Abstract: A highly elaborately designed sheet-shaped laminated structure wherein: (1) the sheet-shaped laminated structure is a sheet-shaped laminated structure composed of at least two layers formed of a thermoplastic resin, (2) at least one outer layer forming a surface of said laminated structure is a layer (B) formed of a transparent resin, (3) at least one layer composing said laminated structure contains a dye, a pigment or a light-diffusing agent and has a monotonous thickness change at least in one direction of a sheet surface of the laminated structure, and (4) said laminated structure shows a continuous change in color tone along the sheet surface when visually observed toward an outer surface of the layer (B) formed of a transparent resin, and use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing images on coated articles are provided. The methods generally comprise applying a layer of magnetizable pigment coating in liquid form on a substrate, with the magnetizable pigment coating containing a plurality of magnetic non-spherical particles or flakes. A magnetic field is then applied to selected regions of the pigment coating while the coating is in liquid form, with the magnetic field altering the orientation of selected magnetic particles or flakes. Finally, the pigment coating is solidified, affixing the reoriented particles or flakes in a non-parallel position to the surface of the pigment coating to produce an image such as a three dimensional-like image on the surface of the coating. The pigment coating can contain various interference or non-interference magnetic particles or flakes, such as magnetic color shifting pigments.

Abstract: A sizing agent for carbon fiber comprising either a component (A) and a component (B), or alternatively, a component (A′), a component (B′) and a component (D), each of which is described below. Component (A): an epoxy compound with at least 1 epoxy group within each molecule, and with a surface energy of 17 to 34 mJ/m2; component (B): an epoxy compound with at least 1 epoxy group within each molecule, and with a surface energy of at least 35 mJ/m2; component (A′): an epoxy compound with at least 2 epoxy groups within each molecule, and with a surface energy of 17 to 34 mJ/m2; component (B′): an epoxy compound with at least 2 epoxy groups within each molecule, and with a surface energy of at least 35 mJ/m2; and component (D): an anionic surfactant with an aryloxy group as a hydrophobic group, with an ammonium ion as a counter ion, and with an alkylene oxide addition quantity of no more than 10 moles.

Abstract: This invention offers a liquid crystal polymer which exhibits an excellent low warp and is advantageously used especially as a connector or the like. That is, a liquid crystal polymer composition in which a plate-shaped filler (B) in an amount of 5-100 parts by weight satisfying the following formulae (1) and (2) and having an average particle diameter of 0.5-100 &mgr;m is compounded with 100 parts by weight of a liquid crystal polymer (A). D/W≦5  (1) 3≦W/H≦200  (2) wherein D is the maximum particle diameter of the plate-shaped filler (B), and the direction of the diameter D is defined as “x”; W is a particle's diameter which is in the direction y at the right angle to the direction x; and H is a thickness of the particle in the direction of z which is vertical to the xy-plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for preparing a solution of silk or silk-like protein from a variety of potential sources, and spinning it to produce a reformed silk fibre for biomedical and other uses. The silk is pre-dissolved to form an amorphous powder, then re-dissolved in a mixture of dichloroacetic acid with either chloroform or dichloromethane, to form a homogenous silk fibroin solution for spinning. By controlling spinning and drawing conditions, and by appropriate chemical modification, fibres with a variety of mechanical and biological properties can be formed. Such fibres can have an extended or shortened biostability in the human body, and are suitable for implantable devices such as absorbable artificial ligaments and engineering matrices, drug delivery implants, and many other uses.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, cut-resistant composite yarn which has a core member including at least one cut-resistant strand, a cover member including at least one strand wrapped around and enclosing the core member, wherein at least one strand in either the core member or the cover member is treated with and incorporates an antimicrobial compound. The yarn can be used to fabricate cut-resistant garments, such as gloves, worn by meat cutters and others who work with knives, saws and other sharp implements. The antimicrobial effect reduces bacteria, mold and fungi growth on the garments between washings.

Abstract: Volatile organic compound or other materials are produced in the thermoplastic manufacture of thermoplastic polyester beverage containers. Such materials can be eluted into beverages such as carbonated beverages, sparkling or still water from the polyester. Such thermoplastic polyester resins can be manufactured with a material that can prevent the formation of, or react with, and absorb volatile by-products during the formation of thermoplastic preforms or containers from the thermoplastic pellet or chip. Further, as the preform is blown into a polyester container, the active materials of the invention prevent the generation of additional undesirable volatile materials. Lastly, the scavenger material can act as a barrier that prevents transport of materials from the exterior of the container into the container contents.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an electroless process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of novel polyamides, the use of such polyamides for the production of fibers, sheets and moldings, and fibers, sheets and moldings obtainable from such polyamides, are provided.

