Abstract: Microstructures formed from fluorinated amphiphiles and mixed fluorinated and non-fluorinated amphiphiles and having the geometry of tubules, helixes and fibers and methods for preparing them. Tubular forms are capable of encapsulating or incorporating bioactive agents or other useful substances for controlled release in vivo.

Abstract: Electrically conductive thermoplastic fibers are made by spinning a fiber having an electrically conductive sheath of thermoplastic polymer formulated with carbon black and a non-conductive core from the thermoplastic polymer; quenching the fiber after said spinning to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic; drawing the quenched fiber at a draw ratio between about 2.0 and about 3.2; and, after drawing, relaxing the fiber at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic but above its glass transition.

Abstract: A bicomponent staple or filament is disclosed having a core of PET and a sheath of polyethylene wherein the core PET component contains from 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % of a functionalized polyethylene polymer specified herein. In particular, the sheath component is either not functionalized or functionalized with up to 10% by weight ethylene copolymer. The improved bicomponent fiber is processible on carding machines with reduced shedding of the outer portion of the fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component will permit bonding of the fibers to themselves and other types of fibers and wherein the same first component is also degradable in an aqueous medium. Such fibers can be used to form fibrous nonwoven webs which can be used as components in such end-use products as medical and health care related items, wipes and personal care absorbent articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyester composition comprising:(A) 95 to 99.90% by weight of a polyester comprising from about 85 to 100 mole % of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and 85 to 100 mole % of at least one aliphatic glycol having from 2 to 16 carbon atoms, based on the total mole percentage for the glycol portion and for the acid portion of said polyester each equalling 100 mole %, and(B) 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of one or more polymeric carbodiimides.These polyester compositions result in improved hydrolytic stability in end products such as fiber, monofilament, films, thermoformed articles, containers and sheeting based on naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol.

Abstract: This invention provides moisture stable tuftstring carpet assemblies. The pile surface structure comprises a moisture stable backing substrate, a plurality of elongated pile articles each comprising an elongated, moisture stable support strand having bonded thereto a plurality of "U" shaped bundles of multifilament yarn. The pile articles are bonded to the backing substrate. Different backing substrates and support strands may be used.

Abstract: The plastic material called PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) in polymeric chains in the form of continuous monofilaments or multifilaments is used for making the strings of plucked and bowed musical instruments.

Abstract: Honing tools and methods of making such tools utilize a compact bundle of abrasive containing plastic monofilaments projection a relatively short distance from a holder with the compacted tips forming the working face of the tool. The bundle may be secured to the holder by a thin layer of adhesive or by a clinched or swaged girdling lip or rim on the holder which embraces the bundle. In addition, the bundle is further infused with an elastomer, preferably foamed. The bundle is enclosed in a mold which may be part of the clinching process and an elastomer is injected into the mold to infuse and encapsulate the bundle. The encapsulation fills the interstices of the bundle and form an integument around the bundle in effect making the tip action tool into a solid yet elastic block. This enables the abrasive monofilaments to have a higher abrasive loading since they are additionally supported by the matrix, and the tool to be applied at higher pressures.

Abstract: Colored bicomponent filaments have a particulate colorant dispersed throughout one of the fiber domains while another of the fiber domains is colorant-free. More specifically, the filaments have at least two distinct components arranged longitudinally coextensive with one another. The arrangement of the components may be a sheath/core structure or a side-by-side structure. One of the components contains a colorant and the other one does not (i.e., is colorant free). The colorant-free component is most preferably formed of a polymeric material which is incompatible with the particulate colorant, whereas the colorant-containing component is most preferably formed of a polymeric material which is compatible with the particulate colorant.

Abstract: Novel bicomponent fibers have a polyamide domain and a contaminant-containing polymer domain which is embedded entirely within, and thereby completely surrounded by, the polyamide domain. The preferred bicomponent fibers have a sheath-core structure wherein the polyamide domain constitutes the sheath and the contaminant-containing polymer constitutes the core. Surprisingly, even though the core is formed of a contaminant-containing polymer (which is difficultly spinnable), the bicomponent fibers are readily spinnable and exhibit properties which are comparable in many respects to fibers formed from 100% polyamide. Preferably, the fibers are concentric sheath-core bicomponent fibers having an uncontaminated nylon-6 sheath and a core formed from nylon-6 having a relatively high level of contamination in the form of the cyclic dimer of caprolactam and/or nylon-6 derived from colored regenerated post-consumer nylon carpet fibers.

Abstract: The low-shrinkage hybrid yarns comprise reinforcing filaments and matrix filaments composed of thermoplastic polymers having a lower melting point than the melting or decomposition point of the reinforcing filaments. The yarns are characterized by a 160.degree. C. hot air shrinkage of not more than 2% and a 200.degree. C. hot air shrinkage of not more than 5%.These yarns are useful for producing composites.

