Abstract: Methods are disclosed for manufacturing an electrode for use in a device such as a secondary battery. Electrodes may include a first layer having first active particles adhered together by a binder, a second layer having second active particles adhered together by a binder, and an interphase layer interposed between the first and second layers. In some examples, the interphase layer may include an interpenetration of the first and second particles, such that substantially discrete fingers of the first layer interlock with substantially discrete fingers of the second layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral product includes extruding a mixture, conveying the extruded mixture through one or more pairs of forming rollers, and cutting the extruded mixture into one or more oral products. The mixture can include polymer and at least one flavorant, sweetener, active ingredient, or combination thereof. The extruded mixture forms an extrudate having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The one or more pairs of forming rollers abut to define a passage there between as each forming roller rotates. The passage has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the predetermined cross-sectional shape. The method can be performed using a machine including an extruder, one or more pairs of forming rollers, and a cutting device.

Abstract: A type of high-modulus-low-shrinkage activated PET industrial yarn and preparing method thereof are disclosed. The preparing method is to manufacture filament from a modified polyester, which is the product of the esterification and the successive polycondensation reactions of evenly mixed terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol and tert-butyl branched heptanediol, through a series of processes composed of viscosity enhancing by solid state polycondensation, melting, metering, extruding, cooling, oiling, stretching, heat setting, relaxation heat-treating, oiling with activation oil, winding and pre-activation treatment. The relaxation heat-treating indicates passing the modified polyester yarns through a space with a certain temperature within 200-220° C. under a proper relaxation state; and the proper relaxation state means a 3.0-5.0% of overfeed for the winding.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode or a solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state battery. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode or a solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state battery includes a first roller member configured to press an electrode or a solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state battery, and a second roller member located to be spaced apart from the first roller member to press the electrode or the solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state battery. The first roller member and the second roller member are disposed at opposite locations based on the electrode or the solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state battery.

Abstract: A machine for forming a plurality of oral products includes an extruder, pairs of forming rollers, and a cutting device. The extruder is configured to form an extrudate. The pairs of forming rollers include a first pair of forming rollers and a second pair of forming rollers. The first pair of forming rollers cooperate to define a first passage therebetween. The first passage is configured to receive the extrudate from the extruder. The second pair of forming rollers cooperate to define a second passage therebetween. The second passage is configured to receive the extrudate from the first pair of forming rollers. The cutting device is configured to receive the extrudate from the first pair of forming rollers and cut the extrudate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a positive electrode including a positive electrode substrate made of aluminum foil and a positive electrode active material layer containing a positive electrode active material on the positive electrode substrate. This method includes the steps of stretching a first exposed region of the positive electrode substrate with a first stretching roller disposed upstream; stretching a second exposed region of the positive electrode substrate with a second stretching roller disposed downstream; and compressing the positive electrode active material layer with a pair of compression rollers.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-breathable micro-porous thermoplastic polymer film for outer covering of diapers and sanitary towels includes a dispersion step by mixture of mineral particles surface-covered with a hydrophobic layer of fatty acid, a base polymer and a co-polymer adhesive, wherein the co-polymer adhesive is selected to comprise the base polymer; and film forming step in a film extrusion line having a flat film extruder provided with an extrusion nozzle, wherein the mixture is fed to the flat film extruder forming the film, and hot stretching the film between the extrusion nozzle and the solidification of the formed film, thereby obtaining the non-breathable micro-porous film with pores sizing from 0.5 to 5 ?m without communication between the pores. The process requires less raw materials with a further reduction of film thickness, while giving a matt appearance to the film, thus making the usual micro-embossing step of the extrusion line unnecessary.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a foamed, flame-proofed molded body, comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer including a zeolite material in an amount from 0.1 percent by mass to 5.0 percent by mass, based on the weight of the foamed polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA) or mixtures thereof. The foamed polymer further includes hydrous foam cells, and the zeolitic material is at least partially present in dehydrated form. Embodiments disclose a molding compound underlying the molded body, a method for foaming a thermoplastic polymer, and the use of the foamed molded body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ultrafine fibers having an average diameter of less than 1 ?m is implemented by an apparatus including a feeder and a drawing chamber in communication with the feeder via an orifice having a pressure difference. The method includes introducing a multifilament to the drawing chamber under the condition that the ratio of the cross-section of the multifilament to the cross-section of the orifice rectifier is 50% or less, and irradiating the discharged multifilament such that the center of the multifilament melted thereby is located 1 to 15 mm apart vertically below the orifice outlet to melt the leading portion of the multifilament and cause the multifilament to swing at a maximum angle of 5 to 80 degrees to the central orifice axis within a conical space, such that the melted leading portion of the multifilament is drawn by an air stream generated by the pressure difference.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a device such as a secondary battery may include a first layer having first active particles adhered together by a binder, a second layer having second active particles adhered together by a binder, and an interphase layer interposed between the first and second layers. In some examples, the interphase layer may include an interpenetration of the first and second particles, such that substantially discrete fingers of the first layer interlock with substantially discrete fingers of the second layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal magnetic powder, and the metal magnetic powder according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a soft magnetic core particle and a multilayer coating film covering the core particle and having a multilayer structure, the multilayer coating film including an oxide film formed by heat treating the core particle and an insulation film formed by coating a coating particle with respect to the core particle.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a method and a composition for obtaining films of a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyethylene, that are non-breathable and heavily charged with treated mineral particles in order to leave hollow spaces in the structure thereof, resulting in a significant reduction in density. Owing to the fact that said films exhibit improved stability to the stresses they undergo during processing in diaper-production machines, and because, furthermore, they offer an important saving in terms of costs owing to the high mineral-filler content thereof and the low density thereof, they are especially suited to use as an outer covering for disposable diapers and sanitary towels.

