Abstract: A nonwoven fiber and fabric are provided wherein the fabric has comparable strength characteristics to conventional fabrics yet is softer. The fibers are are a blend of a high crystallinity polypropylene polymer and a random block copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene. The fabric of this invention may be laminated to other spunbond layers, meltblown nonwoven fabrics or films.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of producing a blended fabric of polyester and cotton with superior low pilling characteristics. The method comprises polymerizing a melt consisting essentially of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol and at least about 1300 parts per million of pentaerythritol to an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.55 dl/g. The resulting polymer can be spun into filament, textured, cut into staple, spun into yarn, and formed into fabric. The method and resulting polyester also have advantages in the production of polyester bottle resin and the resulting bottles.

Abstract: A compound, 3-phenyl-7-[4-(tetrahydrofurfuryloxy)phenyl]-1,5-dioxa-s-indacene-2,6-dione, which has a structure of crystals exhibiting the strongest peak at an angle of diffraction, 2&thgr;, of 4.7°, among peaks appearing within the range of not smaller than 3° of 2&thgr;, in an X-ray diffraction using a Cu-K&agr;-ray. The compound gives dyed or printed products having deep and brilliant tint of colors with excellent fastnesses, when applied to hydrophobic fiber materials, particularly, polyester fiber materials.

Abstract: A hydrophobic textile product of the present invention is obtained through graft polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated organic acid. The textile product characterized by: a graft polymerization rate of about 8 wt % or more; substantially no agglutination of a byproduct polymer from the graft polymerization process; a hygroscopicity of about 2.5 wt % or more under a 20° C.×65% RH environment; and an ammonia deodorizing property.

Abstract: A cloth for ink jet printing, fabricated by providing a low density cloth with a sizing agent of the gel-transition type, gel-initiating agent, and ink receiving agent for filling up gaps between fibers, and by drying the low density cloth so that even in the case where the ink-jet printing process is applied to such a low density cloth as a loosely woven or knitted fabric, a clear image can be printed thereon without ink striking through gaps between fibers, and without causing the cloth to be stained. For the low density cloth, a cloth of a single yarn weight fineness of 100 d or less, and a woven or knitted fabric of a warp density of 120 warps or less/inch or a filling density of 150 fillings or less/inch are suitable. With the use of the cloth, an ink-jet printed fabric deep in color as well as abundantly expressive of gradation (that is, having a wide range of color strength) can be obtained while preventing ink from passing through, and supporting members and the cloth from being stained.

Abstract: Filter for removal of leucocytes is provided, wherein the filter is coated with a natural polymer of chitosan which has a good blood compatibility and no side effect in human body on an ultrafine non-woven fabric. This blood filter provides a high removal rate of leucocytes as well as good recovery of platelets and red blood cells due to secondary filtration through electrostatic power between a leucocyte and a cationic residue provided by chitosan on the surface of the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A fiber treatment composition is disclosed. The composition contains siloxanes having amine-, polyol-, functionalities. The composition provides good hand, resistance to yellowing, and hydrophilicity to the fibers. The composition is preferably formulated as an aqueous emulsion. Applying the composition to textile fabrics produces treated fabrics having good hydrophilicity, good hand, and resistance to yellowing.

Abstract: A web of continuous filaments which are made of at least one semi-crystalline polymeric component covalently bonded as a linear block copolymer with or blended with one or more semi-crystalline or amorphous polymeric components. The filaments are intermingled together to form a porous web of filaments, the filaments having multiple contact points with each other within the web. The filaments are bonded at the contact points without requisite for added adhesive binders, adjuncts or post extrusion melt processing. The web may be bioresorbable. The web may also be provided in forms with relatively high cohesive shear strength. The polymeric components of the filaments exist, at least temporarily, in a homogenous substantially phase miscible uncrystallized state.

