Abstract: Methods of preparing dispersible fiber bundles comprising contacting a rheology-modifying binder to at least two or more fibers to form a binder-fiber mixture, and imparting force to the binder-fiber mixture to compact the binder-fiber mixture into a fiber bundle.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are devices and processes for making ceramic nanofiber mats and ceramic filters for use in high temperature and in corrosive environments. The process for forming a ceramic filter can include electrospinning a preceramic polymer solution into a preceramic polymer fiber having a diameter from about 10 nm to about 1 micron and forming a preceramic polymer fiber web from the preceramic polymer fiber onto a collector. The process can also include pyrolyzing the preceramic polymer fiber web to form a ceramic nanofiber mat having a diameter less than the diameter of the preceramic polymer fiber, the ceramic nanofiber mat comprising one or more of an oxide ceramic and a non-oxide ceramic such that the ceramic fiber mat can withstand temperature greater than about 1000 ° C.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for forming a fabric by spraying onto a supporting surface, the composition comprising fibers, a binder and a diluent. Further aspects of the invention include the fabric formed by spraying the composition and an article comprising the fabric, an apparatus and a method for spraying the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a monofilament-like product from a precursor containing at least one strand of a spun yarn made from polyolefin staple fibres, comprising the steps of a) exposing the precursor to a temperature within the melting point range of the polyolefin for a time sufficient to at least partly fuse adjacent fibres and b) simultaneously stretching the precursor at a draw ratio of at least 1.0. The invention further relates to a monofilament-like product obtainable by said process showing improved abrasion resistance, and to the use of said monofilament-like product for making various semi-finished and end-use products.

Abstract: A blowable insulation material comprising random shaped blowable clusters which are comprised of natural fibers or material. In preferred embodiments, the clusters also comprise man-made fibers or materials. A process to produce the blowable clusters is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to wood fiber insulating material boards and mats, in which the wood fibers and the binder fibers are aligned three-dimensionally. The fleece of wood fibers and binder fibers can alternatively have synthetic resin granules scattered on it. Likewise, a woven fabric or a film can be applied to one or both sides. The product obtained in this way is heated in a heating/cooling oven, calibrated and/or compacted to the desired final thickness.

Abstract: An acrylic rubber composition in which the base material is an acrylic rubber comprising monomer units of ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and cure site monomer, with a ratio (B/A) of the amount of n-butyl acrylate (B) with respect to ethyl acrylate (A) of 1.0 or less by weight. A heat-resistant hose having a layer of this acrylic rubber composition as the innermost layer. The above constitution of the invention provides the acrylic rubber composition effective for preventing aluminum fixing while retaining the material properties of acrylic rubber and its excellent characteristics. The present invention also provides a heat-resistant hose using this acrylic rubber composition at the surface which is to be fitted with an aluminum member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flame-resistant spun staple yarns and fabrics and garments comprising these yarns and methods of making the same. The yarns have 20 to 50 parts by weight of a polymeric staple fiber containing a structure derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof; and 50 to 80 parts by weight of a rigid-rod staple fiber, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymeric fiber and the rigid-rod fiber in the yarn.

Abstract: Described are microfiber-entangled products and methods of producing microfiber-entangled products from microfiber materials or microfiber-forming materials, the microfiber entangled products having various useful product constructions that incorporate microfiber materials and other materials that can be combined by folding, weaving, lapping, twisting, tying, braiding, or otherwise.

