Abstract: A good layer adhesion can be achieved in a composite having two or more layers wherein a layer I is obtained from a molding composition which has the following components: a) from 0 to 80 parts by weight of a polyamide selected from the group consisting of PA6, PA66, PA6/66 and a mixture thereof; b) from 0.

Abstract: The pipe of the present invention comprises an ethylene base polymer comprising ethylene and an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein (A) a maximum value of the residual stress is 0.13 MPa or less; (B) the crystallinity is 0.630 to 0.850; (C) a gradient of the crystallinity against a thickness of the pipe is 0.465 or less; and (D) the pipe has a thickness of 5 to 50 mm. It is excellent in a durability, a rigidity and an impact resistance and suited to uses for large diameter pipes receiving a high internal pressure.

Abstract: An insulated electric power cable having an insulator layer formed by extrusion-coating and cross-linking a cross-linkable resin composition, which contains a polyolefin blended with a total of 0.05 to 0.4 parts by mass of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds such as N,N′-(4,4′-diphenylmethane)bismaleimide, based on 100 parts by mass of the polyolefin, and a prescribed amount of an organic peroxide cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Coupled polymers are prepared by a process comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one polyolefin comprising ethylene and optionally at least one comonomer and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer; particularly where the polyolefin is the product of polymerization of ethylene and optionally at least one other alpha-olefin in the presence of a single site catalyst.

Abstract: A multi-layer gas- and odour-barrier film comprising a gas- and odor-barrier layer a) and at least one outer layer b) comprising a blend of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene-alkyl-acrylate or alkyl-methacrylate copolymer and from about 1 to about 15% by weight on the overall weight of the blend of a silicone elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible hose having a metal bellows tube 1 comprising a rubber layer 2 on the outer circumference of the metal bellows tube 1; and an exterior layer formed on the outer circumference of the rubber layer 2; wherein the metal bellows tube 1 has a corrugated bellows structure with a plurality of spaced apart rings 5 having peaks 6 and a plurality of channels 7 disposed between the rings which vary in width in a radial direction with the channels forming relatively wide valleys below the peaks. The rubber layer 2 is of a composition including at least a rubber of an acryl group and/or a rubber of an ethylene-propylene-diene group and with the rubber layer 2 being flowable at low temperature such that each channel in the metal bellows tube 1 is filled with rubber throughout each valley.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a two-side treated formed rubber article having a polymer coating on the outer surface; and a chlorinated inner surface. It is also related to a process for making gloves using a polymer as a mold release and anti-blocking agent on the outside of the glove, and a chlorination of the glove inside surface. The rubber article can be formed as a powder-free glove.

Abstract: An air impermeable coated fabric, characterized in that it comprises a base fabric comprising fibers having a total fineness (yarn size) of 67 to 350 dtex and an elastomer film formed by application on at least one surface thereof, and the coated surface has friction coefficients (MIU) both in the warp direction and in the weft direction of 0.01 to 0.3, as measured according to KES measurement and the difference between the two friction coefficient values of 0.15 or less in an absolute value. The coated fabric has a coated surface having significantly improved sliding characteristics and thus is useful for manufacturing an air bag capable of being developed in a short time and with uniformity.

Abstract: A rubber hose having a multilayer wall is formed of an inner layer of NBR type rubber having a high AN content, available at a low cost and highly impermeable to fuel and an outer layer of a rubber composition having a minimum Mooney viscosity of 25 to 65 at its curing temperature and highly resistant to flattening. Those layers are extruded and cured together without the aid of any mandrel owing to the inside diameter and wall thickness of the hose and the thickness of the outer layer which fall within specific ranges. This process enables the manufacture of a fuel hose having a high fuel impermeability at a low cost, while protecting its inner wall effectively from flattening during curing.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an oxygen scavenging composition, comprising an oxygen scavenging polymer comprising units having structure I: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C1-C6 alkyls and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and an oxidation catalyst. The oxygen scavenging polymer can be used to form an oxygen scavenging packaging article.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel transporting hose for a fuel cell powered vehicle having a laminar structure includes at least one inner rubber layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and at least one outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the hose. Each of the inner and outer rubber layers are obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition including a rubber material selected from the group consisting of a halogenated butyl rubber material, and a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material. The vulcanized rubber includes a filler having a layered crystal structure and is vulcanized with one of a peroxide vulcanizing agent and a resin vulcanizing agent.

