Abstract: The invention provides a highly aligned and closely packed hollow fiber assembly, wherein the assemblies of fibrous membrane has a width-to-fiber diameter ratio (W/d) larger than 10 and the orientation of the fibers is no larger than +/?10°. Also provided is an electrospinning process for the preparation of the fiber assembly of the invention and its applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the suspension of cellulose fibers suitable for producing an oxygen gas barrier film. The present invention provides a suspension of cellulose fibers containing cellulose fibers, a polyvalent metal and a volatile base, wherein the cellulose fibers have an average fiber diameter of not more than 200 nm and the content of carboxyl groups of cellulose composing the cellulose fibers of 0.1 to 2 mmol/g. The suspension is a good material for a film having oxygen gas barrier properties. The present invention provides a film containing cellulose fibers and an inorganic or organic metal salt, wherein the cellulose fibers have an average fiber diameter of not more than 200 nm and the content of carboxyl groups of cellulose composing the cellulose fibers of 0.1 to 2 mmol/g.

Abstract: A stiff layered polymer nanocomposite comprising a substrate adapted to receive a plurality of alternating layers of a first material and a second material; wherein the first material and second material are a polyelectrolyte, an organic polymer or an inorganic colloid and said first material and said second material have a chemical affinity for each other, said plurality of layers crosslinked using a chemical or physical crosslinking agent. Thin films that are consolidated and optionally crosslinked can be manufactured into hierarchical laminates with rigid and stress resistant properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg made by impregnating a resin composition into a fiber reinforcing material, the resin composition comprising 50 to 60 parts by weight of an aromatic bismaleimide (A), 30 to 40 parts by weight of an alkenylphenol ether compound (B) expressed by a specific general formula, 5 to 15 parts by weight of an alkenyl aromatic comonomer (C), and 1 to 10% by weight of a thermoplastic resin (D) soluble in (B) or (C) based on the total amount of (A), (B) and (C), the aromatic bismaleimide (A) including 90% by weight or more of bismaleimide diphenylmethane, and a composite material having a glass transition temperature of 260 to 350° C. obtained by heat-curing the prepreg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prepregs, towpregs and preforms made from curable compositions of (a) benzoxazines, (b) a combination of adducts a first of which is prepared from hydroxy-containing compounds, isocyanate-containing compounds and phenolic compounds and the second of which is prepared from the first adduct and epoxy-containing compounds, (c) components reactive with the benzoxazine, such as epoxy resins, episulfide resins and oxetane resins, (d) tougheners, such as polyether sulfones, ATBN and core shell materials and (e) a silica component, where the silica has a mean particle diameter on the order of 10?9 meters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly transparent fiber-reinforced composite material including an assembly of cellulose fibers of 4 to 200 nm average fiber diameter impregnated with a matrix material so as to not only remedy the moisture absorbency attributed to cellulose fibers but also further improve transparency. There is provided a fiber-reinforced composite material including an assembly of cellulose fibers impregnated with a matrix material. In the fiber-reinforced composite material, hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers are chemically modified through a reaction with one or more chemical modifiers selected from the group consisting of an acid, an alcohol, a halogenating reagent, an acid anhydride, and an isocyanate so that the ratio of a functional group introduced by the chemical modification is 5 to 40 percent by mole based on the hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers before the chemical modification.

