Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, lyocell products can be made with unbleached pulps resulting in products with high amounts of hemicellulose and high amounts of lignin as compared to conventional lyocell products. The lyocell products of the present invention are advantageously less expensive to produce but retain the desirable strength of conventional lyocell products.

Abstract: The invention pertains to cut-resistant articles, in particular to gloves. The articles comprise microfilaments of aromatic polyamides, more preferably p-aramid, wherein the titer of the microfilaments is equal to or smaller than 1.3 dtex (1.3×10−4 g/m). In a preferred embodiment the article is prepared from staple fibers with a length between 38 and 100 mm.

Abstract: A colorization pellet includes a pellet body formed of a material having a predetermined color and a plurality of fibers in the pellet body. A plurality of reflective devices are attached to the fibers whereby when the colorization pellet is combined with a plastic molding compound during an injection molding process to form a part, the formed part has a metallic appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers and films prepared from polyesters of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid, and a diol selected from 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 1,3-propanediol. The fibers and films contain a multifunctional epoxide additive and, optionally, an antioxidant, and show an increased dry heat stability when exposed to elevated temperatures in the presence of air while preserving excellent hydrolytic stability. Also disclosed is a process for stabilizing polyester fibers by melt blending a polyester and epoxide additive and melt spinning. The fibers and films are particularly useful in applications requiring elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A light shielding blade material for use in an optical apparatus is constructed by a substrate composed of a plastic film having a pair of surfaces opposed to each other. A shield coating capable of blocking an incident light is formed on each surface of the substrate. A reinforcement member is disposed on each shield coating. The reinforcement member is composed of a thermosetting resin prepreg sheet reinforced with fibers arranged in an alignment direction, and hardened to laminate with the substrate through the shield coating. A lubricant coating having a black appearance and a lubricity sufficient to suppress a surface friction is formed on each reinforcement member such that an upper layer of the lubricant coating and a lower layer of the shield coating are separated from each other by an intermediate layer of the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A spun yarn comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) staple fibers at a content of at least 15% by weight, the spun yarn having an elastic recovery percentage of elongation at 5% elongation (%) ≧0.1 X+70 (wherein X represents the content of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) staple fibers in the spun yarn (wt %)). The spun yarn is excellent in knitting and weaving characteristics, stretchability and stretch-back property and in shape stability and durability when worn for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A low thermal expansion laminated plate which has excellent heat resistance, water resistance and toughness and whose average linear expansion coefficient within the temperature ranging from 40 to 150° C. is not higher than 20×10−6/° C. can be obtained by laminating and curing fiber-reinforced layers impregnated with a resin composition consisting of a radically polymerizable resin, radically polymerizable monomer and inorganic filler combined with a specific amount of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat conductive resin substrate which polybenzasol fibers are oriented in a thick direction and/or a direction of a surface of a resin substrate, further to the heat conductive resin substrate and a semiconductor package excellent in heat radiation ability which the semiconductor chips are mounted on the heat conductive resin substrate which the polybenzasol fibers are oriented in the thick direction (the Z direction) and/or the direction of the surface of the resin substrate, the heat conductive resin substance and the semiconductor package being provided with electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity, and being capable of controlling the thermal expansion coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dope dyed sea-island type conjugate multifilament. In the dope dyed sea-island type conjugate multifilament, which comprises easy soluble polymer as a sea component and polyester as an island component, the island component contains a dope dyed component selected from the group consisting of carbon black, pigments and dyestuffs and the temperature range (T&agr;-T&bgr;p) showing more than 95% of the maximum thermal stress of yarns is from 120° C. to 210° C. The dope dyed sea-island type conjugate mulifilament of the present invention has an excellent thermal shrinkage property and excellent wash fastness and light fastness, and the dyeing process thereof can be omitted after producing a woven or knitted fabric because a dope dyed component is contained in the island component (ultra fine yarn). The dope dyed sea-island type conjugate mulifilament of the present invention is useful as yams for warp knit fabrics used in production of wowen's apparel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mineral fibre provided with an essentially mineral microporous or mesoporous coating and to a product comprising such fibres and optionally an organic constituent such as a binder, having a specific surface area at least equal to 10 m2/g, preferably at least equal to 30 m2/g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers. The fibers may be in a side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea configuration, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: An anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal synthetic fiber that comprises various thermoplastic polymers and additives in a bi-component form in either a core-sheath or side-by-side configurations. The anti-microbial synthetic fibers comprise inorganic anti-microbial additives, distributed in certain areas to reduce the amount of the anti-microbial agents being used, and therefore the cost of such fibers. The fibers can incorporate anti-microbial additives so that they are not removed by repeated washing in boiling water and in dry clean cycles and become ineffective and conversely enhance access to the additives by washing or the like. The fibers comprise high tenacity polymers (e.g. PET) in one portion and hydrolysis resistance polymers (e.g. PCT) in another portion with the additives. The fibers can further be blended with non-anti-microbial fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon etc. to provide anti-microbial finished fabrics.

