Abstract: A manufacturing plant for non-woven web including: a hydro-embossing device and a thermo-embossing device for treating the non-woven web, a drive system for advancing the non-woven web along the hydro-embossing device and the thermo-embossing device system, and a control and command unit operatively connected to the hydro-embossing device and the thermo-embossing device, such that respective treatments are carried out on dedicated portions of the non-woven web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a fluoropolymer and two white inorganic fillers, the said composition being intended for the manufacture of thin monolayer films which are opaque to visible light and to UV rays and which can be used in particular in the field of photovoltaic cells. This composition consists of at least one fluoropolymer and of two white inorganic fillers, which are zinc oxide and titanium oxide; they are present in a proportion by weight ranging from 5 to 30% and from 3 to 7.5% respectively, The said composition additionally comprises less than 5% by weight of acrylic polymer, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

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

Abstract: Solid or semi-solid feedstock is melted in an open bottom electric induction cold crucible furnace. Directionally solidified multi-crystalline solid purified material continuously exits the bottom of the furnace and may optionally pass through a thermal conditioning chamber before being gravity fed into a transport mold where an ingot of the purified multi-crystalline solid material is transported to a remote holding area after the transport mold is filled with the multi-crystalline material and cut from the continuous supply of material. Cool down of the ingot is accomplished remote from the open bottom of the cold crucible furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of nonwoven surfaces. It relates more particularly to a process for the manufacture of nonwoven surfaces by the process of direct melt spinning of continuous filaments arranged in the form of a sheet. This process employs a composition based on a thermoplastic polymer exhibiting an electrical conductivity sufficient to prevent the formation of electrostatic charges or to allow their removal during the spinning process.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web includes providing a precursor web a first forming structure having a plurality of discrete first forming elements and a first pressure source and applying pressure between the first pressure source and the first forming structure to force the precursor web to conform to the first forming elements of to form a first embossed web having a plurality of first discrete extended elements. The first embossed web is then provided between a second forming structure having a plurality of discrete second forming elements and a second pressure source and pressure is applied between the second pressure source and the second forming structure to force the first embossed web to conform to the second forming elements to form a second embossed web having a plurality of second discrete extended elements. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of first and second discrete extended elements.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic binder product [12, 10] which includes a mixture of a hydraulic binder [38, 202], a polyvinyl alcohol [14, 204] and a gelling agent [54] which reacts with the polyvinyl alcohol and a method [8] of producing same.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: Processes for producing nonwoven web products containing sub-micron fibers are provided, and more specifically processes for producing nonwoven web products having sub-micron fibers formed by fibrillation of polymer films are provided.

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

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A non-woven web, comprising one or more polymeric fibers, wherein the number-average fiber diameter distribution of said one or more polymeric fibers conforms to a Johnson unbounded distribution. Non-woven webs comprising such polymeric fibers are rendered with mean-flow pore size and porosity desirable for specific filtration applications such as hepafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymer blends for use in nonwoven fabric applications, and to fabrics formed from the polymer blends. In one or more embodiments, the polymer blends comprise from about 70 to about 99.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a first propylene-based polymer and from about 0.1 to about 30 wt % of a second propylene-based polymer. The first polymer has a melt flow rate of from about 100 to about 5,000 g/10 min, and the second polymer has a melt flow rate of from about 1 to about 500 g/min, and the second polymer has either a lower melt flow rate or a higher triad tacticity than the first polymer.