Abstract: A long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet comprises short strands, each of which has a width of from 0.2 to 5 mm and a length of from 10 to 150 mm and is made of a unidirectionally long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. The short strands are oriented at random and are fixed together at intersections thereof. The long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet has a basis weight of from 30 to 500 g/m2 and is provided with openings therein. The long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet can be produced by evenly spreading and piling up short strands of substantially circular or elliptical sections, and subjecting the short strands to pressureless hot-melt adhesion or to hot-melt compression bonding under pressure such that the sheet has a basis weight of from 30 to 500 g/m2 and is provided with openings therein. The short strands of the substantially circular or elliptical sections have an average diameter of from 0.1 to 1.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: A curable composition comprises: blocked polyisocyanate, curative, and a crosslinked copolymer of monomers comprising at least one free-radically polymerizable carboxylic acid and at least one of an alkyl or alkaryl (meth)acrylate. Methods of making the curable compositions and their use in the manufacture of abrasive articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blowable insulation material comprising batt shredded into blowable clusters. In preferred embodiments, the clusters comprise water-repellant or lubricant-finished fiber and/or dry fiber and/or binder fiber and may be mixed with opened fiber. A process to produce the blowable clusters is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent, low-linting fibrous structure comprising an entangled web of synthetic fibers, wherein fibers of at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface are surface bonded, such as by thermal or adhesive bonding. The web is absorbent, has low density, is resistant to linting, and can retain structural integrity at high temperatures. The structure can be made by forming a web of synthetic fibers, entangling the fibers of the web, such as by needling or hydroentangling, and bonding the fibers at the surface of the web by thermal or adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A multi-layered material for use in producing containers. The multi-layered material includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a regrind layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The outer layer contains titanium dioxide and the regrind layer contains a dye selected from a group consisting of yellow dye and black dye.

Abstract: A blowable insulation material comprising batt shredded into blowable clusters. In preferred embodiments, the clusters comprise water repellant or lubricant finished fiber and/or dry fiber and/or binder fiber and may be mixed with opened fiber. A process to produce the blowable clusters is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blowable insulation material includes batt shredded into blowable clusters. In the several embodiments, the clusters include water-repellant or lubricant-finished fiber and/or dry fiber and/or binder fiber, and may be a mixture of clusters and a natural material including down, silk, wool, cotton or any other natural material with insulating properties, or any combination thereof, and may also include synthetic open fibers.

Abstract: An agglomerate and a process for its manufacture by providing a dry particulated fibrous organic material, mixing it with a powdered mineral to obtain a first mixture, adding a binding agent to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, agglomerating the second mixture in an agglomeration dish and drying the agglomerate to a desired dried state.

Abstract: Continuous, filament reinforced, wound poles, and the method of making, where the poles are formed by winding a base mandrel with continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement, coaxially abutting an incremental mandrel and winding both the incremental mandrel and the wound first mandrel with a second layer of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement. The base mandrel is thus wound with two layers of reinforcement. Additional incremental mandrels and additional layers of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement are successively wound as desired. Preferably all windings occurs prior to the curing of any previous winding. The ends of the mandrels and any cross winding across these ends form stabilizing members within the poles to counteract against compressive forces. The pole has a smooth outer surface when the additional mandrels are properly sized to mate with the wound ends of the previous adjacent mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a composite laminate comprising the steps of providing unidirectionally oriented parallel fibres (UD filaments) (3) with a resin matrix to form a composite UD layer and laminating a plurality of UD layers to form a UD crossply laminate (18). In the method of the invention, the UD filaments are impregnated with a melt of a resin which in the uncured form solidifies below a certain temperature (Tm). Thereupon the UD filaments-containing resin is cooled to a temperature below Tm to produce the composite UD layer. The produced composite UD layer is irreversibly cured before or after lamination. Notably latent curing resins are suitable. The impregnation is preferably conducted by coating a process belt (8) with solid resin (6), laying the UD filaments onto the resin, and heating the resin so as to form the resin melt. The heating of the resin is preferably conducted by means of IR irradiation (11).

Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.

Abstract: By dissolving a vinyl alcohol polymer (A) and an incompatible vinyl polymer (B), preferably an acrylonitrile polymer in a common solvent to prepare a spinning stock solution of a phase separation structure wherein the polymer (B) is present at particle sizes of 2 to 50 .mu.m, and wet spinning or dry-wet spinning the resulting spinning stock solution in a solidifying bath containing a mixture of an organic solvent capable of solidifying both the polymers (A) and (B) and the solvent of the spinning stock solution at a weight ratio of 25/75 to 85/15, thereby drawing the resulting yarn by 8-fold or more, a fiber is provided; and from the fiber can be produced a fibril with good hydrophilicity, a higher strength, and excellent heat fusion resistance, along with excellent wiping performance, filtering performance, micro-particle capturing properties and reinforcing performance, readily, stably and inexpensively.