Abstract: A multilayer brake hose is described. The hose includes an elastomeric inner layer or core tube, and a first reinforcing layer disposed around and bonded to the inner layer. The hose also includes an elastomeric intermediate layer overlying the first reinforcing layer, a second reinforcing layer overlying the elastomeric intermediate layer, and an elastomeric protective cover layer disposed over the second reinforcing layer. The inner layer includes styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) cured with a peroxide. The peroxide-cured SBR has compression set characteristics similar to sulfur-cured SBR, while exhibiting better adhesion to wound or braided fibers used in the reinforcing layers.

Abstract: A low-contaminative hose which permits a fluid to be passed through with minimized fluid contamination, and a rubber composition used to produce such a hose. The low-contaminative hose is formed from the rubber composition that includes, as essential components, at least one rubber selected from an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, an ethylene-propylene copolymer and a silicone rubber, a peroxide vulcanizing agent, and a filler having a laminar crystal structure.

Abstract: In a preferred construction, a food container includes: (i) a container base such as a serving planer, plate or howl having (a) a substantially planar central area, (b) a container base sidewall extending outwardly and upwardly from the central area having: (1) a recessed frustal tapered container base sealing area formed in the container base sidewall, and (2) a container base stop ridge adjacent the frustal tapered container base sealing area, and (c) an outwardly extending convex rim adjoining the container base stop ridge having an outer lip formed thereabout; and (ii) a resilient mating domed lid.

Abstract: Coextruded, intumescent fire-protection strips jacketed on three sides, obtained by coextruding an intumescent composition composed of a thermoplastic elastomer with a processing temperature of not more than 250° C. selected from the class consisting of block copolymers and uncrosslinked thermoplastic polyolefins, sulfuric-acid-treated graphite, flame retardant, and an inorganic additive which forms an enamel or forms a ceramic, and a three-sided jacket, where appropriate in association with a chambered profile, made from a thermoplastic elastomer with a processing temperature of not more than 250° C. selected from the class consisting of block copolymers and uncrosslinked thermoplastic polyolefins, flame retardant, and, where appropriate, a color pigment, where the fire-protection strips may be designed either as a hot-gas seal or else as a combined cold- and hot-gas seal with spatially separated functions.

Abstract: An elastomeric article such as a glove includes a substrate body made of an styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, and a donning layer overlying at least one side of the substrate body. The donning layer is formed of 1,2 polybutadiene, preferably syndiotactic 1,2 polybutadiene, or a chlorinated mid block unsaturated block copolymer. Optionally, a surfactant layer is present over the donning layer to further improve the donning characteristics. The surfactant layer is preferably an alkyl dimethylbenzyl quaternary, an alkyl trimethyl quaternary, a dialkyl dimethyl quaternary, sodium lauryl sulfate, or pyridinium chloride.

Abstract: In the resin-molded articles comprising polyolefin resins (a) and thermoplastic resins other than the polyolefin resins (b), when thickness is defined as one along a direction vertical to the surface of the article, as morphology observed under an electron microscope in the article, a portion where the polyolefin resin (a) forms a continuous phase (A), a portion where the resin other than the polyolefin resin (b) forms the continuous phase and the polyolefin resin (a) forms a discontinuous phase (B), and a portion where the polyolefin resin (a) forms the continuous phase (A) are successively observed in order from the surface toward the inside along the thickness direction, such molded articles having nature such as toughness and fabrication quality inherent to the polyolefin resins and improved appreciably in resistance to permeation of liquid chemicals and gases.

Abstract: A laminate article for damping mechanical vibrations. One embodiment of the damping article includes a neoprene layer, a foamed polyurethane middle layer, and a nonfoamed polyurethane layer. The layers are preferably adhered in an overlaying relation. The article reduces at least 40% of high frequency mechanical vibrations (200 Hz-1250 Hz) otherwise transmitted to the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coextruded multilayer thermoplastic film structure for use in forming a medical fluid container such as an I.V. bag. A coextruded multilayer thermoplastic film structure according to the invention includes at least three layers. The first layer (A), which is the layer that contacts medical fluids such as, for example, saline solutions, lactated Ringers solutions, and the like, includes a mixture of a major part of a homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene and a minor part of a block polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a partially hydrogenated derivative thereof, or a selectively hydrogenated derivative thereof to which has been grafted a unsaturated carboxylic reagent.

