferably polyester filaments (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate) or spun yarns of a co-mingled blend of polyacrylonitrile staple fibres and polyamide staple fibres ("baby wool"), the proportion of polyamide preferably being at least 30%, more preferably 40-60%, by weight of the said spun yarn(s). The gel is preferably melt-coated, especially pressure-extruded, around the carrier at a gel temperature less than the softening temperature of at least a component of the carrier, and the selected class of carrier materials enhances the processability, cohesion, and appearance of the resulting profile.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by crushing a mass of crosslinked hydrogel polymer having high adhesion and elastic properties without kneading it, and drying the crushed crosslinked hydrogel polymer. In the case when the crosslinked hydrogel polymer includes cells therein, the crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed so as to restrain reduction in the number of cells contained in the crosslinked hydrogel polymer. The crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed by any of crushing methods including: shearing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a fixed blade and a rotary blade; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a pair of rotary blades that are mounted on different shafts and rotate while at least partly overlapping each other; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a rotary blade using a lubricant; and crushing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer after freezing.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. A channeling agent is blended then reacted into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. A desiccating agent is then blended into the product so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the product through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into any shaped article.

Abstract: A method for preparing polyester films, which comprises addition of partially esterified trimellitate at any stage of the polymerization of polyester through direct esterification or ester interchange, the partially esterified trimellitates resulting from salt formation of partial esterified trimellitic acids which are prepared by partial esterification of aromatic tricarboxylic acids selected from trimellitic acid and trimellitic anhydride with alcohols selected from alkyl alcohols and alkylene alcohols. The polyester film prepared the composition has little voids by virtue of good affinity of the particles originating from the partially esterified trimellitates with polyester and thereby not easily broken when forming films. In addition, it is easy to control particle content and size. Further, fine protrusions can be repeatitively formed in the final films, with ease, giving high abrasion resistance and slip property to the film.

Abstract: The use of dispersions of polyurethanes containing urea groups and based on selected starting materials, optionally via the intermediate stage of granules obtained by spray drying the dispersions, for the production of fully biodegradable shaped bodies.

Abstract: A film for adhering to a molding paste composite during its manufacture, said film being formed from a blend of a film forming polyamide resin and at least one release agent material selected from the group consisting of N, N' ethylene bis amides of the formula R.sub.1 --CO--NH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --NH--CO--R.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain of about 14 to about 42 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon of about 14 to about 42 carbon atoms, wherein the release agent material is present in an amount such that after the paste composite is formed, substantially all of the film can be removed from the surface of the composite. Also described are processes for making sheet molding and thick molding composites using such films.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: A bulk extrusion polymerization process to derive an aliphatic polyester from a suitable ester monomer, preferably .epsilon.-caprolactone. Novel reaction formulations containing less than 100 ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g enable the polymerization of bulk monomer in an extruder in a resident time of less than 2 minutes. Different catalyst and initiator systems, processing protocols, and screw configurations lead to the preferred manufacture of poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) polymer of number average molecular weight, M.sub.n, greater than 100,000. A novel poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) intermediate optionally grafted to starch, is described which has significantly different processing and use characteristics as compared to a straight-chain polycaprolactone.

Abstract: A composition which is a blend of at least two different polyetheramide copolymers, one having predominantly hard polyamide segments and one having predominantly soft polyether segments. When formed into a film and attached to a textile fabric, forms a laminate which is suitable for the production of surgical gowns, and the like. Such films are strong, have good moisture barrier properties while allowing the transmission of air therethrough and have a softness to which provides a clothlike feel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for the continuous production of a thermoplastic product having biaxially oriented components. Preferably the thermoplastic compound includes filler. The process may be used to manufacture hollow profiles or sheets. The product is made by a continuous extrusion process which biaxially orients the components by forcing a molten thermoplastic compound through a contoured die with a contoured mandrel therein and then cooling the compound to preserve the imparted orientation. With respect to the sheets a biaxially oriented hollow profile is formed, then cut along the axial direction and then flattened into a sheet.

Abstract: Multilayer thermoplastic stretch wrap film having substantial one-sided cling properties is made without the use of polymers with high levels of n-hexane extractables, dissimilar polymer chemistries, or low molecular weight tackifiers. The reverse or cling layer comprises at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer composition having a density of about 0.90 g/cc or less and the obverse or non-cling layer comprises an propylene or ethylene polymer composition having a density greater than 0.90 g/cc. The multilayer film is particularly useful for load palletization end-use applications.

