Abstract: A ballistic-resistant molded article having a compressed stack of sheets including reinforcing elongate bodies, where at least some of the elongate bodies are polyethylene elongate bodies that have a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 gram/mole. Methods for manufacturing ballistic-resistant molded articles are also provided.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming an inorganic nanowire, comprising: providing an elongated organic scaffold; providing a plurality of inorganic nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold along a length of the organic scaffold; and fusing the nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold to form an inorganic nanowire.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate having a surface and a nanofence supported by the surface. The nanofence includes a multiplicity of primary nanorods and branch nanorods, each of the primary nanorods being attached to said substrate, and each of the branch nanorods being attached to a primary nanorods and/or another branch nanorod. The primary and branch nanorods are arranged in a three-dimensional, interconnected, interpenetrating, grid-like network defining interstices within the nanofence. The article further includes an enveloping layer supported by the nanofence, disposed in the interstices, and forming a coating on the primary and branch nanorods. The enveloping layer has a different composition from that of the nanofence and includes a radial p-n single junction solar cell photovoltaic material and/or a radial p-n multiple junction solar cell photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.

Abstract: Fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density are provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. Fibers are thereafter formed and then stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”).

Abstract: A method polymerizes a monomer to form a polyamide having a reagent incorporated therein. In the method, a masterbatch is formed that includes the reagent. The masterbatch and the monomer are introduced into a reactor, and the monomer is polymerized in the presence of the reagent to form the polyamide having the reagent incorporated therein. The monomer may be a caprolactam monomer that may be polymerized in a VK tube reactor to form polyamide 6 having at least one free acid site. The reagent may be present in an amount of from 1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the masterbatch. Additionally, the masterbatch and caprolactam may be introduced into the top of the VK tube reactor.

Abstract: A method for preparing single-crystalline, rare-earth metal hexaboride nanowires by a chemical vapor deposition process is described. Also described are the nanowires themselves, the electron emitting properties of the nanowires, and the use of the nanowires in electron emitting devices, particularly as point electron sources.

Abstract: Cloth, in which air permeability is variable by energization, includes: a fibrous object composed of composite fibers, each of the composite fibers including: an electrical-conductive polymeric material; and a material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material, the different material being directly stacked on the electrical-conductive polymeric material; and electrodes which are attached to the fibrous object, and energize the electrical-conductive polymeric material. Each of the composite fibers has a structure in which the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material is stacked on at least a part of a surface of the electrical-conductive polymeric material, or a structure in which either one of the electrical-conductive polymeric material and the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material penetrates the other material in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers along with methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The extrusion process preferably involves the delivery of a lubricant separately from a polymer melt stream to each orifice of an extrusion die such that the lubricant preferably encases the polymer melt stream as it passes through the die orifice.

Abstract: A sandwich core material for a sandwich laminate is disclosed. The sandwich core material includes a number of flexible core material elements having a longitudinal structure. A flexible core material for a sandwich core material, a sandwich laminate and a wind turbine blade including such a sandwich core material are provided. In addition, the present a method of manufacturing such a sandwich core material is provided.

Abstract: A cord, in particular for reinforcing tyres, containing a cellulosic multifilament yarn is disclosed, where the cellulosic multifilament yarn has a strength of at least 35 cN/tex and the individual filaments of the multifilament yarn have a linear density of at least 2.3 dtex. In use, such cords exhibit a significantly improved fatigue behaviour—i.e., a significantly higher fatigue resistance—than standard cords with an individual-filament linear density between 1 and 2 dtex.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass strands especially for the production of composites having an organic and/or inorganic matrix, the composition of which strands comprises the following constituents in the limits defined below, expressed as percentages by weight: SiO2 50-65% Al2O3 12-23% SiO2 + Al2O3 ??>79% CaO ?1-10% MgO ?6-12% Li2O ?1-3%, preferably 1-2% BaO + SrO ?0-3% B2O3 ?0-3% TiO2 ?0-3% Na2O + K2O ??<2% F2 ?0-1% Fe2O3 ??<1%. These strands are made of a glass offering an excellent compromise between its mechanical properties, represented by the specific Young's modulus, and its melting and fiberizing conditions.

