Abstract: A flexible sandwich panel (100), comprised of a center layer (1) and one or two outer layers (2; 3), where the center layer is made of a polymeric synthetic material, is itself flexible and exhibits a coarse-cell honeycomb structure with open cells (4) in the direction of the upper and lower side of the center layer. The outer layer or layers consist of a hardened mortar that is made flexible with synthetic additives, and that have as their core a web material consisting essentially of fibers, where the exterior side (5) of the hardened outer layer is left unrefined or roughcast in a plaster-like manner. The sandwich panel can be bent without flaking of the outer layers.

Abstract: A textile thread or fiber has a plurality of elements, such as electronic elements, embedded or encapsulated therein. The textile thread or fiber could also be part of a fabric article. The textile thread or fiber, for example, has the plurality of elements interconnected, or otherwise intercommunicating, with one another to form a signal processing system. This signal processing system may include, for example, a personal computer system, a personal telecommunications transmitter/receiver system or a personal television and/or radio system.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and water resistant fabric is disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for use in constructing luggage. The fabric, however, is also well suited for many other applications, such as use in constructing sportswear, outdoor apparel, military apparel, and the like. The fabric is treated with a chemical composition. It has been discovered that the chemical composition greatly enhances the abrasion resistance of the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is made from nylon multifilament yarns.

Abstract: In a honeycomb sandwich panel having a honeycomb core, and a front surface layer and a rear surface layer sandwiching the honeycomb core on its upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the front surface layer and the rear surface layer is made of a fiber reinforced plastic using a phenolic resin as a matrix.

Abstract: A process of making a pigmented shaped article comprising: (a) providing polytrimethylene terephthalate chips and two or more colored pigmented chips each containing at least one different color pigment; (b) heating the polytrimethylene terephthalate chips and colored pigmented chips to a temperature of about 200-about 280° C. to melt the chips and form a polymer composition comprising the polytrimethylene terephthalate and at least one color pigment; and (c) forming a shaped article from the polymer composition.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite sheet by joining a second web made of thermoplastic synthetic fiber and capable of inelastic extension to at least one surface of a first web capable of elastic stretch and contraction in an intermittent manner. The process involves a step of extending the first web and a step of allowing the first web to retract, and a step of joining a second web to the second web while in a retracted state are included.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polyester fiber is supplied with an aqueous mixed dispersion on the surface and made hydrophilic by being heated at 35° C. or higher, and the aqueous mixed dispersion employed contains a polyester-polyether block copolymer composed of a polyester component and a polyether component and is stable at lower than 35° C. and precipitates the polyester-polyether block copolymer when its dispersion state is broken by being heated to 35° C. or higher.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol fibers prepared from a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, which satisfy the following requirements:

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: A polypropylene fibre including at least 80% by weight of a first isotactic polypropylene produced by a metallocene catalyst, and from 5 to 20 by weight of a second isotactic polypropylene produced by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth is described made of a microfilament nonwoven weighing from 30 g/m2 to 500 g/m2, the nonwoven being made from melt-spun, stretched continuous multicomponent filaments having a titer of 1.5 to 5 dtex, which are immediately laid down to form a nonwoven, and the continuous multicomponent filaments, optionally after pre-bonding, being split at least to 80% to form continuous micro-filaments having a titer of 0.05 to 1.0 dtex and bonded.

Abstract: A nonwoven textile having reversible enhanced thermal control properties, the material comprising: a bat or web bonded by polymeric binder containing thermal control material within the interior of the bat or web, wherein the thermal control material is dispersed throughout the interior of the polymeric binder, and wherein the thermal control material is substantially entirely within the interior of the nonwoven textile.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dyed melamine fabrics and methods for dyeing melamine fabrics. In one arrangement, the fabrics comprise a plurality of melamine fibers, wherein the flame resistant fabric has been dyed through a beam dyeing process in which the fabric has not been mechanically agitated. In one arrangement, the methods comprise the steps of wrapping melamine fabric around a perforated beam of a beam dyeing machine such that several layers of fabric surround the beam, injecting dyebath into the beam so that it penetrates the fabric layers, and circulating the dyebath through the fabric layers until the fabric is dyed to a desired shade.

