Abstract: Disclosed are semipermeable fluid separation membranes prepared from polyaromatic polymers including aromatic repeat units of which at least five mole percent are substituted by moieties having ethylenically unsaturated carbon bonds wherein the polymer is crosslinked through carbon bonds between the ethylenically unsaturated moieties. The invented membranes have enhanced durability yet retain very high fluid, especially gas, permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a tubular thermoplastic film, and more particularly, a water bath film cooling apparatus for the rapid quenching of an extruded tubular thermoplastic film so as to enhance the speed of cooling thereof, and increase the strength of the film material. Also disclosed is a method of rapidly cooling a thermoplastic film material through the intermediary of a water bath, utilizing the inventive cooling apparatus. A predetermined internal pressure is maintained within the tube by a gaseous medium, such as air, which is slightly higher than the external pressure imparted to the film tube by the water bath, so as to enhance the speed of cooling of the film materials and increase the strength of the film by minimizing the premature crystallinity thereof upon extrusion of the film and passage through the cooling apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling excess fiber length (EFL) in a loose tube optical fiber buffer tube which includes traversing a just extruded plastic buffer tube, containing optical fibers and a filling compound, through a vertical cooling tower along a buffer tube path of travel in the cooling tower where the cooling tower contains a water blocking device disposed at a predetermined point along the buffer tube path of travel and the water blocking device has a body containing (a) a chamber with inlet and outlet ports, defining a buffer tube path of travel aligned with the cooling tower path of travel, a conical shaped portion circumscribing a part of the buffer tube path of travel and an annulus shaped portion circumscribing the buffer tube path of travel and a portion of the conical shaped portion; (b) a device disposed near the outlet port for providing a stream of gas directed at the buffer tube path of travel; and, (c) a drain port to remove accumulated water from the annulus-shaped portion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of biaxially oriented liquid crystal films. The process includes:(i) forming an anisotropic dope from a polymerization solution of rigid rod heterocyclic liquid crystalline polymers such as poly{[benzo(1,2-d:4,5-d')bisthiazole-2,6-diyl] 1,4-phenylene}, its cis isomer or mixtures thereof, and poly{[benzo(1,2-d:4,5-d')bisoxazole-2,6-diyl] 1,4-phenylene}, its cis isomer or mixtures thereof, and a solvent such as polyphosphoric acid;(ii) extruding the dope to form a film;(iii) imparting biaxial orientation to the film to increase the transverse strength thereof;(iv) solidifying the biaxially oriented film; and(v) washing the solidified film to remove the solvent. Also disclosed is a liquid crystal film produced by the above process.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer yarn is spun into a spinning tube charged with a pressurized gas of more than 1 kg/cm.sup.2 G and withdrawn through a yarn exit provided with a unique sealing means which substantially prevents the charged gas from leakage but allows passage of the yarn out from the spinning tube. The resultant yarn has a high molecular orientation due to the improved quenching effect and the increase of resistance against yarn travelling of the charged gas.

Abstract: A ceramic body is continuously extruded through a die of an extruder and held on a porous support at a slightly floating state by air pressure jetted from pores of the support.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the continuous manufacture of a perforated plastic film, where the plastic film is extruded directly from the extrusion unit either onto one roller of a pair of rollers or directly into the gap between a pair of rollers (a perforating/texturing roller and a back-up roller). The hot plastic film is perforated on a roller under the influence of a vacuum and shock cooling by the flow of cold air and the coolness of the back-up roller is carried out during the perforating step, and immediately thereafter. The film is preferably textured at the same time that it is perforated, the immediate cooling setting the texture in the film.