Abstract: Process for making a film or pipe by compounding an uncompounded polyolefin powder having a particle size distribution such that D95 is less than 355 ?m and (D90?D10)/D50 is less than 1.2, where D95, D90, D50 and D10 are defined such that 95 wt %, 90 wt %, 50 wt % or 10 wtl % of the polymer particles have a diameter of less than D95, D90, D50 and D10 respectively, to form pellets; and then forming the pellets into a film or pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meltblown wetlaid method for producing non-woven fabrics with anti-mildew, anti-bacteria and deodorizing capabilities from natural cellulose. The method comprises selecting wood pulp as raw material and using N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as dissolving solvent and 1,3-phenylene-bis 2-oxazoline (BOX) as stabilizer to form mixed cellulose mucilage as well as using modified and nano-miniaturized natural chitosan as additive for blending and dissolution to form cellulose dope. By meltblown method, the dope is extruded out of spinnerets to form filament bundle, then by ejecting mist aerosol of water, the filament bundle is coagulated with regeneration. After post treatments of water rinsing, hydro-entangled needle punching, drying, winding-up and the like having been orderly applied, then final product for nonwoven fabric of continuous filament with anti-mildew, anti-bacteria and deodorizing capabilities is produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meltblown wetlaid method for producing non-woven fabrics from natural cellulose using pulp as raw material and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as solvent for dissolving into dope. The dope is then extruded out of a spinneret to form filament bundle by meltblown method. Subsequently, by means of ejecting mist aerosol of water, the filament bundle is coagulated with regeneration. Via post treatments of water rinsing, hydro-entangled needle punching, drying, winding-up and the like have been orderly applied, then final product of nonwoven fabrics with continuous filament are produced from natural cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing ceramic fiber and a biosoluble ceramic fiber prepared therefrom for heat insulating material at high temperature, more specifically, a composition for preparing ceramic fiber comprising SiO2 as a network-forming oxide, CaO and MgO as modifier oxides, and ZrO2, Al2O3 and B2O3 as intermediate oxides with appropriate ratios, which improves the solubility of the ceramic fiber in artificial body fluid; shows good thermal/mechanical properties such as heat resistance, high-temperature viscosity, compressive strength and restoration when used at a high temperature of 1260° C.; and provides an economic effect that a ceramic fiber can be prepared easily by using the existing facilities, and a biosoluble ceramic fiber prepared therefrom for heat insulating material at high temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material can comprise a support device including at least one air bearing including a support surface with a plurality of apertures. In one example, the support surface is configured to circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body. In another example, the plurality of apertures include at least a quantity of apertures oriented with a fluid emitting axis extending at an oblique angle with respect to an extrusion axis. In still another example, the air bearing is adjustable. Methods for producing a green body also provide an air cushion between a support surface and the green body.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermoplastic VDF polymer composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic vinylidene fluoride (VDF) polymer comprising at least 85% by moles of recurring units derived from VDF; and at least one ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) polymer, wherein said ECTFE polymer possesses a melting point of less than 210° C. and it is comprised in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% wt with respect to the total weight of VDF polymer and ECTFE polymer. The invention also pertains to a process for making the VDF polymer and to the uses thereof for manufacturing films, in particular transparent films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “spunbond wetlaid method for producing non-woven fabrics from natural cellulose” using pulp as raw material and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as solvent for dissolving into dope. Then, the dope is extruded out of a spinneret to form filament bundle by spunbond method. The dope is extruded out of a spinneret bank of grouped spinnerets to form filament bundle for further stretching process under quench condition. The filament bundle is coagulated with regeneration in a coagulating solution. The coagulated filament bundle is rapidly stretched under high pressure by an air draw-off machine. The stretched filament bundle is collected and stacked on a collecting net as web nonwoven. After post treatments of water rinsing, hydro-entangled needle punching, drying, winding-up and the like have been orderly applied then final product of nonwoven fabrics with continuous filament are produced from natural cellulose.

