Abstract: A pillow, pillow form, quilt or other household textile article is comprised of a ticking having a fiberfill inserted into an interior space thereof. The fiberfill is comprised of a luxury fiber blend in the form of either loose fibers or a nonwoven fiber batt. The luxury fiber blend is comprised of a first amount, preferably, five percent by weight, of a luxury fiber such as silk or cashmere and a second amount, preferably ninety-five percent by weight, of a non-luxury fiber such as polyester.

Abstract: Monofilament made from a polymeric blend, wherein the polymer blend includes at least a first and a second polymer component wherein the first polymer component is polyamide (PA) 612 added to the blend in an amount of 50% to 99% by weight and that a second polymer component is at least one other polyamide added to the blend in an amount of 1% to 49% by weight and that per denier the monofilament has a resistance to withstand at least 60 cycles of abrasion testing.

Abstract: A method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto a fibrous substrate. More particularly, a method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto fibrous substrates without regard to chemical or physical incompatibilities of the polymeric coating materials. A first polymeric material is applied onto at least one fibrous substrate, and a second polymeric material is applied onto a support. The fibrous substrate and support are joined, contacting the first polymeric material with the second polymeric material, followed by separating the support from the fibrous substrate, such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material remains on the first polymeric material on the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A stretchable fabric comprising NYCO fabric with about 2 to about 4 wt. % elastic, such as an elastane as LYCRA®, is disclosed. The stretchable fabric of the invention exhibits about 20 to about 50% fabric stretch, and is suitable for application in combat uniforms where mobility and comfort are desirable. The stretchable fabric maintains or exceeds substantially all military uniform standard requirements and exhibits characteristics such as breaking strength, tear resistance, air permeability and abrasion resistance similar to that of NYCO fabric. Also disclosed is a garment manufactured from the stretchable fabric, as well as methods for manufacturing, dying and finishing the stretchable fabric.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric of polyester composite fibers which has a satisfactory color tone (low value of b*). It is formed from short composite fibers obtained from a polyester polymer obtained with the following catalyst and a fusion-bondable polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven article comprising a heterogeneous blend comprising: 1) from 60 to 99 weight percent of one or more semi-crystalline polymers (based upon the weight of the semi-crystalline and semi-amorphous polymers), each semi-crystalline polymer comprising propylene and from 0 to 5 weight % alpha-olefin comonomer (based upon the weight of the polymer), said semi-crystalline polymers each having a melting point between 100 and 170° C. and a melt flow rate of 2000 dg/min or less; and 2) from 1 to 40 weight % of one or more semi-amorphous polymers (based upon the weight of the semi-crystalline and semi-amorphous polymers), each semi-amorphous polymer comprising propylene and from 10 to 25 weight % of one or more C2 and or C4 to C10 alpha-olefin comonomers, said semi-amorphous polymers each having: a) heat of fusion of 4 to 70 J/g; b) a Melt Flow Rate of 0.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at a method of providing wettability to polyester fibers or filaments, to woven or nonwoven fabrics made therefrom and to resultant articles of manufacture. The method comprises melt extruding a mixture comprising a polyester and one or more alkyl metal sulfonates where the metal is Na, Li or K and the alkyl is straight or branched chain alkyl of 12 to 15 carbon atoms, or is straight or branched chain alkenyl of 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The alkyl metal sulfonates are present from about 2% to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the polyester. A post treatment step such as an alkaline treatment step is not included. The melt extrusion mixtures do not include certain additives such as polyoxyalkylene compounds, alkylmonoethonolamide compounds, alkyldiethanolamine compounds and polyetheramide compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the compression of one or more fiber layers containing polyolefin fibers. The invention also relates to shaped articles obtainable with the process according to the invention and their use in anti-ballistic applications. In the process according to the invention the fiber layers contain 0.02 to 25 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin. The shaped articles obtained have an improved anti-ballistic quality.

Abstract: A prepreg containing fibers and a curable matrix, the prepreg having a core and a surface part encasing the core, where the matrix of the core and of the surface part are made of the same material and where the proportion of the matrix to the fibers is higher in the core than in the surface part. A composite obtainable from the prepreg as well as the use of the composite or prepreg are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: A method of treating building materials with boron and boron treated building materials. The method involves introducing boron during manufacture of the building materials in the form of a water soluble copper-borate complex. The copper-borate complex enables a wider range of glues and adhesives to be used, is slower to leach out, and provides enhanced fungicidal properties.