Abstract: High strength polyethylene fibers and their applications, for example, chopped fibers, ropes, nets, ballistic materials or items, protective gloves, fiber reinforced concrete products, helmets, and other products obtained therefrom, in which the fiber is characterized in that: it contains a high molecular weight polyethylene consisting essentially of a repeating unit of ethylene; it has an intrinsic viscosity number of 5 or larger and an average strength of 22 cN/dtex or higher; and the measurement of the fiber by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) exhibits a temperature-increasing DCS curve having at least one endothermic peak over a temperature region of 140° C. to 148° C. (on the low temperature side) and at least one endothermic peak over a temperature region of 148° C.

Abstract: High strength polyethylene fibers and their applications, for example, chopped fibers, ropes, nets, ballistic materials or items, protective gloves, fiber reinforced concrete products, helmets, and other products obtained therefrom, in which the fiber is characterized in that: it contains a high molecular weight polyethylene consisting essentially of a repeating unit of ethylene; it has an intrinsic viscosity number of 5 or larger and an average strength of 22 cN/dtex or higher; and the measurement of the fiber by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) exhibits a temperature-increasing DCS curve having at least one endothermic peak over a temperature region of 140° C. to 148° C. (on the low temperature side) and at least one endothermic peak over a temperature region of 148° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent medium comprising multilayer pigments having angle-selective reflection or transmission properties and/or absorption properties, and to their use, in particular in transparent thermal insulation systems (TTIs).

Abstract: A unique treatment for pigments is provided. This treatment, which uses certain organo-acid phosphate molecules, imparts improved physical and chemical qualities including lacing resistance, improved dispersion and decreased chemical reactivity when these treated pigments are incorporated into polymeric matrices.

Abstract: Heat-shrinkable polyester films, each having a heat shrinkability of 30% or higher after treatment in hot water at 85° C. for 10 seconds in the main shrinkage direction of the film, and 10% or lower after treatment in hot water at 85° C. for 10 seconds in a direction perpendicular to the main shrinkage direction of the film, the resistance to tear propagation in the direction perpendicular to the main shrinkage direction after the film has been shrunk at 10% in the main shrinkage direction of the film being 1500 mN or smaller, exhibit excellent shrinkage finish with only rare occurrence of wrinkles, shrinkage spots and strains by shrinkage and have excellent cut properties along perforations; therefore, these films are suitable for full labels on bottles, particularly for full labels on PET bottles.

Abstract: Fluorochemical ester compositions comprising one or more compounds or oligomers having at least on fluorine-containing repeatable unit and at least one fluorine-containing terminal group are described. The compositions are useful as coatings or incorporated as melt additives. The fluorochemical compositions impart oil and water repellency to the substrate. In other aspects, this invention relates to processes for imparting oil and water repellency characteristics to substrates and articles.

Abstract: A receptor medium with an oriented film having at least one microfibrillated surface is described. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, particulate dispersions, electrically, thermally or magnetically modifiable materials, biological fluids, chemical reagents and combinations thereof. The microfibrillated surface provides good ink receptive properties particularly for solvent based inks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulverulent formaldehyde-free binder composition containing

Abstract: The subject is to manufacture molding with core efficiently and at one time from molding material such as powder granule. To this end, a method for manufacturing molding with core was invented, which method uses compression molding means, that comprise a die, and upper and lower punches, where at least the upper punch, preferably both the upper and lower punches, have a double structure consisting of a central punch and an outer punch surrounding the outer periphery of the central punch, both the central punch and the outer punch being capable of performing sliding motions as well as compressing operations. This method includes steps of separate supplying of molding materials for core and molding material for outer layer, a compression molding step of the molding material for core and/or the molding material for outer layer, and a compression molding step of the whole molding with core. The invention also provides a rotary compression molding machine, used for execution of the method.

Abstract: Nanostructured devices with a domain size less than 500 nanometers and low cost manufacturing methods for preparing these are provided. Applications of nanostructured binary oxides, ternary oxides, quaternary oxides, polyatomic forms of oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, chalcogenides, halides, silicides and phosphides.