Abstract: In one embodiment the article includes a metal support having a top surface, a well provided in the top surface of the support and extends downwardly into the support, the well is defined by a floor at the bottom thereof, second fibers anchored in spaced relationship in the floor of the well and extending therefrom to a level short of the top surface of the support, a diamond substrate disposed over and covering the well, the substrate is larger than the well and has portions thereof in direct or indirect contact with the support, a metal layer adhering to the substrate, first fibers anchored in spaced relationship in the metal layer and extending therefrom into the well to a level short of said well floor, the substrate being smaller than the support.

Abstract: The invention's first embodiment uses shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers that are blended into a concrete composite material as straight fibers and are made to deform themselves and anchor and interlock themselves after dispersement in the composite material resulting in a more evenly distributed and interlocked fiber reinforcement of the cementitious material. A self-shaping fiber can be imparted to the concrete material by making the fibers out of SMA such as nickel-titanium alloy known as nitinol where the cementitious composite material mixture is briefly heated above the "transition" temperature prior to hardening that causes the fibers to change shape. Nitinol fibers are used alone in place of conventional steel fibers.

Abstract: A permanently flame-retardant and anti-microbial air-textured yarn is formed of a plurality of substantially longitudinally extending, permanently flame-retardant filaments defining a core, and a plurality of substantially randomly extending, permanently anti-microbial filaments disposed at least about the core, the anti-microbial filaments at least partially defining a boucle-like sheath about the core. A knit or woven fabric formed with the yarn and having at lease 5% by weight of the anti-microbial filaments is characterized by an ability to pass, both after one commercial laundering and after 100 commercial launderings, both National Fire Protection Agency vertical flame retardancy test NFPA 701-1989 and at least the 85% reduction level of gram positive and gram negative bacteria of anti-microbial test NYS 63.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising(a) a plurality of abrasive particles and(b) a bond system which adheres the plurality of abrasive particles, the bond system comprising a binder and a polysiloxane of formula (A): ##STR1## wherein R, R', R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 may be the same or different and can be an alkyl, vinyl, chloroalkyl, aminoalkyl, epoxy, fluororalkyl, chloro, fluoro, or hydroxy, and n is 500 or greater.

Abstract: A novel ignition resistant or fire blocking composite is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of biregional fibers with a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, wherein each said biregional fiber comprises an inner region of a thermoplastic polymeric core and an outer region of a carbonaceous sheath, and wherein said biregional fibers are present in the composite in an amount of from 10 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite. In one embodiment, the multiplicity of biregional fibers are treated with up to 20% of a polymerizable silicone resin. In a further embodiment the thermoplastic or thermoset polymer is in the form of a sheet or panel and said multiplicity of biregional fibers are distributed throughout the polymeric matrix of the sheet or panel in an amount of from about 20 to 75%.

Abstract: A composite of a metal infiltrated into a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material is coated with a molybdenum carbide coating, the molybdenum carbide coating protecting the carbonaceous material against attack by molten metal while simultaneously providing a wetting action for the molten metal to infiltrate the carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material is any suitable carbonaceous material such as diamond; graphite fibers, both continuous and discontinuous; carbon and graphite particulate; lampblack; and carbon-rich surfaces. The molybdenum carbide coating is produced by reacting a gaseous molybdenum compound with the surface of the carbonaceous material under a reducing atmosphere. The molybdenum carbide coated carbonaceous material is formed into a metal/carbonaceous material composite by being heated with the metal under an inert atmosphere until the molten metal infiltrates the molybdenum carbide coated carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A computer model calculates a critical aspect ratio for a discontinuous fiber composite having fibers dispersed in a matrix. The critical aspect ratio is a function of the elastic modulus and the cohesive energy of the fiber and the matrix. The composite incorporates physical features such as fiber shape features or additives in the fiber or matrix which adjust the elastic modulus and/or cohesive energy of the fiber, of the matrix or both to a value different than the corresponding value for unmodified fiber material or matrix material. These adjustments are selected so that the critical aspect ratio for the material including the modifications will be less than the corresponding critical aspect ratio for the material without the modifications. The resulting composite provides enhanced load sharing between fiber and matrix.

Abstract: Antiabrasion curved section made of reinforced curved plastic material and comprising in at least one of a lower portion and an upper portion an antiabrasion material. A plurality of antiabrasion sections are produced inside a profiled mold having a plurality of grooves in which is arranged the antiabrasion material of the lower faces. Reinforced filaments impregnated with a stabilizable resin are supplied to the mold and, finally, the antiabrasion material of the upper faces is applied. The mold is wound on a mandrel and the plastic material is stabilized before removing the mold sections which form a unitary assembly dividable particularly during the stranding of arm rings.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product having irregularly shaped glass fibers is provided. The loose-fill insulation product shows improved recovery, lower thermal conductivity and requires lower product densities than prior art loose-fill insulation at equivalent fiber diameters.

