Abstract: A process for producing plexifilamentary products by spinning from a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent; and also a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,30-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent.

Abstract: A spinning process using azeotropic compounds as spin agents having essentially zero ozone depletion potential and that are either non-flammable or of very low flammability.

Abstract: Microfibers have been manufactured from dissolved cellulose, from which threads, yarns, and fabrics can be made. These cellulosic microfibers may be used to produce fabrics with the very soft feel that is characteristic of microfiber fabrics, and the water absorbency and comfort of cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, since the microfiber diameter may be 2 .mu.m or smaller (about the same size as dust particles and small oily droplets), these fabrics have an exceptional ability to remove dust and oil droplets from surfaces and gas streams, and are therefore useful in filter media. The novel microfibers may be manufactured by the continuous flow of dissolved cellulose through a converging die. Imposing orientation in the incipient microfiber prior to or during crystallization of the cellulose produces continuous fibers of substantial aspect ratio, without significant entanglement.

Abstract: A flash-spun material comprised of at least 20% partially fluorinated hydrocarbon polymers in which between 10% and 70% of the total number of hydrogen atoms in each hydrocarbon polymer are replaced by fluorine atoms. The partially fluorinated hydrocarbon polymers is preferably comprised of at least 80% by weight of polymerized monomer units selected from ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride and vinyl fluoride. The flash-spun material may be a plexifilamentary strand or a microcellular foam. Also provided is a process for producing flash-spun material from partially fluorinated hydrocarbon polymers in a solvent and a solution from which such polymers may be flash-spun.

Abstract: A process for preparing durable dry-spun, polyurethane fiber exhibiting a small angle X-ray scattering pattern that forms a layer line scattering image or an eyebrow-shaped four dot scattering image is provided. The fiber is particularly useful in pantyhose, undergarments and the like.

Abstract: A process for producing a filament assembly composed of a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer, includes the step of melt extruding a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer through an orifice nozzle into a high-speed fluid to thereby hold filaments spun right under the spinning nozzle at a high temperature, so that the filaments are taken up at a high draft ratio by the frictional force of the high-speed fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved sheets of flash-spun plexifilamentary film-fibrils useful in fluid microfiltration and sterile packaging. The sheet material suitable for use in microfiltration of liquids has a permeability that causes a pressure drop of less than 21 kPa at a water flow rate per unit area of 12.55 ml/min/cm.sup.2, and that has a filtration efficiency of 99% of dust particulates in the size range of 1 to 2 microns suspended in a stream of distilled water pumped through the sheet material at a pressure differential of 207 kPa. The sheet material suitable for use in sterile packaging that has a Gurley Hill Porosity of less than 15 seconds and a bacteria spore log reduction value of at least 2.5.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flash spun plexifilamentary strand material comprising blends of thermoplastic material including polyethylene and polypropylene, the resulting strand has a unique morphology comprising a three dimensional integral plexus of semicrystalline fibrous elements.

Abstract: A process for producing plexifilamentary products by spinning from a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-l-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent; and also a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent.

Abstract: There is provided a cord of twisted polybenzazole fibers, which has a tenacity of 35 g/d or higher and an elastic modulus of 800 g/d or higher. The cord has not only remarkably improved fatigue resistance but also excellent mechanical characteristics at a high level that has not been achieved so far. Therefore, it can attain the weight reduction of composite materials, particularly in the field of reinforced rubber materials, and can also make a great contribution to the energy saving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane from an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer by forming a mixture of an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer, an amorphous polymer, and optionally a plasticizer, heating the resulting mixture, extruding or optionally casting the mixture into a membrane, controlled cooling (quenching) or coagulating the membrane, and leaching the membrane, while optionally drawing the membrane before, during, and/or after leaching.

Abstract: A method to make electrically conductative high strength and high modulus poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers rendered electrically conductive with sulfonic acid insitu ring-substituted polyaniline.

Abstract: A process for making polyurethaneureas using cryogenic mixing is provided. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing. The process involves cooling an isocyanate prepolymer or the like to a temperature of less than about -100.degree. C., forming a powder from the isocyanate prepolymer, adding at least one chain extender and/or chain terminator, and warming the powder to at least about room temperature to produce a polyurethaneurea. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing.

Abstract: A spin solution of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary solvent selected from the group consisting of methylene chloride and dichloroethylene, and a cyclic partially fluorinated hydrocarbon co-solvent, and a process for producing plexifilamentary polyolefin products by flash-spinning the spin solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved elongation properties for flash-spun plexifilamentary film-fibrils. The technique for obtaining the improved properties is to increase the length to diameter ratio of the spin orifice and to reduce the ratio of polymer in the spin solution.