Abstract: A dynamic reimageable document or electric paper can be formed from ordinary substrates such as paper, transparencies or fabric by printing of microencapsulated Gyricon beads onto one or more discrete surface areas of the substrate. The substrate can include both fixed print regions formed by conventional fixed ink processes and dynamic reimageable regions formed by the Gyricon beads. The Gyricon beads are preferably bichromal and of contrasting colors, such as black/white so as to be changeable to display two states by selective application of electromagnetic force to the beads. By providing bichromal beads in differing color combinations, such as red/white and black/white, a multi-colored document can be achieved in which various fields of the document, representing text, images or graphics, may be in differing colors. Moreover, operations to perform both imaging or erasure can act on the discrete reimageable regions so that the versatility of the electric paper can be enhanced.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that can be used to bond textile fibers adhesively to a cross-linkable rubber composition, textile fibers sized by means of the said adhesive composition, a composite of the textile fibers and a cross-linked rubber composition that is permeable to light, and a tire body whose sidewalls are made from the composite are disclosed. The adhesive composition is made from an aqueous thermosetting phenolic adhesive containing at least one diene elastomer and at least one organic pigment. This adhesive composition is the reaction product the aqueous thermosetting phenolic adhesive and an aqueous pigmentary dispersion containing the organic pigment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing softer fibers and nonwoven webs that includes forming a mixture comprising (i) a thermoplastic and (ii) an additive selected from the group consisting of polyethylene waxes, glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, CATALLOY KS357 MONTELL polyolefin resin, an amide having the chemical structure CH3(CH2)7CH═CH(CH2)xCONH2 where x is selected from 5-15 and mixtures thereof; forming the mixture into fibers and optionally creating a nonwoven web.

Abstract: Provided is a fire resistant corespun yarn. The yarn includes a core of a high temperature resistant continuous filament comprising fiberglass and a low temperature synthetic continuous filament selected from nylon, polyester, polyethylene and polyolefin, the core being two-plied. A first sheath of blended staple fibers surrounds the core. The fibers include modacrylic fibers and melamine fibers. A second sheath of staple fibers surrounds the first corespun yarn. This double corespun yarn may be woven and knit in fine, non-plied or plied form and extends the range of fineness of fabrics below heretofore achievable limits. Also provided is a fire resistant fabric which includes a fire resistant fabric substrate formed from the fire resistant corespun yarn, as well as a product upholstered with the fire resistant fabric.

Abstract: A reinforcing fiber is provided, which can exhibit sufficient adhesive strength even with single layer film coating, a fiber processing agent which can enhance the strength of adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, and a rubber product employing the reinforcing fiber. The fiber processing agent contains a rubber modified epoxy resin. The rubber modified epoxy resin is obtained by epoxidating a high molecular compound having rubber elasticity, and therefore possesses both high elasticity peculiar to rubber and high adhesive strength due to the epoxidation. The high molecular compound having rubber elasticity includes a butadiene-styrene copolymer latex, and an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer latex, for example. This epoxidized rubber latex is combined with an emulsified phenol resin.

Abstract: A polyester fiber is disclosed, comprising a polyester obtained by copolymerizing a third component with poly(trimethylene terephthalate) wherein the third component is an ester-forming sulfonate compound in a copolymerizing ratio of from 0.5 to 5 mol %, the fiber has a peak temperature of loss tangent of from 85 to 115° C., and the relationship between modulus Q (g/d) and elastic recovery R (%) of the fiber satisfies the following formula (1): 0.18≦Q/R≦0.45. This fiber can be dyed into a dark shade under atmospheric pressure and enables fast dyeing of a fabric using the fiber in composite with a stretch fiber represented by polyurethane elastic fiber or a fiber material having low heat resistance such as wool silk and acetate fiber. The composite fabric can be dyed under atmospheric pressure, therefore, the physical properties of fiber having low heat resistance used in combination is not impaired during the dyeing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable multicomponent fiber containing at least two polymer components arranged in distinct non-occlusive segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber, and wherein at least one of the polymer components comprises about 10 percent to about 95 percent by weight of filler material. The invention also provides split fibers, and fabrics containing the split fibers produced from the splittable multicomponent fiber, and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers and fabrics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a variegated multicolor fabric by knitting or weaving from a yarn spun from decorative mass of fiber fluff made from staple fibers arranged in continuous form of discrete streams of different uniform colors. The streams are brushed or carded so as to only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors. The accumulated fibers removed from the card clothing form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance with only a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another. These are slightly further worked into a final fluff product having randomly dispersed bands, streaks and/or islands of one color softly merging into another color to produce a decorative randomized and interrupted candy-cane like appearance in the cotton-candy like mass of final fiber fluff for spinning into yam for making the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive stencil sheet providing excellent printing images by preventing deterioration of susceptibility to perforation by a thermal head even when the sheet is wound up into a roll or is stacked with another sheet for a long period of time, and comprising a thermoplastic resin film of constant smoothness laminated onto a porous support, the surface of the porous support having a PPS surface smoothness of 1.2 &mgr;m or less, at the side opposite to that facing the thermoplastic resin film, as measured while a separate film having a PPS surface smoothness of 0.0 &mgr;m and a thickness of 0.1-10 &mgr;m is pressed against the surface of the porous support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article comprising said polymer composition. Said molded article may be used packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thread for producing fabric, containing a) 5 to 90 wt. % of melamine fibres, b) 5 to 90 wt. % of natural fibres, and c) 0.1 to 30 wt. % of polyamide fibres consisting of polyamide 66, polyamide 6 or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high quality composite materials from fibers such as glass, polyaramid or graphite fibers, where the composite incorporates a polymer matrix embedding individual fibers. The composites are lightweight materials displaying enhanced strength and durability. In one aspect, the polymer matrix is a thermoplastic or other polymer type that cannot easily penetrate gaps between individual fibers by typical methods for thermosets. The invention also relates to methods for forming composite materials, where the fiber is exposed to an emulsion including polymer particles having sufficiently small dimensions to allow impregnation into the fiber gaps. Composite sheets and articles are also described, as well as the formation of new composites for porous articles, e.g., ceramics or wood, where a polymer matrix is embedded within the pores.

