Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a starch-bound cellular matrix reinforced with substantially uniformly dispersed fibers. High strength articles that have adequate flexibility and toughness immediately or very shortly after being demolded without the need for subsequent conditioning are molded from compositions having a starch-based binder and fibers that are uniformly dispersed by means of a high yield stress fluid fraction within the starch-based composition. In a two-step mixing process, a preblended mixture is formed by gelating a portion of the starch-based binder or other thickening agent in water to form a liquid phase having high yield stress into which the fibers are substantially uniformly dispersed. The fibers preferably have an average length of at least about 2 mm and an aspect ratio of at least about 25:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyamide-imide fibers for a bag filter comprising a polyamide-imide resin produced by reacting an isocyanate component and an acid anhydride component, the isocyanate component comprising 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate in an amount of at least 60 mol % of the isocyanate component.

Abstract: A passive fire protection system for the protection of conduits, cable trays, support rods, and structural steel against flame and heat in a severe total environment type fire such as a hydrocarbon fire which includes a multi-layered (laminated), flexible material containing a plurality of layers of intumescent materials. This multi-layered material is configured such that it provides a containment system for the carbonaceous foam resulting from the expansion of the intumescent materials.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structure matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity sheet is provided which is superior all in heat radiating characteristics (thermal conductivity) in the direction of sheet thickness, close-contact with respect to parts to be cooled, and electrical insulation. In a thermal conductivity sheet 1 in which a plurality of highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are dispersed in a matrix insulator 2, the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are oriented obliquely or erectly in the direction of thickness of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 such that at least one end faces of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are exposed to a surface of the matrix insulator 2. Preferably, a ratio of the total sectional area of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 to the total surface area of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 is set to be equal to or larger than 1%.

Abstract: An orientable in situ expandable layer comprisinga) a blend of incompatible, in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and a thermosettable matrix resin for the in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles which blend has the capacity of expansion in height, width and length directions andb) other insoluble and matrix-resin incompatible solid particles uniformly incorporating throughout the resin matrix, which other insoluble and matrix-resin incompatible solid particles have (i) an aspect ratio of length/width greater than 1, that defines a longitudinal axis (length) of the particles which longitudinal axis is not greater than about one inch (2.54 cm.), and (ii) thermal stability at the temperature of expansion of the resin and insolubility in the resin, and (iii) an orientation in the thermosettable resin of their length in one or two directions.Moldable compositions and methods of making the compositions and molded article from the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: For producing woven fabrics for air bags and other industrial applications, an intermingled unsized synthetic filament yarn is used with a yarn titer of 100-1000 dtex. The individual filaments of the yarn have a titer not exceeding 5 dtex. The yarn exhibits a mean opening length of 2-10 cm, the coefficient K1 for the stability of the intermingling points of the yarn exceeds 0.6, and the coefficient K2 for the stability of the intermingling points of the yarn exceeds 0.3. This yarn can be used to manufacture industrial woven fabrics with the required properties, in particular woven fabrics for air bags, in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The electroconductive polyurethane foam according to the present invention is obtained by adding and dispersing, in the composition constituting polyurethane foam, a substance with electron conduction mechanism, and a substance with ionic conduction mechanism and mechanically agitating the resultant mixture in the presence of inert gas. The substance with ionic conduction mechanism is an antistatic agent selected from cationic surfactant, anionic surfactant, ampholytic surfactant, and non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The preparation of water-insoluble, bactericidal, peroxide-containing products, by reaction of magnesium acetate with hydrogen peroxide, and products obtained are disclosed. Processes for application and deposition of these reaction products on natural, synthetic and blend fibrous substrates are also disclosed. The modified fibrous substrates thus produced inhibit the growth and spread of odor- and disease-causing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and the antibacterial activity of the modified fibrous substrates is durable to repeated launderings.

Abstract: An offset rubber-blanket sleeve having a support sleeve in the form of a layered body. The layered body is produced from a plastic, preferably rubber, as a base material and the base material is reinforced by layer inserts embedded therein. Additionally, a rubber layer is vulcanized on the support sleeve.

Abstract: A structural enclosure, box-like for many embodiments, which effectively contains an explosion, thereupon remaining virtually intact and minimizing fragmentation. The structural wall has a sandwich-like arrangement of two fiber-reinforced matrix material skins and a foam core situated between the two skins, at least one skin having fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. The core foam material selectively varies in density so as to provide appropriate rigidity or flexibility at different locations of the structural enclosure. The fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material can be deformed elastically to large strains, has demonstrably high energy-absorbing characteristics, and is relatively lightweight. Upon explosive impact, the inner skin largely deforms so as to be energy-absorbent of the pressure wave caused by the explosive charge, the foam core crushes so as to also be energy-absorbent, the outer skin largely deforms, and both skins contain debris.