Abstract: A process for improving the processability of poly(arylene sulfide) in melt spinning operations by treatment with a barium-containing compound and, optionally, a lubricant is disclosed.

Abstract: A process and a device for the continuous production of fiber-reinforced molded bodies from hydraulically setting materials, wherein the setting materials are applied in a given width from at least two dispensers with a defined thickness in at least two separate layers on conveyors moving in opposite directions. The conveyors are substrates whose color and external constitution corresponds to the outer surface of the molded body and on which the layers and surface structures of reinforcing fibers are applied. With the simultaneous injection of another material layer as an intermediate layers, the layers with the substrates are conveyed through the adjustable gap formed by a pair of cylinder rollers and the layers and substrates are united under predetermined pressure to form the molded body. Immediately after passing the gap, the molded body is deflected in a discharge direction using the cylinder rollers and is discharged with the adhering substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing continuous lengths of compression-molded material containing thermoplastic resin. Discrete lengths of extruded material are indexed through a compression mold. The mold forms, hardens, and integrally joins two successive extruded segments of material. A first molded segment is indexed forward leaving a trailing portion in the mold. A subsequent segment is extruded into the mold, and is integrally joined to the trailing portion by compressing the mold. Subsequent segments can be joined to produce a continuous profiled length formed from recycled thermoplastic material, while avoiding damage and downtime caused by contaminants in recycled material.

Abstract: To form a binder from naturally occurring products or a fuel brick or pellet using the binder without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves or from grain stillage. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of molecular weight of at least 2,000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The binder is mixed with waste such as municipal waste without further processing and processed in a pelleting machine.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethaneurea elastomers prepared from organic polyisocyanates (A) and a mixture (B) containing Zerewitinoff active hydrogen atoms are disclosed. The mixture (B) is prepared from 1) 40 to 85 equivalent-% (relative to isocyanate groups in (A)) of one or more compounds having an average of at least 1.8 Zerewitinoff active hydrogen atoms and a number average molecular weight of 400 to 10,000, 2) 10 to 60 equivalent-% (relative to isocyanate groups in (A)) of water and 3) 0 to 45 equivalent-% (relative to isocyanate groups in (A)) of one or more chain extenders having an average of at least 1.8 Zerewitinoff active hydrogen atoms and a molecular weight of 62 to 400. The preparation process comprise mixing (A) and (B) in a static mixer under conditions in which no reaction occurs between (A) and (B), and reacting the mixture in a second static mixer. The resulting polyurethaneurea elastomer is useful for the production of moldings.

Abstract: A ceramic green sheet includes ceramic particles having a spherical diameter of 0.01-0.5 .mu.m of a primary particle as a ceramic component, an average degree of aggregation of 10 or less, wherein the ceramic green sheet contains at most 1 vol % of secondary particles having a diameter of 20 .mu.m or more and has a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.2 .mu.m or less. A method for producing a ceramic substrate having a thickness of 30 .mu.m or less includes the steps of: preparing a ceramic slurry by mixing a ceramic powder with an organic binder and at least one organic solvent, and adjusting a viscosity to be within the range of 100-10,000 mPa's; removing coarse aggregated particles from the ceramic slurry; molding the ceramic slurry into a ceramic green sheet by a reverse roll coater method; and firing the ceramic green sheet so that an average crystal grain size be 2 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: A filter element (10) comprises a porous, thick-walled, integral, self-supporting, resin impregnated and bonded fibrous, tubular filter structure (11) having a hollow core (15); an inner shell (20) of a first large pore size porous media adjacent the hollow core and forming the majority of the filter structure; and an outer shell (21) of a second small pore size porous media, finer than the first porous media and adjacent the inner shell, the first and second porous media being resin impregnated and bonded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoplastic polyester foam sheet comprises forming a roll by overlapping a thermoplastic polyester sheet and a separator on each other and rolling them, impregnating an inert gas into the thermoplastic polyester sheet while the roll is kept in a pressurized inert gas atmosphere, and foaming the thermoplastic polyester sheet by heating it under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Aramids which after drawing have high tensile strengths and tensile moduli are made from units derived from selected 2,2'-disubstituted-4,4'-diaminobiphenyls, p-phenylenediamine, oxydianiline and terephthalic acid. Also disclosed is a process for drawing such aramids at least 1.5%, which results in the drawn aramid having significant crystallinity and higher tensile strength. The aramids are useful for ropes and composites.

