Abstract: Loop forming material, wherein said material comprises crimped tows of continuous filaments, said material having a thickness comprised between 0,1 mm and 3 mm and a weight comprised between 15 g/m2 and 100 g/m2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lyocell fiber having a high hemicellulose content. The fibers are readily cut into staple lengths and can be spun into yarns with excellent knitting and weaving characteristics which dye exceptionally well. The fibers have a cotton-like denier.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable nonwoven fabric including thermoplastic elastomer filaments; the filaments being heat-sealed and/or mechanically intertwined together to form the nonwoven fabric that has crimped regions and non-crimped regions wherein each of the crimped regions has fine crimps in the rate of 50/cm or higher.

Abstract: A hydrophilic elastically stretchable composite sheet composed of an elastically stretchable first sheet and an inelastically stretchable second sheet intermittently bonded to at least one surface of the first sheet. At least one of the first sheet and the second sheet contains hydrophilic material. The composite sheet has a high sweat absorbability.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and biomimetic catalysts, such as silicateins and block copolypeptides, used to catalyze and spatially direct the polycondensation of silicon alkoxides, metal alkoxides, and their organic conjugates to make silica, polysiloxanes, polymetallo-oxanes, and mixed poly(silicon/metalklo)oxane materials under environmentally benign conditions.

Abstract: Bulked continuous filament yarns comprise a plurality of substantially continuous filaments comprising propylene polymer and having recovery from compression, as measured by Plug Crush Recovery, of at least about 85%. The yarns exhibit improved resilience and are well suited as face yarns for residential, commercial and automotive carpets.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising an expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming. monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material.

Abstract: A layer structure has at least two material layers with an intermediate or casting layer interposed between adjacent material layers. The intermediate layer includes a casting material and a plurality of elongated elements having different orientations which are extending across each other to form a weave to determine the interspacing between the two material layers before any casting material of the intermediate layer is inserted. The two material layers which are to be joined together may be gradient coils of a tomograph.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a air permeable porous fiber pad and a method for making a air permeable porous fiber pad. A single-layer or multi-layer web may be cut by at least two sets of belt rollers, thereby forming strip-shaped webs whose width is the same as the belt. The at least two sets of belts may divide the parallel juxtaposed strip-shaped webs into spaced layers. At least two sets of rollers whose center of shaft is adjustable may be used to adjust the position of each layer of strip-shaped web, so that the layers of strip-shaped webs may overlap each other, and the overlapped layers of strip-shaped webs may be conveyed into a crosslapper, thereby making a air permeable porous fiber pad.

Abstract: Plastic pipes, fittings and other piping appurtenances prepared from CPVC formulations meeting requirements of ASTM-D 1784, cell class 23448-B, yet exhibiting suitable processability.

Abstract: A method of bonding an ethylene.&agr;-olefin rubber composition to a fiber cord. The method includes the steps of: treating a fiber cord with a first treating solution that is at least one of an isocyanate compound and an epoxy compound; after treating the fiber cord with the first treating solution, treating the fiber cord with a second treating solution including resorcinol-formalin-rubber latex; after treating the fiber cord with the second treating solution, treating the fiber cord with a third treating solution including a halogenated polymer and a vulcanizing agent; and after treating the fiber cord with the third treating solution, vulcanization-bonding an unvulcanized ethylene.&agr;-olefin rubber composition to the fiber cord.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B side by side morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing polyester fibers having uniform primary and secondary crimps. The method includes the steps of advancing fibers into a stuffer box having an upper doctor blade and a lower doctor blade, positioning the upper doctor blade and the lower doctor blade such that the doctor blade gap is broad enough to permit the formation of secondary crimps and yet is narrow enough to maintain primary and secondary crimp uniformity, and then applying a longitudinal force against the advancing fibers to impart uniform primary and secondary crimps. The polyester fibers crimped according to the disclosed method have substantially uniform primary and secondary crimps, and are further characterized by tensile factor that is about the same as the tensile factor possessed by an otherwise identical uncrimped polyester fiber.

Abstract: Synthetic polymer reinforcing fibers provide dispersability and strength in matrix materials such as concrete, masonry, shotcrete, and asphalt. The individual fiber bodies, substantially free of stress fractures and substantially non-fibrillatable, have generally quadrilateral cross-sectional profiles along their elongated lengths. Preferred fibers and matrix materials having such fibers demonstrate excellent finishability in addition to dispersion and toughness properties.

Abstract: Dual glass fibers can be processed into coherent webs and felts by first blending the dual glass fibers with an equal or greater amount of uncrimped fibers. Optionally, other crimped fibers can be added without significant impact on processibility.