Abstract: A stiffener is provided for reinforcing a hollow structure having a pair of spaced walls. The stiffener includes a carrier member with a layer of expandable polymer which creates a structural foam when the polymer is later expanded. The stiffener could comprise a single laminate shaped to fit in the appropriate locations of the hollow structure so that when the polymer is expanded it forms a structural foam intimately bonded to the pair of spaced walls. The stiffener may also be in the form of a corrugated frame wherein individual laminates are provided with notches to permit the individual laminates to be interlocked with each other at the notches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminous material formed from artificial fibers containing luminous powder for making bathing scrubbers. The artificial fibers are compressed into wide and long strips that are suitable for forming into artificial fiber ring members. A plurality of such ring members can be densely tied together to form a ball-shaped bathing scrubber or be braided together to form a long braid-shaped bathing scrubber. The luminous powder is blended into raw material of artificial fibers during manufacture of the fibers to give the artificial fibers a luminous surface with suitable roughness and friction. Therefore, bathing scrubbers made with the artificial fibers containing luminous powder not only give out bright and attractive light but also thoroughly remove dust and callus from a user's skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers, and nonwovens comprising said fibers, comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above fibers and/or nonwovens, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: A film having one or more polyolefin layers, and a barrier coating. At least one polyolefin layer has a surface for receiving barrier coatings, and which includes a polyolefin and a hydrocarbon resin; the barrier coating is situated adjacent to this surface. The film has a WVTR, measured according to ASTM F1249-90, of less than about 0.47 gm/m.sup.2 /day.

Abstract: A multi-layer closure liner for carbonated beverage containers and the like, including a gas barrier layer, a first tie layer on an upper surface of the gas barrier layer, a second tie layer on a lower surface of the gas barrier layer, a first polyolefinic resin layer on the upper surface of the first tie layer, and a second polyolefinic layer on the lower surface of the second tie layer. In the preferred embodiment, the gas barrier layer is ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), the first and second tie layers are functionalized polyolefin and the first and second polyolefinic resin layers are ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The layers defining the closure liner are preferably simultaneously formed using a co-extrusion process to prevent the gas barrier layer from being exposed to moisture.

Abstract: A contoured frame member or other car body parts for car bodies of motor vehicles, particularly convertibles, for which the contoured frame member or the car body part bounds a cavity reinforced with a foamed metallic foam material, is formed in such a manner that a structural component is disposed in the interior of the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the latter, and in that the foamed metallic foam material occupies the space between the inner wall of the contoured frame member and the structural component lying therein. The internal cavity in the longitudinal direction, has partial regions filled with reinforcing parts of a metallic foam material and, between individual, reinforced regions, remaining hollow regions, the reinforcing parts being connected with the inner walls of the chassis part by way of metallic bonding. A method is also provided for reinforcing regions of car body parts, particularly of components of the type named above.

Abstract: Yarn that is a blend primarily of a fluoropolymer and, to a lesser extent, of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid polymer; also an industrial fabric, especially a papermaker's fabric.

Abstract: An article comprised of a polymeric material bearing a coating. The coating comprises a residual layer formed by applying and allowing to dry a mixture containing from about 7.5 to about 23.5 weight percent of a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound and from about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a water soluble ink. The article possesses an electrostatic potential of from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts as measured at one inch from the coating. A process for producing a formed article which is relatively free from the effects of static electricity. The process includes the steps of topically applying a mixture comprising a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound to a stock comprising a foamed polymeric material, conditioning the foam stock in a humidity-controlled environment effective to reduce electrostatic potential of the stock to between from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts, and thereafter forming the article from the conditioned foam stock.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a two-piece induction seal for use in creating clean, safe, and secure inner seals on containers, comprising layers of synthetic foam, absorbing synthetic polymer, an induction membrane and a heat-sensitive seal.

Abstract: This invention describes hydrophobic and oleophobic fibers, films and molded articles comprising synthetic organic polymer wherein dispersed within the fiber, fabric or molded article and present at the surface of the fiber, fabric or molded article are fluorochemical compounds. Method of preparing such fibers, films and molded articles, as well as articles made therefrom also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition comprising a blend of polyolefin with the reaction of a functionalized polyolefin and polyetheramine in which the polyetheramine is grafted into the functionalized polyolefin in a customary mixing apparatus. A process for producing the reaction product of functionalized polypropylene and polyetheramine by melting with polypropylene in a customary mixing apparatus is also disclosed. Blends of the present invention are advantageously useful to prepare paintable automotive body parts. This invention further includes dyeable polyolefin compositions containing the reaction product of functionalized polyolefin and polyetheramine. Dyeable polyolefin fibers, including polypropylene fibers, are disclosed, which may be made by melt spinning, and which may be employed to make woven and non-woven fabric.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially flat mechanically expandable pad, i.e., one positioned almost exclusively in the x-y plane, having a expandable member therein that once activated expands the mechanically expandable pad out of the x-y plane and into the z-direction. Such activation occurs when cinch members are used to contract the expandable member in the x or y-directions but cause its expansion in the z-direction. The pad is useful for cleaning, polishing, buffing, etc. and the expandable member has application in other types of absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of producing a blended fabric of polyester and cotton with superior low pilling characteristics. The method comprises polymerizing a melt consisting essentially of terephthalic acid, ethlyene glycol and at least about 1300 parts per million of pentaerythritol to an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.55 dl/g. The resulting polymer can be spun into filament, textured, cut into staple, spun into yarn, and formed into fabric. The method and resulting polyester also have advantages in the production of polyester bottle resin and the resulting bottles.