Abstract: A thermally protected and corrosion protected structure, that has in combination a core substrate and a concentric composite laminate, wherein: (i) the core substrate has a length and extends at least substantially within and is surrounded by the laminate; and (ii) the laminate has a plurality of concentric layers. The concentric layers include: (a) an inner layer of a corrosion protective material substantially along and surrounding the length of the core substrate; (b) a layer of a first protective plastic coating surrounding the corrosion protective material; (c) a layer of a heat-resistive intumescent coating surrounding the first protective plastic coating; (d) a layer of a reinforcing mesh embedded in or on the intumescent coating; and (e) an outer layer of a second protective plastic coating.

Abstract: A melt spinnable fiber is provided that comprises a first component comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second component comprising thermoplastic starch where the second component is not encompassed by another component or components or if encompassed by another component or components then the second component encompasses a hollow core. A particular use of such a fiber is for removal of the second component in the presence of a solvent in order to produce fibers with desired properties. An agent may be present in the second component for controlling the rate of removal of the second component thereby allowing for physical manipulation of the fiber prior to complete removal of the component. The invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a yarn having improved abrasion resistance and a fabric made from that yarn, as well as process for preparing the yarn and fabric. The yarn includes (a) aramid fibers and (b) up to 40 weight percent of fibers of synthetic polymers having a melting point between 200 and 300 degrees C., based upon the total weight of (a) and (b) only, the yarn or fabric including the yarn being heat treated at a temperature below the melting point of the fibers of component (b).

Abstract: A polyether ester elastomer comprising about 90-about 60 weight % polytrimethylene ether ester soft segment and about 10-about 40 weight % trimethylene ester hard segment, and use thereof in fibers and other shaped articles. The fibers have excellent physical properties, including superior strength and stretch recovery.

Abstract: A yarn (21) comprising polymer or natural fibers (25) and one or more consolidated machined metal fiber (22) bundles is provided. The yarn is characterized in that the consolidated machined metal fiber bundles (22) are substantially surrounded by the polymer or natural fibers (25). Further the use of a textile fabric out of these yarns as a gas burner membrane is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epoxy resin composition for a fibre reinforced composite material, which is thermosetting resin composition where the glass transition temperature Tg of the cured material obtained by heating for 2 hours at 180° C. is at least 150° C., and the modulus of rigidity G′R in the rubbery plateau in the temperature region above the aforesaid Tg is no more than 10 MPa. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a fibre-reinforced composite material which is outstanding in its resistance to hot-wet environmental condition, impact resistance, and strength characteristics such as tensile strength and compression strength, and furthermore it is possible to provide a thermosetting resin composition and a prepreg outstanding in terms of their peel strength to a honeycomb core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Abstract: A flat yarn of a high strength and a high modulus of elasticity, being excellent in solvent resistance, thermal stability and resistance to bending fatigue is provided. The flat yarn comprises polyoxymethylene copolymer containing 0.5 to 10 moles of specified oxyalkylene units per 100 moles of oxymethylene units in the polymer chain principally comprising repeating oxymethylene units and having a melt index at 190° C. with load of 2160 g of 0.3 to 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: Low denier, high extensible fibers, soft extensible nonwoven webs comprising such fibers, and disposable articles comprising such nonwoven webs are obtained by spinning a polymer composition through small diameter holes.

