Abstract: A filter element in the form of a nonwoven self-supporting filtration web having rows of folded or corrugated spaced-apart pleats, the web containing continuous thermoplastic fibers a majority of which are aligned at 90°±20° with respect to the row direction. The filter element can be made by forming rows of pleats in such a nonwoven web and cutting the web to a desired size and shape. The filter elements can provide improved mechanical and filtration properties and can exhibit reduced susceptibility to pleat deformation and the loss of space between pleats.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of an optical transparency, that includes electrospinning of an Indium Tin Oxide sol polymer solution such that nanofibers are formed, heat treating the electrospun nanofibers such that the Indium Tin Oxide is in a conductive form, and dispersing the heat treated nanofibers into a substantially optically clear polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing bicomponent fibers by melt spinning two semi-crystalline polymers differing in crystallization rate.

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: A process for preparing graphite articles is presented. In particular, the process includes employing a particulate fraction comprising at least about 35 weight percent coke, coal or combinations thereof having a diameter such that a major fraction of it passes through a 0.25 mm to 25 mm mesh screen. The particulate fraction is mixed with a liquid or solid pitch binder, to form a stock blend; the stock blend is extruded to form a green stock; the green stock is baked to form a carbonized stock; and the carbonized stock is graphitized. The stock blend further includes carbon fibers added after mixing of the particulate fraction and pitch has begun.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and process useful for drawing ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene libers. The heating apparatus includes a first set of rolls and a plurality of aligned ovens. The apparatus includes a second set of rolls at the exit of the ovens which rolls are adapted to provide the desired drawing of the polyolefin fibers. The apparatus and process provide a single draw step in a heated environment, with the use of preferably four or six horizontal ovens.

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: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in spun multifilament yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in polyareneazole filaments.

Abstract: Gel-spun multi-filament polyethylene yarns possessing a high degree of molecular and crystalline order, and to the drawing methods by which they are produced. The drawn yarns are useful in impact absorption and ballistic resistance for body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields, and other applications; composite sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles and boats; and in fishing line, sails. ropes, sutures and fabrics.

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, which comprises quenching a multiple number of continuous melt-spun filaments through spinning nozzles with quench air fed to a quenching chamber, drawing the filaments with drawing air, and depositing the filaments on a moving collector surface, characterized in that the quench air fed to the quenching chamber is divided into at least 2 streams in vertical direction, wherein an air velocity of the quench air in the lowermost stream is set higher than that of the quench air in the uppermost stream.

Abstract: A PGA/PLA copolymer suture fiber having a fiber tenacity of between approximately 7.2 to 8.0 grams per denier and a fiber elongation between approximately 22% and 35% is produced by a process that utilizes extruder apparatus having at least one heated zone that is maintained at a temperature of from about 20° C. below the copolymer melting point to about 5° C. above the copolymer melting point, a metering pump and a heated block that are maintained at a temperature of no more than about 40° C. above the copolymer melting point, a spinneret that is maintained at a temperature of from about 40° C. to about 60° C. above the copolymer melting point, and an elongated heated sleeve extending between six and twenty inches from the spinneret that is maintained at a temperature of at least about 60° C. above the copolymer melting point.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and process useful for drawing ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene fibers. The heating apparatus includes a first set of rolls and a plurality of aligned ovens. The apparatus includes a second set of rolls at the exit of the ovens which rolls are adapted to provide the desired drawing of the polyolefin fibers. The apparatus and process provide a single draw step in a heated environment, with the use of preferably four or six horizontal ovens.

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 and apparatus for producing a high-strength and low-shrinkage synthetic flat yarn. After melt spinning, the filaments are combined to a yarn and drawn. Subsequently, the yarn is compressed to form a plug under the influence of heat. This plug is transported over a certain distance, so that the yarn relaxes in a low-tension state and under the influence of the increased temperature. Finally the plug is disentangled under tension to form the flat yarn, which is wound into a package.