Abstract: Processing aid comprising a) 10-50% by weight of hydrophobized, at least partially aggregated, metal oxide particles b) 20-75% by weight of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, c) 0.5-50 by weight of one or more prepolymers comprising isocyanate groups the sum of the constituents a) to c) amounting to at least 80% by weight, based on the processing aid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a charcoal-containing plastic packing material and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides a plastic packing material which resolves the problems caused by the deficiency of compatibility between charcoal and resin such as deficiencies in mechanical properties, an aggregation phenomenon, foreign body sensation, defective forms, and poor quality, and which not only exhibits high-level general qualities, but which also, as a result of containing charcoal, has functional properties such as suppressing putrefactive bacteria, absorbing polluted particles and smells, radiating far-infrared rays and anions, and preventing the generation of static electricity. Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plastic packing material, in which the particle size, the amount used for resin, and the particle size uniformity of charcoal powder to be mixed with resin are adjusted according to the thickness of the plastic packing material to be formed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an article (e.g., a vapor-permeable, substantially water-impermeable multilayer article) that includes a nonwoven substrate and a film supported by the nonwoven substrate. The film includes a polyolefin, a nanoclay, and a pore-forming filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a nonwoven web, the method including the steps of providing plurality of fibers and subjecting the fibers to a pneumatic attenuation force which imparts a velocity to the fibers, reducing the velocity of the fibers in a diffusion chamber which is formed substantially between opposed diverging sidewalls, subjecting the fibers to an applied electrostatic charge, and thereafter collecting the fibers into a web on a moving forming surface. The invention also provides an apparatus for forming nonwoven webs, the apparatus comprising a source of fibers, a fiber attenuation chamber, a diffusion chamber formed substantially between opposed diverging sidewalls, the diffusion chamber located below the fiber attenuation chamber, and a forming surface for collecting the fibers as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed of forming cellulose fibers. The process includes extruding an aqueous solution of cellulose and a solvent through a first member to form filaments. The first member has multiple rows of first and second openings with a nozzle positioned in each of the first openings. At least one of the nozzles in one row is staggered from at least one of the nozzles in an adjacent row. At least a portion of each of the filaments is shrouded in a pressurized gas emitted through each of the first openings. Each of the filaments is contacted with a liquid to remove some of the solvent and transform each of the filaments into a continuous solid fiber. The continuous solid fibers are then collected on a moving surface to form a non-woven cellulose web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming fibers from a spinning solution utilizing a high speed rotary sprayer. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing meltblown webs includes a meltblowing die having a plurality of filament outlets, a collector for receiving filaments of polymeric material expelled from the filament outlets, and a first Coanda effect device positioned adjacent to the path of the filaments adjacent to the last filament outlet at an end of the meltblowing die. Methods of forming meltblown webs using such an apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a hydroentangled product comprising cellulose fibers, which includes the steps of (a) extruding a solution comprising cellulose dissolved in an aqueous tertiary amine-oxide through a spinneret into an air gap, thereby forming filaments (b) drawing said filaments by means of a gaseous stream (c) collecting and precipitating said filaments in order to form a web (d) bonding said web by means of a hydroentanglement process (e) contacting said filaments in the air gap with a medium which at least partially coagulates the filaments. Furthermore, the invention relates to products obtainable by said products, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A waterproof-breathable film comprising: a) a copolyether-block-amide and/or a copolyether-block-ester and/or a functionalized polyolefin; b) starch. This film can be used as roof-decking film or wall insulating film for a dwelling.

Abstract: Methods of improving the physical properties of a polyolefin film that include providing interpolymer resin particles, forming a blend composition by blending from about 0.1 to about 25% by weight based on the weight of the blend composition of interpolymer resin particles into a second polyolefin; and forming a film from the blend composition. The interpolymer resin particles are made up a styrenic polymer intercalated within a first polyolefin. The first polyolefin is present at from about 20% to about 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles and the styrenic polymer is present at from about 20% to about 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: Provided are blends of linear low density polyethylene copolymers with very low density, low density, medium density, high density, and differentiated polyethylenes and other polymers. The invention also includes articles produced from the linear low density polyethylene and polyethylene blends described herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to blown films produced from copolymer made by a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of trimethylaluminum in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 1 to 25 mol %, prior to use as an activator, where the mol % trimethylaluminum is determined by 1H NMR of the solution prior to combination with any support. This invention also relates to a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of an unknown species present in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 0.10 to 0.65 integration units prior to use as an activator, where the amount of the unknown species is determined by the 1H NMR spectra of the solution performed prior to combination with any support. Preferably, the methylalumoxane solution is present in a catalyst system also comprising a metallocene transition metal compound.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical film having a reduced thickness and an increased width, which is free from bleedout with the elapse of time (during storage) in a continuous wound state, a method for manufacturing an optical film, and a polarizing plate using the optical film. The optical film is a plasticizer-containing optical film having an overall width of 1500 mm to 4000 mm produced by a solution casting method. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A by TOF-SIMS. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the back side is determined as value B by the TOF-SIMS. Value X is determined by formula 1 based on the values A and B. The amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A? by TOF-SIMS, and the amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion of the back side is determined as value B? by the TOF-SIMS.

Abstract: Polymeric films are provided. The films comprise an ethylene-derived resin that has a density of about 0.905 to about 0.945 g/cm3, a compositional distribution breadth index (CDBI) of at least 50%, a melt index (MI) of about 0.1 to about 5.0 g/10 min and a branching index (g?) of greater than about 0.7. The film may further comprise a propylene-derived resin having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.91 g/cm3. The films have excellent mechanical and optical properties and double-bubble extrusion processability.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for collecting continuous fibers or filaments as a uniform batt comprises a filament emitter in the form of a spinning die, a venturi, a diffuser, and a fiber collection bed. The filaments move downward after being created by the emitter, and exhaust ports create in the diffuser an airflow having a direction against the flow of the filaments so that the filaments are decelerated before contacting the fiber collection bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for developing a biodegradable material, produced from polymers and meal, wherein the meal is processed with a plasticizing agent in a double screw extruder having a diameter D, over a length of at least 6 D.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric for filters which is excellent in dust collection efficiency and exhibits low pressure drop and excellent mechanical characteristics and rigidity, and a method of producing the nonwoven fabric. A nonwoven fabric for filters of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric for filters which is a long fiber nonwoven fabric, consisting of thermoplastic continuous filaments and formed by partially thermocompression bonding the thermoplastic continuous filaments, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a QF value (Pa?1) of 0.02 to 0.08 and stiffness of 2 to 80 mN.