Abstract: A composite structure contains a lofty corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber that is maintained in a corrugated condition by securing a fabric to the corrugated web at the valleys of the corrugations. The composite structure is made without substantially effecting web loft by (i) introducing the nonwoven web to the ends of a plurality of spaced paddles, (ii) causing the spacing between the ends of the paddles to decrease to corrugate the nonwoven web, and (iii) securing the fabric to the corrugated nonwoven web at the valleys of the corrugations. A composite structure of this construction made by this method provides very good filtration performance, making it particularly suitable for use as a filter in a cup-shaped face mask. The composite structure also is very suitable for use as thermal insulation in apparel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable conjugate fiber containing at least two incompatible polymers that are arranged in distinct segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber. The fiber can be characterized in that the segments of the fiber dissociate in less than about 30 seconds when contacted with a hot aqueous fibrillation-inducing medium. The invention also provides a fabric containing the split fibers produced from the precursor splittable conjugate fiber and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers.

Abstract: A gluable fixing element for holding structural or functional components to essentially flat surfaces of carrier parts. It consists of a bonding portion for producing an adhesive bond with the surface of the carrier part and at least one further holding portion for producing a positive or non-positive connection with the component. The bonding portion has a bonding surface which is provided with a curable and/or crosslinkable, reactive hot-melt adhesive that when dry is wear-resistant and non-adhesive at temperatures up to 80.degree. C. but that can be reactivated within a very short time when heated by thermal or other energy to a temperature sufficient to melt the adhesive to produce a durable adhesive bond between the element and the carrier parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric made of fine denier filaments of superior bulkiness, heat insulation property and tensile strength, and a production method thereof. This nonwoven fabric is made of fine denier filaments produced by first preparing. First a thermoplastic polymer component "A", then another thermoplastic polymer component "B" which is insoluble in the component "A" and of which the melting point is higher than that of the component "A" by 30.degree. to 180.degree. C. Adopting a bicomponent melt spinning method employing the component "A" and the component "B", the bicomponent conjugate filaments, on which surface at least component "A" is exposed, are obtained. By accumulating these bicomponent conjugate filaments, a web is formed. Then heat is applied to the predetermined areas on the web throughout its entire thickness, whereby only the component A is softened or molten, and the bicomponent conjugate filaments are heat bonded to one another, thus a fleece is obtained.

Abstract: A structural rebar of the present invention comprises: an inner core formed by pultruding reinforcing fibers of a first reinforcing material through a bath or injection system of a first resin material; and an outer cladding comprising an inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer. The inner core contains at least about 40 percent by weight reinforcing fibers of the first reinforcing material. The inner cladding layer comprises a second resin material reinforced with reinforcing fibers of a second reinforcing material. The fibers of the second reinforcing material are preferably unidirectional and oriented substantially parallel to the fibers of the first reinforcing material. The outer cladding layer comprises a corrosion-resistant third resin material reinforced with a third reinforcing material. Rebar of this configuration can have sufficient strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance to be suitable for use in cementitious structural members.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing recyclable reinforced composite structures having enhanced surface appearance by heating a self-supporting porous batt comprised of an intimate homogenous blend of high modulus reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin fibers to a temperature sufficient to melt the resin component and convert the batt into moldable form, placing the moldable batt into a heated mold to flow, solidify and substantially crystallize the component, introducing a thermosetting resin-containing coating material into the mold adjacent at least one surface of the crystallized structure to provide a coating on the one surface and dwelling the coated structure in the mold for a time sufficient to set the coating material.

Abstract: An improved-strength, polymer-reinforced paper which includes fibers, of which at least about 30 percent on a dry weight basis are eucalyptus fibers; and from about 15 to about 60 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the fibers, of a latex binder.

Abstract: An improved-strength, polymer-reinforced paper which includes fibers, of which at least about 30 percent on a dry weight basis are eucalyptus fibers; and from about 15 to about 60 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the fibers, of a latex binder.

Abstract: A coated abrasive backing material is provided which is suitable for heavy duty grinding applications is provided by a continuous solid resin matrix having dispersed therein an essentially isotropic fibrous web. The invention also provides a coated abrasive based on said backing.