Abstract: Cementitious containers which have a cementitious structural matrix for use in the packaging, storing, partitioning, and/or shipping of goods. The containers are manufactured from cementitious materials in order to be strong, durable, tough, lightweight, cushioning, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used in packaging, storing, and/or shipping goods. The cementitious structural matrix of the containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland cement) in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose. Preferred embodiments may also in include various aggregate materials, fibrous materials, and air voids, which add the necessary strength while making the product lightweight, and which can provide insulative properties (if desired) at a cost which is economically justified in comparison to conventional paper and polystyrene products.

Abstract: Improvement in a hydrophilic function and in the strength of a cloth article obtained from a durable hydrophilic fibers is attained by the employment a durable hydrophilic fiber consisting of a fiber made of a thermoplastic resin to which 0.2 to 1.0% by weight of a mixture formed of the following surfactant (A),(B), (C), (D) and (E) is adhered:(A) 10 to 30% by weight of one or more compounds selected out of polyoxyalkylene additive of higher alcohol or higher alkylamine of carbon number 28 to 50, or amide formed of fatty acid of carbon number 30 to 50 and polyamine,(B) 10 to 30% by weight of a polyoxyalkylene additive of amide formed of fatty acid of carbon number 20 to 28 and polyamine,(C) 30 to 50% by weight of an amide formed of higher fatty acid of carbon number 16 to 28, and alkanolamine,(D) 10 to 30% by weight of polyoxyalkylene additive of alkylphosphate salt of carbon number 10 to 22, and(E) 2 to 10% by weight of alkylsulfonate salt of carbon number 12 to 16.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable, flexible, seamless shaped articles, such as gloves or socks, are described which are made of a flexible layered composite comprising:(a) a microporous thermoplastic polyester polyurethane or polyether polyurethane that is water vapor permeable, and(b) a nonporous copolymer that is waterproof but water vapor permeable which provides improved waterproofness to the microporous polymer layer.

Abstract: Novel blood cell fractionation means utilizes conventional filters coated with high molecular weight polyethylene oxide derivatives crosslinked to prevent leaching from filter surfaces. These fractionation means have a special efficacy in binding white blood cells from whole blood while simultaneously allowing red cells and platelets to pass in the effluent phase.

Abstract: A high strength, porous PTFE sheet material having high strength in all directions within the plane of the sheet material. The sheet material has, within the plane of the sheet, a higher minimum tensile strength, matrix tensile strength, secant modulus and matrix secant modulus than previously known porous PTFE sheet materials. The sheet material is a laminate of multiple layers of porous PTFE film, preferably uniaxially expanded film, wherein the orientation of the direction of the fibrils of any layer varies slightly, such as about ten degrees, from the orientation of the fibrils of the adjacent layer. The sheet material is particularly useful as a surgical repair patch and especially as a blood vessel repair patch because of its high strength, flexibility, biocompatibility and very low rate of suture line bleeding.

Abstract: A hydrophilic melt-extruded multicomponent polymeric strand including a first melt-extrudable polymeric component and a second melt-extrudable, hydrophilic polymeric component, the first and second components being arranged in substantially distinct zones across the cross-section of the multicomponent strand and extending continuously along the length of the multicomponent strand, the second component constituting at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the multicomponent strand continuously along the length of the multicomponent strand. The second component renders the strand hydrophilic and preferably has a critical surface tension at 20.degree. C. greater than about 55 dyne/cc, and more preferably greater than about 65 dyne/cc. A suitable hydrophilic second component comprises a block copolymer of nylon 6 and polyethylene oxide diamine. Suitable polymers for the first component include linear polycondensates and crystalline polyolefins such as polypropylene.

Abstract: A decorative sheet material which includes a first sheet which has a first side and a second side, an optional layer of cushioning material which, if present, is adhered to the first side of the first sheet, a second sheet which has a first side and a second side, the first side of which is positioned against the second side of the first sheet, the second sheet being made of paper, plastic, leather, fabric and/or metal/foil, a first adhesive layer which is placed against the second side of the second sheet, and a first outer plastic layer which is placed against the first adhesive layer. The decorative sheet material may also include sprinkles, glitter, sequins, feathers, shredded mylar, shredded foil, cut-outs and the like, which are positioned either between the first adhesive layer and the outer layer of plastic or between the first side of the second sheet and the first adhesive layer. There may be one or more ridges or grooves, or both, in the first outer plastic layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to storage-stable advanced polymaleimide compositions and prepreg products manufactured therefrom comprising (A) an advanced polymaleimide reaction product resulting from the advancement reaction of a polyimide and an alkenyl phenol; and (B) a phenothiazine added to component (A) after advancement.