Abstract: Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of aligned nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives on a substrate. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction material having a fully fibrous content fibrous base material. The base material has dispersed therethrough, in a penetrating gradient, a desired amount of friction modifying particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for making a consolidated or densified composite article comprising polymer, particularly fluoropolymer, and oriented carbon fiber, which provides suitability for use in chemical-mechanical applications.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have an aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: To provide a cellulose fiber composite having high transparency, low water absorption and low coefficient of linear thermal expansion. A fiber composite which comprises fibers having an average fiber diameter of at most 30 nm and a matrix material and which has a haze of at most 5 according to JIS K-7136 when the fiber composite has a thickness of 100 ?m.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a pore volume distribution such that greater than about 50% of the total pore volume present in the fibrous structure exists in pores of radii of from about 101 ?m to about 200 ?m, and methods for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: Biocides for bio-based binder compositions are disclosed. Bio-based binders include those having a nutrient source such as carbohydrate, protein or fat, which can serve as an energy source for organisms to grow in areas that contact binder. Principal areas that contact bio-based binder in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing process include the raw ingredients, the binder chemicals, the prepared binder dispersions, the forming hood and related equipment, the final insulation product and, importantly, the cleaning systems and washwater arising from cleaning the manufacturing equipment and/or forming the product. Frequently the washwater is stored until re-cycled for re-use. Storage may take place in tanks, towers, vats and even outdoor reservoirs, all of which may harbor the growth of unwanted organisms, for which a biocide is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention is an artificial snow and an artificial ski area. The artificial snow is composed of a solid lubricant compound and resin grains, wherein the components of said solid lubricant compound include: 40-50 parts by weight paraffin and 15-25 parts by weight polyethylene ester or polypropylene ester or polyurethane grains and 15-30 parts by weight talcum powder. The artificial ski area includes an artificial snow layer formed from artificial snow and a fiber layer. The artificial snow layer is laid on top of the fiber layer. The above-described artificial snow and artificial ski area is not subject to temperature and seasonal restrictions. It does not require water or cooling agents. It is inexpensive to manufacture and is low cost. It can be designed and built according to actual needs to meet the needs of different groups of people.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an object, curved in one or more directions, from a package of at least one stacked ply containing polymeric fibers by the deforming thereof at elevated temperature, the process comprising imposing on the fibres a tensile stress at a temperature lying between the melting point of the fibers at the imposed tensile stress and 20° C. below the melting point, which tensile stress is high enough for the fibers to be drawn. This process allows objects, curved in one or more directions, to be produced from flat fiber plies without appreciable wrinkling using even fiber plies with low internal and/or mutual deformability and without material being drawn into the die in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to an object, curved in one or more directions, obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A friction material includes a resin and a fibrous base material impregnated with the resin. The fibrous base material has a single ply, and includes a plurality of aramid fibers present in a first amount, a plurality of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers present in a second amount that is less than the first amount, a plurality of carbon particles present in a third amount that is less than or equal to the second amount, a plurality of mineral fibers present in a fourth amount that is less than or equal to the second amount, and diatomaceous earth present in a fifth amount that is greater than the first amount. A friction member for operatively contacting a lubricated surface includes a substrate and the friction material. The friction material defines a first surface bonded to the substrate and a second surface configured for operatively contacting the lubricated surface.

Abstract: Provided is a fibrous columnar structure aggregate having excellent mechanical properties, a high specific surface area, and excellent pressure-sensitive adhesive property. Provided is a fibrous columnar structure aggregate having excellent heat resistance, a high specific surface area, and excellent pressure-sensitive adhesive property under temperature conditions ranging from room temperature to a high temperature. Provided is a fibrous columnar structure aggregate having a high specific surface area and such pressure-sensitive adhesive property that the adhesive strength for adherends different from each other in surface free energy does not change (aggregate is free of adherend selectivity). Provided is a pressure-sensitive adhesive member using any such fibrous columnar structure aggregate.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A wood fibre based panel with surfaces layer with lower parts which has less binders than the upper parts. Also, a method of manufacturing a building panel having a structured surface with a design that has colour variation in register with the structure obtained by a varying pressure distribution applied on the surface.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon fibrous structure having good dispersibility and small variations in electrical conductivity, etc., and being capable of improving physical properties such as electrical properties, mechanical properties and thermal properties by a small amount addition thereof without impairing properties of a matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon fibrous aggregator obtained by a chemical vapor phase growing method, which comprises plural granular parts, and plural carbon fibers which are mutually independently extended outwardly from their respective granular parts so that each granular part is associated with two or more of carbon fibers, wherein the carbon fibers show a three dimensional expansion in all; and which show a three dimensional network structure of the carbon fibers at least in a part by a state that at least a part of the plural carbon fibers extended from one granular part is linked with another granular part; wherein mean length of carbon fibers which link two granular parts together is of 3.0-20.0 ?m, and wherein a coefficient of variation, CV, ((standard deviation/mean value)×100) which is obtained on a determination of outer diameter distribution of the carbon fibers which constitute the aggregator of carbon fiber is not more than 30%.