Abstract: Melt-adhesive composite fibers; non-woven fabrics from the composite fibers fused at intersectional points of the fibers; and surface materials for medical supplies such as sanitary napkins and paper diapers are disclosed. The composite fibers have a polypropylene as the first component and a polymer mainly composed of a polyethylene as the second component which is continuously present on at least a part of the fiber surface in the lengthwise direction of the fiber; have three-dimensional crimps of 4 to 16/inch; have a filamentary denier of 1.0 to 2.0, and have an apparent cut length of 20 to 40 mm. The composite fibers can be produced by extruding a polypropylene and a polymer mainly comprising a polyethylene through a spinneret for composite spinning to form unstretched composite filaments having such structure as mentioned above, stretching the unstretched composite filaments at a temperature of higher than 90.degree. C., but lower than 130.degree. C. at a stretching ratio of 0.60 to 0.

Abstract: A fiber of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having a specific degree of crosslinking which is obtained by acetal decomposition regeneration reaction with a specific crosslinking agent. Because of its effective degree of crosslinking, this fiber has a greatly improved resistance to steam ironing and finds use for garments and living material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable conjugate fiber containing at least two incompatible polymers that are arranged in distinct segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber. The fiber can be characterized in that the segments of the fiber dissociate in less than about 30 seconds when contacted with a hot aqueous fibrillation-inducing medium. The invention also provides a fabric containing the split fibers produced from the precursor splittable conjugate fiber and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers.

Abstract: A vinyl chloride resin composition providing a rubbery elastic material small in temperature dependence of hardness which is composed mainly of 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin comprising 8-90% by weight of a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble gel fraction and the remainder of a tetrahydrofuran-soluble fraction, 10-200 parts by weight of a copolyester resin and 25-200 parts by weight of a plasticizer, and tubes and curl cords obtained using the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass threads coated with a sizing composition comprising (A) at least one alkane polyglycidyl ether, (B) at least one coupling agent and (C) at least one adhesive film-forming agent. These threads are especially suitable for reinforcing thermoplastic polyesters, such as polybutylene terephthalate or polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A woody group material and cement are combined to form a construction material. The material has an aggregate of finely split pieces formed by splitting wood, bamboo or the like in a fiber direction. The split pieces are formed in one or more layers and are surrounded by, and buried in, a mortar. A construction material can be provided which is fire resistant and has a strength comparable to a lumbered product such as wood material obtained by cutting raw wood. The finely split pieces of wood, bamboo or the like are very strong and tough because they closely adhere to the mortar. Moreover, it is possible to use a fiber structure of raw material. Since the finely split pieces can use a small diameter wood, lumbering byproducts, and other waste material, it is possible to achieve effective use of forest resources and low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A water-expandable, sealant article of manufacture comprising a water swellable smectite clay dispersed in an organic liquid consisting of C2-C6 aliphatic polyhydric alcohols and a binder comprising a copolymer of acrylic ester of lower alkyl alcohols. The composition is used for the manufacture by extrusion of highly flexible and elastic strip-shaped or sheet-shaped products for waterproofing works in the field of building.

Abstract: Bicomponent polyester fibers that have "spiral crimp" on account of a difference in chain-branched content of the polyester polymers of the components. Such bicomponent fibers are preferably hollow and may be slickened, such as for use as filling material for pillows or other filled articles.

Abstract: Composite materials formed from bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and structural fibers are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a braid or mesh of interwoven bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and structural fibers is impregnated with a polymeric material to provide a composite of suitable biocompatibility and structural integrity. Most preferably, the mesh or braid is designed so that the bioactive fibers are concentrated at the surface of the implant to create a surface comprised of at least 30% bioactive material, thereby providing enhanced bone ingrowth. The interweaving between the bone bioactive glass or ceramic fibers and the core of structural fibers overcomes the problems found in prior composite systems where the bioactive material delaminates from the polymer. Preferred bioactive materials include calcium phosphate ceramics and preferred structural fibers include carbon fibers. Further preferred bioactive materials include aluminum oxide at greater than 0.2%, by mole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric made of fine denier filaments of superior bulkiness, heat insulation property and tensile strength, and a production method thereof. This nonwoven fabric is made of fine denier filaments produced by first preparing. First a thermoplastic polymer component "A", then another thermoplastic polymer component "B" which is insoluble in the component "A" and of which the melting point is higher than that of the component "A" by 30.degree. to 180.degree. C. Adopting a bicomponent melt spinning method employing the component "A" and the component "B", the bicomponent conjugate filaments, on which surface at least component "A" is exposed, are obtained. By accumulating these bicomponent conjugate filaments, a web is formed. Then heat is applied to the predetermined areas on the web throughout its entire thickness, whereby only the component A is softened or molten, and the bicomponent conjugate filaments are heat bonded to one another, thus a fleece is obtained.

