Abstract: Methods of making ceramic fibers and beads are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a cutting filament for a device used to cut vegetation such as a trimmer or border cutter. The filament is made of a synthetic material having extended molecular chains. According to the invention, (a) the filament is brought to a controlled viscous state, (b) the filament is stretched according to the length thereof in order to perform a first longitudinal molecular orientation, (c) a cross-sectional change, resulting in a partial reorientation of molecular chains in a transversal direction, is imposed upon the filament, whereupon filaments having multiple molecular orientations are produced, having improved mechanical properties (e.g. a better resistance to tearing).

Abstract: In an electrically conductive sheath-core conjugate fiber including an electrically conductive layer made of a thermoplastic polymer (A) containing electrically conductive carbon black fine particles which constitutes a sheath component and a protective layer made of a fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer (B) which constitutes a core component, the ratio of the (A) to the total weight of the (A) and the (B) is 10 to 35% by weight, the L1/L0 ratio is 1.04 to 10.0 where L1 represents the length of a boundary between the core component and the sheath component in a cross section of the conjugate fiber and L0 represents the length of the circumference of a circle having an area equal to a cross sectional area of the core component, the fineness, the strength at break and the elongation at break are each adjusted within specified ranges, the shrinkage in hot water at 100° C. is within a specified range, and the fiber surface coverage of the sheath component is 85% or more.

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

Abstract: Described are occlusion instruments (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising bioresorbable and thermoplastically deformable polymers with or without shape memory characteristics, which contain radiopaque building groups in the repeat units of the polymer chains and/or are modified with bioresorbable, radiopaque nanoparticles. The polymers display sufficient strength and deformability, good bioresorbability and sufficient visibility in radiance and are particularly useful for producing metal-free occlusion instruments for closing defects of the septum in the heart, the positioning of which being monitorable using routine diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Drawn tape, fiber or filament including a multimodal resin having a density of at least 940 kg/m3, a melt index MI5 of 0.05 to 5 g/10 min, and a molecular weight distribution of the resin being less than 40.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous filament made up of nanofibers is disclosed. A ribbon-shaped nanofiber web is prepared by electrospinning a polymer spinning solution onto a collector 7 applied with a high voltage, the collector 7 consisting of (I) an endless belt type nonconductive plate 7a with grooves having a predetermined width (u) and depth (h) formed at regular intervals along a lengthwise direction and a conductive plate 7b inserted into the grooves of the nonconductive plate, and then the nanofiber web is isolated (separated) from the collector 7, focused, drawn and wound. A continuous filament (yarn) made up of nanofibers can be produced by a simple and continuous process by providing a method for continuously producing a filament (yarn) by an electrospinning technique without a spinning process. The focusability and the drawability can be greatly improved by orienting nanofibers well in the fiber axis direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making continuous filament by electrospinning, wherein electrospun nanofibers are collected on a multi-layer type collector consisting of two or more, rotating disk-shaped conductive materials by electrospinning a polymer dope onto the multi-layer collector with a high voltage applied thereto and which rotates at a rotational linear velocity of 5 m/sec or more, through nozzles having a high voltage applied thereto, and then collecting the nanofibers on the collector in the form of a continuous filament by the use of a collecting roller, and conveying the nanofibers to a canvas through a traverse, or dried, drawn, and wound consecutively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) comprising melt processing, wherein UHMW-PE a) is annealed at a temperature between 130° C. and 136° C., preferably at about 135° C. for at least one hour, b) is converted into a shaped part at a temperature above 142° C.; and c) is cooled down to a temperature below 135° C. The invention further relates to a part like a fiber made with the process and the use of the fiber in a bio medical application.

Abstract: A process for converting cellulose to glucose, said process comprising the steps of: providing a hydrated molten salt; contacting the hydrated molten salt with a cellulose-containing material to form dissolved glucose; removing the dissolved glucose from the hydrated molten salt.

