Abstract: A binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and polyamine is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Uncured fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a polyamine are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.

Abstract: Provided herein are detergent compositions in solid sheet form that include a detergent component and activated charcoal dispersed in the detergent sheet. The activated charcoal is lightweight, porous and has high surface area to weight ratio. The detergent component and activated charcoal work synergistically to enhance cleaning and stain removal efficacy. The detergent compositions may be a laundry detergent sheet or a toilet bowl cleaner sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a pulp fibrous accumulated sheet including: a liquid permeable pulp fibrous accumulated layer containing a crushed pulp or base-fibers mainly including a crushed pulp, and a binder; and a plurality of fiber crimped parts formed by compression and pressurization, the fiber crimped parts being formed so that crushed pulp fibers each straddling the adjacent fiber crimped parts are present.

Abstract: Textile nonwovens are produced without formaldehyde by employing a polymer binder which is a copolymer of vinyl acetate, ethylene, (meth)acrylamide, (meth)acrylic acid and maleic acid or anhydride or maleamic acid.

Abstract: A binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and polyamine is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Uncured fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a polyamine are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.

Abstract: A device includes an ion-conducting membrane with ion-conducting ceramic particles, and an ion-conducting polymer that surrounds the ion-conducting membrane. The ion-conducting polymer includes a pressure-deformable film with a glass transition temperature lower than an operation temperature of the device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fastener stringer according to the present invention, include a dyeing step for dyeing a fastener stringer including an element row fixed to a side edge portion of a tape made of fiber, a dye cleaning step for removing excess dye from the fastener stringer, a water repellent treatment step for adhering a non-fluorine-based water repellent agent to the fastener stringer, and a pre-dyeing degreasing step for degreasing oil and fat adhered to the fastener stringer by a wet process.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an insulation material for an electrical rotating machine comprising: a curable matrix material; a curing agent; and a filler embedded in the matrix material. The filler comprises electrically conductive doped metal oxide particles.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular inner layer, a reinforcement body disposed around the outer periphery of the inner layer, a protective layer covering the outer periphery of an end of the reinforcement body, and an outer layer covering at least the outer periphery of the protective layer. The protective layer covers the outer periphery of at least one end of reinforcement body, and the end of the reinforcement body covered with the protective layer is buried deeper in a side of the inner layer relative to a portion of the reinforcement body not covered with protective layer. The reinforcement body is prevented from lifting away from the inner layer when the catheter is bent even without increasing the outer diameter of the reinforcement body.

Abstract: An automobile instrument panel surface material includes a microfiber having an average single fiber diameter of 0.3 to 7 ?m; and polyurethane, the automobile instrument panel surface material having nap formed of the microfiber, the automobile instrument panel surface material having, of light fastnesses measured according to a light fastness measurement method of JIS L 0843:2006 under conditions of a xenon arc intensity of 110 MJ/m2, a fading by gray scale evaluation of grade 3.5 or higher, the automobile instrument panel surface material having a glass haze of 10.0% or less as measured according to a glass haze evaluation method of ISO 6452:2007 under conditions of a heating temperature of 100° C. and a heating time of 20 hours.

Abstract: A gas generant composition for an automotive inflatable restraint system is provided with a fuel having a thermally stable crystalline hydrate compound with a water release temperature of greater than or equal to about 140° C. The thermally stable crystalline hydrate compound serves as a ballistic modifier, which can serve to increase burn rate, reduce pressure sensitivity, reduce temperature sensitivity, and the like. The thermally stable crystalline hydrate compound may be selected from the group consisting of: a copper phthalate hydrate, copper pyromellitate dihydrate, copper fumarate dihydrate, copper (3-nitrophthalate) dihydrate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This patent describes formaldehyde free or formaldehyde reduced binders useful, for example, in a fiber based composite material such as glass or other mineral fiber insulation, non-woven fabric or wood-based board. In one example, melamine is used as an acidic solution or a salt. The salt or solution is used to create an aqueous binder with other components such as a polyol and a crosslinker. A preferred polyol is a nanoparticle comprising high molecular weight starch. In other examples, binders include mixtures of a polyol with urea and a crosslinker. In other examples, a multi-component nanoparticle is made by reacting a polyol such as starch in an extruder with an insolubilizer such as melamine or urea. The resulting particles are mixed with water, optionally with other components such as an additional crosslinker, to create an aqueous binder.

