Abstract: A macroscopically perforated porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils wherein the perforations have a minimum diameter of about 0.1 mm and wherein the orientation of a fibril varies as a function of the proximity of a fibril to the edge of a perforation. The length of the fibrils may also vary as a function of the proximity of a fibril to the edge of a perforation. The sheet material may alternatively be provided in a tubular form.

Abstract: Controlling device and method for an extruder which can continuously process materials of different kinds without burning a following material and without causing variation in physical properties by allowing the following material to succeed to a preceding material without running out of sheet when the materials are replaced. In an extruder in which a roller die 2 having upper and lower parallel rollers 9 is arranged in front of an outlet of an extruder body 1 rotatably including screws 3 for extruding material and a bank portion 12 surrounded by the upper and lower rollers 9 and a side guide 20 closing both of right and left sides of the outlet 7 is formed, the roller die 2 is once stopped when the quantity of the bank portion 12 reaches the bank quantity which is the minimum for the preceding material to be extruded to be succeeded by the following different material to be extruded.

Abstract: A continuously operating press for pressing a web of material together has a press zone at an input side a calibration zone at an output side. This press may be used in the formation of particle board by applying heat and pressure to press the web of material together to form the particle board. Preferably, the press has a lower press platen and an upper press platen that are pressed together to form the particle board. Both the lower press platen and the upper press platen preferably have a PTFE composite pressure pad. This composite pressure pad may have a layer of virgin PTFE and a layer of filled PTFE. The layer of filled PTFE is preferably partially compressed at a pressure of about 14.7 psi. After which, the layer of filled PTFE is preferably compression molded with the layer of virgin PTFE to form a composite. This composite may also be sintered and coined.

Abstract: Closed cell, rigid polymer foams are prepared by (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) supplying on the carrier a foam-forming mixture comprising a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of the hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent, and an isocyanate-reactive component comprising (i) a high acid polyester polyol having an acid number greater than 1, or (ii) a mixture of the high acid polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound, (c) passing the carrier and mixture between two constricting members forming therebetween a metering gap, and (d) allowing the mixture after passing through the gap to freely expand to form a plastic foam, wherein the acid number and amount of the high acid polyester polyol in the mixture are sufficiently high to result in a superior resistance to cold temperature shrinkage.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A stitch-bonded fabric suitable for use as an airbag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete mold liner and to molds for concrete production which produce patterned or very smooth concrete surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a MDF cement material showing better impact strength meant as an increase in the breaking total energy, by fibers addition.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: The invention provides fabrics having improved ballistic performance and processes for making the same. The fabrics include a network of consolidated multifilament yarns formed of high strength filaments. At least a portion of the high strength filaments of the yarns are temporarily locked together to provide a substantially stable, flattened cross-sectional configuration to the yarns. The resultant fabrics are capable of absorbing an impact from a projectile, i.e., a bullet or shrapnel, directed toward the fabric and substantially decreasing its velocity. The fabric can also provide slippage or movement of the yarns relative to one another to dissipate the energy of impact of a projectile across a greater surface area of the fabric.

Abstract: A method for preparing an uncured supported elastomer material includes the steps of: providing a fibrous reinforcement material; providing a layer of uncured elastomer material substantially adjacent to the fibrous reinforcement material; exposing the layer and the fibrous reinforcement to a temperature below a curing temperature and above a flow point of the uncured elastomer material, and a pressure sufficient that the uncured elastomer material flows into the fibrous reinforcement material, so as to provide an uncured supported elastomer material.

Abstract: Methods of extruding thin multiphase polymer films using a flat film extrusion die closely spaced to a nip to transport and cool the melt from the die to produce thin multiphase polymer films having substantially uniform calipers of about 250 micrometers or less.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride resin sheet which is excellent in resistance to scratch, wear and slip and hence suitable for use as flooring materials, which has a thickness of 50-500 .mu.m; an embossed and matted surface of which roughness is 15-25 .mu.m; and a transmittance of not less than 75%, and which comprises: (a) polyvinyl chloride; (b) a plasticizer in an amount of 5-35 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride; and (c) short glass fibers having a diameter of 6-12 .mu.m and an average length of 0.2-1.0 mm in an amount of 0.5-30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride. The resin sheet can be produced by calendering a composition containing components (a) and (b) along with glass fibers (c) having an average length of 2-12 mm. The calendered sheet is treated with an embossing roll whose peripheral velocity is 1.3-2.3 times that of the final calender roll.