Abstract: Thin-walled rubber articles for use contact with living tissue or with materials to be delivered to living tissue are prepared from aqueous latex of either natural rubber or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene by vulcanization to produce both carbon-carbon and carbon-(sulfur)n-carbon crosslinks, the vulcanization being performed in the absence of any compounding components that contain secondary amine groups or any components that have a tendency to produce nitrosamines. While sulfur activators may be included, it is preferable that no sulfur accelerators at all be included. Thin-walled rubber articles formed from the latex surprisingly exhibit a combination of high tensile strength, high ultimate percent elongation, and low 500% tensile modulus. The process is particularly effective in the manufacture of thin-walled articles from synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene.

Abstract: The pipe of the present invention comprises an ethylene base polymer comprising ethylene and an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein (A) a maximum value of the residual stress is 0.13 MPa or less; (B) the crystallinity is 0.630 to 0.850; (C) a gradient of the crystallinity against a thickness of the pipe is 0.465 or less; and (D) the pipe has a thickness of 5 to 50 mm. It is excellent in a durability, a rigidity and an impact resistance and suited to uses for large diameter pipes receiving a high internal pressure.

Abstract: Fuser members and processes are provided for crosslinked fluorocarbon elastomer surfaces containing a fluorocarbon elastomer and a non-amino crosslinker together with methods for providing a crosslinked fluorocarbon elastomer surface on a fuser member supporting substrate which include mixing together an acid acceptor, an emulsifier, water, and non-amino based crosslinker with a latex fluorocarbon elastomer.

Abstract: The invention provides elastomeric articles having a layer of natural or synthetic rubber and at least one layer of a coating containing a blend of a film forming polymer and a wax. A process of making the elastomeric articles is also provided. Examples of elastomeric articles of the invention include surgeons' gloves which have improved lubricity and exhibit enhanced donning properties with respect to dry, damp or wet hands.

Abstract: A spoolable composite member having a sensor and an energy conductor embedded in the composite member. The spoolable composite member is capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner protective layer, an inner pressure barrier layer, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, an outer pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer.

Abstract: A charging member includes a conductive mandrel, a semiconductive foamed elastic layer provided on the periphery of the mandrel, and a functional double-layer film provided on the periphery of the semiconductive foamed elastic layer. The semiconductive foamed elastic layer is a layer formed by making the mandrel and a semiconductive rubber composition standing uncured and unfoamed pass through a crosshead die of an extruder to set the composition on the periphery of the mandrel, followed by curing and foaming. The semiconductive rubber composition has a Mooney viscosity of from 15 to 30 and has a curing percentage of 40% or less when the foaming pressure reaches 50%. The functional double-layer film is a double-layer tube having a thin layer such that a tube formed out of only the layer is hard to use for covering. Also disclosed are a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus which have such a charging member.

Abstract: A hollow elastomer shell with an apex end and a base end with the apex end and the base end having support surfaces thereon to provide compressive support and a pressure equalizer to maintain substantial pressure equalization between the interior of the elastomer shell and the exterior of the elastomer shell to prevent a fluid pressure differential between the interior of the hollow elastomer shell and the exterior of the hollow elastomer shell from prematurely limiting an elastomeric response of the shock isolator.

Abstract: A plastic closure that includes a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining a cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by compression molding in situ. The liner preferably consists essentially of a blend of matrix polymer material, particulate barrier polymer material and compatibilizer material. The heat and pressure of compression forms the particles of barrier polymer material into platelets that are oriented essentially parallel to the plane of the closure base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a polymer coating composition having a dispersant, microbeads and a high Tg polymer with a Tg of greater than −10° C. for the inner coating on natural and synthetic rubber articles, particularly for latex gloves. The coating for rubber articles, provides an inner surface coating that reduces friction between the latex and the hand to allow convenient donning. They are deliverable from aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membranes including an urethane including a polyester polyol, wherein the membrane has a gas transmission rate of 15.0 or less for nitrogen gas wherein the membrane has an average thickness of approximately 20.0 mils. Under certain embodiments, the membranes include blends of one or more polyester polyol based thermoplastic urethanes and one or more barrier materials. The membranes can be employed in a variety of applications and can be used as either monolayers or multi-layered laminates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a polymer coating composition having a high Tg polymer with a Tg of greater than −10° C. and fumed silica particles for the coating on natural and synthetic rubber articles, particularly for latex gloves. The coating for rubber articles, provides a surface coating that reduces friction between the latex and the hand to allow convenient donning. The coating composition is deliverable from aqueous solution.

Abstract: A fuel hose having a fluororesin layer formed from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene by powder coating or the like on the inner surface of a rubber tube is characterized by at least one of the following: (1) the copolymer contains a metal salt; (2) the rubber tube is of a mixture containing acrylic rubber; and (3) the rubber tube contains an organic ammonium salt or the like. The fuel hose is high in gasoline impermeability and flexibility and has a strong adhesion between the rubber tube and fluororesin layer.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomer compositions containing polyfunctional triaminopolysiloxanes having sterically large siloxane groups are disclosed. Compositions may be cured and are particularly suitable for use as surface release layers for fusing systems used in electrostatographic imaging systems.