Abstract: An improved adhesive composition having increased insulative properties is provided. The adhesive composition having improved insulative properties includes a starch component; an alkaline component; sodium tetraborate; water; and a plurality of expandable microspheres. Products having improved insulation capabilities and methods of making the products having improved insulation capabilities are also provided. The present adhesive and products including the adhesive is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and polyamine is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Uncured fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a polyamine are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.

Abstract: An electric conductive fiber structure includes an electric conductive resin containing electric conductive polymer(s), the electric conductive resin being filled in gaps between single fibers included in a fiber structure, the electric conductive fiber structure having 15% or more area ratio of the electric conductive resin present in an area of 15 to 30 ?m from a surface when a cross section in a thickness direction of the fiber structure is observed.

Abstract: Viscosity-modified carbohydrate binder compositions are described. The binder compositions may include a carbohydrate, a nitrogen-containing compound, and a thickening agent. The binder compositions may have a Brookfield viscosity of 7 to 50 centipoise at 20° C. The thickening agents may include modified celluloses such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and starches.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel artificial sueded leather having flame retardance, which is excellent inflame retardance, light resistance and abrasion resistance, suffers from no water spot and is free from any halogenated chemical (i.e., one having been treated with a so-called non-halogenated flame retardant), and a method of producing the same. The above artificial sueded leather comprises a thermoplastic synthetic fiber cloth made of a woven fabric, a knitted web or a nonwoven fabric, which has a raised-fiber or napped-fiber surface and has been impregnated with a polyurethane resin, and a flame retardant which contains at least a phosphate compound A having a solubility in water of 1% or less, a vinyl group-containing resin C capable of forming a carbonization skeleton in burning and a water-insoluble thickener D and is imparted to one face of the thermoplastic synthetic fiber cloth.

Abstract: A fabric having ultraviolet radiation protection is disclosed which has a quantity of zinc oxide particles with each of the zinc oxide particles having a surface and a quantity of an acid polymer, with the acid polymer binding to the surfaces of the zinc oxide particles. A fabric having ultraviolet radiation protection is further disclosed having a quantity of zinc oxide particles with each of the zinc oxide particles having a surface and a quantity of boronic acid polymer, wherein the boronic acid functional groups of the polymer bind to the surface of the zinc oxide particles.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a conductive fabric configured integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network. A system comprising a conductive fabric configured to integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network. A method comprising arranging a conductive fabric to create a Faraday cage configured to integrate with a parachute, wherein when the conductive fabric is integrated with the parachute the conductive fabric is able to withstand packing, deployment and recovery of the parachute without damaging the parachute or the conductive network.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a conductive network and one or more Faraday cages, wherein the one or more Faraday cages and conductive network are configured to integrate with a parachute and be packed, deployed, and recovered without damaging the parachute, one or more Faraday cages, or conductive network. A system comprising a conductive network and one or more Faraday cages, wherein the one or more Faraday cages and conductive network are configured to integrate with a parachute and be packed, deployed, and recovered without damaging the parachute, one or more Faraday cages, or conductive network. A method comprising arranging one or more Faraday cages to at least partially shield a conductive network, wherein the one or more flexible Faraday cages and conductive network are configured to integrate with a parachute and be packed, deployed, and recovered without damaging the parachute, one or more Faraday cages or conductive network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating textiles and/or leather, comprising applying at least one polyurethane urea dissolved in a solvent or solvent mixture, wherein the solvent consists of one or more monohydroxy-functional alcohols, or a solvent mixture consisting of organic solvents, containing >80 wt. % of at least one monohydroxy-functional alcohol in relation to the total mass of the solvent mixture is used, and wherein the polyurethane urea is formed by: a) at least one araliphatic, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate; b) at least one polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight Mn?400 and ?6000 g/mol and an average hydroxyl functionality of ?1.5 and ?4; c) at least one amino-functional compound having at least two isocyanate reactive amino groups; and optionally other components.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a material and a method of providing thermal and acoustical insulation with an insulating shield that is moldable and self-supporting insulating shield, is presented. The shield includes a nonwoven material and an oleophobic coating applied to the outer surface of the nonwoven material. The oleophobic coating includes a percent add-on (% AO) of less than approximately 3% AO and a penetration into the surface of the nonwoven material of less than approximately 10%.