Abstract: A sizing formulation and method of making a sizing formulation for fiberglass reinforcement rovings used in phenolic pultrusion are provided. The sizing formulation includes 1-7% of a film forming polymer, 0.3-3.5% of a silane coupling agent, 0.5-3.0% of a nonionic lubricant, and 0.2-3.5% of a cationic lubricant. Optionally, the sizing composition contains up to 3% of a waterborne urethane solution. The sizing composition is highly compatible with phenolic resins used in pultrusion processes and promotes an improved interface and increased compatibility between the individual fibers and the matrix resin. This increased interface results in better mechanical properties so that a fiber reinforced phenolic resin composite part having superior performance characteristics can be formed.

Abstract: A melt-spun synthetic fiber and process for producing the fiber are described, the fiber including a fiber-forming synthetic polymer and a siloxane-based polyamide with a repeating unit having the formula (I) 1

Abstract: Highly crimped, fully drawn bicomponent fibers, prepared by melt-spinning, followed by gas-flow quenching, heat treatment and high speed windup, are provided, as are fine-decitex and highly uniform polyester bicomponent fibers.

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 invention relates to a strengthening layer for composites to be formed by means of vacuum technique, which layer substantially consists of a strengthening material and for a smaller part of substantially round transport threads for guiding the resin therealong, which threads are substantially form-retaining in cross-section and lie substantially in the direction of the resin transport.

Abstract: Chopped strands having a sizing agent impregnated on glass fiber strands, to be used for a molded product of unsaturated polyester resin BMC, wherein the sizing agent comprises a urethane resin, a vinyl acetate resin and a silane coupling agent, and wherein the mass ratio of the urethane resin to the vinyl acetate resin is from 30:70 to 70:30.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from an aliphatic polyester polymer which has sufficient tear strength and is biodegradable. Biodegradable nonwoven webs of the present are prepared from a polymer blend having from about 65% by weight to about 99% by weight of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and from about 1% by weight to about 35% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a lower melting point than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer, a polymer having a lower molecular weight than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, the nonwoven webs of the present invention have a tear strength greater than the tear strength of a nonwoven web prepared from the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer alone.

Abstract: A string binder is disclosed which is useful for making reinforcing articles for use in the manufacture of molded composite articles. The string binder, in one embodiment, comprises a fibrous carrier substrate material covered with a solidified coating comprising a binder resin material having an acid value of less than about 30 mg KOH/g of resin. Additionally, the coating may include a catalyst applied as a separate layer or in combination with the binder resin material. The string binder may be co-roved with one or more ends of a separate fibrous reinforcing material to make a product suitable for use in various molding applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer and wood fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The polymer and wood fiber composite structural members can be manufactured in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. The linear extrudate or pellet can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular geometric. The pellet can have a cross-section shape having a volume of at least about 12 mm3. Preferably the pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing at least 14 mg. The invention also relates to an environmentally sensitive recycle of waste streams. The polymer and wood fiber composite contains an intentional recycle of a waste stream comprising polymer flakes or particles or wood fiber.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A shaped article comprising poly[(alkylene-co-dianhydrosugar ester) dicarboxylate] or poly(alkylene-co-dianhydro-dicarboxylate) having improved stability in the form of less change of Tg and reduced shrinkage upon storage at elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic fiber blend and methods for its use comprising a first fiber component formed of a homopolymer polypropylene fiber and a second fiber component being a copolymer formed of a polypropylene and a high density polyethylene. The first fiber component is fibrillated and the second fiber component is a twisted bundle comprised of multiple strands of a nonfibrillating monofilament. The synthetic fiber blend imparts improved reinforcement properties to the building materials to which they are added. In particular, the synthetic fiber blend when incorporated into a building material provides reduced permeability, increased fatigue strength, improved toughness, and reduced plastic shrinkage. The unique combination of the twisted second fiber component blended with the first fiber component provides improved mixability and uniform distribution of the synthetic fiber blend in cementitious materials.