Abstract: Methods and systems for readily and economically manufacturing hydraulically settable articles, particularly containers, from microstructurally engineered hydraulically settable mixtures wherein the mixture is extruded into a sheet that is feed through a plurality of sets of rollers so as to form the sheet into the desired thickness. The sheet is then pressed between a male die of a desired shape and a female die having a substantially complimentary configuration of the male die shape to immediately fashion a portion of the sheet into a form stable shape for the desired article. To assist in imparting form stability, the dies can be heated or cooled. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the dies and dried under heated air to gain strength. The article can then be cut from the sheet and receive printing or a coating, if desired, prior to packaging, shipping, and use.

Abstract: A process which combines a calender with a stretching system and a set of heating rolls is provided in this invention to produce films of polypropylene resin of wide thickness range. The polypropylene films which have cavities distributed in the film and on the surfaces are suitable for writing or printing and have a low density. The films have surface qualities of each side of surface within .+-.2.times.10.sup.-6 inch of the average depth of the cavities, .+-.2% of the average of the gloss at 45.degree. angle and .+-.0.02 of the average of coefficient of friction. Such a film is obtained by passing the molded film from the calender through a set of heating rolls at temperatures revealed in this invention before entering the stretching system. The obtained polypropylene film has superior printability, low density and high stiffness, and thus is suitable for use as a paper substitute.

Abstract: A fire retardant mat is disclosed comprising rubber particles bonded together with a binder containing an elastomeric polysulfide and a polyolefin, with the mat also containing a fire retardant. A composite is also disclosed in which the mat is coated with a fire retardant coating in which an elastomeric polysulfide is part of the coating. Further, there is disclosed a method of making the mat by extrusion and also of placing a fire retardant coating on the mat after extrusion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix are disclosed. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. The compositions are formed into sheets by first extruding them into a sheet and then calendering the sheet using a set of rollers. The calendered sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet. The drying is performed by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The hydraulically settable sheets so formed may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: The invention is a wound dressing prepared from alginate fibers which have good structural integrity, whereby layers are firmly joined together, e.g. by stitching or calendering at a plurality of points to produce a composite fabric.

Abstract: A multi-layered plastic sheet comprising of a first layer composed of a copolymer obtained by reacting a dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid with a mixture of 99-55 mole % ethylene glycol and 1-45 mole % cyclohexane dimethanol wherein the first layer is covered on at least one surface with a 2 to 100 .mu.m thick UV-absorbing second layer composed of the copolymer of the first layer and a UV-absorbing additive. The UV-absorbing additive can be a benzophenone compound or a benzotriazole compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like. Heating is provided in connection with the surface of the sheet workpiece which is exposed to the ambient air prior to entry of the workpiece into the nip defined between the pair of rollers such that both surfaces will have similar temperature levels so as to exhibit similar density properties, and still further, the edge portions of the sheet workpiece are also heated so as to advantageously control the degree of flatness of the sheet material or workpiece across the width thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous solid state forming of semicrystalline polymers using roll-drawing is disclosed. The output of an extruded thick polymer profile is stabilized by a gear pump. The profile is passed through a die for the desired geometry and a cooling calibrator. The profile is heat conditioned in heating tunnels to a temperature below the melting point prior to deformation between sets of rolls. A plurality, e.g. four pairs of rolls apply both compression and tension to the polymer profile. The tension applied on the profile, the roll gap, the linear speed of the profile and its temperature are monitored and controlled for the amount of polymer deformation and relaxation allowed. High tensile modulus and strength, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the polymeric strip, can be achieved.

Abstract: A mechanically compacted composite article comprising a PTFE fibril matrix that entraps particles retains more of its longitudinal dimension, when subjected to mechanical and/or thermal stress, than a similar but non-mechanically compacted article. A method of making a particulate loaded PTFE fibril web is disclosed, the method including biaxial calendaring to form a sheet or sheet laminate, and machanically compacting the sheet or sheet laminate.