Abstract: Graded artificial dielectrics using nanostructures, such as nanowires, are disclosed. The graded artificial dielectric includes a material (typically a dielectric) with a plurality of nanostructures, such as nanowires, embedded within the dielectric material. One or more characteristics of the nanostructures are spatially varied from a first region within the dielectric to a second region within the dielectric to produce permittivity of the graded artificial dielectric that is spatially varied. The characteristics that can be varied include, but are not limited to, nanostructure density, nanostructure length, nanostructure aspect ratio, nanostructure oxide ratio, and nanostructure alignment. Methods of producing graded artificial dielectrics are also provided. A wide range of electronic devices such as antennas can use graded artificial dielectrics with nanostructures to improve performance.

Abstract: A method for forming a molding compound including simultaneously chopping a non-synthetic reinforcement member and a synthetic reinforcement member and forming a hybrid reinforcement member from the chopped non-synthetic and synthetic reinforcement members. The hybrid reinforcement member can be molded into a molding compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layered preform molding material includes a reinforcement material and a resin material. The apparatus includes a mechanism for joining the reinforcement layers together by impregnation of the resin material into the reinforcement material to form the molding material, thereby obviating the need for any additional bonding to join the individual reinforcement layers before impregnation.

Abstract: A semifinished product of composite material consists of a metallic matrix material and high tensile strength fibers embedded in the matrix material, whereby the metallic matrix material is formed of titanium or a titanium based alloy. Ceramic particles are encased or embedded in the matrix material for increasing the strength of the semifinished product with respect to torsional loading or transverse loading. The product is produced by a method in which the fibers are coated with the matrix material, ceramic particles are embedded in the matrix material coating the fibers, and then the thusly coated fibers are arranged in a desired geometry and are consolidated to form the product.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon (C/C) composite includes a carbon matrix and a non-woven, carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material. Where woven materials are employed, CNTs are infused on a parent carbon fiber material in a non-woven state. A C/C composite includes a barrier coating on the CNT-infused fiber material. An article is constructed from these (C/C) composites. A method of making a C/C composite includes winding a continuous CNT-infused carbon fiber about a template structure and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite or by dispersing chopped CNT-infused carbon fibers in a carbon matrix precursor to provide a mixture, placing the mixture in a mold, and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating has an average total reflectance of less than 10%, for example less than 5.9% such as from 4.9% to 5.9%, over a spectrum of wavelengths of 400-1100 nm and a range of angles of incidence of 0-90 degrees with respect to a surface normal of the anti-reflection coating. An anti-reflection coating has a total reflectance of less than 10%, for example less than 6% such as less than 4%, over an entire spectrum of wavelengths of 400-1600 nm and an entire range of angles of incidence of 0-70 degrees with respect to a surface normal of the anti-reflection coating.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a drive belt of rubber or rubber-like plastic having a surface protection (5) which includes polyamide-containing textile reinforcement and/or polyester-containing textile reinforcement. On the outer side, a surface coating (6) of a friction-reducing material in a matrix of at least one elastic addition polymer is provided. For improved heat resistance with good protection against wear, the elastic addition polymer has less than 2% by weight based on the polymer of structural components —O—CxRy—O— with x=1-3 and y=0-6. The R in a structural component can be the same or can be different and is selected from hydrogen and/or carbon-containing groups.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon nanotube film structure having a substrate and a carbon nanotube layer, comprises a placing step of placing a carbon nanotube film comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes aligned in one direction within a film plane on the substrate; and a densifying step of applying a densifying treatment to the carbon nanotube film thereby forming the carbon nanotube layer having the weight density of the carbon nanotube to 0.1 g/cm3 or more. Thus, a problem of island-like shrinkage caused while a highly densified CNT layer is being manufactured is solved, and a high-quality CNT film structure wherein the aligned CNT layer having a high density and uniform thickness is deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are glass compositions, glass fiber compositions, glass fiber battery separators, glass fiber filter media, battery additives and active materials formed with glass compositions disclosed, glass fiber radiation shields, and glass fiber paper compositions. Certain embodiments include, among other components, bismuth oxide. Certain embodiments include about 0.5-30% bismuth oxide of the composition by weight and silica oxide at about 54-70% of the composition by weight. Embodiments may also include other components. For example, zinc oxide can make up about 0.01-3% of the composition by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber including unmodified and/or modified starch and a crosslinking agent, and a web employing such a fiber.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a pore volume distribution such that at least 25% and/or at least 43% of the total pore volume present in the fibrous structures exists in pores of radii of from 91 ?m to 140 ?m, and to methods for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nanorods, compositions and substrates comprising nanorods, and methods of making and using nanorods and nanorod compositions and substrates. In one embodiment, the nanorod is composed of Zinc oxide (ZnO). In a further embodiment, a nanorod of the invention further comprises SiO2 or TiO2. In a specific embodiment, a nanorod of the invention is composed of ZnO coated with SiO2. Nanorods of the present invention are useful as an adhesion-resistant biomaterial capable of reducing viability in anchorage-dependent cells.