Abstract: An acrylic fiber having cotton-like properties with modified, internal void structure and optical characteristics, the acrylic fiber comprising a BYK Gardner Luster (BYL) reflectance measurement of less than about 44.

Abstract: Protection products and armored products made of a fiber-reinforced composite material with a ceramic matrix, include a protection element for partial or complete absorption of at least one impact-like load focussed at a point. The protection element has a body having at least one dimension at least equal to 3 cm, in a direction perpendicular to a load to be absorbed. The body includes a fiber-reinforced composite material having a ceramic matrix with at least 10% by weight of silicon carbide and having reinforcing fibers. At least 5% by weight of the reinforcing fibers are carbon fibers and/or graphite fibers.

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: An adhesive composition that can be used to bond textile fibers adhesively to a cross-linkable rubber composition, textile fibers sized by means of the said adhesive composition, a composite of the textile fibers and a cross-linked rubber composition that is permeable to light, and a tire body whose sidewalls are made from the composite are disclosed. The adhesive composition is made from an aqueous thermosetting phenolic adhesive containing at least one diene elastomer and at least one organic pigment. This adhesive composition is the reaction product the aqueous thermosetting phenolic adhesive and an aqueous pigmentary dispersion containing the organic pigment.

Abstract: Described are hydrophilic fibrillated articles that include melt-processable polymer and hydrophilic component such as hydrophilic surfactant or hydrophilic polymer, as well as methods of preparing such articles.

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 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: A siding assembly and method of manufacture are disclosed. Each siding unit is a profile of a composite material which includes a thermoplastic polymer and a cellulosic fiber. The preferred siding unit has a tapered thickness and a convex face. Each siding unit is interconnected to adjacent siding units with a tongue and groove mechanism. The preferred siding profile has a plurality of webs, and the exposed portion of the siding has a capstock layer to improve weatherability. The exposed width of the siding's face may be adjustable. The siding units are interconnected end-to-end by inserts which are positioned by means of an adhesive or thermal welding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mat having at least one primary area and at least one secondary area and adapted to reinforce a polymeric matrix material, the mat comprising (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of generally parallel, essentially continuous glass fiber strands oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mat, at least a portion of outer surfaces of the first layer glass fiber strands having applied thereon at least a partial layer comprising at least a partially dried residue of first coating composition which is compatible with a polymeric matrix material, wherein at least a first portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one primary area at a primary strand density and at least a second portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one secondary area at a secondary strand density which is different from the primary strand density; and (b) a second layer comprising a plurality of randomly oriented gl

Abstract: Described are microfiber articles and methods and intermediates for their production, the microfiber articles being preferably produced from co-extruded microlayer films, and the articles having a microlayer construction that allows selection of the different layers to have different properties such that the article can have a desired combination of properties.

Abstract: A molded article including a plastic layer and an outer film over the plastic layer forming a composite laminate with the plastic layer and a process for preparing same. The outer film has an inner surface adjacent and bonded to the plastic layer and an outer surface opposed to the inner surface. The molded article also includes a reinforcing material adhered to the inner surface of the outer film layer and preferably at least partly embedded in the inner surface of the outer film layer.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polymer sheet includes a polymer matrix and graphitized carbon fibers as a thermally conductive filler. The graphitized carbon fibers are formed by spinning, infusibilization, carbonization, pulverized mesophase pitch before graphitizing the mesophase pitch. The graphitized carbon fibers have a coating layer of ferromagnetic material on their surface. The application of magnetic field to the coating layer allows the fibers to be oriented to be perpendicular to the sheet. Preferably, by X-ray diffractometry, the graphitized carbon fibers have an interplanar spacing (d002) of graphite planes of less than 0.3370 nm and a ratio (P101/P100) of diffraction peak (101) to diffraction peak (100) of at least 1.15. The ferromagnetic material is preferably at least one of a metal, an alloy, or a compound selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and iron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rod-shaped preform for manufacturing an optical fiber therefrom, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a rod-shaped preform. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber, wherein one end of a rod-shaped preform is subjected to a heat treatment, after which the thus softened end of the rod-shaped preform is subjected to a pulling force for the purpose of drawing an optical fiber therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides poly(trimethylene terephthalate) copolymerized with ester-forming sulfonate and a fiber thereof. The polymer of the present invention is high in melting point, small in loss of melting viscosity and has a high molecular weight. The fiber of the present invention is high in toughness, excellent in whiteness and dyeable with a cationic dye, whereby it is useful for clothing, carpets or non-woven sheets, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.