Abstract: A dispersion of cellulose based fibers in straw is produced by the aid of alkali and strong mechanical agitation. This solubilizes the pentosane in the straw, and turns the mixture into a high viscosity paste, so that the forces from the agitation tear the individual straws apart and disperses the fibers. In this way the fibers can be dispersed at solid content up to 85% compared to only 8% by traditional methods. The treatment results in a molding paste, which can be used directly for plastic forming of cellulose based fiber products after neutralizing.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a least three integrated regions, each region having wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom thereby facilitating effective fluid transport and efficient utilization of storage capacity. An additional layer of SA and tissue may be provided to the absorbent product to provide an absorbent structure with dry feel and low stain. Methods of forming integrated, multi-layered absorbent composites and structures comprising at least three regions wherein each region has distinct density and fluid affinity gradients and wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom, are also provided herein.

Abstract: The height of the bulge in the glazing roll gap of a supercalender in the extrusion of plates or films of a thermoplastic material smoothed on both sides may be controlled by measuring the location of the edges of the plastic sheet by means of measuring sensors and regulating the speed of the roll or the rate of extrusion of the polymer melt based on the width of the sheet so that the height of the bulge is always kept within tight tolerances.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric for filtering medium having graded packing density. The packing density is the lowest at one surface, and gradually increases towards the other surface at which the packing density becomes the greatest. The gradually increasing packing density and the nearly constant increasing rate of the packing density of the non-woven fabric provide a good filtering efficiency and elongate the life time of a filter.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oxide superconductor article includes exposing the article after deformation of the article to a final heat treatment having the steps of (a) heating the article at a temperature sufficient to partially melt the article, such that a liquid phase co-exists with the desired oxide superconductor phase; and (b) cooling to and holding the article at a temperature sufficient to transform the liquid phase into the desired oxide superconductor, where no deformation occurs after the final heat treatment. The liquid phase of step (a) wets surfaces of a defect contained within the mixed phase, whereby upon transformation of the liquid in step (b) to the desired oxide superconductor, the defect is healed.

Abstract: A roller head extruder unit includes an extruder unit, a pair of calender rollers arranged forward of an exit opening of the extruder unit and supported for rotation by a support frame mounted securely with respect to the extruder unit, and side guides arranged on either side of a space between the exit opening of the extruder unit and the calender rollers to thereby define a bank into which material for rolling is extruded. At least one of the upper and lower rollers is mounted for rotation in a roller housing supported by the support frame for limited movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the upper and lower rollers. The roller head extruder unit also includes a detection device for detecting the force with which this roller housing is caused to move as a result of accumulation of material in the bank.

Abstract: A process for preparing a radiation image storage panel having a support and a stimulable phosphor layer comprises the first step of forming a phosphor sheet comprising a binder and a stimulable phosphor and the second step of compressing the phosphor sheet on the support under heating up to a temperature of not lower than softening point or melting point of the binder, using a plurality of calender rolls giving different pressure, a combination of a calender roll and a preheating means, or a combination of a calender roll and a tension-applying means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photographic printing paper support wherein a composition consisting essentially of polyethylene terephthalate is hot extruded so as to cover at least one surface of the raw paper, this method being characterized in that after a hot extruded film of the aforesaid composition is discharged onto the raw paper on the nip roll, it is pressed in contact with the chilled roll.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more inorganic aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: A plasticized polyvinylbutyral film comprising a plasticizer, polyvinylbutyral, and an optical brightener in an amount effective to improve the optical properties and reduce the yellowing of the film. The resulting films are useful as intermediate films in multilayer laminated glass panes, including silicate-containing panes.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: A process is described for the perparation of radiation image storage panels. The process includes forming a phosphor sheet from stimulable phosphor and a thermoplastic elastomer binder, the binder having a softening point of 30.degree. to 300.degree. C. The phosphor sheet is then heated on a support and subsequently compressed by a calender roll under heating. The sheet during compression is maintained at or heated to a temperature not lower than the softening point of the binder so as to fix the phosphor sheet on the support.

Abstract: A chopping board of the present invention is formed in a manner that synthetic rubber (NBR) and hard chloroethene as a basis are kneaded into wherein an anti-bacterial agent is mixed. Definitely, a stiffening agent of synthetic rubber, low-pressure polyethylene resin, white carbn black which is the reinforcing extender of rubber, zinc flower as a reinforcing accelerator of rubber, titanium as a coloring agent and stearic acid as a dispersion accelerator are mixed with the base of synthetic rubber (NBR) and hard vinyl chloride. The mixture thus obtained is agitated under kneading by a kneader exclusively for rubber and then a ceramic power and an inorganic antibacterial agent are mixed with the kneaded mixture so as to mold the chopping board.