Abstract: A spun polyester fiber, a drawn polyester yarn, and methods for making them. Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by extruding a molten melt-spinnable polyethylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.8 through a shaped extrusion orifice having a plurality of openings to form a molten spun yarn; solidifying gradually said molten spun yarn by passing said molten spun yarn through a solidification zone which comprises (i) a retarded cooling zone and (ii) a cooling zone adjacent said retarded cooling zone where, in said cooling zone, said yarn is rapidly cooled and solidified in a gaseous atmosphere; withdrawing at sufficient speed said solidified yarn from said solidification zone to form a crystalline partially oriented yarn; and hot drawing said crystalline partially oriented yarn at a total draw ratio between about 1.5/1 and about 2.5/1 to produce a drawn yarn having an effective crosslink density (N) between about 10×1021 and about 20×1021 crosslinks per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyethylene terephthalate-based polyester fiber includes spinning polyethylene terephthalate based polyester to produce an undrawn yarn with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.83 or more and a density of 1338 g/cm3 or more, multi-stage drawing the undrawn yarn, heat-setting the drawn yarn, relaxing heat-set yarn, and winding the relaxed yarn to produce the resulting drawn yarn with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.83 or more and a density of 1.38 to 1.3865 g/cm3, so that the thusly produced industrial polyester yarn with high modulus and low shrinkage contributes to significantly improving strength retention (tenacity of a dip cord/tenacity of a grey yarn) of the dip cord, produced by treating the polyester yarn with an adhesive (RFL) and subsequently heat-treating the RFL-treated polyester yarn, to be useful as a tire cord.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate is produced with in-line fabric deposition. One layer of the multilayer laminate has stable, heat-set, helically crimped fibers which are uncompacted and therefore retain their loft.

Abstract: A process for the production and for the winding of one polyester yarn, preferably multi-filament yarn, which comprises at least about 85 weight %, in relation to the total weight of the polyester yarn, of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) wherein said process is characterized in that filaments of said polyester yarn is heat-treated, before it is wound on a bobbin, at a temperature in the range of about 70° C. to about 180° C. The method of accomplishing this is by heating the godets that are used in the spinning part of the process, preferably the last pair of godets, to relax the yarns so that the yarn package will not shrink significantly during storage and/or transportation. It is thus possible to obtain at least one PTT yarn package with long-term stability during storage and which is insensitive against elevated temperatures during storage and transport.

Abstract: A spinning process for poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and an analytical method wherein the process provides an aging resistant poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn and the analytical method provides predictability to the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming preferably a unitary polymeric hook fastener comprising a flexible backing, and a multiplicity of spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing wherein each hook member comprises a multiplicity of hook head elements projecting in substantially the same direction. The hook members each comprise a stem portion attached at one end to the backing, and a head portion at the end of the stem portion opposite the backing. The head portion can also extend from a side of a stem portion or be omitted entirely to form alternative projections which can be other forms than a hook member. The head portion preferably projects past the stem portion on at least one of two opposite sides. At least the hook head portions have two or more hook head elements on at least one of the two opposing sides of the stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, UV-stabilized, single or multi-layered thermoformable film which contains, as a principal constituent, a crystallizable thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene terephthalate, and at least one UV-stabilizer. The inventive films are characterized by having a good stretchability, thermoformability and good optical and mechanical properties. Said films are suitable for outdoor uses just like shaped bodies made of the same.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable nonwoven fabric including thermoplastic elastomer filaments; the filaments being heat-sealed and/or mechanically intertwined together to form the nonwoven fabric that has crimped regions and non-crimped regions wherein each of the crimped regions has fine crimps in the rate of 50/cm or higher.

Abstract: Melt blown or spun bond nonwoven webs are formed by flowing fiber-forming material through a die cavity having a substantially uniform residence time and then through a plurality of orifices to form filaments, using air or other fluid to attenuate the filaments into fibers and collecting the attenuated fibers as a nonwoven web. Each die orifice receives a fiber-forming material stream having a similar thermal history. The physical or chemical properties of the nonwoven web fibers such as their average molecular weight and polydispersity can be made more uniform. Wide nonwoven webs can be formed by arranging a plurality of such die cavities in a side-by-side relationship. Thicker or multilayered nonwoven webs can be formed by arranging a plurality of such die cavities atop one another.