Abstract: An upholstery layer for a motor vehicle seat is provided in a preferred embodiment with a resilient bottom layer, for example of foam and/or rubberized hair, and on top of this a buffer layer covered by a seat cover fabric. The buffer layer consists of at least two further layers connected to each other in an almost nondisplaceable manner. One of these top layers is made from a particularly elastic material, and a layer situated beneath this or an intermediate layer is made from a less elastic steam-permeable material which supports the upper layer.

Abstract: Described is a flat multifilament yarn with minimal opening tendency of the mutually bound-together filaments, expressed by the quantityVS(K.sub.F)>42%and with good compaction, expressed by the quantity(VG.sub.mean /VG.sub.max) * 100%>45%the VG quantities being degrees of intermingling determined using the Rothschild needle tester model 2040, VG.sub.mean being the arithmetic mean of 20 needle test measurements, and VG.sub.max being the maximum value of 20 needle test measurements. VS(K.sub.F) is the intermingling stability at a given total yarn tension K.sub.F determined by measuring the opening tendency of the flat multifilament yarn under dynamic-mechanical stress by a specific method.

Abstract: An insulating material is described and comprised of loose fill short cellulose fibers and bonding synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are of longer length than the short cellulosic fibers and have an outer sheath which is heat-fused with outer sheaths of other synthetic fibers at crossing contact points thereof to form a matrix having pockets for retaining the loose fill cellulosic fibers therein and throughout the matrix thereby eliminating the need of an adhesive binder to retain the cellulose fibers in the matrix. The matrix can form a body having the shape of a batt of insulation and the batt may be provided with a facing sheet of suitable vapor permeability.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent composite comprises (a) a water-absorbent polymer, (b) a water-insoluble inorganic material and (c) a water-insoluble hydrophilic fibrous material at a weight ratio between (a), (b) and (c) in the range of 100:5-1200:5-1200. It is very useful as the absorbent component for a sanitary napkin and a medical pad.

Abstract: A nonwoven surface treating article suitable for treating surfaces while emitting little formaldehyde includes an open, lofty, three-dimensional nonwoven web of a plurality of thermoplastic organic fibers a bound together at places where they contact by a binder, binder comprising 1) a copolymer of an acrylate monomer and an acrylamide monomer, 2) the crosslinked reaction product of a polyol and a melamine crosslinking agent, and 3) the reaction product of a urea derivative and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A preform for impregnation of a metal or ceramic matrix material comprising a multiplicity of reinforcement particles bonded together so as to define a three-dimensional, open-cell reticulum comprising a plurality of randomly oriented thread-like portions interconnected one to the next via a plurality of nodes. A reinforced composite made from such preform and method of making the preform is disclosed/claimed wherein the reinforcement particles are mixed with prepolymers used to produce a fugitive binder for the particles comprising a foamed polymer, and the particles align themselves with the polymer portions of the resulting foam.

Abstract: A molded, cup-shaped face mask especially useful for medical and dental personnel has a first, second and third layer. Edge portions of the layers are substantially free of adhesion to one another, and outer edges of the mask are free of any peripheral seal or the like, so that the edge portions of all three layers are movable relative to each other and present a soft, comfortable feel to the wearer. Exhalation of air through the mask is facilitated by the flexible nature of the edge portions, and during inhalation the flexible edge portions are drawn toward a position of conformed contact with the wearer's face.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a non woven material as underlayer for a fabric covering seats intended for passenger transport by road, rail or air.The said nonwoven material is produced by a dry process and has an apparent density between 20 and 100 kg/m and a thickness between 4 and 20 mm. The said nonwoven material comprises a minimum of 50% of synthetic fibres of a thickness between 3 and 40 dtex and of a length between 2 and 12 cm. The fibres are needle bonded. When the nonwoven material is subjected to a static pressure of 20 cN/cm.sup.2, it retains a minimum thickness of 2 mm.The nonwoven material used in accordance with the invention is in particular intended for improving the evacuation of perspiration emanating from the user of the seat.