Abstract: A culture support substrate comprising: a first part, making up the backbone of the substrate and representing more than 70% of the total volume of the substrate, composed of particles P>100 ?m with particle size greater than 100 ?m, the particles as a whole consisting of hard particles PH>100 and/or of resilient particles PR>100, wherein the resilient particles make up a proportion by volume PV of between 0% and 100% by volume of this first part; a second part of corpuscular components P<100 with a particle size of less than 100 ?m, and making up from 0 to 450 g/l of the substrate; a third part, making up from 0 to 200 g/l of the substrate, composed of fine fibers between 3 mm and 100 mm in length and between 5 ?m and 35 ?m in diameter; and a fourth part, making up from 0 to 200 g/l of the substrate.

Abstract: A temperature regulation and management system is provide that has an inner wall and an outer wall forming a space for accommodating a phase change material (PCM) with the space between the walls, in one or both of the walls, or a combination of such locations. The inner wall is in contact with an object that requires temperature regulation within a specified operating range, such as a vehicle battery pack. The inner wall and the outer wall are both formed from sheet molding compound (SMC), or the outer wall if formed of a filled polyurethane.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoparticles having a core that is fully or partially formed by at least one UV-absorbing organic compound in crystallized form and coated with an outer layer formed by at least one hydrophilic polymer, said UV-absorbing organic compound(s) and hydrophilic polymer(s) being associated in a weight ratio of organic compound(s) to hydrophilic polymer(s) varying between 0.2 and 0.4.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of randomly oriented discrete fibers and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the web, and methods of making and using same. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of multi-component fibers having at least a first region exhibiting a first melting temperature and a second region exhibiting a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In other embodiments, the discrete fibers include a first population of monocomponent thermoplastic fibers having a first melting temperature, and a second population of monocomponent fibers having a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing a multistage polymer by contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions an acrylic monomer, a sulfur acid monomer, and a phosphorous acid monomer as described herein. The multistage polymer is useful as a binder for coatings compositions.

Abstract: Foamable aqueous compositions can be used to form light-blocking and light-colored foamed, opacifying elements with one or more dry foamed layers. The compositions contain: (a) 0.05 to 20 weight % of porous particles comprising a continuous polymeric phase and a first set of discrete pores, the porous particles having a mode particle size of 2 to 50 ?m; (b) at least 20 weight % of a binder material (that can be curable); (c) 0.1 to 30 weight % of one or more additives including dispersants, plasticizers, inorganic or organic pigments or dyes, thickeners, flame retardants, biocides, fungicides, optical brighteners, tinting colorants, metal flakes, and inorganic or organic fillers; (d) water; and (e) at least 0.001 weight % of an opacifying colorant different from (c), which opacifying colorant absorbs electromagnetic radiation. The foamable aqueous composition can be aerated, disposed on a porous substrate, dried, and crushed on that porous substrate.

Abstract: Smokeless tobacco products suitable for oral consumption are provided. The smokeless tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one fibrous structure enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the tobacco composition such that the fibrous structure and the tobacco composition form a cohesive structure capable of maintaining cohesion when placed in an oral cavity, wherein the fibrous structure includes one or more of (i) a warp knitted structure; (ii) a plurality of reinforcing fibers attached to the tobacco composition; (iii) a braided sleeve; and (iv) a spacer fabric. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product adapted for oral consumption is also provided, the process including the step of enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of a tobacco composition with a fibrous structure to form a composite structure.

Abstract: A composition which provides bactericidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activity when treating plants with effective amounts. The composition comprises the blending of: (1) an aqueous salicylate solution from salicylic acid reacted in an aqueous media with ammonium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; (2) a reaction mixture that provides fungicidal activity and fertilizers plants when applied in an effective amount and which comprises potassium phosphates, potassium polyphosphate, potassium phosphites, and potassium polyphosphite and potassium phosphate phosphite copolymers; and, optionally, (3) aqueous potassium acetate.