Abstract: Extrusion theology of thermoplastic polymer as manifested by surface smoothness is improved by incorporating foam cell nucleating agents into the polymer and extruding the polymer under laminar flow to form unfoamed extrudate.

Abstract: A process for making a transparent film comprising a liquid crystalline polymer, and a transparent film made thereby having high barrier properties. In this process, the LCP is dissolved in an appropriate solvent, then cast into a film at ambient or near-ambient temperatures. The film optionally may be dried at elevated temperatures and/or reduced pressures to remove the solvent. The film is then annealed at a temperature between the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) and the melting point temperature (T.sub.m) of the polymer. The result is a highly transparent film having liquid crystalline morphology and high barrier properties.

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyamide film comprising forming a thin layer of an optically isotropic dope in which an aromatic polyamide is dissolved in a polar amide, immersing the thin layer dope in a polar solvent kept at a temperature not higher than -20.degree. C. to coagulate the dope to form a film and drying the film in the presence of an isocyanate compound. Said process can produce directly a transparent film from an aromatic polyamide dope without requiring the step of dissolving the aromatic polyamide in conc. sulfuric acid, does not require any acid resistant equipment and is inexpensive.

Abstract: A process for producing fibers or films by the steps of:a) preparing an aromatic polyamide by polycondensation of dicarbonyl dihalides or mixtures thereof with at least two diamines in N-alkyllactams as a solvent, the polycondensation being of at least 90 mol %, based on the total amount of dicarbonyl dihalides in the reaction mixture, of compounds of the formula I or mixtures of such compoundsHal--OC--Ar.sup.1 --CO--Hal (I)with at least 90 mol%, based on the total amount of diamines in the reaction mixture, of compounds of the formula II and optionally III or mixtures of such compoundsH.sub.2 N--Ar.sup.2 --NH.sub.2 (II), H.sub.2 N--Ar.sup.3 --NH.sub.2 (III)where Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2 and Ar.sup.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane having inherent softness properties is formed from a diisocyanate, a polyetherglycol and a mixture of diol chain extenders. The mixture of chain extenders includes a first diol and a second diol which has side chain branching. A method for making the polyurethane of the present invention includes mixing the components to induce an exothermic reaction, followed by curing. The polyurethane formed is suitable for melt processing into medical devices such as catheters, other tubing, hubs and the like.

Abstract: Polyester resin compositions which are especially adapted for use in blow-molding or extrusion-molding of shaped hollow articles is a melt-blend of (A) polyester base resin, and (B) a styrenic copolymer having between 40 to 97% by weight of units derived from styrene, between 3 to 60% by weight of a glycidyl ester of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated acid, and optionally up to 50% by weight of units derived from an auxiliary vinylic comonomer other than styrene. The styrenic copolymer is preferably present in the compositions in an effective amount between 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the polyester base resin, sufficient to impart a melt tension of greater than 5.0 grams and a drawdown index of greater than 2.0 to the composition. The compositions may optionally contain up to 100 parts by weight (based on 100 parts by weight of the polyester base resin) of a fibrous, powdery or flaky filler material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a layer structure, such as an airlaid fibrous web, include a supplying mechanism for providing a stream of particulate material, such as fibers. Also included is a substantially endless, foraminous forming belt which has an appointed outward surface and a minimum thickness of at least about 3/16 inch. A selected contour is formed into the outward surface of the belt at selected locations, and the contour is distributed along a lengthwise machine-direction of the forming belt. The forming belt is configured to flex along a thickness direction thereof, and to recoverably bend and substantially straighten when traveling along a selected belt path circuit. A conveying mechanism moves the forming belt past the supplying mechanism along a forming path section of the belt circuit which is substantially straight, and moves the forming belt along a return path section of the belt circuit which includes curved portions therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of cast elastomers comprising reacting in an open mold at an isocyanate index of about 90 to about 110(a) an organic polyisocyanate;(b) an aminocrotonate-terminated polyether having a molecular weight of from about 1200 to about 6500 and having the formula ##STR1## wherein A is the m-functional group left by the removal of the hydroxyl groups of a polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of from 1000 to 6000,R is the difunctional residue of certain aromatic diamines having the formula H.sub.2 N--R--NH.sub.2 such that each free --NH.sub.2 group of the aminocrotonate-terminated polyether has a moderated reactivity toward the organic polyisocyanate, as indicated by a gel time of about 60 to about 300 seconds (measured at 90.degree.-110.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides a porous film useful as a fresh fruit and vegetable wrapping material which is obtained by forming a large number of small recesses in an organic film and which does not allow permeation of water, bacteria, and viruses, but allows permeation of a gas, e.g., the oxygen gas or the carbon dioxide gas, and water vapor. The porous film includes the organic film and the large number of recesses formed in the organic film and having an average opening width of 0.5 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m and inner surfaces exhibiting affinity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the production of aliphatic copolyester film.The method comprises the steps of: applying esterification or ester-interchange to a reaction mixture of at least one acid component selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, succinic anhydride and succinic acid ester, 1,4-butanediol as a main diol component, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol of 1 to 30% by mole based on the mole of the acid component, multifunctional compound 0.01 to 1% by mole, based on the mole of the acid component, multifunctional compound have more than three functional group of hydroxy group or carboxy group at below 220.degree. C., so as to give an oligomer mixture; polycondensing the oligomer into an aliphatic copolyester at a temperature of 240.degree. to 260.degree. C. under reduced pressures of not more than 1 mmHg in the presence of a catalyst; and melt-extruding the aliphatic copolyester using T die.