Abstract: A polylactic acid monofilament includes a linear polylactic acid with a relative viscosity ?rel of in the range of 2.7 to 4.5, prepared from lactic acid monomers wherein at least 95 mol % of the lactic acid is an L-isomer, and wherein the resin contains 0 to 30 ppm of Sn and 0 to 0.5% by weight of residual monomer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing chitosan non-woven fabrics and an apparatus thereof. At first, a chitosan acidic solution is extruded to form a chitosan fibrous stream. Then, a solidifying agent is ejected to form a solidifying agent stream. The solidifying agent stream and the chitosan fibrous stream are combined to form a pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Then, high-pressure air is ejected on the pre-solidified chitosan fiber to stretch the pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Finally, the chitosan fibers are collected to form chitosan non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A novel process is provided for making spin-drawn yarn from poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The yarn, when packaged on a cheese-shaped spindle, can be produced in large sizes without crushing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics that can reduce the diameter of a filament without decreasing productivity and can stably produce nonwoven fabrics, comprising: quenching a multiple number of continuous melt-spun filaments through spinning nozzles with quench air fed to a quenching chamber, drawing the filaments, and depositing the filaments on a moving collector surface, wherein the quench air fed to the quenching chamber is divided into at least 2 streams in vertical direction, and an air velocity of the quench air in the lowermost stream is set higher than that of the 50 quench air in the uppermost stream. The invention also provides an apparatus for manufacturing spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics, wherein quench air fed to the quenching chamber is divided into at least 2 streams in the vertical direction, wherein the velocities of the quench air are independently controllable in the respective streams.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive method and process for making polymer fibers (62) and nonwoven fabric webs (60). The method can include providing a fiber material that exhibits a low crystallization rate. In a particular aspect, the fiber material can be subjected to an anneal-quench at an anneal-quench temperature that approximates a prime-temperature at which the polymer material most rapidly crystallizes. In another aspect, the fiber material can be subjected to a fiber-draw at a selected fiber-draw temperature, and in a further aspect, the fiber-draw temperature can be configured to approximate the prime-temperature of the polymer material. In still other aspects, the fiber material can be subjected to a relatively small amount of fiber-draw, and the fiber-draw can be provided at a relatively low fiber-draw speed.

Abstract: A 10-50 g/d high strength polyethylene fiber and preparation method thereof are provided, which are in the high molecular material field. Said fiber is obtained by cross blend melt spinning method, and its strength is 10-50 g/d, its modulus is 400-2000 g/d. The material used by said cross blend melt spinning method is obtained by mixing low density polyethylene with molecular weight of 2/5-500,000 and super molecule weight polyethylene with molecular weight of 120-7000,000 in the proportion of 2-10:1. Flow modifier or diluent is not additionally added in the present invention, raw material consumption is low, extra high pressure is avoided, energy consumption and cost of production are low, technological process is simple, single line capacity is easily raised, and large scale industrial production can be realized.

Abstract: Compositions that are intimate blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and which are melt spinnable. The compositions include certain quasi-spherical particles. Also disclosed is a method of melt spinning from such compositions and the multi-filament fibers produced thereby. The fibers of the invention are useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a polypropylene fiber (PP fiber) excellent in strength, heat resistance, and water-absorption properties, a method of producing the same, and a hydraulic composition, a rope, a sheet-shaped fiber structure, and a composite material with an organic polymer each using the PP fiber. The present invention provides: a PP fiber having a fiber strength of 7 cN/dtex or more and having either or both of (i) DSC properties such that the endothermic peak shape by DSC is a single shape having a half width of 10° C. or lower and the melt enthalpy change (AH) is 125 J/g and (ii) irregular properties such that the single fiber fineness is 0.1 to 3 dtex and irregularities are formed on the surface, the irregularities having an average interval of 6.5 to 20 ?m and an average height of 0.

Abstract: Non-fractured, non-fibrillatable short fibers, for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, have substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional areas along their length for maximum efficiency in pull-out resistance, and two different tapering characteristics along their lengths. Preferred bi-tapered fibers of the invention have a high modulus of elasticity in the range of 5-250 Gigapascal and are preferably modulated in both tapering dimensions. Matrix materials containing the fibers, as well as a method for making the fibers, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawn PET fiber which has good dimensional stability, thereby increases the high speed driving performance of a tire, a PET tire cord, their preparation methods, and a tire including the same. The drawn PET fiber may includes 90 mol % or more of PET and may be a fiber of which a creep rate is 5.5% or less when the drawn PET fiber is fixed under the initial load of 0.01 g/d and is kept for 24 hours under the load of 0.791 g/d and the temperature of 100° C. Furthermore, the PET tire cord may be a cord of which a creep rate is 4.0% or less when the PET tire cord is fixed under the initial load of 0.01 g/d and is kept for 24 hours under the load of 0.791 g/d and the temperature of 100° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multi-filament yarns having improved tensile properties and the yarns and articles thereby produced.