Abstract: A rotary fibrous insulation product that is soft to the touch is provided. The fibrous insulation product is formed of glass fibers having an average fiber diameter less than about 5.5 microns. The low fiber diameter helps to impart a soft feel to the insulation product. Additionally, the insulation product contains an oil with a flashpoint of at least 580° F. in an amount up to 5% by weight of the insulation product. The insulation product may contain up to about 85% by weight recycled glass. In exemplary embodiments, the binder is a low-formaldehyde, polyacrylic based binder. The combination of the low fiber diameter, the binder, and the oil create a synergistic effect to produce an unexpectedly soft insulation product. The insulation product is useful in a variety of thermal applications, such as in basements, in attics, and in walls of residential dwellings.

Abstract: A composite includes a matrix material and a unidirectional array of carbon nanotube-infused fibers disposed in a portion of the matrix material. An article includes this composite and a network of electrodes disposed about the periphery of the composite. The electrodes send and receive an electrical charge. Such an article is included in a system, along with sensing circuitry and a source for supplying current to the network of electrodes. Such a system is used in a method that includes subjecting the article to a load that causes a condition in the composite including strain, fatigue, damage, or cracks, and monitoring the location of the condition.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: An inorganic nanowire having an organic scaffold substantially removed from the inorganic nanowire, the inorganic nanowire consisting essentially of fused inorganic nanoparticles substantially free of the organic scaffold, and methods of making same. For example, a virus-based scaffold for the synthesis of single crystal ZnS, CdS and free-standing L10 CoPt and FePt nanowires can be used, with the means of modifying substrate specificity through standard biological methods. Peptides can be selected through an evolutionary screening process that exhibit control of composition, size, and phase during nanoparticle nucleation have been expressed on the highly ordered filamentous capsid of the M13 bacteriophage. The incorporation of specific, nucleating peptides into the generic scaffold of the M13 coat structure can provide a viable template for the directed synthesis of a variety of materials including semiconducting and magnetic materials.

Abstract: Built-up roofing surfacing sheets that include a white, resin coated aluminum foil adhered to one side of an asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat and sand adhered to the other side of the asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat, the surfacing sheet being compliant with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 in effect as of Sep. 11, 2006, and methods of manufacturing the built-up roofing surfacing sheets.

Abstract: A water-resistant composite paper, suitable for use as a loudspeaker component, is made from a composition including wood pulp, hydrophobic fibers, and stiffening fibers that retain stiffness when wet. In some examples, fibrillated acrylic fibers and glass fibers are used.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cementitious articles that are reinforced with a fabric made at least partially of high modulus polyolefin monofilament fibers. Preferably, the polypropylene monofilament yarns have a 3% secant modulus of elasticity of at least 100 g/denier. The high modulus polypropylene fabric has an intrinsic resistance to the alkaline conditions present in a cementitious composite, as well as a low elongation at break. The high modulus polypropylene may contain a nucleating agent to facilitate the process of obtaining desired draw ratio.