Abstract: This invention offers the porous fiber in which the porous form of the fiber is with an excellent durability to heat and accordingly can afford the fiber products with a shape-retaining ability.Porous acrylonitrile fiber comprising the polymers containing not less than 95% by weight of acrylonitrile in a bonded form whereby the pores in the fiber constituting the porous structure are connected each other and are communicated with the fiber surface and, in addition, having a specific decreasing rate in the average pore diameter due to an introduction of a crosslinking structure thereinto.It is possible to offer a porous acrylonitrile fiber which has a porous structure wherein the micropores in the fiber are connected each other and are communicated with the fiber surface and also exhibits an excellent retaining ability of the shape of the fiber.

Abstract: To form a binder from naturally occurring products without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of molecular weight of at least 2000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The naturally occurring product is ground or milled without further processing and thus includes carbohydrates, particularly as cellulose, and possibly fats, yeast or materials yielding ash upon burning, with the carbohydrates being at least 5% of the proteins by weight. The binder may include some initiators or catalysts to polymerize fats or other initiators or catalysts to polymerize proteins.

Abstract: A process for treating a film comprising a liquid crystal polymer capable of forming an optically anisotropic melt phase, which comprises passing the film between press rolls at a temperature in a range of from 80.degree. C. below the melting point of the liquid crystal polymer to 5.degree. C. below the same melting point and under a linear pressure of 20 to 400 kg/cm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sheets of a first material, such as a metal, plastic, rubber, or the like, having a primary tank for heating a second molten material and containing the second molten material to form a surface upon which the first material is floated in a molten state. The temperature of the second molten material is maintained below the melting temperature of the first molten material, and the second molten material has a higher specific gravity than the first molten material. Thus, the first molten material floats upon the surface of the second molten material while it solidifies into a sheet of material, which is then withdrawn from the surface of the second molten material. A hood is disposed over the primary tank to remove fumes and vapors which, when removed, are discharged into water where they condense.

Abstract: A method and composition for the preparation of calcium silicate bounded shaped articles comprising mixing SiO.sub.2 containing powder, unslaked or slaked lime, calcium hydroxide, with a waste paper pulper slurry containing cellulosic particle of less than 1.1 mm in length is described. Additionally, Portland cement, alumina cement, calcium sulfate anhydride, plaster of Paris, a foam, and a thermally activated accelerator may also be added to the mixture which is then shaped into blanks, and autoclaved.

Abstract: The present invention provides: (a) a method for producing a poly(arylene sulfide)(PAS) resin composition: (b) a PAS resin composition produced by the inventive resin composition production method; (c) a method which utilizes the inventive PAS resin composition in the production of a continuous fiber-reinforced composite; and (d) a PAS composite produced by the inventive composite production method. The PAS resin composition produced by the inventive resin composition production method comprises a crystallizable arylene sulfide polymer and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent is admixed with the crystallizable arylene sulfide polymer by adding said nucleating agent to the polymerization reaction system. The inventive PAS resin composition solidifies to a fine-grained crystalline morphology and is well suited for use in the production of continuous fiber-reinforced composites, molded articles, and other products.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to novel aromatic polyamide compositions with a fullerene component and fibers therefrom which have improved torsional strength and a process for preparing said fibers.

