Abstract: A technique for imparting latent elasticity to components of an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, a latent elastic film that contains a crosslinkable semi-crystalline polyolefin is initially incorporated into an absorbent article. The film is not highly elastic prior to crosslinking and is thus dimensionally stable. Consequently, the film need not be maintained in a mechanically stretched condition during attachment to other components of the absorbent article, which provides for greater freedom in the location and manner in which the components are attached together. Once incorporated into the absorbent article, the semi-crystalline polyolefin is crosslinked to form a three-dimensional network having elastic memory. The film may also be heat activated, either through crosslinking or an additional step, to cause the film to shrink and further improve its stretch characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid crystal elastomers having two-way shape memory effect and methods of making such LCEs. The method of preparation includes the steps of polymerizing at least two monomers with crosslinking polymer, prealigning the resultant polymer, crosslinking the resultant polymer, and preparing the liquid crystal elastomer. The liquid crystal elastomer can be drawn to fibers.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a fluorine-containing polymer and 2 to 30 parts by weight of an unsaturated compound containing at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group and a carboxyl group, wherein the fluorine-containing polymer has been graft-modified with the polar group-containing unsaturated compound by irradiation of ionizing radiation, a production process thereof, and formed products such as a heat-shrinkable tube equipped with a layer composed of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a polymer layer of a flexible unbonded offshore pipe. The process comprises the steps of shaping a polymer material by extrusion into or onto a supporting unit in an extrusion station and cross-linking said extruded polymer material, said polymer material comprising a polyethylene and a peroxide for providing a cross-linking of the polymer material. The peroxide has an activation temperature substantially above the temperature of the polymer material during the extrusion thereof. The cross-linking of the extruded polymer material is carried out by exposing the extruded polymer material to electromagnetic waves, selected from the group consisting of infrared radiation and microwave. The invention also relates to a flexible unbonded offshore pipe comprising such polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stretchable filament of silicone elastomer (10) comprising the steps of extruding a length of uncured silicone elastomer (10) and curing the uncured silicone elastomer (10) or allowing the uncured silicone elastomer (10) to cure to form a solid filament.

Abstract: A photo-crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprises a polyolefin, a source of functionality receptive to crosslinking by UV radiation, a cationic photoinitiator and optionally includes a free-radical photoinitiator, a crosslinking accelerator or sensitizer, and other additives such as compatibilizers, inorganic fillers, nanofillers, glass, polymeric and ceramic microspheres, glass fibres, flame retardants, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, foaming agents and pigments. A method for manufacturing a UV-crosslinked polyolefin article comprises forming an article by extruding, moulding or otherwise forming the UV-crosslinkable polyolefin composition and subjecting the article to UV radiation on-line with the extrusion, moulding or other forming operation.

Abstract: A method of increasing the crosslink density of a seal for a blowout preventer that includes selectively applying electron beam radiation to a selected portion of a blowout preventer seal comprising a cured elastomeric material and at least one rigid insert to increase the crosslink density of the selected portion of the cured elastomeric material is disclosed. Methods of curing a seal for a blowout preventer, blowout preventers, and seals for blowout preventers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polysaccharide nanofibers having anti-microbial properties, said nanofibers comprising an alginate and having silver nanoparticles dispersed throughout the nanofibers.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a shaped rubber article, comprising admixing at least one thermoplastic material and at least one elastomer material to provide a processable and dimensionally stable rubber composition, shaping the composition, and irradiating the composition to form the shaped rubber article. The dimensional stability of the uncured composition may be provided by partial dynamic vulcanization, high performance reinforcing fillers, fractional curing, or combinations thereof. The elastomer material is present in an amount greater than about 65% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic and elastomer materials present in the admixture.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: Plastics pipes comprise polyolefins which can be prepared by means of a fluorine-modified chromium catalyst and are used for transporting gases and liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer tube comprising (from the inside to the outside of the tube): an optional layer (C1) consisting of at least one fluorinated polymer; a layer (C2) consisting of at least one radiation-grafted fluorinated polymer which is optionally mixed with at least one fluorinated polymer; an optional layer (C3) of adhesive binder; a layer (C4) consisting of at least one polyolefin or a mixture of at least one polyolefin with at least one functionalised polyolefin; a barrier layer (C5) consisting of a metal shield or comprising EVOH or a mixture based on EVOH, a PVDF or a PGA; and an optional layer (C6) consisting of at least one polyolefin.