Abstract: A method for making plastic case blanks is disclosed. A molten plastic material is passed through a nip of a first, preforming pair of molding cylinders to form a semi-solidified sheet having a first thickness, The semi-solidified sheet is then molded to form a final sheet having a second, uniform thickness less than the first thickness and the final sheet is scored to form folding scores and cut to form a plurality of the blanks. The molding, scoring and cutting are simultaneously performed by passing the semi-solidified sheet through a nip of a second pair of cylinders. One of the second pair of cylinders has scoring means for forming the folding scores in the final sheet and cutting means for cutting the final sheet to form the plurality of the blanks and the other of the second pair of cylinders has recess means complementary to the cutting means for receiving the cutting means and effectuating the cutting.

Abstract: In order to manufacture flexible plastic bands of a thermoplastic synthetic resin containing 40% or more by volume hard materials and/or soldering powder, two grooved and heated shearing rollers arranged parallel to one another and running in opposite directions are used onto which components are applied. The front shearing roller must have a temperature of 25.degree. to 90.degree. C. on the application side and of 30.degree. to 80.degree. C. on the removal side, the rear shearing roller must have a temperature of 30.degree. to 130.degree. C. on the application side and on the removal side of 35.degree. to 100.degree. C., and the temperature of the rear shearing roller must be at least 5.degree. C. above the temperature of the front shearing roller. In addition, the front shearing roller must exhibit a speed of 5 to 25 rpms and the rear roller a speed which is 5 to 70% lower.

Abstract: Sheet products having a waved marginal portion are prepared by passing a sheet of a plastic material through and compressing the sheet between shaped circumferential rollers which are positioned and configured to provide therebetween a plurality of differing nip clearance gap distances and to compress the sheet to form an intermediate sheet portion flanked by a marginal waved flanking portion and a second flanking portion, wherein the intermediate portion has a thickness greater than the second portion which, in turn, has a thickness greater than the marginal waved portion.

Abstract: A process is provided for creating a watermark on a polymeric sheet. The sheet is passed between abutting rollers, at least one of said rollers having a recessed and/or raised motif, to form an impression on the sheet corresponding to the motif, and then orienting by stretching the sheet. The impressed and oriented sheet has dark areas corresponding to the raised portions and light areas corresponding to recessed portion of the motif.

Abstract: The invention is for a process to manufacture liquid crystal polymer films having balanced physical properties. The process includes feeding an oriented liquid crystal polymer material into a melt region formed between support membranes passing over the surface of and through an opening between heated rolls. The orientation of the liquid crystal polymer material is randomized and passed through the opening with the support membranes to form a laminated sandwich structure consisting of an unoriented liquid crystal polymer film between the support membranes. In another embodiment of the invention laminated sandwich structure is stretched to impart multiaxial orientation to the liquid crystal polymer film. The support membranes can be optionally removed to produce a film having a desirable surface finish.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible fabric composed of a fibrous matrix of ribbon-like, conjugate, spun filaments. The method includes the following steps: 1) providing a fibrous matrix composed of individual, spun filaments bonded at spaced-apart bond locations, the filaments themselves being composed of: (i) a core formed of at least one low-softening point thermoplastic component; and (ii) a sheath formed of at least one high-softening point component; and 2) applying a flattening force to the fibrous matrix to durably distort the core of individual filaments into a ribbon-like configuration having a width greater than its height so that: (i) the individual filaments are substantially unattached between the spaced-apart bond locations, and (ii) the width of individual filaments is oriented substantially in the planar dimension of the fabric. Also disclosed is a flexible fabric composed of a fibrous matrix of ribbon-like, conjugate, spun filaments joined at spaced apart bond locations.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding and cooling a polymeric sheet incorporating an extruder connected to feed polymer through a rigid conduit and to and through a sheet die, and a roll stack including a plurality of cooling rolls having nips arranged adjacent the sheet die to continuously receive and cool polymeric sheet emanating from said die. Polymeric sheet feed control apparatus for tilting the stack to arrange the roll nips at various angles between and including the vertical and the horizontal, a pair of spaced-apart swivels positioned between the extruder and the sheet die, one swivel being connected to permit independent swinging movement of the sheet die up and down, and another swivel being connected to permit independent tilting movement of the sheet die angularly up and down to relate the tilt of the sheet die to the tilt of the stack.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite material including at least two layers, of which at least one layer (1) is composed of ceramic material, by moistening the raw materials and aggregates for the layer (1) of ceramic material, mixing them and pressing them to form a green layer. Weak contact surfaces are formed on the green layer and the layers are pressed together to form a composite material. This is followed by drying and firing the composite material. The green layer is compacted by rollers to form the weak contact surfaces. The layers are pressed together to form the composite material by a further rolling operation.