Abstract: A layered material containing a buffer and optionally containing an adsorbent. The material may also include a vapor barrier. The material is used for the preservation of archival documents and objects.A container configured to permit the long term storage of documents without slippage of the documents or resulting deformation may also be made from the material.

Abstract: Sheath-core bicomponent fibers comprising a core of a low-cost, high strength, thermoplastic material, preferably polypropylene or polybutylene terephthalate, completely covered with a sheath formed of polyethylene terephthalate or a copolymer thereof are produced, preferably melt blown to an average diameter of 12 microns or less, and formed into a self-sustaining, three-dimensional, porous element having various applications, principally as an ink reservoir element for a marking or writing instrument, although the porous element may also find utility as a tobacco smoke filter. Other forms of the product have utility in diverse applications where its excellent capillary, absorption and filtering properties are advantageous. The resultant products retain or improve upon the desirable features and processing capabilities of conventional elements, but are substantially less expensive, requiring less high cost polyester for equivalent or better properties.

Abstract: Cementitious containers which have a cementitious structural matrix for use in the packaging, storing, partitioning, and/or shipping of goods. The containers are manufactured from cementitious materials in order to be strong, durable, tough, lightweight, cushioning, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used in packaging, storing, and/or shipping goods. The cementitious structural matrix of the containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland cement) in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose. Preferred embodiments may also include various aggregate materials, fibrous materials, and air voids, which add the necessary strength while making the product lightweight, and which can provide insulative properties (if desired) at a cost which is economically justified in comparison to conventional paper and polystyrene products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drawn, polyolefin fiber useful for nonwoven fabrics, the thermobonding index of said fiber being 4.5-9 Newtons, and the flexibility index thereof being 1020-1500. The fiber is composed of a blend of specified polymers. Also disclosed is a process for making the fiber by spinning the blend from a die hole having at the output end a diameter less than 0.5 mm, and drawing the resulting fiber at a draw ratio of 1.1 to 1.8.

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: Saxony carpet containing a pile yarn comprising propylene polymer yarn of increased resiliency and shrinkage, compared to crystalline propylene homopolymer yarn, having a continuous strand of multiple monofilament fibers, said fibers consisting essentially of certain propylene polymer blends and materials.

Abstract: An expansion-molded article of a polyolefin resin, which is high in fusion-bonding strength and excellent in water permeability and compressive strength and has open voids, and a production process thereof are disclosed. The expansion-molded article is made of tubular foamed particles with a through-hole, whose d.sub.MIN is at least 1.5 mm and whose d.sub.MIN /D.sub.MIN value is 0.25-0.85 wherein d.sub.MIN is a minimum diameter of the hole in sections perpendicular to the direction of the hole and D.sub.MIN is a minimum outer diameter of the foamed particle in a section that d.sub.MIN has been provided. The production process includes filling the tubular foamed particles with a through-hole, whose d.sub.MIN and d.sub.MIN /D.sub.MIN are at least 1.5 mm and 0.25-0.85, respectively, into a mold and then molding the foamed particles under heat, whereby the foamed particles are fusion-bonded to one another.

Abstract: A cap liner and method for producing a cap liner which is particularly suited for use with a cap employed on a hot filled container. The liner includes a disc having one or more outer layers and an intermediate foamed layer bonded thereto. Preferably, the outer layer is formed of a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene. The intermediate layer can include a homogeneous admixture of polypropylene and polyethylene or an admixture of polyethylene, a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene and ethylene vinyl acetate. One method for producing the cap liner involves mechanically mixing at room temperature polypropylene and polyethylene to form a desired homogeneous admixture for each layer, and then co-extruding the admixtures at approximately 320.degree.-415.degree. F. to form the bonded outer and intermediate layers. Another method involves extruding the copolymer outer layer to the intermediate layer admixture to form the bonded cap liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable plant fiber composition made from short plant fiber, plant fiber powder, gelling material, water, foaming agent and (if necessary) aids by a certain process, and the foamed material and shaped article thereof. The composition has a good processability, and the shaped article made from it is light, and is biodegradable without pollution. It can replace the plastics to make non-reused tablewares and cushioning materials, etc. the price of it is only one fifth that of the plastics ones.