Abstract: Spandex-type segmented polyurethane/urea elastomers having exceptional elongation, hysteresis, recovery, and other physical properties are prepared by the amine chain extension of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer prepared by the reaction of a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate with a polyol blend comprising a low molecular weight diol having a molecular weight below 750 Da with a high molecular weight glycol which may be a 1500 Da to 20,000 Da molecular weight, ultra-low unsaturation polyoxypropylene glycol with an unsaturation of less than about 0.010 meq/g.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.

Abstract: A three-dimensional plexifilamentary fiber (26) of a high-density polyethylene group obtained by supplying a polymer to a dissolving area in a state such that the polymer is melted by a heated screw extruder (compressing zone 13, metering zone 14 to 16), supplying a solvent (CCl.sub.3 F) into the melted polymer (feed opening 18), mixing and dissolving the polymer and the solvent to make a polymer solution, and extruding the polymer solution from a nozzle (24 in FIG. 24) arranged in the dissolving area into a low pressure area. A nonwoven fabric is obtained through a process in which the fiber (26) is spread by striking the fiber against a skirt portion (33) having a fiber swinging face (34) and a cushioning face (35), and this nonwoven fabric has an excellent strength, covering property, and whiteness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for modifying the resulting properties of a flash spun plexifilamentary film-fibril web and spunbonded nonwoven sheets made from such webs. In particular, the system includes specifically designed letdown chamber arrangements wherein the solution of polymer and spin agent transitions from a single phase solution to a two phase solution in the letdown chamber prior to spinning at the spin orifice. The method comprises altering the configuration of the letdown chamber to alter the properties of the web and the sheet products made therefrom.

Abstract: It has been found that fibres can be spun in a simple manner from polyketone polymer solutions by making a thermoreversible gel from a solution of polyketone and a solvent for the polymer having a boiling temperature above 443 K, a melting temperature below 373 K, and a polymer dissolving temperature above 443 K. The thermoreversible gel forms as the solution is cooled. Because of the specific properties of the solvent in combination with the concentration of the polymer and its intrinsic viscosity, a permanently orientable thermoreversible gel is formed by cooling. The polymer crystallises on being cooled, optionally while still in the presence of the solvent. Preferably, so much polymer is dissolved as will give a product of the polymer concentration and ?.eta.!.sup.0.5 (wherein ?.eta.! represents the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer) of higher than 0.35 (dl/g).sup.0.5.

Abstract: A food casing based on cellulose hydrate, which is preferably used as a sausage casing, in addition to cellulose hydrate, includes a copolymer having units of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid and/or alkali metal maleate. It can additionally contain further polymers.

Abstract: High strength poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers are rendered electrically conductive with sulfonic acid ring-substituted polyaniline.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polybenzazole filaments which comprises (a) extruding a solution of polybenzazole polymer in a mineral acid through a spinneret having at least 100 holes, which are arranged to form a annular pattern around the center of the spinneret, the center and at least two radial sections of the spinneret having no holes and an average width which is at least about 3 times the minimum pitch of the holes, thereby forming filaments of the polymer solution; (b) drawing the filaments of the polymer solution through a quench chamber while providing a substantially radial gas flow therein across the spinneret from at least two different directions; and (c) washing and drying the filaments of the polymer solution under conditions sufficient to form polybenzazole filaments.

Abstract: A method of making a conductive fiber in which the conductive fiber is formed from a mixture including at least one fiber forming material and conductive magnetic materials, and the conductive magnetic materials are migrated toward the periphery of the fiber by application of a magnetic field to the fiber. The conductive fibers having the conductive magnetic materials located at the periphery of the fiber are preferably incorporated into an electrostatic cleaning device for use in an electrostatographic printing device.

Abstract: By poststretching, at a temperature between about 135.degree. and 160.degree. C., a polyethylene fiber, which has already been oriented by drawing at a temperature within 5.degree. C. of its melting point, an ultra high modulus, very low creep, low shrink, high tenacity polyolefin fiber having good strength retention at high temperatures is obtained. The poststretching can be in multiple stages and/or with previous annealing. The poststretching should be done at a draw rate of less than 1 second.sup.-1. Tensile modulus values over 2,000 g/d for multifilament yarn are consistently obtained for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, with tensile strength values above 30 g/d while at the same time dramatically improving creep (at 160.degree. F. (71.1.degree. C.) and 39,150 psi load) by values at least 25% lower than fiber which has not been poststretched. Shrinkage is improved to values less than 2.5% of the original length when heated from room temperature to 135.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the path that a web formed by striking a contoured surface baffle will take as it descends to a collection surface, in which the baffle is mounted on a pivot plate which will pivot and cause the web to leave the contoured surface baffle at the desired angle.

