Abstract: A microcatheter with an enhanced inner liner that has low of friction and improved toughness which facilitates delivery of expandable vascular reconstruction devices.

Abstract: A composite cooling film (100) comprises an antisoiling layer (160) secured to a first major surface of a reflective microporous layer (110). The reflective microporous layer (110) comprises a first fluoropolymer and is diffusely reflective of electromagnetic radiation over a majority of wavelengths in the range of 400 to 2500 nanometers. The antisoiling layer (160) has an outwardly facing antisoiling surface (162) opposite the micro-voided polymer film. An article (1100) comprising the composite cooling film (1112) secured to a substrate (1110) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet not generating feeding failure in a device having a heat setting process even when a large amount of an inorganic filler is included and a thermoplastic resin composition for forming the sheet. The thermoplastic resin composition may include at least a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic filler, in which the thermoplastic resin includes polypropylene having no long chain branch (B) and polypropylene having a long chain branching structure (A) in a mass ratio of 80:20 to 98:2.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane contains at least one porous base layer and at least one uniaxially stretched coating layer located on at least one side surface of the porous base layer. For example, the composite porous membrane comprises at least one porous base layer and at least one nanofiber-like non-polyolefin polymer porous layer oriented along the transverse stretching direction of the composite porous membrane and located on one or two side surfaces of the porous base layer, or the composite porous membrane comprises a biaxially stretched polypropylene porous base layer and a uniaxially stretched coating layer located on at least one side surface of the porous base layer. The composite porous membrane is coated with a coating solution prior to transversely stretching. The nanofiber-like non-polyolefin polymer porous layer may reduce cracking of the composite porous membrane in the machine direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a preparation method for drawn fibers that enables the preparation of drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fibers exhibiting with high fineness of at least 2,000 denier while having high tenacity and excellent dimensional stability and causes almost no deterioration of tenacity during the manufacturing process of tires such as vulcanization, and a drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fiber and a tire cord that are obtained by the preparation method. The preparation method for drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fiber includes: melt-spinning a polymer comprising at least 90 mol % of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) having a content of terminal carboxyl group (—COOH) in the range of 20 to 30 eq/106g at a spinning speed of 2,500 to 4,000 m/min to form a undrawn fiber having a fineness of at least 2,000 denier; and drawing the undrawn fiber at a draw ratio of 1.4 to 2.4.

Abstract: In a stretching zone (Z2) included in a plurality of zones for performing temperature control for heating or cooling of a film, the plurality of zones being arranged in the conveyance direction of the film, the film is stretched in a direction tilted in relation to the width direction of the film. The film is heated by a heating unit (11) having a heating region (H) positioned facing the conveyed film and positioned along a direction intersecting at an intersection angle ? with the conveyance direction in the plane of the film, in at least one zone including the stretching zone (Z2) and positioned further downstream in the conveyance direction form the stretching zone (Z2). At this time the intersection angle ? of the heating region (H) is adjusted in accordance with the orientation direction of the film stretched in the stretching zone (Z2).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a film of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin comprising: (a) subjecting a starting ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500 000 gram/mole in powder form to a compacting step using an isobaric press; and (b) subjecting the compacted polyolefin to a rolling step and at least one stretching step under such conditions that at no point during the processing of the polymer its temperature is raised to a value above its melting point. The process allows for the manufacture of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin films of high quality.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle glazing comprising a first ply of a glazing material and a second ply of a glazing material having a substantially co-extensive ply of an interlayer material laminated there between, at least a portion of the ply of interlayer material having a wedged cross-section, wherein the ply of interlayer material is pre-shaped by stretching such that either: (a) when the wedge angle is calculated at a plurality of points across the glazing, by taking measurements of a deflection of a laser beam as it passes through the glazing, the standard deviation in the magnitude of the wedge angle of the wedged portion is less than 0.05 mrad; or (b) when a grid pattern is projected onto the glazing, the standard deviation in the displacement between observed primary and secondary images of portions of the grid is less than 0.85 mm.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.