Abstract: An object having a surface that has: filaments having a length of from 30 to 6000 ?m, a diameter to length ratio of from 1:10 to 1:20, and are bound to the surface with at least one front face thereof; wherein the distance between two neighboring filaments on the surface is such that the ratio of such distance to the length of the filaments is from 1:3 to 1:10; the filaments have an elasticity of from 104 to 1010 N/m2; the surface of the filament is at least partially hydrophobic, so that the contact angle between a filament and water is greater than 100°, characterized in that the filaments are structurally or chemically anisotropic.

Abstract: A method of making nanostructured polymeric film includes: providing a tool having a porous anodized aluminum surface or a metallic replica thereof, wherein the average depth of the pores and the average pore width fall with specified ranges; forming a continuous layer of thermoplastic polymer selected from cellulose esters, poly alpha-olefins, and combinations thereof on at least a portion of the surface of the tool such that the continuous layer extends into the pores of the surface; separating the continuous layer from the tool as a film having nanofibrils formed on a major surface of the tool, the surface of the tool having a fluorocarbon release agent thereon, or the continuous layer comprising a fluorocarbon melt additive, or both. Nanostructured films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproofing UV-resistant bituminous membrane, a system incorporating such a membrane, and a manufacturing process are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a UV-resistant waterproofing membrane includes a mass of at least one bituminous composition, formed in at least one continuous layer, and of at least one ply of filamentous or fibrous material, embedded in the mass. The membrane is characterized in that the at least present bituminous composition consists of a bituminous mixture based principally on bitumen, SBS elastomeric polymer and mineral fillers and in that said at least one ply (3) consists of a fine web, of open-work structure, with no preferred direction of stress resistance and formed of filaments and/or fibers in a material that is preferably resistant to UV, said web (3) being embedded in the mass (2) of bituminous composition(s) while being situated next to the face (4) designed to be visible or exposed, after laying said membrane (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing material for covering a roof that can be coated or covered with a plurality of different roofing materials. The most currently used are pan tiles or roofing shingles which may be made from different materials such as clay, natural stone and from a carrier layer made of bitumen.

Abstract: A composite material may be provided with unique alignment characteristics. The composite material may include a matrix material and a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix material, wherein the plurality of fibers is magnetically aligned in a uniform spacing within the matrix material.

Abstract: A composite spacer operable to be mounted on a first component is disclosed herein, wherein compression loads associated with attaching the first component to some other structure are born by the composite spacer to limit compressive deformation of the first component. The composite spacer includes a first body formed of resin and defining an aperture extending along an axis. The composite spacer also includes a plurality of first fibers positioned in the first body about the aperture. Each of the first fibers extends substantially parallel to the axis and increases a compressive strength of the first body relative to the axial direction.

Abstract: An composite material is disclosed, which includes carbon fibrous structures which are capable of being included in a relatively large amount in the composite material, and which are capable of improving the physical properties, such as electric, mechanical, or thermal properties. The carbon fibrous structure comprises (a) carbon fibrous structures each of which comprises a three dimensional network of carbon fibers, each of the carbon fibers having an outside diameter of 15-100 nm, wherein the carbon fibrous structure further comprises a granular part, at which the carbon fibers are bound in a state that the carbon, fibers are extended outwardly therefrom, and wherein the granular part is produced in a growth process of the carbon fibers, and (b) an material other than the carbon fibrous structures, wherein the amount of carbon fibrous structures added is more than 30% and not more than 100% by weight of the total weight of the composite.

Abstract: Provided are a method of isolating and purifying metal nanowires from a crude and complex reaction mixture that includes relatively high aspect ratio nanostructures as well as nanostructures of low aspect ratio shapes, and conductive films made of the purified nanostructures.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite laminates that can exhibit high strength and/or low dielectric loss and can also be lightweight. The laminates include layers formed of high modulus polyolefin fiber. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric that can be one or more layers of the composite structures. The layers including the high modulus polyolefin fibers can include other fibers, such as fiberglass. The composites can also include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates, or in applications beneficially combining strength with low weight, such as automobile and boat materials.