Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite fabric material is disclosed, which includes: holding a bundle of fibers under tension, the fiber being continuous filaments of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, or glass fibers, etc.; placing a layer of a matrix material over and under the fiber bundle, the matrix material being a thermoplastic adhesive material such as polyamide resins, thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyester, etc.; heating the matrix material to melt it and applying a pressure on the layers while the fiber bundle is under tension; and cooling the layers, whereby the fibers are locked in place by the adhesive. Composite material layers produced by the above steps may be laminated and further processed or formed as desired. The composite fabric materials manufactured by this method have superior tensile properties, compression properties, impact properties, and impact dispersion and propagation properties compared to composite fabric materials made with conventional methods.

Abstract: A fabric for flame resistance apparel with a limiting oxygen index greater than 21 employs a yarn of a co-mingled bundle of two different filaments of different shrinkage characteristics with the yarn having a random entangled loop structure.

Abstract: A conductive (electrical, ionic, and photoelectric) polymer membrane article, comprising a non-woven membrane of polymer fibers, wherein at least some of the fibers have diameters of less than one micron; and wherein the membrane has an electrical conductivity of at least about 10?6 S/cm. Also disclosed is the method of making such an article, comprising electrostatically spinning a spin dope comprising a polymer carrier and/or a conductive polymer or conductive nanoparticles, to provide inherent conductivity in the article.

Abstract: The leather-like sheet substrate of the invention comprises a nonwoven fabric of three-dimensionally entangled superfine fibers (A) of at most 0.5 dtex in fineness and a polymer elastomer (B) filled in the entangled interspaces of the nonwoven fabric, in which the superfine fibers (A) comprise an organophosphorus component-copolymerized polyester and the polymer elastomer (B) contains a metal hydroxide or is copolymerized with an organophosphorus component. The leather-like sheet substrate of the invention and artificial leather obtained from it contain no halogen and are resistant to flames. These have a soft feel and are suitable to applications in the interior field that requires flame retardancy, especially to seats for vehicles, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced tape including a visually transparent backing layer, a reinforcing scrim preferably of fibers made of visually transparent material along one surface of the backing, and a layer of transparent adhesive covering but not totally wetting the reinforcing scrim so that the scrim is visible along the backing layer before the tape is applied to give a user a visual indication of the strength of the tape. The indexes of refraction of the material of the fibers in the scrim and of the adhesive are similar so that when the layer of adhesive is pressed against a substrate through the backing layer, the adhesive will more totally wet the fibers of the reinforcing scrim, causing them to become significantly less visible in the reinforced tape adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a decorative mass of fiber fluff wherein a source of supply of staple fibers made of natural or synthetic textile fiber and arranged in continuous form, such as in a strand of yarn, are provided as a pattern array of discrete streams of different selected colors with the colors being uniform in each stream and comprising at least one base color and one contrasting color. The array stream of fibers is fed as an array of multiple strands of yarn into a carding operation wherein the fibers are brushed or carded from their input form into card or brush clothing to thereby only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors in the bristles or wires of the card or brush clothing. The accumulated fibers are then removed from the clothing to form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance representative of the original colors of the individual yarn strands, and with a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saturable nonwoven material comprising fluoropolymer floc and aramid floc, which can be used as a substrate for a liner for self-lubricating bearings and for other applications.

Abstract: A filter media formed in accordance with the present invention comprises hydroentangled, predominantly polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd2. The filter media exhibits a Mullen burst strength of at least about 395 psi, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2%. The filter media exhibits a machine-direction tensile strength of at least about 105 lb/in, and a cross-direction tensile strength of at least about 110 lb/in.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic substrates with reduced absorbent capacity having the capability to wick liquids, as well as to methods of manufacturing such cellulosic substrates. The cellulosic substrates provided by the present invention comprise an inside and an outside connected to the inside. The inside comprises cellulosic fibers and has a reduced absorbent capacity, and the outside comprises cellulosic fibers. The outside may have a reduced absorbent capacity and may have an absorbent capacity higher than the inside. The cellulosic substrate is capable of wicking liquid contacting the inside of the substrate to the outside of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a modified polyester fiber and a process for producing the same. The modified polyester fiber comprises the component of alkoxylated 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and has the properties of easy dyeability at low temperatures and good colorfastness to laundering. The modified polyester fiber can be produced by undergoing a polymerization reaction of alkoxylated 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, alkanediol, and terephthalic acid or an alkyl ester thereof, and then spinning. The modified polyester fiber can be dyed at low temperature and has excellent dyeability and colorfastness to laundering. Therefore, this modified polyester fiber can be widely used in the application of synthetic fiber product.