Abstract: A polyethylene composition, in particular suitable for the preparation of monofilaments, mono-tapes and stretched tapes, is described. The polyethylene composition of the invention comprises 95.1%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3 and a polydispersity Mw/Mn from 2.0 to 5.9, and 4.9%-0.5% by weight of polybutene. The bubble stability and the me-chanical properties of the films prepared from this composition are advantageously improved. The use of a polyethylene composition comprising 90.0%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm3, and 10.0%-0.5% by weight of polybutene, for preparing monofila-ments, monotapes or stretched tapes is also described.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate having on its surface a coating that includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylcellulose, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and mixtures of these, a surfactant, colloidal silica, and a crosslinker selected from the group consisting of water-soluble titanium salts and water-soluble or water-dispersible organic crosslinkers. The coating may be formed by applying a dispersion of the coating composition in a diluent to the substrate and subsequently drying the coated substrate to evaporate the diluent.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for the longitudinal stretching of a film web (1) comprising: at least one heater (4) in which the film web (2) can be heated, at least one cooling device (15) in which the film web (2) can again be cooled down, and at least a stretching unit (8) in which the film web (2) is stretched in its longitudinal direction, whereby the stretching unit (8) has a first transport roller (9, 10, 11, 12) that has a first peripheral speed in the stretching operation, followed by a second transport roller having a second peripheral speed as seen along the transport path of the film web (2) from the first transport roller, whereby the second peripheral speed is higher than the first transport roller speed, It comprises a pressing device (22) with which the film web (2) is pressed against the first transport roller along a line which is in the area of the release line of the film web (2) from the first transport roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy adhesion film which attains sufficient adhesiveness in various processings without using any crosslinking agent such as a melamine resin to possibly pollute the environment and has a primer layer excellent in high-temperature hot water resistance. In the easy adhesion film, a coating film including a polyester resin and a crosslinking agent component in a content of 0.1% by mass or less, inclusive of 0% by mass, is formed on at least one side of a substrate film. The sum of the acid number and the hydroxyl number of the polyester resin is 50 to 200 mg KOH/g, wherein the acid number is 20 to 60 mg KOH/g and the hydroxyl number is 30 to 150 mg KOH/g. The amount of the oligomers contained in the polyester is 2.0% by mass or less. The thickness of the coating film is 0.001 to 0.5 ?m.

Abstract: At an optional stage in the production step of a biaxially stretched film using a polyamide resin including, as a first component, nylon 6, and as a second component, a polyamide including xylylenediamine and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, the film is brought into contact with water set at 40° C. or higher and lower than 70° C. for 1 to 10 minutes and further with water set at 70° C. or higher for 1 to 10 minutes. In the film thus obtained, the content of low molecular weight compounds is 0% by mass to 0.2% by mass.

Abstract: A transparent polymer film satisfying Rth/Re??0.39, Re>0 and Rth<0 and having a moisture permeability of 100-2000 g/(m2·day) at 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90%, and not containing an additive composition that raises Rth by at least 8 nm.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: An interlocking sheet is formed from a resilient, flexible material. The interlocking sheet comprises a plurality of regularly spaced locking members projecting from a first side of the sheet. Each locking member is hollow and an aperture on the second side of the sheet opens into the interior volume of the locking member. Each locking member has a proximal portion adjacent the aperture, a medial portion further from the aperture than the proximal portion, and a distal portion further from the aperture than the medial portion. The maximum width of the medial portion is greater than the narrowest width of the proximal portion, measured in a common direction, and each locking member tapers from the medial portion to the distal portion. The locking members may be elongate linear locking members or discrete legs. A method and apparatus for making the interlocking sheets are also described.