Abstract: The invention discloses an extrusion method for preparing starch-based softgel capsules, which, specifically, includes the following 2 steps: 1, co-extruding the starch premix and gel solution to form composite starch film. 2, processing two composite starch films into starch-based softgel capsules by rotary die process.

Abstract: When extrusion of a molten resin by means of an extruder is started, a simple polyetherimide resin is melt extruded from a lip portion 7a of a T-die 7, and a film of the simple polyetherimide resin is molded. The molding material is then switched to a resin composition including the polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin and then a film of the resin composition is continuously extruded and molded from the T-die 7. Having been covered with a very thin film 8a of the simple polyetherimide resin, on a flow passage face of the lip portion 7a of the T-die 7, a resin composition layer 8b including a polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin, which has affinity with the film 8a, is then formed at a center part.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber for use in association with an artificial turf system, as well as an artificial turf system having such a fiber. The fiber is made by extruding a fiber, fibrillating the fiber, and storing the fiber, wherein the fiber is not cut longitudinally between the step of extruding the fiber and storing the fiber. After being extruded the fiber may be folded and wrapped with a wrapping yarn.

Abstract: A stretched film comprised of a “B1” layer comprised of a thermoplastic resin 1, an “A” layer comprised of a styrene-based resin, and a “B2” layer comprised of a thermoplastic resin 2 stacked in that order and having a width of over 1000 mm, wherein a ratio of the “A” layer in the stretched film is 45 wt % or less, an average value of an orientation angle ? with respect to a width direction across at least 1000 mm of the width direction is 0°±1°, a variation in orientation angle ? is 0.5° or less, and a value of an Nz coefficient is ?3.5 to ?0.5 in range.

Abstract: A composition, a mixed power and a material for molding have polytetrafluoroethylene as a main component. Each includes polytetrafluoroethylene that can be fibrillated, a non-hot melt processable component that is not fibrillated, and a hot melt processable component with a melting point of lower than 320° C. that is not fibrillated. The hot melt processable component is contained at equal to or more than 0.1% by weight but less than 20% by weight of a total weight. A filtering medium for an air filter includes a porous membrane made of these components, and an air permeable support. The porous membrane is manufactured, by mixing these components, extruding the mixture, rolling and drawing.

Abstract: Disclosed are void-containing polyester shrink films which show excellent density retention upon exposures to high temperatures. The films have high shrinkage and retain their low density after processing under conditions of temperature and moisture used in typical recycling processes. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications, and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations. Also disclosed is a process for void-containing polyester shrink films having high shrinkage and low density after exposure to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite is provided. The organic/inorganic composite materials are sufficiently hard and brittle to be ground to form particles suitable for biological or chemical separation applications. The organic/inorganic composite materials can be magnetic or magnetically susceptible and can have functional reactive groups to allow attachment of biomolecules. Methods of making and using the organic/inorganic composites are also provided.