Abstract: The present invention presents a thermoplastic elastomer that exhibits superior moisture permeability, excellent flexibility and mechanical properties at a high temperature, particularly settling resistance at a high temperature, and excellent moisture permeability. The thermoplastic elastomer includes, as a constituting unit, a polyether component (A) and a polyester component (B), wherein the polyether component (A) includes poly-oxyalkylene groups (—CnH2nO—) having a carbon/oxygen atomic ratio in a range from 2.0 to 2.5, the polyester component (B) has a number-average molecular weight in a range from 500 to 10,000, the thermoplastic elastomer has a content of polyether component (A) in a range from 50 to 95 weight %, and the thermoplastic elastomer has a glass transition temperature of not more than ?20° C.

Abstract: A poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) amide comprises a soft segment from poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) glycol and a polyamide hard segment, preferably joined by ester linkages. The poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) ester amides in accordance with the invention are particularly useful as shaped articles. The shaped articles are, preferably, prepared from fibers, fabrics or films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yarn with antimicrobial effects. The antimicrobial antifungal effect of the yarn is derived from nanosilver particles (diameter between 1 and 100 nm) which are adhered to the yarn. The yarn contains fibers which are made of cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, blending fabric, synthetic fiber, or any combination thereof. The yarn can be used to make cloth to be used particularly for treating patients with burns or wound. The cloth made from the antimicrobial yarn can be further used to make clothes such as underwears, socks, shoe cushions, shoe linings, bed sheets, pillow cases, towels, women hygiene products, laboratory coats, and medical robes. The present invention also provides a method for making the antimicrobial yarn.

Abstract: Cross-linkable nylon compositions used as coatings for nylon and polyester substrates are disclosed. These compositions comprise a water-soluble polyamide derived from select polyether diamines and select aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, a water-soluble formaldehyde-derived crosslinking agent, and optionally an acid catalyst. Processes for their application in coating substrates and various coated articles are also described.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a first set of yarns comprising modacrylic fibers, and a second set of yarns comprising anti-static fibers. The fabric meets the Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

Abstract: Process for a fiber-reinforced ceramic material whose reinforcing fibers are present in the form of at least one of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers, wherein the mass ratio of the fibers in the form of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers is 0-35:25-80:0-45 and at least a part of the reinforcing fibers has at least one protective layer of carbon produced by pyrolysis of resins or pitches, boron compounds or phosphorus compounds or combinations thereof which have been deposited thereon, a process for producing it and its use as material for brake linings

Abstract: A polyether ester comprises poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) ester soft segment and alkylene ester hard segment. Preferably, the polyether ester is a thermoplastic elastomer in which the hard segment comprises C2 to C12 alkylene ester. The composition is prepared by providing and reacting: (a) poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) glycol (b) at least one polyester. Fiber made from this composition is particularly useful in making films, membranes and fabrics.

Abstract: A rupturable seal comprising a film of a first polymer, a film of a second polymer and a sealing interlayer. The sealing interlayer has a melting point higher than the melting points of either the first polymer or the second polymer and comprises a plurality of micro-fibers each having an average effective fiber diameter from about 2.5 ?m to about 7.0 ?m. Fusion bonding of films of the first polymer and the second polymer to either side of a sealing interlayer produces a rupturable seal having a frangible interface including portions thereof wherein the first polymer contacts the second polymer. The rupturable seal parts at the frangible interface by application of force causing a gap and separation of the first film from the second film.

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

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: An antibacterial fiber and twisted yarn having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0 % by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of A12O3, 1-22 mol % of one or more selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: High strength polyethylene yarns useful in ballistic-resistant, cut-resistant and other applications, fabrics produced from these yarns and the methods by which the yarns and fabrics are made. An untwisted yarn of the invention comprises a plurality of filaments in essentially parallel array and from about 0.5 to 5 weight percent of a water-dispersible binder material covering less than half the surfaces of the filaments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-filament yarn formed at least in part from filaments having cross-sectional zig-zag or double “W” shape with a 180 degree axis of symmetry. The filaments have a denier per filament generally in the range of about 0.1 to about 4.0. Fabrics made from yarns formed with the filaments have high moisture wicking, soft hand, and a silk-like lustrous appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is a yarn or fabric useful in protective garments. The yarn or fabric is made of flame resistant fibers and microdenier flame resistant fibers. The flame resistant fibers are selected from the group consisting of inherently flame resistant fibers, treated fibers, and combinations thereof. The microdenier flame resistant fibers are selected from the group consisting of microdenier inherently flame resistant fibers, microdenier treated fibers, and combinations thereof. The weight ratio of said flame resistant fibers to said microdenier flame resistant fibers is in the range of 4-9:2-6.