Abstract: A method of making an elastic component for incorporation into a diaper. The elastic diaper component begins as an elastic laminate (e.g., an elastic layer and a fabric layer) having a recoverable extension of at least 20% when an extension force E1 is applied. The method comprises the step of integratively pre-stretching the elastic laminate so that the elastic laminate will stretch to the same recoverable extension when a reduced extension force E2 is applied. In this manner, when the elastic laminate is used in the elastic diaper component, a lesser fitting force Ffit is required to extend the elastic component to a desired length during an initial fitting of a diaper on a wearer.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizing film comprising the step of dipping a polyvinyl alcohol film in/on which iodine is adsorbed and oriented in an aqueous solution containing boric acid wherein the aqueous solution has an absorbance of 0.13 or less at a wavelength of 450 nm. The produced polarizing film has a high contrast.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film which can be used for various battery separators, separating filters and membranes for microfiltration. The process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film according to the invention comprises mixing/extrusion through efficient and separate injection of 15-55% by weight of polyolefin (Component I), and 85-45% by weight of a diluent (Component II) which forms thermodynamic single phase with the polyolefin and a diluent (Component III) which can undergo thermodynamic liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin, into an extruder.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane capable of achieving both a high collection efficiency and a low pressure drop, though it has a larger average pore size and a greater thickness than conventional porous PTFE membranes. This manufacturing method includes: stretching an unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene sheet by a factor of 5 to 30 in a predetermined direction at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of polytetrafluoroethylene; further stretching the stretched sheet by a factor of 5 to 40 in a direction different from the predetermined direction at a temperature lower than the melting point; and after the stretchings, heating the stretched sheet at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for raising the surface tension of biaxially-stretched films made of thermoplastic polymers. According to the method, a film is first treated on a surface by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma before being stretched transversally or simultaneously across the width thereof, and the film is additional a subjected to a second treatment by means of a corona or flame after being stretched transversally or simultaneously, the second treatment being done on the same surface which has already been plasma-treated.

Abstract: Necked nonwoven webs having improved cross-directional uniformity are made by a process which includes the step (prior to neck stretching) of corrugating the nonwoven web to reduce its width from an initial width A to a reduced corrugated width B. The cross-directional uniformity is optimized as the corrugated width B approaches the ultimate width C of the necked nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a UHMWPE film having a tensile strength of at least 2.0 GPa, a tensile energy to break of at least 30 J/g, an Mw of at least 500 000 gram/mole, and a Mw/Mn ratio of at most 6. The film may be manufactured via a process which comprises subjecting a starting UHMWPE with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500 000 gram/mole, an elastic shear modulus determined directly after melting at 160° C. of at most 0.9 MPa, and a Mw/Mn ratio of at most 6 to a compacting step and a stretching step under such conditions that at no point during the processing of the polymer its temperature is raised to a value above its melting point. The film may be used as starting material in any applications where high tensile strength and high energy to break are important. Suitable applications include ballistic applications, ropes, cables, nets, fabrics, and protective applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented polyester film, preferably PET film, which has a hydrophilic coating on at least one surface. The coating composition used to form the hydrophilic coating includes water, a sulfopolyester, a surfactant, and optionally an adhesion-promoting polymer. The inventive films have a hydrophilic surface which inhibit condensation of water droplets on the films.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of fibers that have a number average diameter of less than 1 micron. The web can have a Poisson Ratio of less than about 0.8, a solidity of at least about 20%, a basis weight of at least about 1 gsm, and a thickness of at least 1 micrometer.

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

Abstract: A novel densified fluoropolymer article is described which has a water vapor permeation of about 0.015 g-mm/m2/day or less, and preferably has a matrix tensile strength of at least 10,000 psi in two orthogonal directions. The articles are made by compressing expanded porous PTFE at pressures, temperatures and times which result in elimination of the pores, and subsequent stretching above the crystalline melt temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis or patch, made from a biocompatible polymer with microporous, finely-fibrillated structure and a method for improving the e-modulus of said vessel prostheses or patches. According to the invention, the vessel prostheses or patches are subjected to a full stretching (extension) with a degree of extension between 30% and 250% and subsequent restoration.