Abstract: A fiber blend for yarns and fabrics for use in military, fire-fighting, industrial work wear, and first responder protective clothing to provide multifunctional protection to the wearer, the fiber blend including an aramid fiber blend, wool fibers, and electrostatic dissipative fibers, wherein the aramid fiber blend includes meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers and electrostatic dissipative fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerization process which is conducted by contacting an olefin monomer and at least one olefin comonomer in the presence of hydrogen and a metallocene-based catalyst composition. Polymers produced from the polymerization process are also provided, and these polymers have a reverse comonomer distribution, low levels of long chain branches, and a ratio of Mw/Mn from about 3 to about 6.

Abstract: A fiber formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic starch and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is provided. The copolyester enhances the strength of the starch-containing fibers and also facilitates the ability of the starch to be melt processed. Due to its relatively low melting point, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may also be extruded with the thermoplastic starch at a temperature that is low enough to avoid substantial removal of the moisture found in the starch. Furthermore, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also modified with an alcohol so that it contains one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the conditions of the alcoholysis reaction (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, temperature, etc.), the resulting modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may have a molecular weight that is relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making and recycling carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes: a primary backing which has a face and a back surface; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing; an adhesive composition backing; and an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing. The method of making carpet includes extrusion coating the adhesive composition onto the back surface of a primary backing to form the adhesive composition backing. The method of recycling carpet can recover one or more polymeric carpet components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic regenerated fiber which contains an incorporated luminous pigment and an incorporated color pigment and the use of these for the production of yarns, textile fabrics and an article of reflective clothing and a process for the production of these fibers. This fiber satisfies the demands of standard EN 471, standard EN 1150, standard CAN/CSA, standard ANSI/ISEA and standard BS 471 with regard to light density, the color space and fastness values.

Abstract: A biodegradable fiber that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains polylactic acid, a plasticizer, and a compatibilizer is provided. The compatibilizer includes a polymer that is modified with a polar compound that is compatible with the plasticizer and a non-polar component provided by the polymer backbone that is compatible with polylactic acid. Such functionalized polymers may thus stabilize each of the polymer phases and reduce plasticizer migration. By reducing the plasticizer migration, the composition may remain ductile and soft. Further, addition of the functionalized polymer may also promote improved bonding and initiate crystallization faster than conventional polylactic acid fibers. The polar compound includes an organic acid, an anhydride of an organic acid, an amide of an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Such compounds are believed to be more compatible with the generally acidic nature of the polylactic acid fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aggregate of nanofibers having less spread of single fiber fineness values that can be used in wide applications without limitation to the shape and the kind of the polymer, and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention is an aggregate of nanofibers made of a thermoplastic polymer having single fiber fineness by number average in a range from 1×10?7 to 2×10?4 dtex and single fibers of 60% or more in fineness ratio have single fiber fineness in a range from 1×10?7 to 2×10?4 dtex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preformed sheet comprising at least two mono-layers, each mono-layer containing a fibrous network with fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 1.2 GPa and a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa and a binder, and a separating film on at least one of its outer surfaces, characterized in that the separating film has an areal density of between 1 and 5 g/m2. With this preformed sheet assemblies and articles offering a substantially higher ballistic protection level at a certain weight can be obtained. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least two such sheets and to a flexible ballistic-resistant article comprising said assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a precursor fiber for a carbon fiber. The precursor fiber of fine denier according to the present invention is used to prepare a carbon fiber having excellent tensile strength and compressive strength by a conventional single component spinneret using a superdrawing process to prepare a high strength and high elastic carbon fiber with a reduction in stabilization time.

Abstract: An ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn of the present invention has been drawn and has a melting point that is determined as a maximum peak temperature measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a temperature rise rate of 20° C./min, and the melting point is higher than a melting point of the yarn before drawing. In a production method of the present invention, a drawing bath (3) that includes a hollow yarn path (14) and a jacket portion (13) in which a heated liquid circulates is placed in a drawing zone, and the yarn is heated and drawn while passing through the yarn path (14) in a non-contact manner. A drawing device of the present invention includes a feeder (1) for feeding a yarn, a drawing bath (3) for heating and drawing the yarn, and a winder (5) for winding up the drawn yarn. The drawing bath (3) includes a hollow yarn path (14) and a jacket portion (13) in which a heated liquid circulates.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides polymer organoclay composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and an organoclay, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer organoclay composite. The instant invention also generally provides a fiber comprising the polymer organoclay composite, and a process of fabricating and an article comprising the fiber.