Abstract: An antibacterial cloth having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0% by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of Al2O3, 1-22 mol % of one or ore selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysiloxane of the general formula (I) 1

Abstract: Crosslinkable liquid silicone compositions suited, on curing, for the long-lasting protective and/or applicational coating/treatment of textile substrates, for example, for imparting softness, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, hydrophilicity or antistatic properties thereto, comprise a formulation of (a) at least one particular polyorganosiloxane (POS) resin, (B) at least one metal alkoxide and/or polyalkoxide, or combination thereof with at least one optionally alkoxylated organosilane and/or at least one organosilicon compound bearing at least one epoxy, amino, ureido, isocyanato and/or isocyanurate substituent, (C) at least one functional coreactant therefor, (D), optionally, at least one nonreactive additive and (E), also optionally, at least one auxiliary agent other than an additive (D).

Abstract: An absorbent structure made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least 575×10−9 cm2. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g, an absorbency under load (AUL) at 0.9 psi as determined by an Absorbency Under Load Test of at least 18 and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 350×10−9 cm2.

Abstract: Fabric and fabric like synthetic plastic or agricultural derived products and sheet products of diverse thickness (ranging from high thickness rigid products to flexible films) are made as multi-component systems (e.g. a core-sheath fiber) with a carrier portion adapted to a first function (e.g. a high strength core) and a secondary portion (e.g. the sheath) carrying anti-microbial particles in an effective amount of high accessibility. An alternative is a blend of response fibers (e.g. (1) anti-microbial particles in a first plastic fiber blended with a second natural fiber and coated for bonding, (2) blends of diverse plastic fibers. The products can be fabrics of indefinite length or form of coherent products.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibrous web materials comprising polymeric material wherein the structure of the polymeric material contains elastic amorphous areas nano-scale-size reinforced with self arranged crystalline domains of nano-crystals.

Abstract: Soft and elastic polymer products arc obtained by stretching a composition comprising a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanrate copolymer comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (I), wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2. The second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (II), wherein R2 is a C3-C19 alkyl or C3-C19 alkenyl. At least about 70 mole % of the copolymer comprises randomly repeating monomer units having the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit (I). The products exhibit advantageous combinations of softness and elasticity while maintaining strength.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fabric plated with a metal is disclosed wherein a percent fabric surface occupancy of warp as a constituent of the fabric is 90% to 110% and that of weft is 40% to 80%. The electrically conductive fabric is superior in all of resin back leak preventing property, flexibility yarn fray preventing property, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic wave shieldability.

Abstract: Uncured composite materials (prepreg) are provided that are stable at room temperature over relatively long periods of time. The prepreg includes a solid epoxy resin matrix composed of a crystalline epoxy resin and a solid curing agent. The curing agent is preferably crystalline. The prepreg may include one or more property enhancement layers that increase the tackiness of the prepreg, increase the flexibility of the prepreg and/or reduce the amount of solid resin matrix that flakes from the prepreg during handling.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and apparel formed from modacrylic fibers and high energy absorptive fibers. When the yarn is formed into a fabric comprised substantially of the yarn, the fabric meets the American Society for Testing and Materials standard for flame resistance and the National Fire Protection Association standard for arc thermal performance exposure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibrous fabric comprising hollow fibers. Preferably, the fibrous fabrics will have an opacity greater than a fibrous fabric with an equivalent basis weight and made with the same material and the same fiber diameter. The fibrous fabric comprising hollow fibers may also have an opacity greater than a higher basis weight fibrous fabric containing the same material and having an equivalent fiber diameter and the same number of fibers. The perimeter of the hollow region of the hollow fibers is substantially non-concentric to the outer perimeter of the hollow polymeric fibers. The hollow fibers can be monocomponent and multicomponent, as well as monoconstituent or multiconstituent. These hollow fibers are then consolidated into woven and nonwoven fibrous fabrics that are then converted into articles.