Abstract: A polyethylene composition, in particular suitable for the preparation of monofilaments, mono-tapes and stretched tapes, is described. The polyethylene composition of the invention comprises 95.1%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm and a polydispersity Mw/Mn from 2.0 to 5.9, and 4.9%-0.5% by weight of polybutene. The bubble stability and the me-chanical properties of the films prepared from this composition are advantageously improved. The use of a polyethylene composition comprising 90.0%-99.5% by weight of polyethylene having a density above 0.930 g/cm, and 10.0%-0.5% by weight of polybutene, for preparing monofila-ments, monotapes or stretched tapes is also described.

Abstract: A rear end portion of a leading TAC film and a front end portion of a following TAC film are connected using a double-sided adhesive tape and a single-sided adhesive tape. Both side edges of the TAC films are slit with cutters of an edge slitting device. The slit side edges are sent to a cutter blower. In the cutter blower, the slit side edges are cut into small pieces and sent to a crusher through a first pipe. Upon receiving a tape detection signal, a plate controller rotates a plate from a close position to an open position. When the plate is in the open position, the cut films are sent from the first pipe to a second pipe via an opening, and then to a receptacle.

Abstract: Polyester films which comprise not only thermoplastic polyester, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, but also from 5 to 45% by weight of poly(m-xyleneadipamide) and optionally from 0.02 to 1% by weight of fillers, and which have, on at least one surface, an adhesion-promoting layer comprised of a hydrolyzed amino-functional silane. The films of the invention are produced by a sequential stretching process, and feature improved mechanical properties, such as a modulus of elasticity greater than 3500 N/mm2 in both orientation directions, high gloss, low haze, and very good barrier properties with respect to oxygen transmission. Films of the invention are therefore a suitable packaging material for foods and other consumable items, and as starting material for production of laminates via extrusion coating.

Abstract: White, biaxially oriented polyester films which have a base layer B which comprises a thermoplastic polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, and which comprise substantially only TiO2 as a white pigment, whose R value is less than 43 daN/mm2, whose emax ratio is less than 2.5 and at least one of whose two surfaces of the film has been provided with an acrylate-containing coating, are particularly tear-resistant and do not tend to delamination and are therefore suitable in particular as lid films for food containers, for example yoghurt cups. A process is described for producing the films.

Abstract: The use of a heat-stabilized, heat-set oriented film comprising poly(ethylene naphthalate) as a substrate in, or in the manufacture of, an electronic or opto-electronic device containing a conjugated conductive polymer, wherein said film has a shrinkage at 30 mins at 230° C. of less than 1%; and a composite film comprising such a substrate layer and on a surface thereof a barrier layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer, transparent, biaxially oriented polyester film having at least one base layer B composed of a thermoplastic polyester, at least one overlayer A coextruded on the base layer B and at least one acrylic coating D which is applied to the film as an aqueous dispersion. The invention further relates to a process for producing the film and to its use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: A shrinkable polymer film including a modified polyester resin polymerized from monomers including a dicarboxylic acid and a glycol, wherein the glycol includes 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and wherein the polymer film shrinks at least about 50% in a main shrinkage direction after ten seconds in an 80 degree Celsius hot water bath.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films which have a polyester-containing base layer (B) which additionally comprises poly(m-xyleneadipamide) and has been provided on at least one side with an overlayer (A) which has been coated with a barrier layer (D), said barrier layer comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid, feature improved optical properties such as high gloss and low opacity and very good barrier properties, in particular toward the passage of oxygen, and, as a consequence of their insensitivity toward moisture, are suitable as a packaging material for foods or other consumable items.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films which have a polyester-containing base layer (B) which additionally comprises poly(m-xyleneadipamide) and which is coated on at least one side with a barrier layer (D), the barrier layer comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid, feature improved optical properties such as high gloss and low opacity, and very good barrier properties, in particular with respect to oxygen passage, and are also suitable as packaging materials for foods or other consumable items as a consequence of their insensitivity toward moisture.