Abstract: A filament having excellent incision resistance includes as a primary component a polyethylene filament having a weight-average molecular weight of 300,000 or less and a ratio of a weight-average molecular weight to a number-average molecular weight (Mw/Mn) of 4.0 or less as determined in the state of a filament as well as a modulus of 500 cN/dtex or more. This filament is useful to produce a fabric excellent in incision resistance, a fibrous material for reinforcing mortar or concrete, and a rope, each of which comprises the filament. The filament can be produced by drawing a non-drawn polyolefin filament which comprises a polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 60,000-600,000, a ratio of a weight-average molecular weight to a number-average molecular weight (Mw/Mn) of 4.5 or less, and a rate of birefringence (?n) of 0.008 or more, at a temperature not higher than the ?-relaxation temperature of the non-drawn filament.

Abstract: A method is provided for spinning a multifilament thread from a thermoplastic material, including the steps of extruding the melted material through a spinneret with a plurality of spinneret holes into a filament bundle with a plurality of filaments, winding the filaments as thread after solidifying, and cooling the filament bundle beneath the spinneret, whereby in a first cooling zone the gaseous cooling medium is directed in such a way that it flows through the filament bundle transversely, the cooling medium leaving the filament bundle practically completely on the side opposite the inflow side, and in a second cooling zone beneath the first cooling zone, the filament bundle being cooled further essentially through self-suction of the gaseous cooling medium surrounding the filament bundle.

Abstract: A polylactic acid composition (A) comprising a polylactic acid component (B) comprising at least 90 mol % of an L-lactic acid unit and less than 10% of copolymerizing component units other than L-lactic acid, and a polylactic acid component (C) comprising at least 90 mol % of a D-lactic acid unit and less than 10 mol % of copolymerizing component units other than D-lactic acid, which is a mixed composition with a (B)/(C) weight ratio of between 10/90 and 90/10.

Abstract: Apparatus (100, 101, 102) and die cartridge assembly (18, 44, 45, 47) adapted for use with same for producing fibrous material (212). The apparatus (100) comprises a removably attachable die cartridge assembly (18) that adapts to conventional spunmelt equipment. The die cartridge assembly (18) is removably positionable beneath an extrusion body (10) for effecting formation of fibrous material by fibrillation of polymer films. The cartridge assembly (18) includes at least one polymer passage (19) communicating with a molten polymer source (10) for directing molten polymer onto at least one film forming surface (20, 28) defined by the cartridge assembly (18), and also defines at least one gas passage (222, 22, 30) communicating with a gas source (16) for directing pressurized gas (220) against the molten polymer (210) in the form of a film for effecting formation of the fibrous material (212).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polypropylene fibers and polypropylene spunbond nonwoven comprising a degradation step, wherein the melt flow of the polypropylene is increased, and a fiber or filament extrusion step. The present invention also relates to the fibers and nonwoven produced with said process and to composites and laminates comprising said fibers and nonwoven.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) monofilaments having improved loop strength and toughness as well as improved tensile strength and tensile toughness. The yarns can have a loop toughness of at least 2 gf/den, a loop tenacity of at least 7 gf/den, a tensile toughness of at least 0.9 gf/den, a tensile tenacity of at least 4 gf/den, and a DSC crystallinity of at least 35%. A process for the production of poly(ethylene terephthalate) monofilaments includes melt extrusion, orientation of the extrudates by stretching, and further stretching as well as heat treating the stretched monofilaments. Industrial fabrics, especially fabrics for paper machine clothing, can be made of such monofilaments as load bearing yarns that resist loop failure and that resist fabric creep at high temperature and high load.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of high strength yarns having superior yarn-to-yarn uniformity of denier, tenacity and tensile modulus and uniform unidirectional fibrous sheets. Ballistic composites prepared from these yarns and fibrous sheets have improved uniformity of ballistic resistance. The drawn yarns, fibrous sheets and articles made therefrom are more uniform than the prior art and are useful in applications requiring impact absorption and ballistic resistance, such as body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields; composite sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles and boats; and in fishing line, sails, ropes, sutures and fabrics.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of high strength yarns having superior yarn-to-yarn uniformity of denier, tenacity and tensile modulus and uniform unidirectional fibrous sheets. Ballistic composites prepared from these yarns and fibrous sheets have improved uniformity of ballistic resistance. The drawn yarns, fibrous sheets and articles made therefrom are more uniform than the prior art and are useful in applications requiring impact absorption and ballistic resistance, such as body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields; composite sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles and boats; and in fishing line, sails, ropes, sutures and fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a fiber, comprising: melt-extruding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid; solidifying the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid by quenching it to its glass transition temperature +15° C. or less, to form an amorphous fiber; cold-drawing the amorphous fiber at its glass transition temperature +20° C. or less; and subjecting the fiber to heat treatment under tension. The present invention can provide: a process for producing a fiber with high strength, and the fiber produced through the process; and a process for producing a fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity and the fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity produced through the process, regardless of molecular weights of PHAs varying depending on origins such as a wild type PHAs-producing microorganism product, a genetically modified product, and a chemical product.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with improved handling properties have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available and have a decreased tendency to curl, in the preferred embodiment, due to the inclusion of relaxation and annealing steps following methods are characterized by the following physical properties: (i) elongation to break from about 17% to about 85% (ii) Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi, (iii) knot to straight ratio (knot strength/tensile strength) of 55-80% or (iv) load at break from 1100 to 4200 grams.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing an inorganic yarn require a mixture of volcanic rock and an additive including potassium permanganate. This mixture is heated to form a melt. From the melt, a plurality of filaments are formed during a spinning process. After cooling and sizing the plurality of filaments to form fibers, the fibers are twisted to create the inorganic yarn.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for spinning polyaniline fiber, a method for spinning electrically conductive polyaniline fiber, a method for exchanging dopants in polyaniline fibers, and methods for dedoping and redoping polyaniline fibers are described.