Abstract: A radiation-curable composite layered sheet or film comprising at least one substrate layer and one outer layer, said outer layer being composed of a radiation-curable composition having a glass transition temperature of more than 40° C.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: A radiation-curable low stress relaxation elastomeric material with improved elastic and mechanical properties. The elastomeric material may be used alone or with skin layers to form elastomeric films, webs, laminates and products containing them.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plastics pipe (9) comprising an inner core and an outer removable skin bonded thereto, which method comprises co-extruding molten polymeric materials forming the inner core and the outer removable skin layer from one or more extruder dies, bringing the polymeric materials together and allowing them to solidify, and conditioning the solidified polymeric materials at a temperature and for a time sufficient to influence the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core, such that on cooling the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core is sufficient to prevent substantial undesired relative movement between the skin layer and the core during installation of the pipe (9), but insufficient to prevent the outer skin layer from being clearly removed by peeling, at least at the ends of the pipe (9), and insufficient to cause a substantial reduction in the impact strength of the inner core.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for manufacturing fibrils comprising: a rotating device with at least one opening being made of an electric conduction material and hollow for containing polymer or biopolymer; and an outer barrier being made of electric conduction materials and around the rotating device; wherein while revolving the rotating device results in that the polymer or biopolymer is out of the rotating device through the opening so as to gain the fibrils in between the rotating device and the outer barrier.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a shaped rubber article, comprising admixing at least one thermoplastic material and at least one elastomer material to provide a processable and dimensionally stable rubber composition, shaping the composition, and irradiating the composition to form the shaped rubber article. The dimensional stability of the uncured composition may be provided by partial dynamic vulcanization, high performance reinforcing fillers, fractional curing, or combinations thereof. The elastomer material is present in an amount greater than about 65% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic and elastomer materials present in the admixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of discrete particles prepared from a cross-linkable PBT, at least one additive and/or at least one colorant, comprising the steps of mixing together the components, extruding the material, cooling and pelletizing the material, cross-linking the pellets using gamma radiation, electron beam radiation, or heating in an oven, and optionally grinding into particles with an average particle size between 1 and 1000 ?m. The present invention further relates to the use of said cross-linked PBT particles for making a polychromatic article which comprises a transparent or translucent thermoplastic material having said cross-linked PBT particles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer, having the steps of: a) melt blending the fluoropolymer with the unsaturated monomer; b) forming the blend obtained in a) into films, sheets, granules or powder; c) exposing the products from step b), in the absence of air, to photon (?) or electron (?) irradiation with a dose of between 1 and 15 Mrad; and d) optionally treating the product obtained at c) in order to remove all or part of the unsaturated monomer that has not been grafted onto the fluoropolymer. Structures made with these materials are barriers to many fluids and in particular to petrol and to air-conditioning fluids and may be formed into bottles, tanks, containers, pipes, hoses and vessels of all sorts. They may also be converted into films with which packaging is made.

Abstract: A waveguide array is fabricated by providing a photoreactive material and generating an optical intensity pattern corresponding to a geometry of the waveguide array. A relative translation of the photoreactive material is effected through the optical intensity pattern. Thereafter, the photoreactive material is rendered substantially unreactive to light at at least a wavelength of the optical intensity pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of components and articles of manufacture containing at least one of such components, such as tires, and the resulting prepared components and fabricated articles, by use of directed high frequency energy internally heated silica-rich rubber compositions which contain sulfur curative and a significant content of high softening point polymer, namely a polymer and/or elastomer having a melting point (Tm) and/or high glass transition temperature (Tg) above 0° C., and particularly above 30° C., and which contains a minimal, if any, carbon black reinforcement. Such directed high frequency energy heating is provided, individually, by directed radio frequency (electromagnetic) radiation and/or by directed microwave radiation.

Abstract: A gasket integrated with a cover wherein a gasket material composed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition is integrally fixed to the cover having a shape of multistep contraction over at least two contraction steps, a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and after molding, are subjected to a heating treatment at a temperature not lower than the temperature at which an adhesive component in materials constituting the gasket initiates crystal fusion or glass transition, or a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and a covering layer composed of a fluoropolymer is formed on the gasket surface on atmospheric side are proposed. According to the present invention, a gasket integrated with a cover for a hard disc device which gasket is excellent in adhesive property and productivity, and is minimized in permeability and penetration of substances is provided.