Abstract: This invention provides a water-based composition suitable for use on polyester-based substrates for increasing adhesion between the substrate and a topcoat or overcoat. The composition comprises: (1) a latex polymer formed from the polymerization of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of bicyclic alkyl (meth)acrylates and aromatic (meth)acrylates and at least one monomer which imparts to the polymer the ability to be crosslinked; (2) a water soluble or water dispersible polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylate-based resins, sulfonated polyester-based resins and combinations thereof; and (3) a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer film is provided, including the steps of forming a core layer of a polypropylene film, monoaxially orienting the core layer in a first direction, and providing at least one multilayer cap layer to at least one side of the core layer to provide a multilayer film. The cap layer includes a non-crystallizable, amorphous polyester layer having a sufficient proportion of a non-crystallizable, amorphous polyester to render the amorphous polyester layer non-crystallizable and a first tie layer interposed between the polyester layer and the core layer, the first tie layer including an adhesive. The multilayer film is then oriented in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered semi-finished product with at least one first and one second film layer. The semi-finished product has a velour-type structure on the outer surface of the first film layer facing away from the second film layer and the second layer has a filler material. The first and second film layers are permeable. A first proportion of a filler material in the first film layer is smaller than a second proportion of a filler in the second film layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented, sealable polyester film with at least one base layer (B), with a sealable outer layer (A) and with another, non-sealable outer layer (C). The sealable outer layer (A) has a minimum sealing temperature (fin) of not more than 110° C. and a seal seam strength (fin) of at least 1.3 N/15 mm of film width. The two outer layers (A) and (C) are characterized by particular features. The film of the invention is particularly suitable for use in flexible packaging, and particularly and specifically for use on systems which operate in a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing film having a high polarization degree and high transmittance, a process for producing the polarizing film, and a polarizing plate using the polarizing film, and an optical member. In the process for producing the polarizing film, a polyvinyl alcohol-based film is dry-stretched uniaxially, relaxed in an aqueous solution containing iodine or a dichroic dyestuff, and further stretched in an aqueous solution containing a PVA crosslinking agent. It is preferable that the polyvinyl alcohol-based film has a dry-stretch ratio of at least 2, the film after relaxation has a stretch ratio of at least 1.02, and the total stretch ratio is at most 6.5. It is also preferable that the relaxation rate is at most 10% of the dry-stretch ratio.

Abstract: Recycleable releasing polyethylene terephthalate film coated with a coating of polyethylene emulsion, polyurethane dispersion, or a mixture of the two, with an acrylic or polyester cobinder, which film is uniaxially oriented and thereafter coated with the coating and oriented in a direction transverse to the direction of the film's uniaxial orientation to generate a biaxially oriented film having a uniaxially oriented coating and a method of making the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming sheet material (2), in particular sheet material based on natural fibers, comprises in sequence deformability promoting means (5) suitable for making said sheet material more easily deformable (2), forming means (9, 10, 11, 16a, 101a101b) suitable for deforming said sheet material (2); said deformability promoting means is deformability promoting material means (5). Forming means for shaping sheet material (2) comprises fluid forming means suitable for shaping portions of said sheet material (2), and a flow-inhibiting means (17, 116; 116a, 116b) suitable for preventing said fluid forming mean flowing through said sheet material (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a metalized or ceramic-coated, biaxially oriented, sealable polyester film with at least one base layer (B), with a sealable outer layer (A), and with a further non-sealable outer layer (C). The sealable outer layer (A) has a minimum sealing temperature (fin) of not more than 110° C. and a seal seam strength (fin) of at least 1.3 N/15 mm of film width. The two outer layers (A) and (C) are characterized by particular features. The film of the invention is particularly suitable for use in flexible packaging, and particularly and specifically for use on systems which operate in a vacuum.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer film for forming hermetic seals on packages comprising layer A comprising polyethylene, layer B comprising polypropylene, layer C comprising a copolymer, and an adhesion promoting coating applied to layer C.

Abstract: A process for making a plurality of necked nonwoven strips having similar or identical cross-directional profiles includes the steps of slitting a neckable nonwoven web into a plurality of neckable nonwoven strips, passing the neckable nonwoven web between a first pair of nip rollers having a first surface velocity and a second pair of nip rollers having a second surface velocity greater than the first surface velocity, and necking the nonwoven web between the first pair of nip rollers and the second pair of nip rollers.