Abstract: Olefin/carbon monoxide alternating polymers are flash-spun to form plexifilamentary products, pulp products, and foam products from alcohol or halogenated hydrocarbon solvents having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An improved dry spinning process for manufacturing splittable elastane multifilament yarns wherein the coalescence of individual filaments is prevented, through the use of multihole spinning jets, laminarizing gas flow and thread guides having one opening per individual fiber.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for flash-spinning plexifilamentary film-fibrils are provided in which a static mixing device is provided in the conduit through which the polymer and spin agent are provided to the spin orifice of the flash spinning apparatus. Preferably, the flash-spinning apparatus includes a chamber immediately upstream of the spinning orifice and the static mixing device is disposed within the chamber. Plexifilamentary webs produced according to the invention have been found to have more densely spaced film-fibrils, more tie points and fewer holes. Bonded plexifilamentary sheets made from such webs have a more uniform thickness and a slightly higher tensile strength than sheets produced without the use of static mixers.

Abstract: A process for producing plexifilamentary products by spinning from a solution of a primary solvent selected from the group consisting of methylene chloride and 1,2-dichloroethylene and a co-solvent, and a spin solution of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary solvent selected from the group consisting of methylene chloride, and 1,2-dichloroethylene, and a co-solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: A process for producing mass-colored fiber or film, comprises the steps of:a) preparing a premix by grinding a composition comprising a polar aprotic organic solvent, 5 to 30% by weight of an aromatic polyamide and 0.

Abstract: The efficiency of electrostatic charging of polyolefin web in a process for flash-spinning polyolefin plexifilament from solution in a C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon, forming the plexifilament into a web, electrostatically charging the web, and laying the web down as a sheet is improved by having present in the electrostatic charging step environment a charge-improving compound, which can be any one of a number of specifically identified classes of charge-improving compounds. The charge improving compounds are present in an amount of at least 0.1 ppm of the atmosphere in that environment or more.

Abstract: This invention relates to flash spinning a plexifilamentary film-fibril strand and laying it down into sheet material including the step of subjecting the strand to an electrostatic charge. The invention is particularly focused on cleaning, and maintaining clean, the target plate of the electrostatic charging system by scrubbing or scouring the surface of the target plate with a highly abrasive brush moving at a relatively high speed. The target plate is selected to be abrasion resistant.

Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: Spandex having dispersed within it particles of a mineral mixture of huntite and hydromagnesite has decreased tackiness, increased resistance to chlorine-induced degradation, satisfactory process continuity and little extraction of the mineral mixture in typical acid scouring and dyeing operations. The particles do not lead to excessive abrasiveness and are environmentally acceptable in effluent streams.

Abstract: A thermosetting polyurethane-urea elastic yarn having a thermosetting ratio of 45-65%, which is obtained by reacting a polyglycol which has a number average molecular weight of 600-6,000 and which has hydroxy at both terminals, with a molar excess of a diisocyanate compound to give an isocyanate-terminated polymeric intermediate, reacting the isocyanate-terminated polymeric intermediate with a diamine compound to give a segmented polyurethane-urea elastomer, and subjecting the obtained elastomer to a spinning step. The thermosetting polyurethane-urea elastic yarn of the present invention has superior mechanical properties and high thermosetting ratios. When applied to knit fabric, particularly to thin knit fabric for panty hose, superior appearance of the knit fabric can be achieved.

Abstract: A three-dimensional plexifilamentary fiber (26) of a high-density polyethylene group obtained by supplying a polymer to a dissolving area in a state such that the polymer is melted by a heated screw extruder (compressing zone 13, metering zone 14 to 16), supplying a solvent (CCl.sub.3 F) into the melted polymer (feed opening 18), mixing and dissolving the polymer and the solvent to make a polymer solution, and extruding the polymer solution from a nozzle (24 in FIG. 24 ) arranged in the dissolving area into a low pressure area. A nonwoven fabric is obtained through a process in which the fiber (26) is spread by striking the fiber against a skirt portion (33) having a fiber swinging face (34) and a cushioning face (35), and this nonwoven fabric has an excellent strength, covering property, and whiteness.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of plexifilament strands of polyethylene having a ultraviolet stabilizer, in which the polyethylene is dissolved in a non-chlorofluorocarbon solvent, which is pentane, and the ultra-violet stabilizer is selected from Chimassorb 119, Chimassorb 944, and Cyasorb UV 3346.