Abstract: Heat-settable epoxy resin mixtures are provided that can be used alone or in combination with fibers to form large composite material structures without the need for high consolidation pressures. The heat-settable resin mixture is composed of a resin component, curing agent component and a particulate component. The particulate component includes rigid-rod polymer particles that dissolve when the heat-settable resin is heated to temperatures within a predetermined processing window. After heating to the processing temperature, the resulting heat-set resin is cooled to form a curable solid resin. The curable solid resin may be stored indefinitely or re-heated to curing temperatures to form a cured product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for fabricating FRP parts. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for forming FRP parts without the use of forms or molds. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for fabricating an FRP part comprises the steps of: programming a readable definition of a part into a machine, wherein the machine moves an extrusion head mounted to the machine in a controlled pattern; and wherein the machine regulates the speed of extrusion from the extrusion head; feeding a fiber reinforcement to the extrusion head of the machine; impregnating the fiber reinforcement with a radiation-initiated resin; extruding the impregnated fiber reinforcement from an orifice in the extrusion head; and exposing the extruded fiber reinforcement to curing radiation.

Abstract: A process produces cling-fastener parts with a large number of interlocking members (24) from a formulation encompassing radiation-crosslinkable prepolymers. The prepolymer is molded, cast, and/or compression molded into the shape of a large number of interlocking members (24) together with a cling-fastener base (21), and is then radiation-cured. The apparatus producing the cling fasteners encompasses a feed (32, 10) for the formulation (14) of radiation-crosslinkable, in particular acrylic, prepolymers, at least one shaping roll (11) and one backing roll (12). The shaping roll (11) has a large number of radial cutouts (17). A source of UV radiation (19), or an electron-beam source, provides radiation curing of the molded radiation-curable formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multicomponent fiber containing at least two polymer components arranged in distinct zones or segments across the cross-section of the fiber wherein at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoplastic polymer and at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoset polymer. The invention also provides fabrics and fabric laminates containing the multicomponent fibers, and articles containing the fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: An irradiated multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is an outer heat seal layer containing a blend of a highly branched homogeneous polymer and a semicrystalline polymer. The highly branched homogeneous polymer has at least 40 branches per 1000 methylene groups, an Mw/Mn less than 3.0, and a density of less than 0.89 g/cc. The highly branched homogeneous polymer is present in an amount of from about 1 to 50 weight percent, based on layer weight. The semicrystalline polyolefin has a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. The semicrystalline polyolefin is present in an amount of from about 60 to 99 weight percent, based on total layer weight. The second layer contains a thermoplastic polymer in a crosslinked polymer network. A process for making a packaging article includes coextruding the first and second layers, irradiating the resulting multilayer film, and thereafter heat sealing the first layer to itself or another component of the packaging article.

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 method for manufacturing a fuel hose which can efficiently produce heat-resistant and flexible fuel hoses. The method for manufacturing a fuel hose forms a protector layer on an outer peripheral surface of a resinous inner layer, and includes the steps of extruding an ultraviolet crosslinking composition for a protector layer that contains the following components A to D, on the outer peripheral surface of the resinous inner layer; and subsequently, irradiating ultraviolet rays to polymerize the ultraviolet crosslinking composition, thus forming the protector layer: (A) ethylene-propylene-diene rubber; (B) acrylate-based monomer; (C) silica; and (D) photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: An irradiated multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is an outer heat seal layer containing a blend of a highly branched homogeneous polymer and a semicrystalline polymer. The highly branched homogeneous polymer has at least 40 branches per 1000 methylene groups, an Mw/Mn less than 3.0, and a density of less than 0.89 g/cc. The highly branched homogeneous polymer is present in an amount of from about 5 to 50 weight percent, based on layer weight. The semicrystalline polyolefin has a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. The semicrystalline polyolefin is present in an amount of from about 50 to 95 weight percent, based on total layer weight. The second layer contains a thermoplastic polymer in a crosslinked polymer network. A process for making a packaging article includes coextruding the first and second layers, irradiating the resulting multilayer film, and thereafter heat sealing the first layer to itself or another component of the packaging article.

