Abstract: A composite fiber having elastomer and method for making the same, and a substrate having the composite fiber and method for making the same are provided. The composite fiber includes a first composition and a second composition. The first composition is thermoplastic non-elastomer, and the second composition is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The second composition is in an amount of 5 to 70 weight % of the composite fiber. The first composition and the second composition are alternately distributed in a circumference of a cross-section of the composite fiber, and the length of the second composition is less than 50% of the total length of the circumference. The TPE can be dispersed uniformly and increase the adhesion between fibers, and the segmented fiber cross-section thereof further prevents the TPE from becoming too adhesive and affecting the processing during the fabrication of fibers and non-woven fabric substrates.

Abstract: A heat fusible conjugate fiber produced by high-speed melt spinning is disclosed. The conjugate fiber is composed of a first resin component having an orientation index of 40% or higher and a second resin component having a lower melting or softening point than the melting point of the first resin component and an orientation index of 25% or lower. The second resin component is present on at least part of the surface of the fiber in a lengthwise continuous configuration. The conjugate fiber preferably has a heat shrinkage of 0.5% or less at a temperature higher than the melting or softening point of the second resin component by 10° C.

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

Abstract: A reversible, heat-set covered fiber is described, the covered fiber comprising: A. A core comprising an elastic fiber comprising a substantially crosslinked, temperature-stable, olefin polymer, and B. A cover comprising an inelastic fiber. The fiber is heat-set by a method comprising: (a) Stretching the covered fiber by applying a stretching force to the covered fiber; (b) Heating the stretched covered fiber of (a) to a temperature in excess of the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the olefin polymer; (c) Cooling the stretched and heated covered fiber of (b) to a temperature below the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to solidify the polymer; and (d) Removing the stretching force from the covered fiber.

Abstract: A thermal insulation product based on mineral wool, characterized in that the fibers have a micronaire of less than 10 l/min, preferably less than 7 l/min and especially between 3 and 6 l/min, the product including infrared absorbent and/or reflective elements, and in that the product has a thermal conductivity of less than 30 mW/m.K.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: a process for conveniently producing a fiber with high strength, regardless of molecular weight polymer composition, or the like of PHAs, which vary depending on origins such as a wild-type PHAs-producing microorganism product, a genetically modified strain product, and a chemical product; and the fiber with high strength produced through the process. The present invention provides: a process for producing a fiber, comprising: melt-extruding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid to form a melt-extruded fiber; rapidly quenching the melt-extruded fiber to the glass transition temperature of polyhydroxyalkanoic acid +15° C. or less, and solidifying the fiber to form an amorphous fiber; forming a crystalline fiber by leaving the amorphous fiber to stand at the glass transition temperature +15° C. or less; drawing the crystalline fiber; and further subjecting the crystalline fiber to stretch heat treatment.

Abstract: Fibrous elements, such as filaments, and more particularly to fibrous elements employing a polymer and a wetting agent, methods for making such fibrous elements, fibrous structures employing such fibrous elements, methods for making such fibrous structures and packages containing such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A system for making sheets, films, and objects including a reactor-dryer for reacting at least one monomer to produce a polymer melt; a flash melter in communication with the reactor-dryer for heating the polymer melt received from the reactor-dryer; a flash tank in communication with the flash melter for removing volatile compounds from the polymer melt; and a control loop in communication with the flash tank for controlling the pressure of the polymer melt from the flash tank to a die forming unit. Methods of making sheets, films, and objects is further included.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example.