Abstract: There is provided a package of multiple oil absorbing wipes suitable for wiping a users skin or hair. The wipes are arranged in an overlying arrangement and comprise an oil absorbing porous film-like substrate of a thermoplastic material having a transparency of less than 65 percent. The porous substrate changes transparency by at least 10 percentage points when loaded with oil. The porous substrate has an embossing pattern over from 1 to 50 percent of at least a portion of the of the wipe material surface area, which area is in contact with an adjacent wipe in the package.

Abstract: The invention is a profiled bar, in particular sprung bars, in which a reinforcement of both synthetic fibers and natural fibers is embedded in a plastic matrix. The proportion of synthetic fibers can be reduced by using natural fibers derived from regrowing raw materials. This improves environmental compatibility and makes it easier to dispose of such sprung bars. The sprung bars are used in particular to form bottom sprung supports for furniture for sitting and lying on, and in particular for slatted frames.

Abstract: There is provided a package of multiple oil absorbing wipes suitable for wiping a users skin or hair. The invention wipes comprise an oil absorbing porous film of a thermoplastic material having a transparency of less than 65 which porous substrate changes transparency when loaded with oil. The porous substrate has directly on one face an oil contaminable layer, without any intermediate oil impermeable layer or film. The porous film has a percent oil retention of from 50 to 100 percent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat shading glass including a glass sheet and a heat shading film formed on the glass sheet. The heat shading film comprises a first metal oxide film, a first Ag film, a second metal oxide film, a second Ag film, and a third metal oxide film, layered in that order on the glass sheet. The oxide films include indium oxide containing tin oxide. An X-ray diffraction chart of the heat shading film shows a diffraction peak of the indium oxide as well as a diffraction peak of the Ag. Thus, as a heat shading laminated glass, it can be used as window glass for buildings or vehicles, has superior visible light transmittance, reflects infrared radiation, has colorless transmission color and reflection color, and has superior durability.

Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.

Abstract: A reinforcing fiber, in particular for fiber composite materials, has a core which is provided with a layer of a pyrolysable binder. A coating of pyrolytic carbon or sugar is provided between the core and the layer fiber strands are provided with reinforcing fibers of this type and fiber strands are coated in this way. Fiber composite materials can be prepared with these reinforcing fibers. Processes for producing reinforcing fibers and composite materials involve coating fiber strands.

Abstract: A reflector is disclosed which enables bright image display with a wide angle of view and can be efficiently fabricated by a a simplified process. The reflector includes a resin layer having at its surface microscopic projections and depressions and formed by application of a coating composition containing a binder resin and crosslinked resin particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high quality composite materials from fibers such as glass, polyaramid or graphite fibers, where the composite incorporates a polymer matrix embedding individual fibers. The composites are lightweight materials displaying enhanced strength and durability. In one aspect, the polymer matrix is a thermoplastic or other polymer type that cannot easily penetrate gaps between individual fibers by typical methods for thermosets. The invention also relates to methods for forming composite materials, where the fiber is exposed to an emulsion including polymer particles having sufficiently small dimensions to allow impregnation into the fiber gaps. Composite sheets and articles are also described, as well as the formation of new composites for porous articles, e.g., ceramics or wood, where a polymer matrix is embedded within the pores.

Abstract: A composite separator plate for a fuel cell having a low-carbon loading and a high-polymer loading is disclosed. The separator plate composition includes a percentage of conductive fibrous filler having a relatively high aspect-ratio oriented through the thickness of the plate to achieve desired electrical and thermal conductivity requirements. A method of manufacturing the fuel separator plate having such fibers disposed in a through-plane orientation is also disclosed. The method includes forming a separator plate having a land height for orienting the fibers in a desired through-plane direction, then removing a portion of the land height to obtained the desired geometric configuration for the separator plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material, made from a microfilament nonwoven fabric having a mass per unit area of 40 to 200 g/m2, in which a nonwoven fabric, which is made from melt-spun, drawn, multi-component endless filaments having a titer of 1.5 to 5 dtex and directly laid up to form a fibrous web, and in which the multi-component endless filaments, optionally after prebonding, are split at least to 80% to form micro-endless filaments having a titer of 0.1 to 1.2 dtex and bonded, is bonded to a thermoplastic synthetic material using an injection-molding process.

Abstract: A polyether ester elastomer comprising about 90-about 60 weight % polytrimethylene ether ester soft segment and about 10-about 40 weight % trimethylene ester hard segment, and use thereof in fibers and other shaped articles. The fibers have excellent physical properties, including superior strength and stretch recovery.