Abstract: A resilient fibrous insulation blanket is compression-cut longitudinally at one and typically a plurality of laterally spaced apart locations to form a form a pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket having a plurality of blanket sections that can be separated from each other by hand. The compression cutting of the blanket to form the blanket sections causes a first major surface of the blanket to become temporarily deformed and destabilized. When the blanket is faced, the facing is applied to the other major surface of the blanket while the first major surface is still deformed. Where the blanket is formed from a wider blanket, the wider blanket is at least partially cut prior to the compression-cutting operation to reduce lateral stresses in the blanket when the blanket is compression-cut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbonaceous material comprising a graphite particle having a 002 plane interval d002 of less than 0.337 nm as measured by the X-ray wide angle diffraction method; a complex particle disposed and distributed in the vicinity of the surface of the graphite particle, the complex particle comprising silicon and carbon and having a particle size smaller than that of the graphite particle; and an amorphous carbon layer with a plane interval d002 of more than 0.37 nm, the amorphous carbon layer being a polymer layer and being coated on the graphite particle and the complex particle, wherein the complex particle comprises a Si particulate, a conductive carbon material disposed and distributed in the vicinity of the surface of the Si particulate, and a rigid carbon material layer coated on the Si particulate and the conductive carbon material, the Si particulate being composed of a crystalline Si phase.

Abstract: An acid-dyeable polymer composition comprising (a) polymer and (b) polymeric additive comprising repeating units having the formula: or salts thereof, wherein A, B and Q, which may be the same or different, are selected from aliphatic or aromatic substituents provided that at least four carbon atoms separate any two nitrogen groups, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, a is 1 to 5, and n is 3 to about 1,000. In addition, an acid-dyed composition prepared from the composition, a process of acid dyeing the composition and a process for preparing the composition.

Abstract: Secondary agglomerates of magnetic metal particles containing primary particles having an average major axial diameter of 0.05 to 0.25 &mgr;m, said secondary agglomerates having an average particle diameter of 300 to 800 &mgr;m, an upper limit of particle diameter of 2,000 &mgr;m and a repose angle of 38 to 45°. The secondary agglomerates exhibit not only excellent handing property due to high storage efficiency, high transport efficiency and good flowability thereof, but also excellent kneading property when kneaded with various binder resins and organic solvents in a kneader, and excellent dilution-dispersibility when diluted with an additional amount of the organic solvent, upon the production of coating-type magnetic recording media, so as to more improve a surface smoothness and squareness of a magnetic coating film obtained therefrom, and a process for producing such secondary agglomerates of magnetic metal particles for magnetic recording.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polyester fiber is supplied with an aqueous mixed dispersion on the surface and made hydrophilic by being heated at 35° C. or higher, and the aqueous mixed dispersion employed contains a polyester-polyether block copolymer composed of a polyester component and a polyether component and is stable at lower than 35° C. and precipitates the polyester-polyether block copolymer when its dispersion state is broken by being heated to 35° C. or higher.

Abstract: A unique treatment for pigments is provided. This treatment, which uses certain organo-phosphoric acids and/or their salts, imparts improved physical and chemical qualities including lacing resistance, improved dispersion and decreased chemical reactivity when these treated pigments are incorporated into polymeric matrices.

Abstract: In a one-surface coated papermaking belt composed of a base layer and a thick resin layer, or a covered, one-surface coated papermaking belt composed of thin and thick resin layers on opposite sides of a base layer, curling of the edges of the belt due to the shrinkage of the thick resin layer is reduced by forming the opposite side edge parts of the thick resin layer thinner than the middle part. The reduction in curling results in improved oil removal especially in a shoe-press belt. It also stabilizes turning of the belt and facilitates belt installation.

Abstract: Volatile organic compound or other materials are produced in the thermoplastic manufacture of thermoplastic polyester beverage containers. Such materials can be eluted into beverages such as carbonated beverages, sparkling or still water from the polyester. Such thermoplastic polyester resins can be manufactured with a substituted cyclodextrin material that can prevent the formation of, or react with, and absorb volatile by-products during the formation of thermoplastic preforms or containers from the thermoplastic pellet or chip. Further, as the preform is blown into a polyester container, the active materials of the invention prevent the generation of additional undesirable volatile materials. Lastly, the scavenger material can act as a barrier that prevents transport of materials from the exterior of the container into the container contents.