Abstract: Polymer compositions including blends of approximately 90 to approximately 60 percent by weight acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer and approximately 10 to approximately 40 percent by weight polychloroprene copolymer are disclosed. Methods for manufacturing unsupported gloves and for supported gloves including a knitted liner with the polymer compositions, producing gloves having an ANSI abrasion resistance level 4, are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a reinforcing carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is a reinforcing carbon fiber bundle with a sizing agent adhered to surfaces of carbon fibers, and characterized in that the sizing agent is constituted by at least two components, a first component does not melt at 150° C., and a second component in flowable at 150° C., and the reinforcing carbon fiber bundle is improved in impregnation property and openability and is excellent in workability and optimum for a composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate raw material such as a copper clad laminate for manufacturing a circuit board. A substrate raw material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes an insulating layer and an organic fiber cloth disposed in the insulating layer.

Abstract: A textile coating is made from a web of fibers including a first area and a second area. The first area is a cohesion area where the fibers of the web are integrated into a tight entanglement holding the fibers and located on only a portion of the thickness of the web. A method for making the textile coating includes: applying an alternating electric field to the web having at least one face bearing a heat-meltable powdery binder, thereby introducing said powdery binder into the web, so as to concentrate the binder at the first area, then melting the binder by supplying heat, and leaving the binder to cure or causing it to cure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for apparel assembly using three-dimensional printing directly onto fabric apparel materials. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing and assembly of an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based airbag base fabric aqueous coating material is provided. Blocked polyisocyanate component (B-NCO) and liquid polyol are added, respectively, as a cross-linkage improver and a plasticizer. The B-NCO is composed of or based on a medium-molecular-weight form as a polyether-modified prepolymer, used concurrently with a low-molecular-weight form in a small amount. The base fabric coating material is applied on one or both of the sides of a cloth of the base fabric, and heated. Thus the acquired coating film is a water-insoluble coat and the coat shows excellent heat and moisture resistance (hot water resistance) and flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for three-dimensional printing directly onto an article of apparel. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing onto the article, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: Methods for making phenolic resins modified with one or more monosaccharides and methods for making composite products therewith are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, a method for making a composite product can include contacting a plurality of cellulosic sheets with a resin composition that includes a phenolic resin and a monosaccharide. The resin composition can include about 0.5 wt % to about 30 wt % of the monosaccharide, based on a combined weight of the phenolic resin and the monosaccharide. The method can also include at least partially curing the resin composition to produce a composite product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous anti-dusting formulation for use in combination with a binder in the manufacture of fiber wool insulation, the formula comprising: a) oil; b) polyvinyl alcohol; and c) water. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a glass or mineral fiber product with the anti-dusting formulations and to products of the process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally provide for wind turbine blade spar caps comprising composite materials prepared using a low viscosity resin system and a high density fabric and methods for their manufacture. In particular embodiment, the low viscosity resin system has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to about 100 centipoises at a temperature in the range of about 0° C. to about 125° C. during the preparation of the composite material. By using low viscosity resin systems, composite materials have been prepared having a fiber volume fraction of greater than about 65% and a composite modulus of greater than 48000 MPa.

Abstract: A mixture of an elastomer, carbon black, and inorganic fillers provides a highly useful laser-ablatable flexographic printing plate precursor formulation. This formulation is sensitive to infrared radiation. Both flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves can be made using the mixture.

Abstract: Provided are a textile fabric sheet having stain and liquid resistance including (a) a fabric substrate, (b) a first polyurethane coating layer formed on a first surface of the fabric substrate; (c) a second aqueous acrylic coating layer formed on the first coating layer of the polyurethane coating layer; and (d) a third stain-resistant coating layer formed on the second aqueous acrylic coating layer and a method of preparing the same. Thus, a texture characteristic of the fabric substrate itself can be exhibited, and due to the polyurethane coating layer, the aqueous acrylic coating layer and the stain-resistant coating layer stacked in three steps, excellent water resistance, stain resistance and air permeability can be exhibited.

Abstract: Disclosed are coating compositions that can be one-component, ambient curable, and waterborne. The coating compositions include a polymer that is the reaction product of a polycarbodiimide and a ketocarboxylic acid. Also disclosed are substrates coated with a coating deposited from such compositions, as well as methods for depositing a coating on a substrate, and coated substrates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally provide for wind turbine blade spar caps comprising composite materials prepared using a low viscosity resin system and a high density fabric and methods for their manufacture. In particular embodiment, the low viscosity resin system has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to about 100 centipoises at a temperature in the range of about 0° C. to about 125° C. during the preparation of the composite material. By using low viscosity resin systems, composite materials have been prepared having a fiber volume fraction of greater than about 65% and a composite modulus of greater than 48000 MPa.