Abstract: A method for producing high-tenacity polypropylene fibers with a tenacity greater than 6 cN/dtex and an elongation of less than 40%. To produce as much as possible fibers of a very fine denier, the fiber strands are spun in a first step at a low melting point of less than 250° C., and are withdrawn at a relatively low withdrawal speed of less than 100 m/min., while being simultaneously cooled by a gaseous cooling medium. Subsequently, the fiber strands undergo drawing in at least three draw zones with a total draw ratio greater than 4:1. In this process, the fiber strands are partially drawn in the first draw zone to at least 70% of the total draw. After having been drawn, the fiber strands are cut to a predetermined fiber length.

Abstract: Monofilaments comprising resin compositions which contain 1% by mass or more of a comonomer component (for example, hexafluoropropylene), have an intrinsic viscosity of 1.3 dl/g or more and a melting point of 165° C. or higher and contain a PVDF-based resin. Owing to the above composition and physical properties, the crystallinity and elastic modulus of the PVDF-based resin are altered. As a result, an appropriate flexibility can be imparted to the monofilaments while preventing deterioration in the mechanical properties.

Abstract: Improved staple fibers and processes for producing them are provided. The processes are particularly useful for forming staple fibers from poly(trimethylene terephthalate), especially carpet staple fibers. The processes include prewetting undrawn yarns and drawing the fibers under wet and warm conditions, thermo-fixing the texture, and drying at relatively low temperatures. Fibers produced according to the processes disclosed herein have improved properties and reduced brittleness as compared to fibers prepared using conventional processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer gel-processing techniques and polymer articles of high modulus.

Abstract: Certain stretched polymers have defects which reduce their tenacity and effectively render the stretched polymers opaque. These defects are at least in part cause by the undesirable stresses being applied to the fiber. Such stresses may be avoided by avoiding by avoiding bending and twisting during processing. Such stretched polymers may be used in optically clear application such as bullet resistant glass. Additionally, such stretched polymers may have other advantageous properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for producing bichromal balls that are adapted for use in high temperature applications. The bichromal balls find particular application in signs and display devices that can be used in environments in which the temperature exceeds 40° C.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline, absorbable copolyester composition comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and at least one lactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and diethylene glycol; and the copolyester comprises about 30 to 60% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the copolyester. Also medical devices such as absorbable sutures comprising such copolyesters and absorbable microspheres comprising such copolyesters and methods of making of such absorbable microspheres. Additionally, a method of melt blowing an absorbable copolyester composition and a nonwoven construct are disclosed.