Abstract: A composite stamp pad is made of two layers joined together at their interface. The top layer of the composite stamp pad, which contacts the raised points side of the stamp, has a dense and firm fine denier fibrous structure in order to be able to transfer ink to the raised points of the stamp with high precision and without depositing ink into the recessed areas located between the raised points of the stamp. The bottom layer of the composite stamp pad has a lighter and softer coarser denier fibrous structure in order to be able to have a large ink holding capacity. A method of manufacturing the composite stamp pad is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites useful for shielding electromagnetic radiation and their manufacture. In general, the composites of the present invention comprise conductive fibers which are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix. The invention also relates to pellets and their manufacture. Such pellets are useful in the manufacture of composites comprising highly dispersed conductive fibers in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention relates an acoustical insulation material for sound attenuation containing a nonwoven web. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that an acoustical insulation material made from a nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 7 microns, wherein the acoustical insulation has a thickness less than about 3 mm and a density of greater than about 50 kg/m3 is effective as a sound insulation material. The acoustical insulation is very effective as an acoustical insulation material, despite the low thickness and high density of the acoustical insulation. A method of attenuating sound waves passing from a sound source area to a second area using the acoustical insulation material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: The invention provides stretch fabrics and articles from the fabrics comprising at least a region consisting of a single thickness of the fabric. The fabric comprises synthetic bicomponent polymer filaments, wherein the fabric has been calendered on at least one surface thereof to obtain a chintzed appearance. The fabric has an air permeability of less than 6 cubic centimeters per second per square centimeter, (cm3/cm2/sec), at 10 millimeters water gauge pressure.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of forming such cellulosic fibers are described. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fiber includes a fiber body formed of an elongated member. The elongated member includes a cellulosic material and a temperature regulating material dispersed within the cellulosic material. The temperature regulating material includes a phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of −5° C. to 125° C. The cellulosic fiber can be formed via a solution spinning process and can be used in various products where thermal regulating properties are desired. For example, the cellulosic fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: A composite sheet has a layer of reinforcing fiber impregnated with a thermoplastic resin. Non-woven fiber is partially impregnated with the thermoplastic resin to provide a bondable surface that can be subsequently bonded to other materials, such as plastics, foam and metal. Such an apparatus may be formed by heating and compressing the thermal plastic resin against the reinforcing fibers of the base layer and against the non-woven fibers, such that the base layer may be fully impregnated while the non-woven fibers may be partially impregnated. A thermal plastic resin must have a melting point less than either the reinforcing fibers of the base layer, or the non-woven fibers.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy conversion composition which has an excellent capability of absorbing and damping energy such as dynamic, thermal, or electric energy. The composition can be made into a very thin and small but excellent damping product. The energy conversion composition is characterized in that its base material contains a moment activator which can increase the amount of dipole moments in the base material. The energy conversion composition can be utilized as a vibration damping, sound absorptive, impact absorptive, vibration-proof, electromagnetic wave absorptive, piezoelectric, and endothermal material as well as a polarity liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laminated composite sheet metal capable of being shaped comprising two metal sheet skins linked by a core formed with at least a coat based on polymer materials including at least a continous textile web of polymer fibres impregnated with at least a polymer material for impregnating the web and adhering with said skins. The invention is characterized in that said polymer fibres are thermoplastic, said impregnating and adhering polymer material is thermoset. The invention also concerns a method for making said sheet metal and resulting motor vehicle body parts.

Abstract: A laminate integrated by firmly jointing a heat-seal layer in web form made from a mixture of synthetic pulp having a branched configuration and synthetic short fiber to a substrate layer made from natural fiber. The synthetic pulp is made from a resin composition comprised of ethylene-&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and polyethylene. This laminate has a high degree of air permeability and exhibits a high heat-seal strength and good hot tack even at a temperature of 130° C. On account of said properties it is adequately used as heat-seal paper suited for filter use, in particular raw material paper for tea bags.

Abstract: There is disclosed a kind degradable material and its disposable products, and their manufacturing process. The primary raw material used in the process consists of powdered shell or stalk of crops, urea-formaldehyde resin, and melamine resin. The materials are mixed thoroughly and hot pressed in a single step forming of the products. Oven drying or spray coating is not needed in the process. The products have the following characteristics: simple formula, simple process, low price; and the following properties: with natural color, dense; tough and tensile; and easy for coloring. In addition, they are water, heat and freezing resistant, anti-corrosion, non-poisonous, anti-pollution and biodegradable. They are entirely new environmental protection green products.

Abstract: A molding material comprises at least the following components A, B and C, with the component C arranged to contact a composite comprising the components A plus B. The components are elongated members identified as: A A continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, B A thermoplastic polymer or oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 50,000 and a melt viscosity lower than that of the component C, and C A thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.

Abstract: A friction material for brake including reinforcing fibers, a friction modifier, a lubricant, and a binder, characterized by containing, as a part of the component of the friction modifier, 2 to 5 wt % zeolite, 0.8 to 2 wt % antimony oxide and 0.2 to 1 wt % fluorine based polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire resistant material and, in particular a fire resistant panel for use on vessels such as ships where lightweight materials are required. The fire resistant material includes a matrix or basalt mineral fibers and glass fibers. Each of the types of fibers are substantially uniformly distributed throughout the material, preferably, a panel. The relative size of the basalt fibers and glass fibers is such that the glass fibers are smaller than the basalt fibers and are interspersed between the basalt fibers in the matrix. A method for the production of a fire resistant composite material according to the invention is also described.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric composed of thermoplastic fiber comprising at least two resin components A and B and having a cross section where the component A forms a branching fiber in which a plurality of strands extend radially from the center to the outside and the component B forms a fine fiber which connects to and protrudes from the branching fiber; split branch fibers of the conjugated fiber; and split fibers of the fine fibers, and an absorbent article using the non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric of the present invention has an excellent hand feeling and sufficient bulkiness, and it is suitable for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and pads for incontinence or the like.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter medium including an airlaid composite, which is made of pulp fibers, at least about 2% by weight bicomponent fiber, and moisture. This airlaid composite is unique in that, when used as a filter medium, it exhibits advantageous filtering properties as well as physical strength. The bicomponent fibers of the present invention include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and the first polymer component melts at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. Mixing of the pulp fibers with the bicomponent fibers is done in such a way that the fibers are evenly dispersed in the airlaid composite. This airlaid composite is then heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the bicomponent fiber is melted, which bond the bicomponent fibers to many of the pulp and other bicomponent fibers when cooled.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: A method for making a shaped article or a shaped article having a volume resistivity of less than 102 ohm-cm with a desired combination of properties and processibility in an injection moldable composition. In particular the shaped articles formed include injection molded bipolar plates as current collectors in fuel cell applications.