Abstract: A biodegradable expanded starch product having low bulk density of less than 0.45 lb/ft.sup.3 and low dustiness of less than 1.0% at 10% relative humidity and 23.degree. C. comprising:a) modified starch having an amylose content of about 10 to 30% by weight and modified with about 2 to 6% by weight of bound alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, andb) from about 8 to 15% by weight of hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol based on the weight of starch and having a degree of hydrolysis of from about 88 to 99%.

Abstract: A saturated hydroentangled fibrous web which includes a fibrous web having a plurality of entanglement loci as a consequence of subjecting the fibrous web to high pressure liquid jets and a saturant which is present in the hydroentangled fibrous web at a level of from about 10 to about 100 percent, based on the dry weight of the fibers. The saturant is adapted to render the saturated paper durable and ink jet printable. The fibrous web is composed of fibers, in which from about 20 to 100 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the fibers, are cellulosic fibers; from 0 to about 70 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the fibers, are mercerized cellulosic fibers; and from about 80 to 0 percent by weight of the fibers, based on the total weight of the fibers, are synthetic polymer fibers. The saturant includes from about 98 to about 70 percent, on a dry weight basis, of a latex reinforcing polymer having a glass transition temperature of from about -40.degree. C. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A channel-shaped section has a thin, local reinforcement shell separated from the channel-shaped section by a layer of structural foam. At the reinforced section an arch geometry is utilized which extends in a direction opposite that of the force to which the member is subjected. The arch may be present as the channel-shaped member, the reinforcement shell or both the channel-shaped member and the shell. A portion of the shell contacts the channel-shaped member and is attached thereto by welding or other means of attachment.

Abstract: Radome which is mainly constituted of at least one porous ceramic material. The radome is useful as a cover for protecting a radar, which is excellent in weather resistance, machinability and relative dielectric constant. The porous ceramic radome material may be coated or impregnated with a resin, amorphous silica or borosilicate glass in order to improve the tightness and the resistance to heat and oxidation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix, optionally reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, a cellulosic ether, optionally fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the cellulosic ether to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: An inorganic material comprising an aerogel, a process for its preparation, and its use. The invention relates to a composite material comprising from 10 to 95% by volume of aerogel particles whose particle diameter is less than 0.5 mm and a phyllosilicate as inorganic matrix material.

Abstract: A composite material comprising aerogel, a process for its preparation, and its use. The invention relates to a composite material comprising from 10 to 95% by volume of aerogel particles and at least one inorganic binder, a process for its preparation, and its use.

Abstract: A polymeric article having improved cut-resistance is composed of (A) an initial polymeric article having cut-resistant properties; and (B) a cut-resistant elastomeric coating disposed on an outer surface of the initial polymeric article, wherein the elastomeric coating is composed of an elastomer and a hard filler distributed in the elastomer. The hard filler has a Mohs Hardness value of at least about 3. The final polymeric article has improved cut-resistance, improved flexibility, and improved comfort and will retain its properties when routinely laundered. The article is preferably in the form of a polymeric textile article, more preferably in the form of an elastomeric protective garment, and most preferably in the form of gloves, e.g., surgical gloves.