Abstract: A packaging material having an oxygen-absorbing layer of a thermoplastic resin which is blended with an organic oxidizing component and with a transition metal catalyst, wherein the thermoplastic resin is not substantially oxidized in the presence of the transition metal catalyst. The thermoplastic resin is not deteriorated by oxidation and, hence, oxygen-barrier property is not deteriorated, making it possible to stably suppress the permeation of oxygen over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing rubber hose having a laminar structure including an inner rubber layer, a reinforcing layer, and an outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the rubber hose, wherein the inner rubber layer is formed of a butyl rubber material and/or a halogenated butyl rubber material while the outer rubber layer is formed of an EPM material consisting of ethylene-propylene copolymer.

Abstract: A plastic closure that comprises a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining the cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by being compression molded in situ on the base. The liner consists essentially of a multiplicity of alternating layers of a matrix polymer material such as EVA and a barrier material such as EVOH to resist transmission of gas, water vapor and/or flavorants through the liner. The matrix polymer material preferably is preblended with a compatibilizer material such as a maleic anhydride grafted polymer that ties the matrix polymer material to the barrier material.

Abstract: Powder-free natural rubber and synthetic elastomeric articles, in particular, gloves, having an inner coating of a nitrile rubber with an intermediate layer of a rubber blend comprised of natural or synthetic rubber and nitrile rubber interposed between the nitrile coating and the base glove and their method of manufacture are described. The intermediate layer of the rubber blend interposed between the coating and the glove imparts a unique surface texture to the glove which aids donning and eliminates self-sticking of the inner glove surfaces, especially after the glove has been sterilized by radiation. Additionally the gloves of the invention exhibit good grippability, good donnability, superior tensile strength, elongation to break and stress at 500% elongation.

Abstract: A reclosable package includes a pouch of flexible material defining a pocket with an openable mouth, and a reclosable, resealable closure attached to the flexible material and positioned to secure and seal the mouth of the pocket. The closure includes opposing, parallel strips of foam material secured to respective portions of the flexible material and having outer faces arranged to engage one another when the mouth of the pocket is in a closed state. The outer faces of the foam strips each carry an exposed, self-adhesive layer for securing and sealing the mouth of the pocket in its closed state. Such closures are also provided in strip form, and methods of making bags having such closures are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing tires and providing a product made form the tire material, by cutting each tire by a sequence of cuts to form two side walls and several tire rings of the running tread, separating the two side walls from the tire rings of running tread, combining the tire rings together to form the product by looping a first tire rings directly to a second tire rings, the second tire rings is looped directly to the third tire rings until the n−1 tire rings is looped to the last tire rings to form an interwoven mesh product, which may be formed to provide a flat product or a hollow product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laminated membranes formed by multi-layer processing techniques including alternating layers of thermoplastic urethane and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The membranes are characterized in that hydrogen bonds are formed between the layers of thermoplastic urethane and the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The membranes are characterized in that hydrogen bonds are formed between the layers of thermoplastic urethane and the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel system comprising a fuel vessel, molded parts for the fuel vessel and/or a tube for a fuel in which bodies are constituted from a thermoplastic resin and/or a rubber, wherein a coating layer is formed on the surfaces in at least one sides of the insides and the outsides of the fuel vessel body, the molded part bodies for the fuel vessel and/or the tube body for a fuel or at least one of connected parts with these bodies; the above coating layer is formed by curing an epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin and an epoxy resin curing agent as principal components; and the above coating layer has a gasoline permeability coefficient of 2 g·mm/m2·day or less at 23° C. and a relative humidity of 60% RH.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container press-formed of paperboard having a top surface disposed for contact with material to be contained and an opposed bottom surface, the container comprising a first functional coating material such as a latex dispersed in the paperboard without forming a barrier to moisture. The invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the press-formed paperboard container comprising before the container is press-formed the step of applying to the bottom surface of the paperboard a moistening solution comprising latex solids in an amount selected to avoid forming a moisture barrier and to avoid blistering on the bottom surface during press forming.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an indicia bearing elastomeric article with a smooth outer surface and a process for making the article. The indicia bearing elastomeric article includes a polymer film having indicia on one of its surfaces bonded to and flush with an elastomer layer. Since the outer surface of the article is without surface irregularities caused by the known transfer release techniques, power transmissions belts employing the invention do not generate the unwanted noise caused by the irregular surface contacting pulleys and idler rolls. The indicia provided by the invention can provide durable labeling for the article which remains visible throughout the useful life of the article.