Abstract: A cap liner and method for producing a cap liner which is particularly suited for use with a cap employed on a hot filled container. The liner includes a disc having one or more outer layers and an intermediate foamed layer bonded thereto. Preferably, the outer and intermediate layers are formed of homogenous admixtures of polypropylene and polyethylene. The method for producing the cap liner involves mechanically mixing at room temperature polypropylene and polyethylene to form a desired homogenous admixture for each layer, and then co-extruding the admixtures at approximately 320.degree.-390.degree. F. to form the bonded outer and intermediate layers. Alternatively, the intermediate layer may be formed of foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: A cap liner and method for producing a cap liner which is particularly suited for use with a cap employed on a hot filled container. The liner includes a disc having one or more outer layers and an intermediate foamed layer bonded thereto. Preferably, the outer layer is formed of a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene. The intermediate layer can include a homogeneous admixture of polypropylene and polyethylene or an admixture of polyethylene, a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene and ethylene vinyl acetate. One method for producing the cap liner involves mechanically mixing at room temperature polypropylene and polyethylene to form a desired homogeneous admixture for each layer, and then co-extruding the admixtures at approximately 320.degree.-415.degree. F. to form the bonded outer and intermediate layers. Another method involves extruding the copolymer outer layer to the intermediate layer admixture to form the bonded cap liner.

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 method of making a composite sheet material in which at least one lamina of previously unused expanded polystyrene is bonded to a second lamina of recycled expanded polystyrene. The laminae are continuously formed from separate extruders and are merged promptly after extrusion. Heat is applied to the laminae just before they are merged.

Abstract: The present invention is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber with improved handling properties. Unlike previous expanded PTFE fibers, the fiber of the present invention employs a fiber of increased thickness so that the fiber is maintained in an unfolded orientation. The improved processing steps of the present invention create a fiber that has a number of improved properties, including more uniform dimensions along its length, improved compressibility and handling, and when woven into a fabric, the fabric is more easily processed, is of higher quality, and is more uniform.

Abstract: A glass substrate transport box which is easy to handle and transported and adapted to protect glass substrates is provided at drastically reduced production cost. At least the body of the box is a molded piece of resin foam with a foaming ratio of 3-30, e.g. polyolefin foam, which has grooves for supporting glass substrates on at least a pair of its opposed inside walls. Preferably the inside wall of the body has a relatively dense skin layer. The resin foam may contain an electrically conductive polymer or an antistatic agent.

Abstract: Fabric prepared from a propylene polymer yarn of increased resiliency and shrinkage, compared to crystalline propylene homopolymer yarn, comprising a strand of multiple monofilament fibers, the fibers consisting essentially of certain propylene polymer blends and materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a peelable laminated structure suitable for use in a peelable seal joining a flexible closure element (23) to a container (20) or in foil/polymer laminates used for packaging and the like. The structure comprises a porous-anodizable metal substrate (11) and a porous anodic film (12) overlying and attached to a surface of the substrate. The porous anodic film (12) has a weakened stratum (19) positioned between an outer film part and an underlying structure including the metal substrate (11). The weakened stratum (19) is strong enough in use of said structure to prevent detachment of the outer film part from the underlying structure, except by deliberate peeling of the flexible closure element (23). The invention also relates to a process for producing the structure and to peelable containers and recyclable laminates incorporating the structure.