Abstract: Provided are melt-spun fibers comprising, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, and a method for producing fibrous structures comprising the fibers. The thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol fibers comprise, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol containing from 0.1 to 25 mol % of C1-4 &agr;-olefin units and/or vinyl ether units, having a molar fraction, based on vinyl alcohol units, of a hydroxyl group of vinyl alcohol unit located at the center of 3 successive vinyl alcohol unit chain in terms of triad expression of being from 70 to 99.9 mol %, having a carboxylic acid and lactone ring content of from 0.02 to 0.15 mol %, and having a melting point falling between 160° C. and 230° C., and contain from 0.0003 to 1 part by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol therein and in terms of sodium ion, of an alkali metal ion.

Abstract: To provide a feathery copper fiber body which can be uniformly dispersed in a resin composition, rubber composition, low melting metal, coating compound, adhesive, etc. to exert an effect of electrically and mechanically modifying the matrix. A fiber body made of copper, which is feathery.

Abstract: A continuous fiber granulate material includes granulate particles having reinforcing staple fibers helically arranged in a thermoplastic matrix. The reinforcing staple fibers are located in a sheathed zone of the granulate particles along with a melted matrix material, with the granulate further including a core zone having unmelted thermoplastic staple fibers. The continuous fiber granulates have good free-flowing properties and a uniform distribution of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage. Preferably, the fibers used in making the yarn are bicomponent fibers. The present invention also provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage at reduced heat temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crimped and resilient polymeric fibers and to fabrics and laminates made from the fibers. In general, the fibers are produced by crimping a polymeric fiber and then cross-linking a polymer and/or monomer contained within the fiber. Cross-linking the polymer makes the crimp contained with the fiber more permanent and more resilient. When formed into a nonwoven web, the fibers produce high loft fabrics which are resilient to compressive forces. Nonwoven webs made in accordance with the present invention are particularly well suited for use in filter products and liquid absorbent products.

Abstract: A composite prepreg material (10) with improved resistance to core crush and porosity incorporates a plurality of different fiber forms having varying cross-sectional configurations. Preferably, the fibers are interwoven in a warp (14) and fill (18) perpendicular orientation pattern. The varying cross-sectional configurations of the different fiber forms causes the fiber forms to have different levels of spreadability and frictional resistance to movement of the fiber. The present invention overcomes the susceptibility to many defects (specifically core crush and porosity) associated with composite material of a single fiber form having a set cross-sectional configuration, by incorporating multiple fiber forms having varying cross-sectional configurations. This multi-fiber form incorporation allows the strengths of one fiber form's properties to help compensate for the weaknesses of another fiber form's properties, and vice versa.

Abstract: A continuous fiber nonwoven comprising composite continuous fibers having the spiral crimps obtained by compositely spinning two thermoplastic resins having the difference in the melting points of 15° C. or more is provided, and it is characterized in that the contact points of the fibers are adhered one another by fusing of the thermoplastic resin having a low melting point and located on the outside of the spiral crimps.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or its spunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A yarn having good entanglement and good quality, preferably a multifilament polyamide yarn, a method for making the yarn, and a woven fabric made from the yarn wherein the yarn comprises the following properties: the yarn length per defect is greater than or equal to about 3000 meters per defect; the maximum skip length is less than or equal to about 120 millimeters; the ratio between yarn length per defect to maximum skip length is greater than or equal to about 50; the entanglements per meter times the average entanglement strength is greater than or equal to about 120; and the yarn can be woven sizeless. The yarn of the invention is useful in the sizeless weaving of fabric used in air bags.

Abstract: Melt processable perfluoropolymer forms in woven, non-woven and knitted manifestations, and products produced therefrom such as filters and filtration support media are made of melt processable single and/or multicomponent yarns from a wide range of deniers, shapes and crimps.

Abstract: A multilayer thermally bonded nonwoven fabric which is particularly useful as a liner in an absorbent product is described. The fabric includes at least two prebonded nonwoven webs having a multiplicity of intralaminar bonds bonding the fibers of the prebonded nonwoven webs together. The prebonded webs are secured together to form the fabric of the invention by a plurality of interlaminar thermal bonds formed of discrete areas of compressed and fused fibers of the prebonded webs.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes a matrix material, and a plurality of deflectable elements or “machines” disposed in the matrix material, the machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material. Preferably, the machines have an elongate shape defining a longitudinal axis, which are disposed within the matrix material in a predetermined array. The elongate members have an asymmetrical cross-section which is deflectable between first and second shapes, and consequently the composite material exhibits different physical properties because the elongate members deflect between the first and second shapes. The machines may include a variety of asymmetrical cross-sections, such as a generally “Z” shape, an hourglass shape, a cantilever shape or a leaf spring shape.