Abstract: A method for applying a high pressure liquid jet or stream to a web of polymeric film while the film is supported on a moving forming structure to produce a novel microbubbled substantially fluid-impervious web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and silky tactile impression and reduced noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microbubbled polymeric web exhibits a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. Apparatus for producing microbubbled webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Shaped articles, especially ones containing a plurality of fine through passages, are made from a composition containing a refractory particulate material by extrusion, cutting the extrudate, while vertically hanging or suspending into lengths while in the green deformable state by a high velocity water jet, and then calcining to bind the refractory particles together. Depending on the nature of the refractory material, the articles are of use as catalyst supports or precursors, adsorbents, or absorbents. The extrudate is extruded horizontally and allowed to sag into a gap between the extrusion die and a transport device, which is driven positively to maintain the degree of sag within predetermined limits, and the frequency of cutting depends on the rate of movement of the transport device.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically deforming a web of polymeric film while the film is supported on a moving forming structure to produce a novel microbubbled substantially fluid-impervious web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and silky tactile impression and reduced noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microbubbled polymeric web exhibits a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. The method may also be utilized to produce fluid pervious microapertured webs which are known in the art. Apparatus for producing microbubbled and/or microapertured webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing biaxially oriented tubular polyetheretherketone films having good optical and mechanical properties and heat resistance, by rapidly quenching at a rate of at least 24.degree. C. per second an unoriented tubular polyetheretherketone film as melt-extruded through a circular die thereby imparting a crystallinity of not greater than 10% to the film, and continuously introducing the thus produced film into the space between a feed nip roll pair and a pull nip roll pair while reheating the film externally to a temperature of 60.degree.-140.degree. C. and allowing the film to expand under the influence of the internal pressure to an areal draw ratio of 4-36, to thereby attain biaxial orientation.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of polyolefin film by extruding molten film from an annular die in a tubular form into an extrusion zone is disclosed wherein physical properties are enhanced by controlling polymeric crystalline growth. The method includes providing a liquid quench medium maintained at a constant temperature range in the extrusion zone immediately adjacent the annular die, extruding the molten film directly into the liquid quench medium, and then orienting the quenched film in a tubular bubble whereby the size and amount of crystalline growth is controlled.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a sheet of a crystalline thermoplastic resin, e.g. polypropylene, having excellent transparency and surface properties as well as thermoformability. The inventive method comprises quenching of a molten resin sheet extruded out of a T-die by introducing the same into a slit where cooling water is flowing at a velocity higher than the running velocity of the extruded molten resin sheet and then stretching the thus quenched resin sheet in a stretch ratio in the range from 1.02 to 1.5 times.

Abstract: A polyacetal copolymer of continuous length is disclosed. The copolymer has an apparent density of 1.20 to 1.46 g/cm.sup.3, and a tensile modulus (X) of 19 GPA or more and a density change percentage (Y) of 85% or more. The relationship between the density change percentage (Y) and the tensile modulus (X) is defined by the following relationship:when 19.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.30, then Y.gtoreq.127.7-1.42X, and when X>30, Y.gtoreq.85.A method for producing this copolymer includes permitting a polymeric material in continuous length to pass through a pressurizing fluid and applying a substantially uniform pressure therearound. A drawing stress is applied to the material while heating it at a temperature not above its softening point, thus subjecting the material to high stretching.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin-walled cylindrical body of an aromatic polyester, which comprises(A) heating a continuous thick-walled tubular body of an aromatic polyester by introducing it continuously into a heating zone while feeding a pressure fluid into the thick-walled tubular body,(B) expanding the heated thick-walled tubular body into a cylindrical form, and(C) continuously stretching and taking up the resulting cylindrical expanded body, while at least forming a fold-free portion in the expanded body in its longitudinal direction; and a thin-walled cylindrical body of an aromatic polyester characterized by a specific intrinsic viscosity, density, wall thickness, surface roughness (CLA), and difference of its refractive indices in the circumferential direction and in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, and substantial freedom from folded marks which cannot be removed at a temperature of 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing synthetic resin pen nibs is disclosed, which pen nibs may suitably be employed in writing instruments for fine lettering or drawing fine lines. The pen nibs are formed of thermoplastic crystalline synthetic resin, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate resin, which is extruded from a molding die and subjected to rapid cooling to form a continuous rod in amorphous state. The rod is axially stretched under predetermined temperature condition to achieve oriented crystallization of the resin molecules, and is further heat-treated such that non-oriented fine crystals are dispersed and grown between oriented crystals and remaining amorphous regions. Pen nib thus obtained has highly improved physical and chemical properties.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having a pattern defined by an array of discrete areas having a reduced fibre density but which are substantially free of perforations is produced by supporting a freshly wet laid web of the non-woven fabric on a porous surface and directing spaced jets of fluid against the unsupported side in order to displace fibres within discrete areas while maintaining in position a proportion of fibres that are within those areas and that are adjacent the porous surface. The fabric web may be supported on a Fourdrinier wire (1) and the jets of fluid (e.g. water) may be directed through the apertures in a perforated cylinder (6), the fluid being supplied under pressure from a water-knife device (11). The apertures in the cylinder (6) preferably have a cross-section that increases in the direction of the water jets.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermoplastic sheet or film characterized in that a molten thermoplastic resin sheet extruded through a T-die is cooled by introducing it into a multi-stage slit in which a cooling water is flowing. The water level in the first slit of the multi-stage slit is maintained at as low a level as possible. The method produces various advantages over conventional methods; for example, the sheet or film is free from unevenness in thickness, wrinkles, and curls, and is of high uniformity, and the sheet or film can be formed by high-speed molding of at least 10 m/min. The sheet or film is suitable for use in wrapping of, for example, foods and medicines.