Abstract: Processes for producing oriented films of semicrystalline thermoplastic polymers, such as polyimides, and films produced thereby are disclosed. One process includes partial crystallization or imidization, orientation and further crystallization or imidization. Another process includes rendering a film of semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer amorphous, orienting the film and introducing crystallinity.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing polyester foam fiber where sodium carbonate and citric acid are added as blowing agent before spinning together with polycarbonate. The proportion of blowing agent is from 0.15 to 0.80 percent by weight of the polyester and the proportion of polycarbonate is from 0.5 to 2 percent by weight of the polyester. The process of the invention makes it possible to produce foam fiber, i.e. filament or staple fiber with discontinuous voids, which may be used for example as carpet fiber and filling fiber for blankets and cushions or as a lining material for winter clothing.

Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacturing process in the continuous prodion of gypsum-cemented workpieces utilizing a belt-type press or similar equipment including a number of press segments joined in tandem relationship. Utilizing this press, the gypsum undergoing hydration is compacted until the end of the hydration is reached. The swelling pressure created in the course of the hydration is measured and utilized to control the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An ultra-thin, self-assembling molecular film has ordered amphiphilic molecules that are oriented relative to one another in two directions. The improved method of the present application makes it possible to form the film in a continuous fashion with the ordered molecules arranged in oriented crystals.

Abstract: Langmuir-Blodgett films having hydrophobic surfaces are chemically modified to convert the hydrophobic surfaces to hydrophilic surfaces for immobilization of active moieties having bioactive, immunoactive, thermoactive, electroactive, optoactive or redoxactive properties. Langmuir-Blodgett films having a hydrophobic surface of omega unsaturated covalent bonds are formed from an amphiphilic, bifunctional surface active material having a hydrophobic tail group bearing an omega terminus of double or triple bonded unsaturation. The amphiphilic material may be fatty acids, phospholipids or porphyrins, and is preferably omega-tricosenoylamide or omega-tricosenoic acid. Chemical modification is carried out by exposing the hydrophobic surface to a reagent such as alkaline or acidic potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate or osmium tetroxide which oxidizes the omega unsaturated covalent bonds to provide hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric consisting of water-soluble resin fine fibers having a mean fiber diameter of at most 30 .mu.m and a basis weight of 5 to 500 g/m.sup.2 is produced by extruding an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble resin or a melt of a water-soluble resin plasticized with water through nozzles, stretching the extruded material to form fibers by a high speed gas flow, heating the fibers to evaporate the water in the fibers and then collecting the fibers.

Abstract: Process for forming tubular microstructures having predetermined shape and dimension from surfactants comprising the steps of selecting a lipid which self-aggregates into a tubular microstructure; selecting a lipid solvating organic solvent in which tubules may form; removing trace water from the selected organic solvent; dissolving the selected lipid in the dried organic solvent; allowing the dissolved lipid to grow into tubular microstructures in the dried organic solvent for a selected period of time and at a temperature below the melting point of the selected lipid.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition is provided for thermoplastic films comprising(i) from 1 to 10 weight percent based upon the total weight of the coating composition, of a sulfonated copolyester consisting essentially of the polyester condensation product of the following monomers or their polyester-forming equivalents:(A) about 65 to 95 mole percent of isophthalic acid;(B) about 0 to 30 mole percent of at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH.sub.2)--.sub.n COOH, wherein n ranges from about 1-11;(C) about 5 to about 15 mole percent of at least one sulfomonomer containing an alkali metal sulfonate group attached to a dicarboxylic aromatic nucleus; and(D) stoichiometric quantities of about 100 mole percent of at least one copolymerizable aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alkylene glycol having about from 2 to 11 carbon atoms,(ii) from 0.

Abstract: A process for preparing a profile of thermotropic polymer having a large cross-section, with improved tensile strength and tensile elasticity moduli, comprising first forming a bundle of fibers or filaments of at least one thermotropic polymer and continuously heating the thus formed bundle to a temperature sufficient to form an anisotropic melt and then passing the anisotropic melt through a shape-giving unit.