Abstract: A liquid crystal resin comprises structural units derived from at least two types of aromatic diols. The liquid crystal resin generates 100 ppm or less of acetic acid gas, less than 20 ppm of phenol gas, and less than 100 ppm of carbon dioxide gas when the liquid crystal resin is retained at a melting point +10° C. (or at 335° C. when the melting point is less than 325° C.) for 30 minutes in a helium gas atmosphere. The present invention provides a liquid crystal resin or a composition containing this resin by which metal corrosion, clouding of glass, bulging of molded articles, and the like are reduced.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of composite structures comprising a fibrous material, a matrix resin composition and a portion made of a surface resin composition, wherein the compositions are chosen from compositions comprising one or more semi-aromatic polyamides and one or more polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: Manufactured articles and methods of producing such articles are disclosed where the article has a thermoplastic polymer component and a curable polymer component. The curable polymer may be moisture-curable polymer, or microwave, dielectric or radio frequency curable polymer. The articles may be manufactured by a variety of polymer processing methods including extrusion, co-extrusion, co-molding, injection molding and calendering. A variety of articles and shapes may be made by the method including electric wire and cable, and weatherstripping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of composite fibers with an increased content of colloidal particles, made from a pre-fiber, comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, during which the chemical structure of the polymeric binder is degraded at a temperature of the order of ambient temperature such as to at least partially eliminate the above. The invention further relates to a fiber comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, combining an excellent mechanical strength and a content of colloidal particles greater than 70% by mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose fiber having a highly homogeneous section, particularly to a cellulose fiber with lower Coefficient of Variation of section diameter (CV(%)). Specifically, the present invention relates to a cellulose fiber wherein Coefficient of Variation of section diameter (CV(%)) of a mono-filament constituting a multi-filament prepared by dissolving a cellulose powder in liquid N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (hereinafter referred to “NMMO”) is below 2.5. According to the present invention, a lyocell multi-filament is produced comprising the steps of (i) preparing a spinning solution by homogeneously dispersing, swelling and dissolving cellulose powder in a NMMO solution; (ii) spinning the spinning solution into an air gap through a spinning nozzle; and (iii) coagulating the extruded-spun spinning solution in a coagulation bath. In particular, the coagulating step is adjusted by means of a coagulation coefficient in the range of 0.8 to 1.

Abstract: A fiber having a non-uniform composition is disclosed. The fiber includes a first domain having a first composition and a second domain having a second composition different from the first composition. The fiber includes an interphase region intermediate the first and second domains that includes a blend of the first and second compositions to provide a gradual transition from the first domain composition to the second domain composition. A method for making such fibers is also disclosed.

Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: A melt spinning process for the production of synthetic polymer continuous filament yarns useful in the continuous filament production industry, suitable such polymers including those that are melt-spun, e.g., inter alia, polyesters, polyamides and polyolefins, and wherein the spinning process includes two filtration steps: a first step corresponding to a prefiltration employing one or more centralized filters located at a point on the polymer melt transfer lines and a final filtration carried out in the filtering elements of the screen-pack/spinneret assemblies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a Lyocell fiber, containing a material selected from the group consisting of pearl powder, ground nacre and mixtures thereof. For the manufacture of the fiber according to the invention, a process is used comprising the steps of manufacturing a spinning solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide, preferably N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) spinning the spinning solution to fibers, and being characterized in that a material selected from the group consisting of pearl powder, ground nacre and mixtures thereof is admixed to the spinning solution and/or to a precursor thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for manufacturing a composite strand formed by combining continuous glass filaments with continuous high-shrinkage organic thermoplastic filaments. According to the invention, the thermoplastic filaments are mingled in the form of a web (10) with a bundle or a web (2) of glass filaments after having been drawn, heated then projected onto a moving support (17) with a speed, during their projection onto the support, greater than the running speed of said support. It also relates to a suitable device for carrying out the aforementioned process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making micron, submicron or nanometer dimension thermoplastic polymer microfibrillar composites and fibers, and methods of using the thermoplastic polymer microfibers and nanofibers in woven fabrics, biocidal textiles, biosensors, membranes, filters, protein support and organ repairs. The methods typically include admixing a thermoplastic polymer and a matrix material to form a mixture, where the thermoplastic and the matrix are thermodynamically immiscible, followed by extruding the mixture under conditions sufficient to form a microfibrillar composite containing a plurality of the thermoplastic polymer microfibers and/or nanofibers embedded in the matrix material. The microfibers and/or nanofibers are isolated by removing the surrounding matrix. In one embodiment, the microfibrillar composite formed is further extended under conditions sufficient to form a drawn microfibrillar and/or nanofibrillar composite with controlled diameters.

Abstract: Conjugate fibers are prepared in which at least one segment is a mixture of a high-D PLA resin and a high-L PLA resin. These segments have crystallites having a crystalline melting temperature of at least 200° C. At least one other segment is a high-D PLA resin or a high-L PLA resin. The conjugate fibers may be, for example, bicomponent, multi-component, islands-in-the-sea or sheath-and-core types. Specialty fibers of various types can be made through further downstream processing of these conjugate fibers.