Abstract: A gasket integrated with a cover wherein a gasket material composed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition is integrally fixed to the cover having a shape of multistep contraction over at least two contraction steps, a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and after molding, are subjected to a heating treatment at a temperature not lower than the temperature at which an adhesive component in materials constituting the gasket initiates crystal fusion or glass transition, or a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and a covering layer composed of a fluoropolymer is formed on the gasket surface on atmospheric side are proposed. According to the present invention, a gasket integrated with a cover for a hard disc device which gasket is excellent in adhesive property and productivity, and is minimized in permeability and penetration of substances is provided.

Abstract: A thermally conductive molded article is produced by molding a conductive composition into a predetermined shape. The composition includes a polymer matrix and carbon powders. The carbon powders are obtained by graphitizing a polymeric material that has an aromatic ring on its main chain by heating. The carbon powders are aligned in a certain direction in the polymer matrix. Thus, the molded article can be produced easily and effectively that has excellent thermal conductivity in a given direction and that is suitable for use as a heat radiator, heat transfer member, or a component thereof in electronic hardware.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: a) forming by extrusion an extruded thermoplastic tube (20) having, when coming out of the extruder, a diameter D1; b) then subjecting said extruded tube of diameter D1 to a radiation treatment, so as to produced a cross-linked tube (21); c) after bringing said cross-linked tube (21) to a temperature not less than a temperature substantially equal to the melting point of its crystalline phase, subjecting it, in displacement, to a radial monoaxial expansion for form an expanded tube (22) of diameter D2, then cooling it down to a temperature, typically room temperature, at which it can be cut into tube portions (23) with length substantially equal to the height of said caps (1); and e) assembling or forming a head (10, 100, 101, 102, 103) on said tube portion (23), so as to obtain a cap or top (1), with heat-shrinkable skirt, economical and having a homogeneous skirt (11, 12) free of axial connection line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: A particulate silicone based material and method for forming a heat resistant composite is provided. The particulate silicone based material is heated to a temperature between about 200° F. and about 400° F. The particulate silicone based material is cooled until a solid composite is formed. The solid composite is resistant to melting and thermal decomposition when heated to temperatures of at least 3000° F. The particulate silicone based material may be formed by mixing liquid silicone resin with a catalyst and powdered silicone molding compound.

Abstract: Polyethylenes made from ethylene and a series of &agr;-olefins using a catalyst that copolymerizes ethylene and &agr;-olefins usually have excellent melt processing characteristics, especially in uses where high zero shear viscosity and low high shear viscosity are desirable. These polyethylenes are preferably made by forming the &agr;-olefins in situ from ethylene during the polymerization process. The polyethylenes are especially useful in blow molding, extrusion or extruded blown film processes.

Abstract: Methods for making ceramic aggregate particles comprising forming a plurality of ceramic aggregate precursor particles from a composition by forcing the composition through at least one orifice in a substrate, at least partially curing the ceramic aggregate precursor particles, and heating the ceramic aggregate precursor particles to provide ceramic aggregate particles wherein solid particulates are bonded together by ceramic binder.

Abstract: A method for making a part, the method comprising: (a) providing an uncured upper layer on a part, a substrate, a workpiece, a support platform, or a base layer, wherein the uncured upper layer comprises resin and also comprises fibers, particles, powder, and/or electronic devices; (b) optionally providing a new uncured upper layer on the uncured upper layer provided in step (a), whereby the uncured upper layer provided in step (a) becomes an uncured lower layer, and wherein the new uncured upper layer comprises resin and also comprises fibers, particles, powder, and/or electronic devices; (c) curing the uncured upper layer and/or the uncured lower layer after step (b) using an electron beam; (d) after step (c), providing a new uncured upper layer on the cured or uncured upper layer, whereby the cured or uncured upper layer becomes a cured or uncured lower layer, and wherein the new uncured upper layer comprises resin and also comprises fibers, particles, powder, and/or electronic devices; (e) optionally curi