Abstract: A composition for shrinkable film which excels in heat-sealability, transparency, strength, and particularly low-temperature quick shrinking property and, therefore, suits production chiefly of packaging materials, a film made of the composition and a process for the manufacture of the film are disclosed. Specifically, the composition comprises one of the specific combinations of components (A), (B) and (C), i.e. the combinations of (A)+(B), (B)+(C) and (A)+(B)+(C), wherein (A) is non-rigid polyolefine resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate, (B) is an elastomer comprising a specific ethylene-.alpha.-olefine copolymer, and (C) is rigid polyolefin resins such as polypropylene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously cooling a thermoplastic shape having two open sides in which the thermoplastic shape, in its at least partially molten state, is extruded and/or drawn along an elongated form having a contour complimentary to the contour of one side of the two open sides and, simultaneously with moving the thermoplastic shape, at least partially cooling the thermoplastic shape by cooling the form with a liquid cooling medium and drawing a vacuum, on the previously mentioned one side of the two open sides of the thermoplastic shape, through the form.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a method of cooling molten extruded tube produced by a blown-tube process. The improvement comprises cooling the tube utilizing the heat of evaporation of moisture in steam. The steam is brought into contact with the molten tube after extrusion of the molten tube from an extrusion die, whereby the steam is permitted to expand prior to, during or subsequent to contact with the molten tube. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the above-described method.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for electromagnetically casting molten material into a desired shape. A containment zone is established. The containment zone has a first section for electromagnetically containing the molten material and a second section downstream and communicating with the first section for forming the molten material into the desired shape. The improvement comprises a heat extraction device for directing a cooling medium into the containment zone whereby the cooling medium passes the molten material in the second section to rapidly solidify the molten material prior to passing the molten material in the first section to lower the temperature in the contained molten material to minimize superheating. A second embodiment of the invention includes a secondary cooling device associated with the heat extraction device for directing a cooling medium against the solidified material.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for the curing of a continuous length of curable material, the length of material is passed through a curing chamber defined by a tubular body 47. This body 47 is disposed in the upper part of another heated tubular body 2 which contains a heat exchange liquid. This liquid is fed to one or more injectors disposed at one or both ends of the body 47, injected along the chamber and then allowed to drain back therefrom into the body 2. The body 2 contains a further tubular body 58 downstream of and partitioned from the tubular body 47. Body 58 also has an injector 60 through which water is injected to cool the length of material. Tubular body 47 may be provided with drain holes through which heat exchange liquid can be quickly drained at the end of a curing run. It may also be provided with air vents or a longitudinal slot in its upper part to release trapped air.

Abstract: A composition for shrinkable film which excels in heat-sealability, transparency, strength, and particularly low-temperature quick shrinking property and, therefore, suits production chiefly of packaging materials, a film made of the composition and a process for the manufacture of the film are disclosed. Specifically, the composition comprises one of the specific combinations of components (A), (B) and (C), i.e. the combinations of (A)+(B), (B)+(C) and (A)+(B)+(C), wherein (A) is non-rigid polyolefine resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate, (B) is an elastomer comprising a specific ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, and (C) is rigid polyolefin resins such as polypropylene.

Abstract: Method for treatment of a solid material submerged in a body of liquid wherein the material is sticky and/or has relatively low tensile strength. The material being treated is supported, while so submerged, by a dynamic boundary layer of a liquid material between the treated material and a stationary porous restraining surface, the layer being created by the forced diffusion of said liquid through the pores of said stationary surface. The method is illustrated by heating and thereby foaming a strip of heat foamable thermoplastic resin while it is held submerged in a denser heat transfer liquid by a dynamic layer of said heat transfer liquid, said layer of heat transfer liquid being created by the forced diffusion thereof through a porous plate in operative communication with a pressurized chamber containing a supply of said liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous manufacture of fiber-reinforced tubing based on cellulose hydrate, comprising the steps of impregnating and coating fibrous tubing with an aqueous akaline viscose solution; moving the viscose-treated tubing at a steady speed vertically in a straight line along its longitudinal axis; applying a viscose-regenerating fluid along at least one circular circumferential line to at least the outside of the viscose-treated fibrous tubing; immediately after the application step, passing the tubing with the film of regenerating fluid on its surface through at least one first air section, whereby there is produced a fiber-reinforced tubing based on cellulose hydrate; treating the cellulose hydrate tubing with an aqueous fluid containing a dissolved chemical plasticizer; and drying the plasticized tubing. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A molten thermoplastic resin is extruded in the form of a double-layer cylindrical hollow film with the two film layers being interconnected with each other by a number of spaced legs and is then immediately passed through an annular gap defined by annular side walls of inner and outer vessels in such a manner that the two film layers are in contact with the respective side walls defining the gap. Coolant is supplied to the inner and outer vessels and overflows above the side walls to bring the coolant into contact with the resin. The level of the coolant overflowing above both side walls is adjusted to be equal and also to have a liquid pressure on the extruded resin balanced with a gas pressure supplied in between the two film layers and the legs of the extruded resin.