Abstract: The present invention includes a high density integrated circuit module which includes a plurality of stacked, individual integrated circuit devices wherein serpentine electrical interconnect rails connect electrical leads extending from the individual integrated circuit devices within the module.

Abstract: A water-absorbent water-insoluble fibre or film is produced by extruding an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer into a gaseous medium to form fibre or film. The extruded fibre or film is collected at a moisture content of 8 to 25% based on the dry weight of the fibre or film and is further dried at a temperature no greater than 100.degree. C. before crosslinking the fibre or film at a temperature in the range 125.degree. to 250.degree. C. to a degree sufficient that the crosslinked fibre or film is water-insoluble. The fibre or film entering the crosslinking step has a moisture content which is reduced, preferably by at least 5%, and which is in the range 0 to 10%. Heat-crosslinked fibre is preferably treated with moist air after crosslinking to raise the moisture content of the fibre to at least 10%, particularly if the fibre is for textile processing. Water-absorbent water-insoluble coatings can be produced by a similar process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for sweeping dust and debris from the needles of a wand which is for applying an electrostatic charge to a plexifilamentary film-fibril web. The needles of the wand tend to acquire dust and debris from the polymer and by the present invention the dust and debris are efficiently swept away by a gaseous fluid flow over the needles preferably so that the fluid passes circumferentially over the needles through an annular passage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high-tenacity polyethylene fiber containing an ethylene component as a main repeating unit, the fiber exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity [.eta..sub.B ] of at least 7 and having a tenacity of at least 30 g/d and an elastic modulus of at least 900 g/d; the peak value of loss tangent in the .gamma.-dispersion being 0.025 to 0.06 and the peak temperature of loss modulus in the .alpha.-dispersion being 85.degree. C. or higher, as determined by measurement of temperature dispersion of viscoelastic properties of the fiber. Also disclosed is a process of producing such a high-tenacity polyethylene fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of elastic articles such as fibers, yarns, or films, from substantially pure selectively hydrogenated block copolymers, comprising at least two blocks predominantly derived from monoalkylene aromatic monomer and at least one block predominantly derived from one or more conjugated dienes and having a number average molecular weight of at least 70,000, comprising the steps of preparing a solution or a gel of said block copolymer with an apolar organic non-aromatic solvent and processing said solution or gel through a fiber forming orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding a wide variety of plural-component and mixed monocomponent fiber configurations in a spin pack which utilizes one or more disposable distributor plates in which distribution flow paths are formed on one or both sides to distribute the polymer components to appropriate spinneret inlet hole locations. The etching process, itself inexpensive as compared to drilling, milling, reaming, etc., permits very thin metal plates to be employed, rendering the fabrication expense for the plates small, relative to the remainder of the spin pack, as to justify discarding or disposing of the plates rather than periodically cleaning them. The etching process also permits the etched distribution paths to be small and densely packed, whereby the spinneret orifices can be more densely packed in the spinneret and staggered as between rows and columns so as to increase the fiber yield per given spinneret surface area.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nonwoven web of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers which involves the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous polymer solution of a defined poly(vinyl alcohol); (2) extruding the resulting polymer solution under defined conditions through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines; (3) attenuating the resulting threadlines with a defined primary gaseous source to form fibers under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to incrementally increase with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate which is sufficient to provide fibers having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage; (4) drying the attenuated threadlines with a defined secondary gaseous source; and (5) depositing the resulting fibers

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a polymeric object starting from a solution of a polymer in a solvent and comprising drawing a solvent-containing polymeric object, the solvent containing a first and a second component, the first component being more volatile than the second one and drawing being effected in the presence of the second component after removal of the first component, and a solution of a spinable polymer in a solvent containing two components, one of the components being more volatile than the other.

Abstract: A polypropylene three-dimensional plexifilamentary fiber having a microwave birefringence of 0.07 or more and an Mw/Mn of 4.3 or less. Although a spreading agent is not included in this fiber, the fiber has a superior fiber spreadability and dimensional stability. The fiber in accordance with the present invention can be spun from a dope composed of an isotactic polypropylene having an Mw/Mn of 4.3 or less and an MFR of 20 or less, and a halogenated hydrocarbon, by a flash spinning technique. Further, the present invention provides a spinning dope and a method of manufacturing the fiber which effectively prevent ozone layer destruction by using a 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, a 1,2-dichlorotrifluoroethane or a solvent blended a dichloromethane with either of the above two solvents as the halogenated hydrocarbon.