Abstract: A deodorant fibrous material contains (1), as a first deodorant material, at least one deodorant component selected from inorganic type and polyorganic acid, ester or salt type components, (2), as a second deodorant material, at least one of a hydrazine compound and a specified polyvinyl amine compound and (3) a synthetic resin binder. The deodorant fibrous material can be produced by applying to a fibrous material, by a padding or coating method, a liquid composition containing the above components (1)-(3), followed by subsequent heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for constructing a polyvinylidene fluoride based hollow fiber membrane from a polymer mixture using temperatures not greater than 80.degree. C., the mixture comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, a pore forming agent, and a solvent. The mixture can also comprise a second polymer selected from the group comprising polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinylformal, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhexafluoropropylene, polydiacetylene, cellulose and copolymers thereof. The hollow fiber membranes formed using the controlled temperatures of this invention have acceptable strength characteristics and asymmetrical pore structures which provide a low transmembrane pressure drop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal fiber agglomerate comprising fibers with an equivalent diameter of between 1 .mu.m and 30 .mu.m and with a length of between 1 mm and 20 mm, with the feature that the core of the agglomerate contains at least one bundle of fibers oriented substantially parallel to one another, while the casing consists of a network of randomly oriented fibers. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of these metal fiber agglomerates, characterized by a succession of steps in which the agglomerate is subjected to a continuous tumbling movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent, extruded, open cell thermoplastic foam. The foam has an open cell content of about 50 percent or more and an average cell size of up to about 1.5 millimeters. The foam is capable of absorbing a liquid at about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capacity when absorbing a liquid. The foam preferably has an average equivalent pore size of about 5 micrometers or more. The foam preferably has a structure substantially of cell walls and cell struts. Further disclosed is a method for absorbing a liquid employing the foam by elongation of the extrudate of the extrusion die. Further disclosed is a method of enhancing absorbency of an open cell foam by applying a surfactant to an exposed surface of the foam such that it remains at the surface and does not infiltrate a substantial distance into the foam. Further disclosed is a meat tray and a diaper containing the foam.

Abstract: A process for producing yarn, fiber or filament with substantially improved whiteness, reduced yellowness, reduced abrasiveness, reduced static and softer hand includes melt-blending a masterbatch of zinc sulfide and a polyester with a fiber-forming polyester followed by melt-spinning the blend. The invention additionally provides for polyester yarn, fiber, or filament produced by the process.

Abstract: A deep sea insulated pipeline comprises an inner pipe which is encased lengthwise by an insulating core. The insulating core comprises macrospheres surrounded by syntactic foam that includes a semi-rigid resin binder and microspheres. The semi-rigid resin binder reinforces the macrospheres to provide sufficient strength to withstand the hydrostatic pressure at depths in excess of several thousand feet of water, and is yet flexible enough to accommodate bending associated with deep sea pipe laying operations. The deep sea insulated pipeline may also include a protective outer casing. The inner pipe extends through and cooperates with the outer casing to define an annulus chamber containing the insulating core. The outer casing may be a plastic pipe. In a preferred embodiment the semi-rigid resin binder includes Bisphenol-A epoxy resin, an anhydride curing agent, and a flexibilizer.

Abstract: Polymer structures having a laminated surface and enhanced physical properties that can be used for packaging, athletic gear (e.g., padding, water sport equipment), gaskets, and protective garments are described. The structures include a core of a relatively high density material and one or more layers laminated to the surfaces of the core material of relatively low density polymer foam. The structures can be stiff or flexible. The foam layers improve the softness of the surfaces of the core material.

Abstract: Articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: New copolyester composition that provides excellent filament spinning and mill/yarn processing of staple fiber into fabrics having combination of excellent pilling performance as well as aesthetics and tactility ("hand"). Preferred fibers have non-round cross-sections, especially multi-grooved and scalloped-oval cross-sections that provide fabrics having outstanding comfort qualities of moisture-management, dryness and comfort, as well as minimal pilling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial fibers and products made therefrom and more specifically to industrial polyester fibers and products made therefrom. The fibers comprise a synthetic melt spun polymer having a relative viscosity about 24 to about 42, a denier of about 4 to about 8, a tenacity of about 6.5 grams/denier to about 9.2 grams/denier, and an elongated diamond shaped cross section normal to a longitudinal axis of the filament, the cross section having an aspect ratio of about 2 to about 6.

Abstract: A foamed polyester resin article is made by a method which includes forming a molten resin mixture containing poly (ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.7 and a moisture content of not greater than 0.03%, a melt viscosity modifier which comprises a multi-stage emulsion graft copolymer of methyl methacrylate and a lower alkyl acrylate monomer, and a heat activatable decomposition-type foaming agent. The mixture is heated in the barrel of an extruder and extruded through the die of the extruder. The method can be used to produce extruded poly (ethylene terephthalate) sheet having a foamed structure suitable for subsequent thermoforming into packaging articles and food containers such as those used in dualovenable food trays used for reheating foods in microwave or conventional ovens. The articles produced by the method have a density which may be 35-40% less than that of similar articles made from conventional non-foamed poly (ethylene terephthalate).