Abstract: A melt-extruded polymer composition comprising a) at least one cellulose ether, b) one or more active ingredients and c) one or more optional additives, wherein said at least one cellulose ether has an MS (hydroxyalkyl) of 0.05 to 0.55 and hydroxyl groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that [s23/s26?0.2*MS(hydroxyalkyl)] is 0.32 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oral, immediate release, abuse deterrent pill containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient susceptible to abuse which is homogenously spread throughout a carrier matrix used to deter abuse. The pill is prepared using hot melt extrusion and a forming unit through a continuous process. The formed pill is abuse deterrent to parenteral administration due at least to particle size, viscosity, or purity limitations.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition containing a polyester resin, and a fine cellulose fiber composite having an average fiber diameter of from 0.1 to 200 nm, wherein the fine cellulose fiber composite contains fine cellulose fibers and hydrocarbon groups being connected thereto via an amide bond. The polyester resin composition of the present invention can be worked into a molded article by thermoforming or injection-molding, and is suitably used for various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, packaging materials for household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts. In addition, the fine cellulose fiber composite has high dispersibility against various resins and can exhibit thickening effects, so that it is suitable as various thickeners or the like.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: A continuous single-stage embossing station comprised of two (2) temperature controlled engraved rollers which is located immediately after the extrusion die in the manufacturing process for multi-layer laminated glass panels and allows for dual simultaneous embossment of both sides of a polymer melt sheet and produces a polymer interlayer sheet with increased permanence, embossed retention values and decreased incidence of mottle and stack sticking peel force values. Also disclosed herein is an embossed polymer interlayer sheet with a first side, a second side and an embossed surface on at least one of the sides, with a surface roughness Rz of 10 to 90 microns on the embossed surface, a permanence of greater than 95% when tested at 100° C. for five (5) minutes and an embossed surface retention of greater than 70% when tested at 140° C. for five (5) minutes.

Abstract: A pellet made from paper particulate extruded and cut into pellets, the pellet comprising an elongated form having opposite flattened surfaces separated by a pellet thickness. Also a process for producing paper particulate pellets comprising: extruding processed paper particulate into pellets having an elongated form; and flattening the extruded paper particulate such that the pellets have opposite flattened surfaces.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for flexible tube skirts including the steps of providing a multi-layer plastic film, cutting out a strip from the multi-layer plastic film, producing a cylindrical sleeve by rolling-welding the strip, and cutting out the sleeve to the desired length to obtain the tube skirts. The strip is cut out from a multi-layer plastic film which has a symmetrical structure in relation to its median plane, with symmetrical layers having the same thickness and made of the same plastic, having the same chemical composition and the same molar mass.

Abstract: A film for film capacitors having a thickness of 10 microns or less, is manufactured by the successive steps of: mixing and preparing a forming material composed of a thermoplastic resin composition; melting and extruding the forming material to a film through a T-die; pinching and cooling the film between a pressure roll and a cooling roll having a rough surface for forming a rough surface to the film, wherein the rough surface of the cooling roll has (?/Ra) of 0.2 or less, and the rough surface of the film has (?/Ra) of 0.2 or less, where (Ra) is an arithmetic average roughness defined by a method specified in JIS B 0601 2001, and (?) is a standard deviation; and rolling up the cooled film onto a winding tube in a winding unit.

Abstract: A process for making a polyurethane, comprising reacting a multifunctional isocyanate, a polyol and, optionally, a chain extender, wherein at least two reagents selected from the isocyanate, the polyol, the chain extender, any mixture thereof and any pre-polymer formed therefrom, are intensively mixed prior to being reactively extruded, to form a polyurethane having a predetermined stoichiometry and thermal history. The polyurethanes obtained by such a process are of highly consistent composition and are, thus, especially suitable for use in the medical device industry.