Abstract: To provide chargeable tow and a laminate thereof, which can be produced with no restriction by the production or processing method, and without troubles such as twining on a roll or single thread snapping caused by static electricity generated in the production steps. Tow, in which the value (D/W) obtained by dividing the total fineness of tow (D) by the tow width (W) is 1,000 to 8,000 dtex/mm, is produced by making a fiber-processing agent adhere thereto, preferably using a particular amount of the agent, wherein the agent has a particular structure and contains a polyoxyethylene higher fatty acid ester and a sorbitan fatty acid ester in a particular blending ratio.

Abstract: Spunbond multicomponent filaments and nonwoven webs made from the filaments are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the multicomponent filaments contain a crimp enhancement additive. Specifically, the crimp enhancement additive-is added to the polymeric component that has the slower solidification rate. The additive enhances crimp, allows for highly crimped filaments to be made at low fiber linear densities, improves the integrity of unbonded webs made from the filaments, and produces webs with improved stretch and cloth-like properties. The additive incorporated into the filaments is a random copolymer of butylene and propylene.

Abstract: Provided is a glass fiber prepared by combining two glasses, preferably at least one of which is biosoluble, in a core/sheath arrangement. Such an arrangement can provide fibers potentially stronger than those of single glasses, while also having a permanent twist or curl to impart improved loft and recovery to blankets or mats comprised of them. Preferably, the core is offset from the center of the fiber. In one embodiment, the glass fibers of the present invention comprise a core and a sheath, where the core glass of the structure contracts as it cools to a greater extent than the sheath glass of the structure. Benefits are achieved in this manner, preferably with regard to biosoluble fibers.

Abstract: A packing yarn and a method of manufacturing a packing yarn composed of at least two bands which are at most 5 mm wide and are joined together by a yarn manufacturing method, include forming the bands of a laminate having at least one layer of flexible graphite and at least one layer of a metal foil with a tensile strength of at least 250 MPa. The layers of graphite foil and metal foil are joined by adhesion or through the use of a non-adhesive-like coupling agent. The bands are produced from the laminates by cutting, which is preferably effected continuously. Advantages thereof are that strips or bands of flexible graphite, which have a tensile strength that is totally inadequate for the manufacture of packing yarns, are altered in terms of their mechanical properties.

Abstract: Hollow carbon microcoils are provided having a pitch that is substantially zero. Also provided are ceramic microcoils comprising a metal nitride, a metal carbide or a metal carbonitride. The invention also includes methods for producing such microcoils.

Abstract: Exemplary fibers of the invention, useful for reinforcing hydratable cementitious materials such as concrete and mortar, have three-dimensional twist curvatures. Preferably, the fibers are flat or flattened and have first and second opposed flat or flattened ends that are twisted out of phase, and which preferably define therebetween an intermediate elongate fiber body having a curvature in more than one direction. Processes of the invention comprise forming a fiber with a three-dimensional twisted shape by twisting at least two fibers together to form a twisted fiber bundle to impart a twist curvature into the fiber material. The twisted fiber bundle can then be cut into separate fibers or stored on bobbins for shipment to another location for cutting. Advantages of the invention include enhanced dispersibility of the fibers in hydratable cementitious compositions.

Abstract: A yarn for use in a cement mortar matrix, includes a core and a multitude of staple fibers forming a layer which envelopes the core and provides an extended surface area and interstical spaces for infiltration by cement fines and hydrates. The staple fibers are spun around the core and attached to the core, and have sufficient freedom of radial movement to provide said spaces and permit ingress of cement fines and the formation of hydrates in said spaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardable fiber blend which forms a moldable fiber batt, the blend comprising fibers having a modulus of 550 g/denier or more with fibers of a thermoplastic polymer wherein the high modulus polymer fibers are all uncrimped fibers or a mixture of crimped and uncrimped fibers. The moldable batt is useful in making speaker cones.

Abstract: The bonding of components is facilitated by a conductive pattern which generates heat upon being irradiated with microwave or RF energy. The electrically conductive pattern is positioned on a first component surface and a curable resin having adhesive properties is applied thereto. A second component surface is placed in contacting relation with the resin and the conductive pattern is irradiated with microwave or RF energy to facilitate curing wherein the components are bonded together along the pattern. The conductive pattern can be utilized without adhesive resin wherein heat generated via the application of microwave or RF energy causes components to fuse together. The conductive pattern can be enveloped by polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material becomes the adhesive for bonding components when microwave or RF energy is applied.