Abstract: A composition for shrinkable film which excels in heat-sealability, transparency, strength, and particularly low-temperature quick shrinking property and, therefore, suits production chiefly of packaging materials, a film made of the composition and a process for the manufacture of the film are disclosed. Specifically, the composition comprises one of the specific combinations of components (A), (B) and (C), i.e. the combinations of (A)+(B), (B)+(C) and (A)+(B)+(C), wherein (A) is non-rigid polyolefine resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate, (B) is an elastomer comprising a specific ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, and (C) is rigid polyolefin resins such as polypropylene.

Abstract: A method for coating an axially moving tubular form by depositing a coating medium on a surface of the form, and spreading the deposited medium around at least part of the surface in a direction transverse to the movement of the form. The technique is suitable for the deposition of a uniform coating of a flowable medium on to a tubular film-forming substrate--particularly in the production of antistatic polyolefin films.

Abstract: A method of making elongated members of thermoplastic material which simulate natural bamboo by continuously extruding the material through a die, cooling the extruded material downstream of the die, gripping the cool material and transporting the material away from the die and slowing the speed of transport relative to the speed of extrusion at predetermined lengths of extrusion to produce regions of greater external cross-sectional dimensions to provide axially spaced nodes similar to those of bamboo.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having alternating stripes of high fiber density and low fiber density is made in such a manner that the high fiber density stripes run across the fabric and maximize the cross direction strength to a point that the cross direction/machine direction strength ratio approaches unity. This advantageous and desirable characteristic can be achieved by hydroforming card web; first disposing the carded web on a relatively fine mesh screen and placing a finger-like striping bars over the web with the axis of the bars at 90.degree. to the card web's general fiber orientation. Water was then sprayed over the assembly with sufficient force to rearrange the fibers in the web thereby producing the nonwoven fabric of this invention.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preparing continuous, seamless blown thermoplastic film tubing by extruding a melt of the thermoplastic through an annular orifice into a tubular shape, inflating the film tube thus formed and cooling such inflated tubing. In the apparatus, the extruded tube while still plastic is passed through an external cooling means having one or more multi-perforated air rings shaped in congruance to the desired shape of the inflating tube. Additionally, final cooling means is provided which cools the precooled film tube with air supplied from a continuous, non interrupted annulus surrounding the tube. A major advantage of this apparatus is that production speeds can be increased while maintaining bubble stability.

Abstract: A vinylidene chloride copolymer film having excellent bubble stability in an inflation-stretching process and excellent cold resistance is prepared by inflation-stretching a tubular amorphous substance obtained by melt-extruding and quenching a composition comprising vinylidene chloride copolymer, a miscible type elastomer (A component) and a particle dispersion type elastomer (B component) in a range surrounded by the lines (a), (b), (c) and (d) ##EQU1## WHEREIN A WEIGHT PERCENT OF THE B component to total elastomers is plotted on X axis (abscissa) and a weight percent of total content of the A component and the B component to total components is plotted on Y axis (ordinate).

Abstract: An extrusion pelletizing process is disclosed wherein coolant is injected into the stream of thermoplastic material being extruded in such a fashion to interrupt the flow thereof and form discrete material lengths thereof as the material moves through the extrusion die and exits at the other end thereof in the form of pellets. The coolant is permitted to at least partially vaporize upon contact with the material stream and accordingly forms a solidified shell therearound including end portions of adjacent pellets so as to effectively separate such as they pass through the die. Such system enables the formation of discrete material lengths or pellets without the need of conventional cutting apparatus such as knives and the attendant support equipment necessary in their use.

Abstract: A nonwoven, self-sustaining, absorbent fabric comprising a batt of randomly arranged, intermingled cellulosic fibers has a plurality of high loft, loosely compacted regions separated from each other by highly compressed regions. An adhesive material penetrates through the compressed regions to form bonded fiber networks extending completely through the batt, and said adhesive material only partially penetrates through said high loft regions whereby the fibers in the interiors of said high loft regions are unbonded by said adhesive so that said regions are highly absorbent. A method of manufacturing the above-described nonwoven fabric by moistening opposed surfaces of a loosely compacted, randomly oriented cellulosic fiber batt, embossing said moistened batt for providing a pattern in said surfaces, applying an adhesive to the patterned surfaces of the batt and setting said adhesive.