Abstract: Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) tetrachannel cross-section staple fibers, as well as yarns, fiberfill webs, batts and products, and fabrics made therewith. Also, the process of making such staple fibers, yarns, fiberfill webs, batts and products, and fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing bicomponent fibers by melt spinning two semi-crystalline polymers differing in crystallization rate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nonwoven web that has substantially continuous synthetic fine fiber includes preparing an aqueous amide crosslinked polymer solution. The solution is extruded through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are then attenuated with a primary gaseous source under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, at a rate sufficient to provide fibers having a desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fiber wherein each component comprises a different poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a base layer, and a multiplicity of spaced projections or hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary base layer the method generally including extruding of forming a thermoplastic resin through a die plate or mold. A die plate, if used, is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the projections are formed by the die plate. The ridges are then cut at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. The cut portions are then heat treated resulting in shrinkage of at least a portion of at least the cut portion thickness by from 5 to 90 percent, preferably 30 to 90 percent thereby forming discrete upstanding projections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing self-texturing hollow fiber that exhibits a desirable tendency to coil rather than to bend sharply or zig-zag. In one embodiment the invention is a spinneret for the production of hollow filament having first and second curved slots where each slot is defined by a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width and where the first and second ends are separated by an intermediate portion possessing a non-uniform width. In another embodiment the invention is a method for of producing generally cylindrical hollow filaments comprising extruding a polymer melt through a spinneret having first and second curved slots where each slot has a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width and where the first and second ends are separated by a intermediate portion possessing a non-uniform width along the continuum defined by the distance between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the steam misting of rectangular nozzles and spinning systems equipped therewith for producing polyamide filaments whereby the steam feed is conducted through a tube loop which is passed through the heating chamber of the spinning beam so that the steam is brought to the spinning temperature. Directly below the spinning beam and thus on the lower edge of the rectangular nozzle stack which is connected thereto, between the spinning beam and the after-heater, steam outlet bars are longitudinally applied. These steam outlet bars are equipped with a simple labyrinth for pressure equalization. The steam inlet is effected initially in each case centrally of the rectangular nozzle stack and transitions into an upwardly open and relatively broad distribution chamber along the rectangular nozzle stack. This vertical distribution chamber transitions into a horizontal and very small gap which is open into the spinning chamber at its mouth.

Abstract: The present invention involves using a melt-blowing process to make a filter medium defining pores having a pore size of between 3 and 12 microns. The filter medium is made of a thermoplastic polymer and is adapted for use in an internal combustion engine air filter. A profile is used in the melt-blowing process to mold melt blown fibers into the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic hair comprising fiber of 30 to 100 decitex, comprising an acrylic copolymer obtained by copolymerizing acrylonitrile, vinylidene chloride and a vinyl monomer containing a sulfonic acid group and a process for preparing the synthetic hair. The synthetic hair of the present invention has favorable surface gloss and excellent knot strength and hair breaking in the sewing machine steps when preparing the weft and in implanting hair to skin when preparing wigs and toupees is improved.

Abstract: Polyester multi-filamentary yarn, useful as tire reinforcement, is produced by melting polyester resin at 290° C. or below including at least 90 mol % of polyethylene terephthalate with intrinsic viscosity of 0.7-1.2; filtering the molten resin for filtering retention time of ten minutes or below; spinning the filtered, molten resin by extrusion through a nozzle which has 250-500 holes, each ranging in diameter from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm with a length/diameter ratio from 2 to 5; primarily quenching the extruded yarn at a temperature of 100-195° C. in a zone of 50 mm or more distance directly below the nozzle; secondarily quenching the yarn with air at its glass transition temperature (Tg) or below; taking off the yarn at spinning stress of 0.3 g/d or greater; drawing taken-off yarn at total draw ratio of 1.3 or greater; and thermally treating the yarn at temperature 150-230° C.

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 process of making polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, including (a) providing polytrimethylene terephthalate, (b) melt spinning the melted polytrimethylene terephthalate at a temperature of 245-285° C. into filaments, (c) quenching the filaments, (d) drawing the quenched filaments, (e) crimping the drawn filaments using a mechanical crimper at a crimp level of 8-30 crimps per inch (3-12 crimps/cm), (f) relaxing the crimped filaments at a temperature of 50-120° C., and (g) cutting the relaxed filaments into staple fibers having a length of about 0.2-6 inches (about 0.5-about 15 cm), and polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, yarns and fabrics. Further, a process of optimizing the crimp take-up of a polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fiber including determining the relationship between denier and crimp take-up and manufacturing staple fibers having a denier selected based upon that determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming bioabsorbable, multifilament yarn from Lactide-rich copolymers, including the steps of extruding and spinning a Lactide-rich copolymer to form a spun multifilament yarn, pre-tensioning the spun multifilament yarn to form a pre-tensioned yarn, heating the pre-tensioned yarn to form a pre-tensioned, preheated yarn, annealing and drawing the pre-tensioned, preheated yarn for a first time, annealing and drawing the yarn for a second time, cooling the twice-drawn yarn to a lower temperature, and taking-up the cooled multifilament yarn, to yarns prepared by the process and to medical devices prepared from such yarns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing substantially endless fine threads from polymer solutions, especially spinning material for lyocell, wherein the spinning material is spun from at least one spinning hole or a spinning slot. The spun thread or film is drawn by high-speed accelerated gas flows using a Laval nozzle whose narrowest cross-section is located beneath the point where the spinning material exists. The threads are arranged on a strip in the form of a non-woven or are taken up in the form of a yarn and are subsequently separated in spinning baths by means of solvents.