Abstract: A heat-resistant multi-layer hose is described. The hose includes inner and outer elastomeric layers, and an intermediate reinforcing layer. The inner and outer layers each include a substantial fraction of ethylene-octene copolymer, and may include one or more compatible polymers such as EPDM, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and chlorinated polyethylene. The use of relatively large amounts of ethylene-octene copolymer results in improved high heat resistance.

Abstract: A dilatation device comprising a polymer tube having an essentially uniform outer diameter, with an expandable portion and a less expandable portion, said expandable portion having a wall thickness different than that of said less expandable portion. Said device is formed by providing a tube with an original outer diameter, length and wall thickness; heating the tube; applying pressure to the interior of the tube to expand a portion of said tube to form a balloon having a desired shape and size; releasing the interior pressure and collapsing said balloon; and, simultaneously allowing said portion in which the balloon was formed to radially shrink while longitudinally restraining said portion thereby manipulating the original diameter and length of said tube, said heated and shrunk portion thereby forming an expandable portion in said tube.

Abstract: A grip element having a soft, compressible and deformable outer layer supported by an underlying support structure sufficiently rigid to maintain a receiving channel of the grip element in an open configuration. The support structure facilitates manipulation of the grip element and assembly of the grip element onto a hand-held article without having the outer layer collapse on itself as would occur without the support structure as a result of the soft, deformable nature of the outer layer. The grip element may be formed separately from the hand-held article on which it is to be assembled, and then positioned thereon such that the hand-held article is sold with the grip element pre-assembled thereon. If desired, the grip element may be provided separate from the hand-held article, the outer layer providing a readily compressible and deformable soft cushioning surface and the support structure facilitating insertion of the outer layer over at least a portion of a hand-held article.

Abstract: A tube mat made of elastomer material in the form of an extrudate includes first and second front faces which are arranged in a vertical or angled manner in relation to the extrusion direction. A plurality of tubes extend in parallel in the extrusion direction between the two front faces. At least a portion of each tube is closed at adjustable distances whereby a closed air column respectively is formed and whereby the tube seal together with the tube mat forms a one-piece elastomer composite. A method for producing the tube mat is also provided in which after the extrusion, the tubes are closed at certain points by means of pressure and a pad roller, whereby beads and closing webs are produced. The pad roller is provided with pins that are distributed over the circumference of the roller. Vulcanization is carried out subsequently.

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: This invention relates to olefin polymers particularly suited to satisfying the dielectric properties required in electrical device use. The olefin polymers can be prepared by contacting polymerizable olefin monomers with catalyst complexes of Group 3-11 metal cations and noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anion compounds bound directly to the surfaces of finely divided substrate particles or to polymer chains capable of effective suspension or solvation in polymerization solvents or diluents under solution polymerization conditions. Thus, the invention includes polyolefin products prepared by the invention processes, particularly ethylene-containing copolymers, having insignificant levels of mobile, negatively charged particles as detectable by Time of Flight SIMS.

Abstract: An acrylic resin glove is made of a film having a crosslinked structure, formed of an acrylic resin emulsion, and an internal surface treating agent for an acrylic resin glove, is composed of an acrylic resin emulsion, and at least one organic filler selected from the group consisting of methacrylic resin micro-particles, polyolefinic resin micro-particles and cellulose beads, each having an average particle diameter within a range from 3 to 10 &mgr;m, the content of said organic filler being within a range from 2 to 8% by weight based on the total weight. The acrylic resin glove is superior in fitting and detaching properties and in washing resistance while maintaining required mechanical characteristics. The internal surface treating agent is used to obtain an acrylic resin glove having the above-described characteristics by forming a film of this treating agent on the internal surface of the acrylic resin glove, thereby to improve the lubricity of the internal surface of the glove.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an elastomeric article, such as a glove, containing an elastomeric material such as latex and a coating layer formed from an aqueous dispersion containing a composite of a silicone-modified polymer, e.g., a silicone-modified polyurethane, and silicone resin particles integrated therein. The interaction between the silicone groups on both the polymer and particles produces enhances binding effectiveness of the particles to the material. Gloves and other articles made in accordance with the invention contain a microroughened skin-contacting surface and exhibit a reduced coefficient of friction and increased lubricity, thereby enhancing the donning properties thereof.