Abstract: A communications cable is made by providing at least one conducting element, and co-extruding first and second polymeric materials around the at least one conducting element to form a dielectric jacket encasing the at least one conducting element. The at least one conducting element may include at least one electrical conductor, and/or at least one optical fiber. The dielectric jacket has a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration along a length of the cable and comprises an inner layer formed from the first polymeric material and an outer layer formed from the second polymeric material. The outer layer has an outer surface with a coefficient of friction within the range of about 0.05-0.40, and a thickness of between about five and ten thousandths of an inch (0.005?-0.010?).

Abstract: This invention relates to improved plexifilamentary sheet material useful in protective apparel and filtration media, which material is comprised of substantially continuous polyethylene plexifilamentary fiber strands and has a Frazier Permeability, normalized to 1.0 oz/yd2 basis weight, of at least 2 cfm/ft2.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dental post according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (i) overjacketing extrusion of at least one thermoplastic material over at least one filament or yarn, such that the thermoplastic material cross-sectionally enwraps the at least one filament or yarn; (ii) solidifying the extruded product of step (i); (iii) equipping the solidified extruded product of step (ii) with a surface texture, such that the thermoplastic wrapping is not modified in a way as to expose or dam-age the at least one filament or yarn. The invention allows for more flexibility in the manufacturing of dental posts, especially in generating surface textures of such dental posts.

Abstract: There is provided polyester multifilaments for resin reinforcement which are satisfactorily homogeneously dispersed in a matrix resin to provide a filament-reinforced resin molded body excellent in mechanical characteristics and impact resistance. Polyester multifilaments for resin reinforcement to which a thermosetting resin is attached in an amount of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight based on the polyester multifilaments, and preferably the polyester multifilaments for resin reinforcement, wherein the length of multifilament bundle portions satisfying 1?Y/X?3 (wherein X represents the width of the multifilaments before immersion in water and Y represents the width of the multifilaments after immersion in water at 25° C. for 1 minute) is 50% or more of the length of the multifilaments before the immersion.

Abstract: A latently crimpable conjugate fiber is constructed using a first component containing an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer polymerized with a metallocene catalyst and a second component formed from a thermal plastic polymer having a melting point T2 higher than a melting point T1 of the first component, such that the first component is exposed with an exposed length of at least 20% relative to a peripheral length of the fiber, and which fiber has a single fiber dry heat shrinkage percentage of at least 50%, which is determined according to JIS-L-1015 (dry heat shrinkage percentage) at 100° C. under an initial tension of 0.018mn/dtex (2mg/d) for 15 minutes and a single fiber dry heat shrinkage percentage of at least 15%, which is determined under the same condition under an initial tension of 0.450mN/dtex (50mg/dtex) for 15 minutes. The latently crimpable conjugate fiber develops crimps and has thermal adhesiveness at a low temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are monofilament fibers and staple fibers comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one coated filler, wherein the at least one coated filler has an average particle size of less than or equal to about 3 microns, and wherein the at least one coated filler is present in an amount of less than or equal to about 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the monofilament fibers. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing monofilament fibers, staple fibers, webs, and fabrics comprising adding ground calcium carbonate to at least one polymeric resin and processing the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A multi-component article comprising a first component comprising a biodegradable polymer, and a second component comprising a polyolefin and a reactive modifier. A method of preparing a multi-layer film comprising coextruding first and second film layers, wherein the first layer comprises a polylactic acid and the second layer comprises a polyolefin and an epoxy-functionalized polyolefin. A method of preparing a multi-component fiber comprising coextruding a core component and a sheath component, wherein the core component comprises a polyolefin and an epoxy-functionalized polyolefin and the sheath component comprises a polylactic acid.