Abstract: This invention is a spin draw process for making partially oriented yarn from polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) which comprises the steps of: (a) extruding and spinning PTT in forming a monofilament or multifilament yarn therefrom, (b) heating the yarn by contacting it with a first pair of godets moving at a speed in and at a temperature set to give a yarn temperature above the glass transition temperature and less than the cold crystallization temperature of PTT, (c) drawing the yarn between the first godet pair and a second pair of godets moving at a speed and a temperature of from 45 to 120° C. and having a draw ratio of 0.7 to 3.0, and (d) winding the yarns at the speed of 1 to 15% less than that of the second godet pair at a yarn temperature less than the glass transition temperature of PTT yarn.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer of a kind different from a polyester in an amount within the range of 0.3 to 5.0% by weight based on the polyester is added to the polyester, and the resulting composition is melt-extruded from the same pack. The extruded filament group including polyester multi-filaments is cooled once to the glass transition temperature or below, and the filament group is subsequently divided into two groups. One of the filament groups in an opened state is subjected to non-contact heat treatment at an atmospheric temperature of 120° C. or above; however, the other filament group is kept in a state without being subjected to the heat treatment. The respective filament groups are then simultaneously taken off at a speed of 2500 m/min or above and subjected to doubling and mixing of the filaments.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate C4C6 copolymer composition having short annealing cycle times are provided. Such short annealing cycle times are achieved by compositions having a percentage of C6 units of 2-8%. Desirable annealing cycle times are obtained for molded or extruded articles, particularly for tampon applicators.

Abstract: Provide a manufacturing method for polyester yarn excellent in yarn transferring, packaging and loosing with no white powder occurred when weaving, which is heating polyester polymer of inherent viscosity (IV) 0.5˜0.7 and melting point of 245˜265° C.

Abstract: Highly crimped, fully drawn bicomponent fibers, prepared by melt-spinning, followed by gas-flow quenching, heat treatment and high speed windup, are provided, as are fine-decitex and highly uniform polyester bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Fine denier poly(trimethylene terephthalate) feed yarns and drawn yarns wherein the drawn yarns are characterized by a denier per filament less than 1.5 and are drawn such that the actual draw ratio is within 10 percent of the predicted draw ratio determined according to: [(elongation to break of the feed yarn)+115]/[(elongation to break of the drawn yarn)+115)].

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide melt-extrusion conditions and drawing process which enable to carry out stable and smooth fiber spinning of polyester produced by microorganisms, particularly P(3HB-CO-3HH) which conventionally had problems in spinning stability, as well as P(3HB) and P(3HB-CO-3HV). Another object of the present invention is to obtain filament having particular properties according to the process. The process comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer from a melt-extruder, then rapidly cooling the same to at most the glass transition point of the polymer immediately after the extrusion to prevent the filament from blocking, and carrying out partial crystallization of the same rapidly at not less than the glass transition point.

Abstract: Stable, heat-set, helically crimped fibers are economically produced with in-line fabric deposition and heat setting and are uncompacted to retain their loft.

Abstract: An electrostatically charged filter material including a blend of polypropylene fibres and one selected from the group consisting of: halogen free acrylic fibres; polyvinyl chloride fibers or a mixture of halogen free acrylic fibres and polyvinyl chloride fibres.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: Intermediate polyester fibre and method for the production thereof, characterized in that highly oriented undrawn polyester yarn with a degree of crystallinity in a specified range is passed under a tension of 0.3×10−2 g/d to 5.0×10−2 g/d through a non-contact heater of heater temperature at least 250° C., and 5-40% shrinkage effected, giving the following properties (A): (1) Specific gravity 1.335-1.360 (g/cm3), (2) Degree of crystallinity 21-26%, (3) Crystal size in terms of Miller index (010) 1.4-2.2 nm, in terms of Miller index (100) 1.4-2.5 nm and in terms of Miller index (105) 1.6-3.5, (4) Degree of crystal orientation no more than 75% in the 010 plane and no more than 85% in the 105 plane, and (5) Degree of amorphous orientation 0.15-0.