Abstract: Containers use in the storing, dispensing, packaging, and/or portioning of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage containers are manufactured from aggregates held together by organic binders in order to be lightweight, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning such products. The food and beverage containers of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrices of the food and beverage containers include a hydrated organic binder paste (formed by mixing the binder with water) in combination with appropriate aggregate materials, such as fibers to add flexibility and strength, glass spheres to make the product more lightweight and insulative, or clay to make the product extremely inexpensive yet strong.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) of reinforcement materials in composite bodies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a coated ceramic filler material adaptable for use as a reinforcing component in a ceramic matrix composite is provided with a plurality of superimposed coatings. The coating system includes a first coating in substantially continuous contact with the ceramic filler material and one or more additional or outer coatings superimposed over the underlying coating and in substantially continuous contact therewith. Zonal junctions are formed between the filler and the first coating, between superimposed coatings, and between the outer coating and the ceramic matrix. The coatings are selected so that the interfacial shear strength of at least one of these several zones is weak relative to the other zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks that can be made electrically conductive in bulk or which have a surface which is electrically conductive, and which networks exhibit resistivities in the ohm to kilo-ohm range. One aspect of the present, thermosetting invention, then, comprises an electrically conductive polymeric network comprising a cured polymeric network which contains an oxidized additive comprising one or more of an oxidizable aniline, thiophene, or pyrrole additive, which additive was oxidized with an oxidizing agent in situ in the cured polymeric network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyethylenic foaming composition comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of an ethylenic copolymer having glycidyl groups consisting of 20 to 99.9% by weight of ethylene units, 0.1 to 30% by weight of a unit of a glycidyl ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an unsaturated glycidyl ether, and 0 to 50% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated ester units other than a glycidyl ester, (b) 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a carboxylic acid having 2 or more carboxyl groups and a molecular weight of 1500 or less, and (c) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent of a thermal decomposition type. The present invention also provides a polyethylenic foam molded from said foaming composition.

Abstract: A composite laminate beam for an automotive body construction has an outer structural portion an an inner tube portion separated by a thin layer of structural foam. The beam may take the form of a radiator support structure, a windshield pillar, a rocker assembly or a drive shaft or similar structures. A method of making the beam is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for protecting a dyed textile fiber from decolorization caused by exposure to bleach, and improving colorfastness is provided by applying an aqueous solution of non-volatile, polymeric salt forming monomers, such as hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, to the textile fiber followed by drying the fiber to polymerize the monomers and form a non-volatile, polymeric salt film thereon. The process is especially suitable for treating dyed polyamide fiber used in floor covering products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to extrudable sealants which are particularly well suited for bonding a metal based, lidding material to a polystyrene container. The most preferred sealant compositions of the present invention preferably contain an acid copolymer, a tackifier and a polyolefin.

Abstract: Insulative compositions are prepared by agitating an aqueous mixture of aerogel and gelatin. Insulation obtained with such methods is non-toxic, environmentally safe, fire resistant with low smoke, has good handling properties, and provides low thermal conductivities. The insulation can be made in sheets, loose fill, or can be molded into particular shapes to provide particular types of insulation such as pipe insulation.

Abstract: A roll-type heat transfer image-receiving sheet comprising a wind-up cylinder and a heat transfer image-receiving sheet which comprises at least a substrate and a coloring material-receiving layer provided thereon, the heat transfer image-receiving sheet being wound around the wind-up cylinder, wherein the maximum surface roughness of the wind-up cylinder in the longitudinal direction thereof is controlled to 40 micrometers or less; the wind-up cylinder is prepared by using pulp as a main component, and a cushioning material is provided between the wind-up cylinder and the heat transfer image-receiving sheet; a lead sheet is provided to the leading end of the heat transfer image-receiving sheet so that the image-receiving sheet can be easily led through a printer; and the heat transfer image-receiving sheet is wound around the wind-up cylinder with the coloring material-receiving sheet outside so that curl will not remain in the image-receiving sheet and that curl will not be developed during a printing proce

Abstract: A compound profile of thermoplastic plastics material and elastomeric material. The thermoplastic plastics material and elastomeric material are chemically bonded by co-vulcanization. A coupling material can be used to promote the chemical bonding.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: New plastic articles are disclosed and claimed having flame retardant properties which contain a core of a plastic polymeric material (thermoplastic, thermoset, rigid foam or semi-flexible foam polymeric material) which is coated with a protective, flame retardant layer comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric material and a flame retardant, char-forming, intumescent system. The new articles are suitable for the manufacture of e.g. rods, beams, pipes, hoses, non-tubular profiles and panels which are useful in various industries such as the building, automotive and mining industries.

Abstract: A nonwoven fiber and fabric and process for production are provided which have comparable strength characteristics to conventional fibers and fabrics and are of a finer diameter. This is accomplished through a process of producing a nonwoven fabric made from at least one polymer which has a melt temperature between about 410.degree. and 470.degree. F. (210.degree. and 243.degree. C.), xylene solubles between about 3.5 and 7.0%, a melt flow rate between about 30 and 45, and an isotacticity of at least about 94%, extruding the polymer through fine openings, drawing the polymer to produce fibers of a denier of 1.4 or less, and then depositing the fiberized polymer on a collecting surface to form a web of disbursed fibers.The nonwoven fabric of this invention may be used in products such as, for example, diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, wound dressings, bandages, sterilization wraps, surgical drapes and wipers.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.