Abstract: A roofing composite comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material and is scored to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester fiber tow formed of polyester fibers having uniform primary and secondary crimps. The uniformly crimped polyester fibers possess excellent strength characteristics. Also disclosed is a method for producing such uniformly crimped polyester fibers.

Abstract: Compound or salts thereof suitable for use as a binder for mineral fibers, for example glass or stone wool, said compound containing a carboxylic acid group and/or a &bgr;-hydroxyalkyl amide group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a synthetic, man-made, or natural fiber substrate to create a permanently attached carbohydrate sheath around the fibers of the substrate. Such a treatment gives a composite fibrous substrate that exhibits the most desirable characteristics of the fiber core coupled with the most desirable characteristics of the carbohydrate sheath. It is also possible to apply this technology to individual synthetic fibers or yarns, if desired, before weaving, knitting, stitch-bonding or other method of woven or non-woven substrate formation.

Abstract: The invention provides heat-resistant crimped yarn, of which the constituent heat-resistant high-functional fibers are prevented as much as possible from being deteriorated under heat in the process of producing the yarn. Not losing excellent properties of heat resistance and flame retardancy intrinsic to the heat-resistant high-functional fibers, the crimped yarn has a good elongation percentage in stretch, a good stretch modulus of elasticity and a good appearance, and it fluffs little and releases little dust. The heat-resistant crimped yarn comprises heat-resistant high-functional fibers, and is characterized in that it does not deteriorate under heat, and that its elongation percentage in stretch is at least 6%, its stretch modulus of elasticity is at least 40%, and its tenacity falls between 0.15 and 3.5 N/tex.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the spatial distribution of a filler component within the matrix of a composite material are disclosed. An electric field is applied to a mixture consisting of two or more components that have different dielectric permittivities, at least one of which is initially in the form of a liquid polymer or pre-polymer. An alternating electric field is established between a pair of electrical conductors or electrodes that are moved relative to each other, so as to alter the spatial intensity of the electric field in a controlled manner. Polarized particles or elements of the filler component that are coupled to a moving electrode by a dielectrophoretic force can consequently be dragged into a predetermined spatial configuration. As the size of the inter-electrode gap is changed, the applied voltage can be adjusted in order to maintain electrically induced polarization of the filler component.

Abstract: The use of low specific gravity wood from thinning operations, for example, will produce a lower brownstock viscosity for a given kappa number target. A differential of 200-cP falling ball pulp viscosity has been detected from Kraft cooks of low and high specific gravity wood. Using low specific gravity wood can reduce the bleach stage temperature and the chemical dose needed in the bleach plant to produce lyocell pulp specifications. Low specific gravity wood also increases the ability to reduce pulp viscosity to very low levels without increasing the copper number of the pulp or the concentration of carbonyl in the pulp above acceptable levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate, linear, sheet-like or three-dimensional structure comprising, at least on its surface, a hydrophilicizing amount of at least one acylated polyamine, where at least some of the polyamine nitrogen atoms bear acyl radicals of the formula I

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic particle used for marking a substance. Said synthetic particle is comprised of a number of identification substances (10, 12), which exist in a solid form, and of at least one covering (16), which encloses at least one of the identification substances (10, 12). The identification substances (10, 12) are selected such that the synthetic particle (18) can be identified by simultaneously identifying the identification substances (10, 12) in one and the same identification method on the basis of non-optical properties of the identification substances (10, 12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carbon nano-particle and a novel method of preparing the same and a transparent, conductive polymer composite containing the same. The carbon nano-particle has the mean diameter of 1 through 50 nm and the shape of sphere, rod or others, which is a novel material not known in the relevant art. Because of a particle size less than ½ of the shortest wavelength of a visible ray, a transparent resin containing the carbon nano-particle can maintain the transparency. Furthermore, the carbon nano-particle has the excellent electric conductivity and the ferromagnetic property, and can be made by a novel, low cost method entirely different from those of fullerene and carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Thermoset heating compositions for use in alternating magnetic fields include fiber based heating agents which have remarkably and unexpectedly high heating efficiencies. The fibers operate efficiently at lower field intensities; at lower frequencies and with smaller diameters (related to skin depths) than prior art technologies. The fibers may be formed from a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including, for example: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and alloys thereof. The preferred materials group is: carbon steel, magnetic stainless steel, nickel, ferromagnetic coated electrically conductive materials, ferromagnetic coated electrically nonconductive materials. The fibers are sized, in accordance with skin effect theory, to heat effectively at a frequency substantially higher that the actual frequency to be utilized.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer fiber having a cationically charged coating thereon, in which the coating includes a functionalized cationic polymer, such as an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamine or an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamido-amine, which has been crosslinked by heat. The present invention also provides a fibrous filter which includes hydrophobic polymer fibers having the foregoing cationically charged coating thereon. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a fibrous filter.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a purified anhydrosugar alcohol is disclosed, whereby the resultant purified anhydrosugar alcohol has a purity of at least 99.8% and is substantially colorless. The anhydrosugar alcohol is purified by distillation, recrystallization from methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol, melt recrystallization, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the purification is by distillation followed by recrystallization from methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol. A test for determining the purity of the anhydrosugar alcohol is disclosed, wherein the color of the anhydrosugar alcohol after annealing at a temperature of at least 260° C. for at least four hours is examined. Alternatively, purity can be determined by examination of ultraviolet (UV) transmittance of the purified anhydrosugar alcohol at various wavelengths.