Abstract: Aqueous polyurethane dispersion for waterproof breathable coatings An aqueous polyurethane dispersion comprises a polyurethane polymer obtainable by the reaction of an isocyanate-functional polyurethane prepolymer A) with an isocyanate-reactive component B), wherein the isocyanate-functional prepolymer A) is obtainable by the reaction of a mixture comprising: a polyol component comprising a polyester polyol obtainable by the reaction of a mixture comprising an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and at least one diol selected from the group consisting of linear aliphatic diols and a branched aliphatic diols; and a polyisocyanate component comprising ?50 weight-%, based on the total weight of polyisocyanates, of dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate. The isocyanate-reactive component B) comprises a compound comprising sulfonate groups which is employed in an amount of ?3.5 weight-% to ?10 weight-%, based on the total weight of the polyol component, the polyisocyanate component and the isocyanate-reactive component B).

Abstract: Provided among other things is a fabric comprising: a HPPE base fabric; coated thereon a primer polymer; and coated on the primer polymer a liquid-resistant polymer layer. The primer polymer can be a polyurethane. The base fabric can comprise an adhesion promoter that can be a plasticizer. The adhesion promoter can be a sulfonic acid plasticizer. The adhesion promoter can contain an active hydrogen, carboxy, carboxyloxy or acid group. The fabric can comprise, coated on the liquid-resistant polymer layer, an additional polymer layer. The additional polymer layer can comprise carnauba wax in an amount from about 1 to 3% Phr. The liquid-resistant polymer layer can be a NBR layer. In certain embodiments, the fabric shows no delamination of the liquid-resistant polymer layer after an adherence test. The primer layer can be a polyurethane layer. These features can be present in any combination.

Abstract: Binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of treating textile fibres including the steps of: providing a polymeric precursor which includes a group of sub-formula (I) where R2 and R3 are independently selected from (CR7R8)n, or a group CR9R10, CR7R8CR9R10 or CR9R10CR7R8 where n is 0, 1 or 2, R7 and R8 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo or hydrocarbyl, and either one of R9 or R10 is hydrogen and the other is an electron withdrawing group, or R9 and R10 together form an electron withdrawing group, and R4 and R5 are independently selected from CH or CR11 where R11 is an electron withdrawing group, the dotted lines indicate the presence or absence of a bond, X1 is a group CX2X3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent and a group CX2 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is present, Y1 is a group CY2Y3 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is absent and a group CY2 where the dotted line bond to which it is attached is present, and X2, X3, Y2 an

Abstract: A method for producing a composite material, including an assembly of one or a plurality of synthetic reinforcement fibres, impregnated with at least one thermoplastic polymer having a vitreous transition temperature Tg greater than or equal to 80° C. including: i) a step of impregnating said assembly with a precursor composition in the molten state and including: a) at least one prepolymer P(X)n of said thermoplastic polymer, including a molecular chain P having, at the ends n thereof, identical reactive functions X, said prepolymer having a semi-aromatic and/or semi-cycloaliphatic structure, b) at least one chain extender including two identical functions Y, which are reactive with at least one of said functions X; ii) a step of polymerisation by mass (poly)addition, in the molten state, of said prepolymer with said chain extender, with said thermoplastic polymer of the thermoplastic matrix being the result of said polymerisation by mass polyaddition.

Abstract: This invention relates to aminoplast crosslinker resins compositions based on at least partially alkylated reaction products A of melamine, formaldehyde and an alkanol with the following parameters: the ratio of the amount of substance n(CH2O) of combined formaldehyde to the amount of substance n(Mel) of melamine is in the range of from 5.6 mol/mol to 6.2 mol/mol, the ratio of the amount of substance n(RO) of alkyl ether groups in the crosslinker resin to the amount of substance n(Mel) of melamine is in the range of from 5.0 mol/mol to 5.6 mol/mol, the mass fraction of monomer in the resin, calculated as the ratio of the mass of monomer m(1) to the mass m(A) of the reaction products A is between 35% and 55%, to a process for their preparation, and to a method of use thereof as crosslinker in combination with hydroxy-functional polymers for coating of heat-sensitive substrates.