Abstract: A stretchable nonwoven fabric is provided, in which a uniform web comprising 70 to 100% by weight of polypropylene base heat-bondable composite fibers and 0 to 30% by weight of other organic fibers and having a web heat shrinking percentage "A" of 50% or lower at 100.degree. C. and a web heat shrinking percentage "B" of 50% or higher at 120.degree. C. provided that a difference "B"-"A" between the latter and the former is 20% or higher, the fibers being uniformly entangled together, has been shrinked as a result of sufficient crimping and more increased entanglement of the above composite fibers imparted through further heat-treatment, and which has an elastic recovery-at-30%-elongation of 80% or higher in both the warp and weft directions. This nonwoven fabric has no density variation, no crease, and excellent stretchability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter aid for analytical use and method for preparing the same, more particularly, a filter aid for analytical use consisting essentially of tangled short-length ceramic fibers having a bulk density in the range of about 0.02-0.18 g/cm.sup.3 and method for preparing the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel glass fiber particularly useful for preparing formed insulating articles having on the surface of the fibers an amorphous aluminum phosphate polymer wherein the polymer resiliently tacks the glass fibers together so as to provide regain of shape after deformation of the fibers as by compression. Also disclosed is a process for preparing glass fiber articles wherein the fibers are contacted with an ionic polymer which is then dehydrated to form an amorphous non-hygroscopic polymer.

Abstract: A novel fabric-covered wall- or ceiling-board of improved abrasion resistance is disclosed. The fabric is composed of fibers of at least two different melting temperatures. The product is manufactured by heating the fabric to a temperature to soften one fiber but not the other and bonding the fabric to the board.

Abstract: A thin paper, which has a basis weight of 5 to 15 g/m.sup.2 and a thickness of 10 to 50 .mu.m and which comprises at least 10% by weight, based on paper-constituting fibers, of a drawn polyester fiber having a single filament fineness of 2.5 denier or less, a filament length of 15 mm or less and a birefringence (.DELTA.n) of at least 0.03. This thin paper comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of urethane resins and epoxy resins at crossing points and surfaces of the filaments in an amount of 3 g/m.sup.2 or less of the thin paper. This thin paper is a valuable as a heat-sensitive stencil printing paper.

Abstract: A method of preparing porous fiber reinforced polymer composite sheets has been developed to allow a more efficient preheating of the sheet prior to molding and includes the steps of blending reinforcing fibers with resin matrix forming fibers to form a web. This web is then heated to a temperature wherein the resin matrix forming fibers melt and envelope the reinforcing fibers, taking them together at crossover points. The resultant web can then be directly heated very efficiently for molding. This web is highly porous allowing rapid heating at moderate pressure differentials during subsequent preheat steps. The microstructure created when the resin matrix forming fibers are initially melted further enhances heating capability because the structure retains porosity during the subsequent heating step required for molding.

Abstract: A laundry detergent pouch comprising a non-woven web of non-woven sensitive material normally having interstices capable of passing laundry detergent powder. The web is compressed and bonded, while compressed, to hold the fibers in compressed condition filling the interstices to prevent passage of detergent powder outwardly thereof.

Abstract: A nodulizing machine for use in an apparatus for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers comprises an input portal, a conduit containing a plurality of blades and an output portal. Apparatus for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers comprises a duct extending from a source of the mineral fibers to the nodulizing machine of the present invention. The apparatus includes flow rate control means to control the flow rate of air and mineral fibers in the apparatus. A process for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers in association with the apparatus of the invention is also discussed.

Abstract: A blend, a batt, and a process for making the batt from the blend is disclosed. The blend and batt are made from a uniform combination of cotton and copolyester binder fibers wherein the binder fibers have a melting temperature of 230.degree. to 340.degree. F.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing the fiber-containing article, the discontinuous fibers, intermingled with fibers serving as a binder, are couched into a fiber mat in such a manner that the discontinuous fibers are advanced into contact with an air flow which carries them up to a conveying level where the fibers become randomly directed and the fiber-carrying air flow is passed through this level.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetic fiber thermal insulator material in the form of a cohesive fiber structure, which structure comprises an assemblage of:(a) from 70 to 95 weight percent of synthetic polymeric microfibers having a diameter of from 3 to 12 microns; and(b) from 5 to 30 weight percent of synthetic polymeric macrofibers having a diameter of 12 to 50 microns,characterized in that at least some of the fibers are bonded at their contact points, the bonding being such that the density of the resultant structure is within the range 3 to 16 kg/m.sup.3, the thermal insulating properties of the bonded assemblage being equal to or not substantially less than the thermal insulating properties of a comparable unbonded assemblage. The invention also relates to the method of preparing said material.