Abstract: A method for removing leukocytes, whereby leukocytes can be removed at a higher level of performance in a short filtration time without clogging. A method comprising passing a leukocyte-containing liquid through a filter for removing leukocytes made of a nonwoven fabric having an average fiber diameter of from 0.3 to 3.0 ?m, and thus removing the leukocytes from the leukocyte-containing liquid, to give a leukocyte-free liquid, characterized by using a nonwoven fabric having a formation index (y) of 50 or less corresponding to a thickness of 0.3 mm; use of a leukocyte removal filter therefore; and the leukocyte removal filter.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer composition having a linear, semi-crystalline thermoplastic matrix polymer and a second thermoplastic polymer. The second polymer is a substantially saturated hydrocarbon polymer including (i) a backbone chain and (ii) one or more substantially hydrocarbon sidechains connected to the backbone chain. The sidechains each have a number-average molecular weight of from 2,500 g/mol to 125,000 g/mol and an MWD by SEC of 1.0 to 3.5. The mass ratio of sidechain molecular mass to backbone molecular mass is from 0.01:1 to 100:1. The matrix polymer is present at 95 wt % or more based on the weight of the composition. The second polymer is present at 0.2 to 5.0 wt % or more based on the weight of the composition. Provided is also a method for enhancing flow-induced crystallization in a linear, semi-crystalline thermoplastic matrix polymer. Provided is also a method for processing a polymer composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Abstract: A fibrous blanket material is provided having a first fibrous layer selected from a group of fibers consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, fiberglass, natural fibers, nylon, rayon and blends thereof and a layer of meltblown polypropylene fibers. In an alternative embodiment the blanket may also include a second fibrous layer made of the same material as the first layer where the layer of meltblown polypropylene fibers is sandwiched between the two fibrous layers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial fiber having a diameter of approximately 10 to 30 ?m that is superior in surface smoothness, transparency, and others, and a method for producing the same thereof. Provided is an antimicrobial fiber, comprising a transparent resin, an antimicrobial glass, and inorganic particles as a dispersant of the antimicrobial glass, wherein a diameter of the antimicrobial fiber is in the range of 10 to 30 ?m, an average particle size of the antimicrobial glass is in the range of 0.1 to 10 ?m, an addition quantity of the antimicrobial glass is in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight with respect to the total weight, an average particle size of the inorganic particles is in the range of 1 to 15 ?m, and an addition quantity of the inorganic particles is in the range of 0.1 to 50 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the addition quantity of the antimicrobial glass.

Abstract: There is provided a method for splitting a split type conjugate fiber. The method includes four steps. Firstly, there is provided a first polymer with crystallization of 40% to 95% and a second polymer with crystallization of 1% to 25%. Secondly, a conjugate fiber is made of the first and second polymers by conjugate spinning. Thirdly, the conjugate fiber is submerged in water so that the conjugate fiber contains water. Finally, the conjugate fiber is heated and split into fine fibers.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically conductive conjugate fiber formed by conjugating an electrically conductive layer (A) including 60 to 80% by weight of a thermoplastic resin and 20 to 40% by weight of electrically conductive particles and a protective layer (B) including 50 to 95% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate and 5 to 50% by weight of polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate, wherein the fiber has a degree of elongation (DE) of 100 to 350%. This provides an electrically conductive conjugate fiber which exhibits a small change with time in physical properties such as a degree of elongation or boiling water shrinkage during its transportation or storage, while having a certain degree of elongation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition, containing: an aqueous dispersion of at least one polymer polycarboxylic acid; at least one amine compound, wherein the molecular mass of the amine compound does not exceed approximately 20 000 g/mol; as well as at least one activated silane. The composition in accordance with the invention is suited as a formaldehyde-free binder for the manufacture of bound mineral wool.

Abstract: A major object of the invention is to provide a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber with low heat shrinkability and high adhesion having low orientation and high elongation and having extremely satisfactory card-passing properties. The object of the invention can be achieved by a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber made of a fiber forming resin component and a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a melting point of at least 20° C. lower than that of the fiber forming resin component and having a breaking elongation of from 60 to 600%, a dry heat shrinkage percentage at 120° C. of from ?10.0 to 5.0%, and more preferably a percentage of crimp/number of crimps of 0.8 or more; and a manufacturing method of a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber, which includes drawing an undrawn yarn of a conjugate fiber taken up at a spinning rate of from 150 to 1,800 m/min in a low draw ratio of from 0.5 to 1.