Abstract: A polyurethane elastomer fiber non-woven fabric contains polyurethane elastomer fiber filaments melt-bonded with one another, and has a tensile elongation of 100% or more, a 50% elongation recovery of 75% or more and a tear strength per METSUKE of 5.5 gf or more. The non-woven fabric can be prepared by a method of providing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having Shore hardness A of 92 or more, drying the elastomer to a water content of 150 ppm or less, and melt-spinning and, at the same time, spraying it together with a high speed gas stream so as to deposit and laminate the elastomer into a sheet form. A synthetic leather using the non-woven fabric is also provided. The non-woven fabric has not only an excellent elasticity but also high tear strength.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for electrostatically spinning fibers of polyamic acid and the fibers thus produced as well as the nonwoven webs that may be formed from the fibers. According to the processes of the present invention, polyamic acid solutions may be electrostatically spun to form fibers of very small diameter, such as, for instance, less than about 5 &mgr;m in average diameter. The fibers may be formed into a nonwoven web having very high specific surface area and large porosity. The polyamic acid may be converted to polyimide to form a polyimide nonwoven web. The polyimide nonwoven web may then be activated through a carbonization process to enhance the electrochemical properties of the web. The nonwoven webs of the invention may be utilized in a variety of electrochemical applications including, for example, electrical double layer capacitors.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, cut-resistant composite yarn which has a core member including at least one cut-resistant strand, a cover member including at least one strand wrapped around and enclosing the core member, wherein at least one strand in either the core member or the cover member is treated with and incorporates an antimicrobial compound. The yarn can be used to fabricate cut-resistant garments, such as gloves, worn by meat cutters and others who work with knives, saws and other sharp implements. The antimicrobial effect reduces bacteria, mold and fungi growth on the garments between washings.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibers (e.g. for nonwovens) that have high elongation to break at moderate to low fiber diameters. This is accomplished by spinning splittable multicomponent fibers under appropriate conditions to produce large diameter, low orientation fibers which can then be split into smaller segments that maintain the properties of the parent fiber. Thus, fibers are produced having elongations significantly higher than if a fiber of that same size had been spun directly.

Abstract: Polyimides having a desired combination of high thermo-oxidative stability, low moisture absorption and excellent chemical and corrosion resistance are prepared by reacting a mixture of compounds including (a) 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), (b) 3,4′-oxydianiline (3,4′-ODA), and (c) 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (NA) in a high boiling, aprotic solvent to give 5 to 35% by weight of polyamic acid solution. The ratio of (a), (b), and (c) is selected to afford a family of polyimides having different molecular weights and properties. The mixture first forms a polyamic acid precursor. Upon heating at or above 300° C., the polyamic acids form polyimides, which are particularly suitable for use as a high temperature coating, adhesive, thin film, or composite matrix resin.

Abstract: An arc-quenching composition is provided including a filler, a fiber and a binder. Preferably, the filler includes an arc-quenching compound such as melamine. The binder includes a thermosetting resin to facilitate forming of the arc-quenching composition into an arc-quenching fuse tube. In a preferred arrangement, an outer tube is formed over the arc-quenching fuse tube to provide an overall high-strength fuse tube. Also in a preferred arrangement, in order to provide a fuse tube that is capable of operation over an extremely wide current range, the inner arc-quenching tube includes a tapered bore. According to one fabrication technique, the outer tube is formed over the arc-quenching inner tube before the curing of the inner tube such that a single structure results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber produced form a composition comprising at least one hydrogenated block copolymer and, optionally, at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of a reactive tailored liquid polyurethane, an elastomeric or sulfonated ethylene/vinyl aromatic interpolymer, an elastomeric ethylene/C3-C20 &agr;-olefin interpolymer, an C3-C20 &agr;-olefin/conjugated diene interpolymer, an elastic polypropylene polymer, an enhanced polypropylene polymer, an elastomeric thermoplastic polyurethane, an elastic copolyester, a partially hydrogenated block copolymer, an elastic polyamide, a hydroxyl functionalized polyether (or polyetheramine), a styrene/conjugated diene interpolymer, and an elastomeric metallocene-catalyzed synthetic polymer or a blend or formulated system thereof.

Abstract: The addition of a small amount of plastic fibers to a mix of inorganic magnesium compound, water and other substances adapted to be extruded to form a synthetic construction panel will significantly reduce the degree of slumping which the extruded material will exhibit.

Abstract: A fabric material for forming a garment to be worn by a user is provided. The fabric material has a first side and a second side. The fabric material comprises a plurality of fibers with at least a portion of the fibers having at least one open side wherein each fiber directs moisture from the first side of the fabric material to the second side of the fabric material. A method for constructing the fabric material is also provided.

Abstract: A fibrous substrate for artificial leather, containing microfine fiber bundles, each of which is composed of 3-50 microfine fibers (A) containing an elastic polymer and having an average fineness of 0.5 denier or less and 15 or more microfine fibers (B) containing a non-elastic polymer and having an average fineness of 0.2 denier or less. The microfine fiber bundles satisfy the following conditions (1)-(3): (1) the ratio of the number of strands of the A to the number of strands of the B in cross sections of the bundles (A/B) is 1/5 or less, (2) the ratio of the weight of the A to the weight of the B in the bundles (A/B) is 10/90-60/40, and (3) the microfine fibers (B) containing the non-elastic polymer encircle each of the microfine fibers (A) comprising the elastic polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to laminated parts comprising outer layers and polyurethane sandwich materials, and to a method of producing these laminated parts and to their use in the automotive industry.

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