Abstract: A nonwoven structure is provided having a fiber with a lower melting point than conventional fibers, preferably less than 110° C., more particularly less than 90° C., more particularly less than 80° C. The fiber may also include an energy receptive additive that provides rapid heating when subjected to dielectric energy such as radio frequency or microwave radiation. When included in a structure and subjected to electromagnetic radiation, the fiber is heated by contact with materials like pulp and superabsorbent, which absorb electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having stabilized absorbent structures are discussed. The absorbent structures include binder fibers and absorbent composites. The absorbent composites include a particle of superabsorbent material and an energy receptive additive. The absorbent structures having the absorbent composites are particularly suitable for exposure to dielectric heating, in general, and microwave heating, in particular.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven fabric that is formed of polyethylene glycol modified copolyester staple fibers. The copolyester staple fibers include polyethylene terephthalate in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess dimensional stability properties substantially similar to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess wicking characteristics that are superior to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and chain branching agent in an amount less than about 0.0014 mole-equivalent branches per mole of standardized polymer. Also disclosed are methods for making such nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: Fibers or filaments made by using a spinneret orifice having a regular polygonal cross-section. Melt-spinnable thermoplastic polymer is melted and extruded through a spinneret orifice having a regular polygonal cross-section to form molten filaments. The molten filaments are then solidified, and optionally are subsequently subjected to stretching and false twisting processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The configuration of the multicomponent fibers may be side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: A firefighter garment including melamine high-heat and flame resistant fibers that have been stock dyed to obtain a desired shade or color. The stock dyed fiber is preferably blended with another fiber and the blend spun, by ring or core spinning, into a yarn for use in a protective fabric. Fabric produced by employing a blend of stock dyed melamine fibers and other high temperature fibers offers numerous cost and performance advantages. The elimination of the damage associated with the piece dyeing process allows the fabric to increase its strength and tear characteristics without affecting its thermal performance.

Abstract: A polyether ester elastomer comprising about 90-about 60 weight % polytrimethylene ether ester soft segment and about 10-about 40 weight % tetramethylene ester hard segment, and use thereof in fibers and other shaped articles. The fibers have excellent physical properties, including superior strength and stretch recovery.

Abstract: A fabric composite product is disclosed. The fabric composite is formed from at least two (2) layers that are connected by loop pile stitches. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric composite includes a fill layer positioned in between two (2) outer fabric layers. The fill layer contains high loft fibers. For example, in one embodiment, the fill layer is made from siliconzied fibers. The loop pile stitches connect the layers together without substantially compressing the fill layer. In this manner, the fabric composite has good cushioning properties and has a gel-like feel.

Abstract: Fibers, and fabrics produced from the fibers, are made water repellent, fire-retardant and/or thermally insulating by filling void spaces in the fibers and/or fabrics with a powdered material. When the powder is sufficiently finely divided, it clings tenaciously to the fabric's fibers and to itself, resisting the tendency to be removed from the fabric.

Abstract: Process for the yellowing-inhibiting finishing of textile, indigo-dyed, washed and/or stonewashed and/or bleached denim articles, characterized in that the finishing is carried out from aqueous medium with protonated fatty acid ester-aminoamides and/or hydroxyaminoamides of N-(&bgr;-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine, in which the fatty acid radicals each contain from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and which have been protonated with at least 1.5 equivalents of ortho-phosphoric acid per equivalent of basic amino groups.

Abstract: A space-dyed yarn and textile construction formed therefrom is provided. The space-dyed yarn includes a multiplicity of discrete color segments arranged along the length of the yarn. The color segments are of finite lengths which may be in the range of less than about 2 inches. The yarns may have linear densities under about 500 denier. A process and apparatus for production of the space-dyed yarns are also provided.

Abstract: Silk clothes for protecting affected parts (incised wound, burn, tumor, bedsore, etc.) which also contribute to the prevention of suppurating. These clothes are composed of a knitted woven silk fabric or non-woven silk fabric (silk floss, etc.) containing either Sasa veitchii or a parabenzoic acid ester or both of the same and being adhered to a non-woven fabric made of cellulose, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comfortable cut resistant fabric wherein metal fibers in the fabric are shielded from abrasive exposure by being wrapped with cut resistant staple fibers.

Abstract: A composite fiber made from natural and/or synthetic fibers having mineral compounds such as gemstones, colors and wavelengths, piezoelectric crystals and magnets whereby said fabrics can be placed against the body, such as the longitudinal lines of acupuncture points called meridians, the chakra system and/or circulatory systems for the purpose of transporting and channeling energy. The methods of combining the gemstones with the natural/synthetic fibers include encasing the mineral compounds within the natural/synthetic fibers by bonding the mineral compounds to the natural/synthetic fibers or laminating the mineral compound or compounds to the natural/synthetic fibers.