Abstract: This invention provides a resin extrusion die capable of suppressing die drool generation and contamination of a resin molded form with generated die drool serving as foreign substances. The resin extrusion die includes a cap through which a molten resin is extruded, and a cover that includes a gas outlet for forming a gap around the tip of a discharge nozzle and covers at least part of the cap so as to form a space between the cap and the gas outlet. The gas outlet forms, around the tip of the discharge nozzle, the gap whose maximum width/minimum width ranges from 1.05 to 2.0, thereby changing a gas supplied into the cover and flowing out of the gap to a turbulent flow.

Abstract: Formed film, apparatus and methods for manufacturing formed film, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. Methods include controlled introduction of melt foldovers through modifying the surface area of a polymer melt curtain. Apparatus for same is also shown as are articles of formed film with melt foldovers.

Abstract: A polyamide, a method for manufacturing the polyamide and compositions that include the polymer are described. A high-viscosity polyamide obtained by the polymerization of diacid and diamine monomers in the presence of multifunctional and, optionally, monofunctional compounds are also described. The polyamide can be used in particular for the production of compositions intended, for example, for being molded or blown.

Abstract: A process and a device involves melt-spinning and cooling synthetic filaments. Therein, a plurality of filaments is extruded from a polymer melt and, after the extrusion, is guided into a cooling shaft for cooling. Within the cooling shaft cool air is blown, via a blower wall, into the cooling shaft, where, for cooling, the filaments are guided along the blower wall and at a distance from it. In order to obtain cooling adapted to the particular filament titer, the blowing onto the filaments can be set by selecting one of several operating positions, where to change the operating position of the blower wall it is moved in the direction towards the filaments or in the direction away from the filaments.

Abstract: To provide a process whereby an ultrafine fiber of a fluorinated ion exchange resin can be produced easily at low cost, and a method whereby a catalyst layer having a high gas diffusion property can be produced easily at low cost.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for corrugating and winding up rolls of a plastic film. The plastic film is corrugated as it is continuously wound onto a roll, by a film drawing drum conformed with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves to perform open-end corrugation or folds which extend crosswise the film; the plastic film is corrugated crosswise, causing the same film to penetrate into the grooves of the drawing drum by suction of air through a plurality of suction holes which open out into the grooves of the drum.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic-based cellular structure comprising: a step (a) during which parallel lamellae of a composition based on at least one thermoplastic polymer (P) chosen from amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers are continuously extruded through a die containing a plurality of parallel slots; a step (b) during which, on exiting the die and in successive alternations, the spaces between two adjacent lamellae are subjected to an injection of a fluid (f) and to a vacuum, the two sides of a same lamella being, for one side, subjected to the action of the fluid (f) and, for the other side, to the action of the vacuum, and inversely during the following alternation, in order to produce deformation of the lamellae and to weld them in pairs with formation, in a plane approximately parallel to the extrusion direction, of a cellular structure whose constituent cells extend perpendicular to the extrusion direction; a step (c) during which the cellular structure obtained in step (b) is drawn perpen

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus includes an apparatus body, a nozzle configured to extrude melted resin in the apparatus body, and a barrel having an air discharge passage arranged around this nozzle to discharge hot air. The discharge passage includes a sloped passage and a parallel passage that extends along the nozzle. At an intersection of imaginary lines extending along the centerlines of the sloped passage, an imaginary merging section is defined. An open end of the nozzle is positioned on the downstream side of the imaginary merging section of the hot air blown diagonally forward toward a periphery of the nozzle. To manufacture a sheet of a nonwoven fabric, the melted resin is discharged from the nozzle and then the hot air swirling diagonally forward is blown toward the periphery of the nozzle. This causes the melted resin to be formed into spiral fibers. Those fibers are blown onto the belt of a conveyor belt apparatus to manufacture a nonwoven fabric sheet.

Abstract: A biodegradable film and a method of forming a biodegradable film are provided. In one aspect, the biodegradable film includes a reinforced biodegradable polymer including a biodegradable polymer and a reinforcing agent substantially dispersed throughout the biodegradable polymer by rapid depressurization of a supercritical fluid wherein the reinforced biodegradable polymer is formed into the film.