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crimped and resilient polymeric fibers and to fabrics and laminates made from the fibers. In general, the fibers are produced by crimping a polymeric fiber and then cross-linking a polymer and/or monomer contained within the fiber. Cross-linking the polymer makes the crimp contained with the fiber more permanent and more resilient. When formed into a nonwoven web, the fibers produce high loft fabrics which are resilient to compressive forces. Nonwoven webs made in accordance with the present invention are particularly well suited for use in filter products and liquid absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for extruding mouldings from cross-linkable polymer material. The apparatus includes a first part to which the polymer material is delivered from a material container, and a second part which forms a moulding tool for moulding and cross-linking said article. The first part of the apparatus includes a feed zone (2) that has an inlet (8), a generally tubular outlet (7) and a rotatable feed screw (10) that functions to compress and feed the polymer material in a unmelted or solid state from said inlet (8) to said outlet (7), wherein the length of the feed screw (10) does not exceed the length of the feed zone (2).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: A preparation of thermal contraction sleeve is disclosed. In this method, polyethylene fibers are elongated by 850%˜1,200% and are exposed to a radiation of 2.5˜3.5 Mrads, thus being cross-linked. The first surface of a fabric sheet, made of the polyethylene fibers, is exposed to a voltage of 20,000˜25,000 V while passing over a plurality of rollers, thus being modified at the first surface. A first matrix sheet, melt-extruded at a temperature of 300° C.˜380° C., is formed on the modified first surface of the fabric sheet, prior to an integration of the first matrix sheet with the modified surface of the fabric sheet. The integration is accomplished by a first elastic roller and a first cooling roller. The second surface of the fabric sheet is processed in the same manner as that described above. A second matrix sheet is layered on the modified second surface of the fabric sheet, thus forming a fabric-matrix layered body.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer fibers with superior mechanical and heat distortion properties are obtained by a method in which (a) a segmented polyurethane polymer is produced on the basis of a macro-diol, an aliphatic diisocyanate, and a chain extender with at least two hydroxy and/or amino groups, where the polymer has a molar excess of isocyanate groups over the hydroxy and/or amino groups from the macro-diol and chain extender; (b) the polyurethane polymer is melt-extruded to form a fiber; and (c) The extruded fiber is subjected to a post-treatment. Steps (a) and (b) are carried out under temperature conditions and within a time interval where essentially no allophanate will be formed, while step (c) is performed under temperature conditions and within a time interval in which the polyurethane polymer is cross-linked through the formation of allophanate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for fabricating FRP parts. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for forming FRP parts without the use of forms or molds. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for fabricating an FRP part comprises the steps of: programming a readable definition of a part into a machine, wherein the machine moves an extrusion head mounted to the machine in a controlled pattern; and wherein the machine regulates the speed of extrusion from the extrusion head; feeding a fiber reinforcement to the extrusion head of the machine; impregnating the fiber reinforcement with a radiation-initiated resin; extruding the impregnated fiber reinforcement from an orifice in the extrusion head; and exposing the extruded fiber reinforcement to curing radiation.

Abstract: Process for producing biaxially oriented PET film for use in film capacitors with SMD capabilities and its use for SMD-technology film capacitors The invention describes a process for producing a biaxially oriented film of thickness <10 &mgr;m, where a polymer melt is extruded through the gap of an extrusion die onto a chill roll, stretched longitudinally and transversely and relaxed longitudinally by >0.1% and transversely by >3%, where the edges of the film are held during the longitudinal and transverse relaxation and the film is wound up.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a drip irrigation line, comprising a continuous tubing with spaced-apart drip outlets and a plurality of self-regulating emitter elements for drip irrigation arranged therein, wherein each of said elements is made from a thermoplastic material, injection-molded as a single unit, which material is cross-linked for improved elasticity, said method comprising sequentially introducing a plurality of said emitter elements at predetermined intervals into the extrusion head of a continuous tubing-producing extruder, whereby said elements are each heat-welded within said tubing before the cooling thereof and subsequently cross-linking said thermoplastic material of each of said elements while inside said continuous tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the melt extrusion of a molten thermoplastic polymer, e.g., as fibers and nonwoven webs, which apparatus and method utilize ultrasonic energy to assist in the melt-extrusion process. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the molten thermoplastic polymer. The die housing includes a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer, an inlet orifice adapted to supply the chamber with the molten thermoplastic polymer, and an extrusion orifice adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer from the chamber and extrude the polymer. The means for applying ultrasonic energy is located within the chamber. The method involves supplying a molten thermoplastic polymer and extruding the molten thermoplastic polymer through an extrusion orifice in the foregoing apparatus to form a threadline.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fuel hose which can efficiently produce heat-resistant and flexible fuel hoses.