Abstract: A developer carrier is provided which is capable of stably imparting charging to a toner over a long term without change of a physical shape of its surface, material composition, and the like even in endurable use and which is capable of forming a satisfactory image while avoiding the occurrence of toner contamination and toner charge-up. That is, the developer carrier is characterized in that: it comprises at least a substrate and a resin coating layer formed on a surface of the substrate; and the resin coating layer comprises at least graphitized particles (i) with a degree of graphitization p(002) of 0.20 to 0.95 and an indentation hardness HUT [68] of 15 to 60 or graphitized particles (ii) with a degree of graphitization p(002) of 0.20 to 0.95 and an average circularity SF-1 of 0.64 or more.

Abstract: A hollow thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament carpet yarn includes a core portion having N number (typically, three or four) lobes joined thereto. Stiffening ribs are formed in the core portion. The stiffening ribs cooperate to define at least N hollow regions in the core portion. The hollow regions may communicate or be isolated from each other. Each lobe has at least one transverse-stiffening web therein that prevents the lobe lateral edges from being deformed towards the exterior of the filament. The major portion of each lateral edge of each lobe may be substantially linear or convexly curved over substantially its entire length. A spinneret plate for producing the filament is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a low color copolymer of ethylene glycol, isosorbide and terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate. This copolymer, poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide) terephthalate, is useful for making bottles, hot-fill containers, films, sheet, fiber, strand and optical article applications. It can also be used to make polymer blends and alloys.

Abstract: Tissue and towel products that include crosslinked cellulosic fibers. Methods for making tissue and towel products that include crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: High modulus reinforcement is used to make a radial ply pneumatic tire having only one carcass ply, i.e. a monoply tire. Poly-ethylene naphthalate (PEN) reinforcement is prepared in a manner that provides sufficient strength whereby the monoply tire can be made having reduced weight (as compared to a two ply tire) while having comparable durability, some improved handling, reduced rolling resistance, and improved flatspotting properties.

Abstract: Nickel powder comprises, on the basis of the total number of particles, not less than 10% of particles whose particle size is not less than 1.2 time the average particle size, as determined by the SEM observation; and not less than 10% of particles whose particle size is not more than 0.8 time the average particle size, as determined by the SEM observation. The nickel powder can be prepared by, for instance, precipitating nickel particles from an aqueous solution containing a nickel salt and a hydrazine reducing agent, without forming any hydroxide of nickel as an intermediate. A conductive paste containing the nickel powder can be applied onto the positions on which an internal or external electrode for electronic parts and then baking the coated paste to give an electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for surface modification treatment of a polymer, and products produced therefrom, in which a polymer is subjected to a surface modification treatment using a sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2)-based solution, followed by employing a reaction terminating agent capable of decomposing or neutralizing sulfuryl chloride to terminate the surface modification treatment. A thus-obtained polymeric fiber or fabric exhibits excellent properties, such as moisture diffusion and wicking properties, anti-pilling property, dyestuff dyeability and the like.

Abstract: A fabric for reducing endogenous pain by application of the fabric to a pain site to facilitate the flow of endogenous electrical current in the body. The fabric is made from an electrically-conductive yarn and an electrically nonconductive yarn. The fabric is designed to be incorporated into textile articles such as bandages, braces, and clothing.