Abstract: A steel cord for reinforcement of a radial tire and a radial tire employing the same are disclosed. The steel cord is made of more than three steel filaments of which one or two filaments are regularly twisted, the other filaments are open-twisted and each filament is twisted in same direction. Each steel filament using carbon steel has the carbon content of 0.7 to 0.96 wt %, the tensile strength of the filament is in the range of 260 to 380 kgf/mm2, the twisting pitch is 10 to 20 mm, and each filament is plated with brass. The topping characteristic is improved and the uniformity of tire is enhanced.

Abstract: A process for combining single color feed yarns, either dyed or melt pigmented, without twisting or heat-setting, to form an apparent space-dyed yarn product. The process includes the sequential steps of individually and simultaneously drawing two or more pre-spun, pre-colored singles yarns, at least one of which is differentially colored with respect to the other yarns; individually and simultaneously texturing the two or more yarns; individually and simultaneously entangling the two or more textured yarns in a first air-jet entangling process to form respective two or more entangle-sequenced yarns each having sequences of entangled and unentangled fibers; together air-jet entangling the two or more sequences of entangled and unentangled fiber yarns in a second air-jet entangling process to form a final apparent space-dyed yarn; and winding up the final apparent space-dyed yarn.

Abstract: A separable tow of elongated polymeric filaments comprises a plurality of distinct sub-tows lightly and individually and separably joined, as by light crimping together along their edges or, if uncrimped, joined by presence of moisture, and capable of being packed into a container and later removed and separated. The filaments are preferably acrylic and have a total fineness of about 300,00-1,500,000 denier and the sub-tows each of which has a total fineness of about 50,000-250,000 denier, with a filament fineness of about 1-2 denier, and each sub-tow has a degree of entanglement of about 10-40 m−1 as measured by the hook drop test. The separable tow is made of a plurality of sub-tows, after separately drawing the sub-tows and subsequently removably joining the sub-tows into a single tow.

Abstract: Polyester carpets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) are disclosed which have excellent stain-resistance, texture retention and resistance to crushing. The bulked continuous filament yarn used to make the carpets and the process for making the yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spunbond multicomponent filaments and nonwoven webs made from the filaments are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the multicomponent filaments contain a crimp enhancement additive. Specifically, the crimp enhancement additive is added to the polymeric component that has the slower solidification rate. The additive enhances crimp, allows for highly crimped filaments to be made at low fiber linear densities, improves the integrity of unbonded webs made from the filaments, and produces webs with improved stretch and cloth-like properties. The additive incorporated into the filaments is a random copolymer of butylene and propylene.

Abstract: A friction member is provided which can suppress judder without impairing wear resistance. The friction member is prepared by impregnating or coating base fibers with a composition containing rubber and/or resin to prepare the yarn for the friction member, preshaping the yarn into an annular form, and then thermally molding the preshaped yarn. The friction member has porosity in a range from about 10% to about 20%.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or its espunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A process for producing a filament assembly composed of a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer, which comprises melt extruding a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer through an orifice nozzle into a high-speed fluid to thereby hold filaments spun right under the spinning nozzle at a high temperature, so that the filaments are taken up at a high draft ratio by the frictional force of the high-speed fluid.

Abstract: Permanently crimped fibres produced by three-dimensional texturing, and a method for making same, are disclosed. The fibres are advantageously produced by spinning and optionally stretching a filament roving. The roving is then fed to a three-dimensional texturing station then to a cutting device for cutting the roving into fibres having a predetermined length. The resulting fibres have high bulkiness and enable the production of non-woven surfaces having a remarkable abrasiveness as well as carpets with enhanced wear properties.

Abstract: In-mold plastic labels are provided with separation interfaces whereby the printed surfaces of the labels and the contaminating printing inks associated with them can be removed so as to allow recycling of the bottle stock without contamination by the printing inks.

Abstract: An adhesive fluororesin (A) comprising an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of a melt flow characteristic which is a melt flow rate of at least 40 and an infrared absorption characteristic which is a distinct absorption peak within a wavenumber range of from 1,720 to 1,800 cm.sup.-1 in its infrared absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A propylene block copolymer comprising(A) 60-90 weight %, based on the total amount of the block copolymer, of a first block of a propylene polymer, optionally containing a small amount of copolymerised ethylene,(B) 40-10 weight %, based on the total amount of the block copolymer, of a second block of an ethylene-propylene copolymer containing 1-10 weight % of ethylene, and the total ethylene content of the block copolymer being within the range of 0.1-2.5%. The weight process for the manufacturing of the propylene block copolymer and use of it for the manufacture of bioriented bottles.

Abstract: In-mold plastic labels are provided with separation interfaces whereby the printed surfaces of the labels and the contaminating printing inks associated with them can be removed so as to allow recycling of the bottle stock without contamination by the printing inks.