Abstract: A method for producing a bale of crimped tow band may include providing a tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; crimping the tow band thereby yielding a crimped tow band; conditioning the crimped tow band; and baling the crimped tow band to form a bale.

Abstract: A stab and ballistic resistant material and method of preparing the same, comprising a stab-resistant layer and a ballistic resistant layer, wherein the stab-resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two structural units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined high strength and high module unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent structural units are rotated 45°, and the stab-resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides; the ballistic resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two structural units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent structural units are rotated 90°, and the ballistic resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides. The stab and ballistic resistant material of the invention makes stab and ballistic resistant vests lighter, more efficient in protection, and easy to produce.

Abstract: A nanofiber composite including a nanofiber formed of a hydrophobic polymer, a nanowire formed of a conductive or semiconductive organic material that is oriented in the nanofiber in the longitudinal direction of the nanofiber, and an ionic active material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high surface area fibers and an improved filter composite media made from the same. More specifically, the composite media preferably comprises a winged-fiber layer having high surface area fibers for increased absorption and strength and a meltblown layer for additional filtration. In one preferred embodiment the high surface area fibers have a middle region with a plurality of projections that define a plurality of channels, which increases the surface area of the fiber. In one preferred embodiment, the high surface area fiber has a specific surface area of about 140,000 cm2/g or higher and a denier of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The high surface area fiber of the present invention is made using a bicomponent extrusion process using a thermoplastic polymer and a dissolvable sheath.

Abstract: Dental floss products are provided which include a unitary tape of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, as measured in decalin at 135° C., the tape having a thickness of about 0.02-0.1 mm and a width of about 0.25-6 mm, and a tensile strength of at least 1.8 GPa. The dental floss products have very high mechanical, especially tensile strength, and show high resistance to tearing and has a low coefficient of friction. The tape can be inserted between teeth tightly together without breaking. A further advantage of the dental tape products is that most of the initial strength during flossing is retained, even if the tape separates into filaments. Processes for making a unitary tape suitable for use in a dental floss product are also provided.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions having miscible and compatible immiscible polymer blends are disclosed. The miscible polymer blends have a single glass transition temperature. The compatible polymer blends have two glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: A method for coating medication for a medical product is disclosed. A technique for coating gel in a viscous semisolid state is provided to facilitate coating of medication. Coating of medication on an article can be facilitated using gel, and coating of medication on an article such as an article made of silk and an article made of polypropylene can be further facilitated.

Abstract: An article comprising a yarn; wherein said yarn comprises: (a) a plurality of bulked continuous filaments; (b) a denier of about 200 to 2000; (c) a denier per filament of about 1 to about 20; and (d) a tenacity of about 2.0 to about 7.0 grams per denier; wherein said yarn is interlaced.

Abstract: An array of titanium dioxide nanostructures for solar energy utilization includes a plurality of nanotubes, each nanotube including an outer layer coaxial with an inner layer, where the inner layer comprises p-type titanium dioxide and the outer layer comprises n-type titanium dioxide. An interface between the inner layer and the outer layer defines a p-n junction.

Abstract: Anti-tack additives for elastic fibers and methods of preparing the same are included. The elastic fibers include a substituted cellulose additive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent to form a siliceous film that rarely cracks or peels off and yields an excellent rust-inhibitive performance on zinc surfaces of a metal part. The chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent is an alcoholic solution of alkoxysilane oligomer having weight-averaged molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000, and 2.5 to 15% of silicon in molecules of the alkoxysilane oligomer has been replaced with titanium. To prepare partly titanium-replaced alkoxysilane oligomer, titanium compound, in which about a half of alkoxy groups in titanium tetraalkoxide has been chelated, is reacted with tetraalkoxysilane monomer or alkoxysilane oligomer in the alcoholic solution.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide round fiber-reinforced plastic strand, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fiber-reinforced sheet which eliminate limitation in forming speed and limit on number of products capable of being manufactured at a time, do not require use of a release agent, eliminate the necessity of operations such as roughing after forming, and thus permit a considerable reduction of the manufacturing cost and a remarkable increase in the product quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic molded body containing a cellulose/clay nanocomposite, wherein the clay component of said nanocomposite comprises a material selected from the group consisting of unmodified hectorite clays and hydrophilically modified hectorite clays.

Abstract: A composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite or combinations of two or more thereof having bonded thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal comprising alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.