Abstract: A method of feeding a composite molten resin capable of easily forming a multi-kind-multi-layer preform. An apparatus for feeding the composite molten resin has a nozzle portion which includes an outer discharge port in which an outermost annular flow path through which a main layer-forming molten resin flows, meets an outer annular flow path through which a sub-layer-forming molten resin flows inside of the outermost annular flow path; and an inner discharge port in which a shell layer-forming molten resin annularly flowing inside of the outer conflux path, meets the core layer-forming molten resin flowing inside the shell layer; the outer discharge port and the inner discharge port being arranged in this order from the downstream toward the upstream in a direction in which the molten resins flow; wherein provision is made of a shaft-like opening/closing valve for opening and closing the inner discharge port, and a gear pump for intermittently discharging the sub-layer-forming molten resin.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a polymeric laminate structure having an outer polystyrene film, either blown or cast, comprised of crystal polystyrene homopolymer, optionally blended with up to about 45 wt-% of high impact polystyrene and/or inorganic fillers.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that certain polyethylene (PE) homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene and C3 to C10 alpha-olefin monomers are more suitable for oriented processes than other polyethylene resins. In an aspect, the PE has a MFI of 0.3 g/10 min. to 5.0 g/10 min., a melting point of from 110° C. to 140° C., a density of from 0.912 g/cm3 to 0.965 g/cm3(%), a haze of 10% or less, a clarity of at least 90, and a gloss of at least 60. The polyethylene is heated and formed into an article, cooled, and then the article is stretch oriented. In an embodiment, the film, tape, the melt extruded, injection blow molded, injection stretch blow molded, cast, and thermoformed articles that can be produced with this polyethylene has a thickness of 0.1 mil to 100 mils. The polyethylene exhibits excellent elasticity, toughness, stretch and optical properties for such applications.

Abstract: A method of producing a stretched film comprising melt-coextruding a thermoplastic resin A and a thermoplastic resin B to produce a composite film 1 having both-end films 2 of the thermoplastic resin B arranged in parallel at both end portions of the main film 1a of the thermoplastic resin A in the direction of width thereof, stretching the composite film, and cutting and removing both end portions of the stretched film in the direction of width, wherein a film stretch stress value of the both-end films 2 is larger than a film stretch stress value of the main film 1a at the same stretching ratio. This minimizes an increase in the thickness at both end portions of the film in stretching the film and decreases the widths by which both end portions of the expensive resin film are to be cut and removed for producing a film.

Abstract: A monoaxially oriented film including an ethylene-propylene copolymer elastomer, a non-elastomeric propylene-based random copolymer, and a low density polyethylene, which is oriented at least about 2.5 times in one direction and exhibits excellent linear directional tear properties parallel to the orientation direction, excellent heat seal performance in terms of high heat seal strengths and low seal initiation temperature, and is less than 50 ?m in thickness after orientation. This “thin” film formulation and orientation is suitable for pouch applications requiring an “easy-tear” linear tear feature and excellent hermetic seal properties.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyester film comprising polyester and at least one hydrolysis stabiliser selected from a glycidyl ester of a branched monocarboxylic acid, wherein the monocarboxylic acid has from 5 to 50 carbon atoms, wherein said hydrolysis stabiliser is present in the film in the form of its reaction product with at least some of the end-groups of said polyester, and wherein said reaction product is obtained by the reaction of the hydrolysis stabiliser with the end-groups of the polyester in the presence of a metal cation selected from the group consisting of Group I and Group II metal cations.

Abstract: A sizing device is installed on a downstream side in an extrusion direction of a die. A table having two sizing unit attachment portions which are adjacent to each other in a lateral direction orthogonal to the extrusion direction. The table is provided at a device body so as to be laterally movable between a first position where one of the two sizing unit attachment portions is at a production position and the other of the two sizing unit attachment portions is at a standby position, and a second position where the other of the two sizing unit attachment portions is at the production position and the one of the two sizing unit attachment portions is at the standby position. A sizing unit for production configured to perform cooling and sizing in practice is detachably attached to one of the two sizing unit attachment portions at the production position to coincide with an extrusion line.

Abstract: A filmic label including a face material having a front side, a reverse side and an adhesive layer including pressure sensitive adhesive on the reverse side of the face material. The face material includes at least one surface layer on at least one side of at least one central layer. The at least one central layer includes cavities that have been initiated at initiation sites by stretching the face material in a longitudinal direction and in a cross direction. The cavities have been expanded in a thickness direction of the face material by allowing a gaseous substance to have an effect on the at least one central layer. Also a method for forming a plastic film for a filmic label.