Abstract: A nonwoven, fibrous, article including a plurality of entangled fibers is provided; each of the fibers may have an anti-microbial agent alone or in combination with a plurality of abrasive particles. A nonwoven, fibrous, abrasive article including a plurality of entangled fibers is also provided; each of the fibers having a plurality of abrasive particles alone or in combination with an anti-microbial agent. A binder material bonds the fibers to each other at points of crossing and contact between the fibers.

Abstract: Described herein are improvements to processes and equipment for the manufacture of nonwoven webs useful in numerous applications including personal care, protective apparel, and industrial products. The fiber and/or filaments used to form the nonwoven fabric are deposited on a forming surface in a controlled orientation using application of an electrostatic charge to the fibers and/or filaments in combination with directing them to an electrode deflector plate while under the influence of the charge. The plate may be made up of teeth with a separation and angle orientation that are selected in accordance with the desired arrangement of the fibers and/or filaments in the nonwoven web. As a result, properties of the web such as relative strengths in the machine direction and cross-machine direction can be controlled. The charging of the pins is controlled so that not all pins remain at maximum charge during a cycle with the result that extended run times may be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the production of non-woven surfaces, in particular, a method for the production of non-woven surfaces by the process of direct spinning of molten filaments arranged in the form of a mat. Said method makes use of a composition of thermoplastic polymers with an electrical conductivity sufficient to either avoid the build-up of electrostatic charges, or to permit the removal thereof during the spinning process.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising poly-glycolic acid (PGA) or a functional derivative thereof with a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa are disclosed. Processes suitable for manufacturing said compositions are also described, comprising rendering PGA into an amorphous state then drawing to form a highly orientated polymer structure. The polymer compositions can be used to make artefacts, for example sutures, or used in combination with other polymers or non-polymeric substances to produce other artefacts, for example medical devices suitable for implantation into the human body. Processes for the production of said artefacts are also described.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for improving filament cohesiveness of chopped aramid fiber including the steps of impregnating a film-forming binding agent into the fiber, drying the fiber, optionally applying a finish to the fiber, and chopping the fiber to pieces of 1 to 16 mm length, characterized in that the fiber prior to applying the binding agent is subjected to a twisting process to obtain a fiber having a twisting level of 10 to 150 tpm and that the chopping of the fiber is performed in a rotary chopper.

Abstract: A fiber and a process for obtaining same from a high-modulus polyethylene, extrudable in state-of-the-art equipment and in the absence of previous solubilization in any kind of organic solvent is described, the process comprising providing such a polyethylene, introducing it in a state-of-the-art extruder, extruding it according to a temperature pattern, obtaining an extrudate that is directed to a cooling bath to have its temperature reduced, then directing the extrudate to a first stretcher where it is stretched or drawn into a fiber of improved tenacity, at a first velocity v1, then heating the fiber at nearly 90° C. and then directing said fiber to a second stretcher to be drawn at a final velocity v2, wherein v1<v2, at a draw ratio of 2/1 until 65/1. The tenacity of the polyethylene fiber obtained by the said process attains at least 4 gf/den, which makes it useful to naval and offshore applications.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coconut based activated carbon polyester fiber with high percentage of carbon includes the steps of: mixing 5 wt %˜15 wt % (weight percentages) coconut based activated carbon particles which have sizes smaller than 7 ?m with 85 wt %˜95 wt % polyester fibers by high temperature so as to get spinning fabrics which are in melted form; extruding and ejecting the spinning fabrics to pass through a fabric ejection plate so as to form a melt ejection flow; forming an initial fiber: cooling the ejection flow leaving from the fabric ejection plate in lower temperature and with a high speed to form an initial fiber; and extending, coating oil, activating, drying, shaping, and packaging to form coconut based activated carbon polyester fibers with high percentage of carbons. A coconut based activated carbon with high percentage of carbon manufactured by the method is also included.

Abstract: A process for drawing essentially diluent-free gel-spun polyethylene multi-filament yarns in a forced convection air oven and the drawn yarns produced thereby, The process conditions of draw ratio, stretch rate, residence time, oven length and feed speed are selected in specific relation to one another so as to achieve enhanced efficiency and productivity. The drawn yarns are useful in armor, composites, fishing line, ropes, sutures, fabrics and other applications.

Abstract: A method of processing a high ethylene random copolymer comprising nucleating a high ethylene random copolymer to form a high ethylene polymeric composition, melting and extruding a high ethylene polymeric composition, spinning a high ethylene polymeric composition to form a fiber, cooling the fiber, guiding the fiber with an aspirator, and recovering the fiber.