Abstract: Polymer brushes (50) in a resin that create phonon pathways therein. The polymer brushes themselves comprise structured polymer hairs having a density of 0.8 to 1.0 g/cc, a chain length of 1 to 1000 nm, and a thermal conductivity of 0.5 to 5.0 W/mK. The polymer brushes are 10-25% by volume of the resin, and the polymer hairs can orient surrounding resin molecules to the polymer hairs alignment (55).

Abstract: A prepreg base material includes reinforcing fibers arranged substantially in one direction and a matrix resin between the reinforcing fibers, wherein the prepreg base material has substantially throughout its entire surface incisions, each incision extending in a direction substantially crossing the reinforcing fibers, wherein substantially all of the reinforcing fibers are divided by the incisions, a length (L) of each of reinforcing fiber segments formed by the incisions is in the range of 10 to 100 mm, a thickness H of the prepreg base material is in the range of 30 to 300 ?m, and a fiber volume content by Vf of the reinforcing fibers is in the range of 45 to 65%.

Abstract: The invention covers a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates including functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one poly vinyl polymer and at least one bleaching active. The mixture is then injected at a controlled flow rate into an electric field to cause the mixture to at least partially form fine fibers that have an average diameter of less than about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: To provide an electrolyte membrane having excellent dimensional stability even upon absorption of water, a high proton conductance and high power generation performance; and a process for producing the electrolyte membrane with a high productivity. An electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is made mainly of an ion exchange resin and reinforced with a nonwoven fabric made of fiber of a fluororesin wherein at least some of intersecting points of the fiber are fixed, and which has, as the outermost layer on one side or each side, a layer not reinforced, made of an ion exchange resin which may be the same as or different from the above ion exchange resin, wherein the fluororesin is an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a melting point of at most 240° C., and the above fixing is fixing by fusion of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polymer dispersion free of water and volatile organic solvent for preparing a lubricating composition for glass yarns and for finishing glass yarns and assembling glass yarns, in particular for grids and fabrics. The dispersion comprises the product of polymerization of a vinyl monomer in the presence of a free radical initiator in a reactive organic dispersion medium.

Abstract: Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A carbon fiber composite material having an elastomer and vapor-grown carbon fibers dispersed in the elastomer. The vapor-grown carbon fibers are rigid fibers having an average diameter of 20 to 200 nm, an average length of 5 to 20 micrometers, and an average value of bending indices defined by the following expression (1) of 5 to 15, Bending index=Lx÷D??(1) Lx: length of linear portion of the vapor-grown carbon fiber, and D: diameter of the vapor-grown carbon fiber. The carbon fiber composite material has a dynamic modulus of elasticity (E?) at 150° C. of 30 MPa or more and an elongation at break (EB) of 140% or more.

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a mixture of a polymer solution and inorganic precursor into a dispersion medium and shearing the mixture. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the mixture are spun into elongated fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.

Abstract: A polyamide filament is disclosed. The filament includes a polyamide resin. The resin is obtained from mixing crystalline polyamide (A) with another polyamide (B). Crystalline polyamide (A) is obtained by a polycondensation reaction of metaxylenediamine and adipic acid. Crystalline polyamide (A) comprises from 5 to 50 wt. % of the resin. Polyamide (B) comprises from 50 to 95 wt. % of the resin. The filament is heated to 160 to 200° C. under a constant length condition at an initial load of 20 mg/d. After heating, a thermal contraction stress of the filament is not reduced in a cool-down region not greater than 80° C.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a synthetic nanostructure. In one embodiment, the synthetic nanostructure has a top region substantially comprising titanate nanowires, a middle region substantially comprising titanate nanoparticles and titanate nanowires, and a bottom region substantially comprising titanium, wherein some of the titanate nanowires of the top region are extending into the middle region, wherein the middle region is between the top region and the bottom region, and wherein some of the titanate nanowires of the top region are substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the titanium substrate. At least some of the titanate nanowires in the top region form 3D macroporous scaffolds with interconnected macropores.

Abstract: An array of nanowires and method thereof. The array of nanowires includes a plurality of nanowires. The plurality of nanowires includes a plurality of first ends and a plurality of second ends respectively. For each of the plurality of nanowires, a corresponding first end selected from the plurality of first ends and a corresponding second end selected from the plurality of second ends are separated by a distance of at least 200 ?m. All nanowires of the plurality of nanowires are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive carbon fibers. A second solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network.