Abstract: A production method for a filament non-woven fabric includes a) obtaining filaments having a crystallization temperature not exceeding 112° C. by melting a resin containing polyethylene sulfide as a main component which is not substantially copolymerized with trichlorobenzene; b) pulling and drawing fiber threads formed by discharging the melted resin from spinning nozzles at a spinning speed of at least 5,000 m/min and less than 6,000 m/min by an ejector disposed such that a distance between a bottom face of the spinning nozzles and a compressed air emission outlet of the ejector is 450-650 mm; c) collecting obtained filaments on a moving net, forming a non-woven web; and d) thermocompression bonding the obtained non-woven web using a heating roller.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multilayer object in synthetic resin (9) by compression molding a dose of molten multilayer resin (1) comprising at least one functional layer (2,20), each layer of the dose being in the molten state at the time of compression; the method consisting at least in co-extruding the resins through a die, in cutting the extrudate periodically in order to obtain a dose (1), then in depositing the dose (1) in the molten state in the cavity of a mold; the method thereby defining, within the dose, an extrusion direction and an arrangement of the functional layer (2,20) parallel to the extrusion direction; the method being characterized in that the dose is compressed along a compression axis (16) which intersects the extrusion direction, so as to introduce, into the flow of the layers, asymmetry with respect to the compression axis (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments. The method is based on the use of lobed spunbonded filaments which have been treated by means of thickening means.

Abstract: The invention relates to A bi-axially stretched breathable film comprising a polymeric mixture, said polymeric mixture comprising based on the total weight of the polymeric mixture/—at least 50% of at least one polyether block copolymer; and —from 0.5 to less than 50% of at least one polyester. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture said film, and uses of said film. The invention also relates to a method for producing a bi-axially stretched breathable film comprising at least one polyether block copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising deforming an organic polymer composition at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of an organic polymer in the organic polymer composition; the deforming being conducted by an application of a shear force, an elongational force, a compressive force, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing forces; the forces being applied to the organic polymer composition as it is disposed between a first roll that comprises a rubber surface and a second roll that comprises a textured metal surface; the deforming producing a textured film having a ratio of texturing of about 0.5 to about 3; the textured film having a thickness of about 5 to about 75 micrometers and an average roughness of about 0.3 to about 6 micrometers on opposing surfaces of the film.

Abstract: A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable production process for a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising thin fibers and having extremely few thick fibers [number of fusion-bonded fibers] formed by fusion bonding of thermoplastic resin fibers to one another, and an apparatus for the same. The present invention relates to a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising polyolefin fibers and having (i) a mean fiber diameter of not more than 2.0 ?m, (ii) a fiber diameter distribution CV value of not more than 60%, and (iii) 15 or less fusion-bonded fibers based on 100 fibers; a production process for a melt-blown nonwoven fabric characterized by feeding cooling air of not higher than 30° C. from both side surfaces of outlets of slits 31 from which high-temperature high-velocity air is gushed out and thereby cooling the spun molten resin; and a production apparatus for the same.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising a polymer sheet having desirable surface properties, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising poly(vinyl butyral) having a finished surface of relatively low waviness and high roughness disposed in contact with poly(ethylene terephthalate) and/or other poly(vinyl butyral) type layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film for a film capacitor making it possible to produce a film for a film capacitor which has a thickness of 10 ?m or less and which is excellent in a heat resistance and a voltage resistance at a high thickness accuracy by using a polyetherimide resin and provides as well a film for a film capacitor.

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: A porous monocomponent nonwoven web contains a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. There are at least five times as many microfibers as larger size fibers, and a histogram of the mass fraction of fibers vs. fiber size exhibits a larger size fiber mode greater than 10 ?m. The web may be made by flowing fiber-forming material through a die cavity having larger size orifices and at least five times as many smaller size orifices to form filaments, attenuating the filaments into fibers and collecting the attenuated fibers to form the nonwoven web. The web is especially well suited to the manufacture of self-supporting three dimensional articles such as molded cup-shaped respirators and pleated air filters.

Abstract: A method for producing a film comprising feeding a composition comprising a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a temperature of higher than the crystallization temperature Tc of the resin to between a first nip-pressing surface and a second nip-pressing surface of a nip-pressing unit, and leading the composition to pass through the nip-pressing surfaces while the nip-pressing unit gives a pressure of from 5 to 1000 MPa to the composition, to thereby form the composition into a film continuously.