Abstract: Input fibers to be used for the manufacture of textile components are cut to a proper length [113]. The fibers are metallized [115] with silver and copper. The metallized fibers are opened [121] and blended [123] with other fibers. The blended fibers are preferably opened again [125]. Then the blended fibers are oriented [127] and drawn [129] into a sliver. Roving [140] may be applied to the sliver to condense the fibers. The length of the fibers, the denier of the fibers, the amount of metal coating and composition of the metal coating are selected to provide an optimum amount of metal ion discharge to have the proper antimicrobial properties, while optimizing wound healing properties, and minimizing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The extrusion process preferably involves the delivery of a lubricant separately from a polymer melt stream to each orifice of an extrusion die such that the lubricant preferably encases the polymer melt stream as it passes through the die orifice.

Abstract: A composite material is provided. The composite material includes a continuous roving made from a material selected from a group consisting of natural fibers, mineral fibers, synthetic fibers, kenaf fibers, hemp fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and mixtures thereof impregnated with a water-based matrix binder including gypsum, a polymer and water.

Abstract: In a rope of a type of filling a resin constituting other member between strands, there is provided a wire rope for a running wire capable of promoting fatigue life by reducing a wire breakage at a point of being contacted to a core rope by precisely constraining a movement of a wire and reducing an elongation. A rope having a core rope and a plurality of pieces of side strands arranged at an outer periphery thereof and twisted together, and a resinous spacer interposed between the side strands, in which the core rope includes a rope main body and a resin coating layer outwardly surrounding the core rope main body, the core rope main body and the side strand are separated by the resin coating layer, and the resin spacer is provided with a contour in correspondence with an outer layer wire of the side strand and invades between the wires.

Abstract: The cleansing polyester fabric of the present invention (AAA). The cleansing fabric of the present invention is useful as a makeup cleansing fabric or as a wiping fabric for precision products and optical devices since it exhibits excellent cleansing performance, is soft to the touch and does not damage the surface of a products to be cleansed.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber that contains a high-melting aliphatic polyester and a low-melting aliphatic polyester is provided. The multicomponent fibers are substantially biodegradable, yet readily processed into nonwoven structures that exhibit effective fibrous mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process for making a nonwoven fabric is provided comprising: (A) collecting multicomponent fibers to form a non-woven web; wherein the multicomponent fiber comprises at least one water dispersible sulfopolyester and at least one water non-dispersible polymer; wherein said multicomponent fiber has a plurality of domains comprising the water non-dispersible polymer; wherein the domains are substantially isolated from each other by the water dispersible sulfopolyester intervening between the domains; (B) contacting the non-woven web with water at a sufficient temperature and pressure to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester thereby forming a microfiber web; and (C) hydroentangling the microfiber web to produce the nonwoven fabric. A process is also provided wherein steps (B) and (C) are combined. Fibrous articles utilizing the nonwoven fabrics are also provided.

Abstract: A conductive thermoplastic composition capable of forming conductive fibers including monofilaments, methods of making these compositions, and fibers including these compositions. The conductive thermoplastic compositions may be formed using any method capable of forming the compositions into fibers. The fibers are substantially smooth and/or are capable of being woven into fabrics or other articles to provide conductive properties to the fabric or article. These fibers provide effective static charge dissipation that may be imparted into applications such conveying belts or protective clothing for clean room operation.

Abstract: A process for the additivation of synthetic fibres, artificial fibres and polymers conferring special properties to them, the process comprising the following steps: the encapsulation of an additive in the pores of a porous material; the incorporation of particles of the porous material (capsules) into the polymer matrix of the fibre; and spinning of the fibre; the capsule withstanding the temperatures and other conditions of the different manufacturing processes which the fibres might undergo and the introduction of the additive into the polymer matrix thereof, characterised in that the porous material is a metal oxide, a zeolite, an aluminophosphate, clay, a carbon material, a hybrid organic-inorganic material or a porous polymer.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic strand layer laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic strand layer through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic strand layer may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic strand layer may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic strand layer and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: Coagulation spinning produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, and yarns of carbon nanotubes. Stabilization, orientation, and shaping of spun materials are achieved by post-spinning processes. Advantages include the elimination of core-sheath effects due to carbonaceous contaminants, increasing mechanical properties, and eliminating dimensional instabilities in liquid electrolytes that previously prohibited the application of these spun materials in electrochemical devices. These advances enable the application of coagulation-spun carbon nanotube fibers, ribbons, and yarns in actuators, supercapacitors, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.