Abstract: The roll gap control system for a calender having first and second rolls (18, 19) rolling a raw material (B) includes a load measuring unit (11) for detecting a rolling load change between the first and second rolls (18, 19), a roll shaft position adjusting device (41) for increasing/decreasing a roll gap and a controller (46) for computing a roll gap change (.DELTA.h) based on the rolling load change (.DELTA.P) and for activating the roll shaft position adjusting device (41) to compensate for the roll gap change (.DELTA.h). A spring constant (k) of first and second rolls (18, 19) and mechanical members (24, 25, 28) supporting these rolls of the calender is calculated, and the rolling load change (.DELTA.P) is divided by the spring constant (k). The quotient (.DELTA.P/k) is the roll gap change (.DELTA.h).

Abstract: The extrusion apparatus proposed effects an extrusion of the roller-spout type onto a cylindrical roller 7 associated with a profiled fixed wall 5 and a second extrusion of the roller die type onto a profiled roller 8 and an associated fixed wall 6, and then superimposes the extrusions in the passage between the rollers 7 and 8.

Abstract: A method and charging apparatus for feeding successively individual strips of a deformable material to a calender for calendering under pressure between at least two rotatably driven calender rolls. The strips are produced from a strand of an elongated mass of deformable material provided from an extruder or rolling mill which is then cut into individual strips transported to a roller conveyor which positions them in a common plane successively at a selected or determined position extending transversely of the roller conveyor rollers in a direction parallel to the length direction of the calender rolls.

Abstract: Process for producing a thermobonding product by extruding a thermofusible mass (1) and scraping it in molten state onto an incised cylinder (2) regulated as to temperature between about 120.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., calendaring the mass (1) with this cylinder (2) and an elastomeric silicone cylinder (3), while transferring it onto the elastomeric cylinder (3), which simultaneously effects a consolidation of the product (1) by cooling. The product is then transferred either onto a conveyor band (4) and brought by the conveyor, after passage through thermal treatment zones (5), to a roll winding-up station (6), or directly, in the form of continuous or discontinuous structure, onto a final utilization or transfer support (17). The invention is particularly applicable in the field of the textile industry, particularly for bonding or reinforcing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at polypropylene compositions containing a high level of filler, at a calendering process which uses the compositions to produce polypropylene films and sheets, and at the film or sheet produced from that process. The process of manufacturing polypropylene film involves formulating a polypropylene composition containing a resin, filler, matrix modifier, and processing aid. The resin comprises polypropylene resin ranging in concentration from about 100 to about 70 parts per hundred parts by weight of resin (PHR), and polyethylene resin ranging in concentration from about 0 to 30 PHR. The matrix modifier amounts to about 2 to 40 PHR. The filler ranges in concentration from about 0 to 450 PHR. The processing aid ranges in concentration for about 0 to 5.0 PHR. The composition is then mixed to obtain a homogeneous and plasticized mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a support for a filtration medium comprising passing a sheet of nonwoven fibrous polymeric material having first and second sides through a calender which comprises a nondeformable roll and a resilient roll, the nondeformable roll being maintained at a temperature below the melting temperature of the material, so as to increase the smoothness of the first side of the material which contacted the resilient roll. A filtration medium support material prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention, as well as a filter comprising a filtration medium and that filtration medium support material, are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a peat moss board suitable for use as an absorbent core in structures for absorbing body exudate. The method is characterized by conditioning a wet laid board to a specific water content and calendering the conditioned board at a predetermined pressure. The water content and the calendering pressure determine the density of the peat moss board in final form. The invention also extends to a peat moss board manufactured by the novel method.