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 forming material for the fabrication of appliances for fixing, supporting, correcting and holding human bodies, characterized by a main forming material body including a quantity of granulated materials each coated with a moisture-curable urethane prepolymer contained within a water-permeable material container, the main forming material body being hermetically enclosed in a moisture-impermeable material container, wherein the moisture-curable urethane prepolymer and the water-permeable material container are unreactive with each other and have a low adhesive strength with respect to each other to provide good long term preservability and ease of operability to allow modeling and conforming the main forming material body to a desired shape.

Abstract: A cellular conductive roller has closed cells and open cells with conductive powder filling the open cells of the cellular conductive roller. A method for making a cellular conductive roller includes filling the open cells in the cellular conductive roller with conductive powder, adhering a tacky sheet to the surface of said cellular conductive roller; then peeling said tacky sheet off the surface of said cellular conductive roller. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic device using the cellular conductive roller and a process cartridge into which the cellular conductive roller is integrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers, and nonwovens comprising said fibers, comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid previous topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above fibers and/or nonwovens, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

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

Abstract: A transparent or opaque sheet is affixed onto the inner surface of a side door window glass of a vehicle for coloration, light blockage, decoration and the like. In the sheet-affixed window glass, the sheet is directly but detachably affixed onto the inner surface of the window glass via a front holder and a back holder.

Abstract: A novel method and a novel article are disclosed for cleaning a metal, glass, or plastic surface without scratching or scoring the surface. The novel method comprises wiping the surface with the novel article, which is made from an open cell, hydrophilic, static-dissipative, polyurethane foam, and which is laundered so that the article in deionized water releases fewer than 36.0.times.10.sup.6 per square meter of apparent surface area of the article for particles of a size greater than about 0.5 .mu.m and fewer than about 2.5 parts per million of chloride, fluoride, sodium, sulfate, sulfite, or silicon ions. The novel article may be a wiper, a sponge, a roller, a swab mounted on a handle, or a plug having a generally cylindrical shape when unstressed and having particular utility where the surface is the interior surface of a metal, glass, or plastic tube. The plug is propelled through the tube, as by means of compressed air. The novel method also may comprise washing the surface with deionized water.

Abstract: A plastisol article is having an outer surface which has the look and feel of suede is provided. The article is made from a plastisol composition which includes expandable microspheres. A mold is dipped into the plastisol composition, withdrawn from the composition, and heated. The coated mold is heated at a temperature sufficient to expand the microspheres throughout the extent of the plastisol layer and to rupture the microspheres at the surface of the plastisol layer. The time and temperature at which the plastisol layer is heated causes only the microspheres substantially at the outer surface of plastisol layer to rupture. Substantially all of the microspheres within the plastisol remain unruptured. The expandable plastisol may be applied directly to a product or it may be applied over a layer of solid (unexpandable) plastisol. The expandable plastisol composition may include a blowing agent.

Abstract: A charging member supplied with a voltage to charge a charge-receiving member such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member has an elastic layer of an ethylene-propylene copolymer containing a diene component. The ethylene-propylene copolymer has an iodine value of 23-32. The charging member is improved in resistance to permanent deformation while providing excellent images for a long period.

Abstract: A method for coating the surface of a substrate composed of a hydrophobic polymer with a hydrophobic vinyl polymer. The method includes preparing a solution of the hydrophobic vinyl polymer in a polar nonaqueous solvent, such as 1-methyl-1-pyrrolidinone, in which the hydrophobic vinyl polymer is surface-active. The substrate then is treated with the solution under conditions sufficient to deposit the hydrophobic vinyl polymer on the substrate. The hydrophobic vinyl polymer may have readily hydrolyzable pendant groups which, upon hydrolysis thereof in an aqueous medium, will result in the formation of a hydrophilic vinyl polymer coating on the substrate. For example, the hydrophobic vinyl polymer may be poly(vinyl trifluoroacetate). Also provided are coated substrates, in which the substrate is a shaped article composed of a hydrophobic polymer. The shaped article may be, for example, a film, fiber, or nonwoven web.