Abstract: A method of producing a packing product includes the steps of feeding at least one sheet of material in a first direction; cutting the at least one sheet of material into a plurality of strips; the cutting being performed by rotating two sets of alternating, overlapping cutting discs; the feeding of the at least one sheet of material being between the two sets of cutting discs; advancing each of the strips by the rotating of at least an outer surface of a corresponding one of the cutting discs as the outer surface moves in the first direction; restricting each strip from continued advancing in the first direction; and sequentially folding each of the strip means by the restricting in opposition to the advancing. There is included apparatus and means for producing the packing product.

Abstract: A novel flexible biregional carbonaceous fiber is disclosed comprising an inner core region of a thermoplastic polymeric material and an outer region of a carbonaceous sheath. The flexible biregional carbonaceous fibers are particularly characterized by having a ratio of the radius of the core region with respect to the total radius of the fiber (r:R) of from about 1:4 to about 1:1.05, a density of from about 1.45 to about 1.87 g/cm.sup.3, and a bending strain value of from greater than 0.01 to less than 50%. In a further embodiment of the invention, a biregional precursor fiber is disclosed having an inner core region of a thermoplastic polymeric material and an outer sheath region of a oxidation stabilized, thermoset polymeric material. The oxidation stabilized precursor fiber is characterized by having a density of from about 1.20 to about 1.32 g/cm.sup.3 The invention further resides in methods of making the biregional fibers.

Abstract: Bicomponent moulded article made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which, in the manner of the side-by-side type, is composed of two PTFE components which shrink under the effect of heat and differ in their hot-air shrinkage by at least 1%. A preferred embodiment is in the form of a fibre which can be crimped under heat treatment. (FIG.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric comprising thermally fusible composite fibers with shortened heat-sealing time and improved heat-sealing strength is provided.The non-woven fabric is produced using side-by-side type or sheath-and-core type thermally fusible composite fibers comprising a first component consisting of polyethylene and a second component consisting of polyester, said polyethylene Occupying continuously at least a portion of the surface of the fiber in the length direction, wherein said polyethylene is a copolymer having 1.6/1,000 C or more methyl branches in its molecular chains, a density from 0.940 to 0.965 g/cm.sup.3, and a Q value (weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn) of 4.8 or less.

Abstract: Described is a hybrid yarn consisting of at least two varieties of filaments, at least one variety (A) having a lower heat shrinkage and at least one variety (B) a higher heat shrinkage than the rest of the filaments of the hybrid yarn, whereinthe first variety (A) of filaments has a dry heat shrinkage maximum of below 7.5%,the second variety (B) of filaments has a dry heat shrinkage maximum of above 10%, andits dry heat shrinkage tension maximum is so large that the total shrinkage force of the proportion of the second variety of filaments is sufficient to force the lower-shrinking filaments present to undergo crimping,the optionally present, further filament varieties (C) have dry heat shrinkage maxima within the range from 2 to 200%and at least one of the filament varieties (B) and/or (C) is a thermoplastic filament whose melting point is at least 10.degree. C., preferably 20.degree. to 100.degree. C., in particular 30.degree. to 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which may be poured or blown by a consumer. The insulation is comprised of irregularly-shaped glass fibers which are comprised of two distinct glass compositions. The loose-fill insulation product may be densely packaged in a small container for consumer use, and shows improved recovery, good thermal efficiency, and low dust upon blowing or pouring.

Abstract: A fiber filler for filling voids between mated fiber plies, for example, as occurs in the preparation of a preform assembly for forming a T-shaped structural member, is disclosed. The fiber filler comprises a plurality of unidirectional fibers, shaped to conform to the shape of the void and a stabilizer intermingled with the unidirectional fibers. The stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to hold the fibers together in the shape of the void, but below an amount which would inhibit resin flow during subsequent injection, so that the fiber filler is fully integrated into the final part.

Abstract: Two-component loop yarns are composed of core and effect filaments, at least part of the core component consisting of aromatic polyamides, wherein the aromatic polyamides contain the structural repeat units of the formulae I and II--OC--Ar.sup.1 --CO--NH--Ar.sup.2 --NH-- (I)--OC--Ar.sup.1 --CO--NH--Ar.sup.3 --NH-- (II),where Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2 and Ar.sup.3 are each independently of the others a bivalent mono- or polycyclic aromatic radical whose free valences are disposed para or meta or comparably parallel, coaxial or angled to each other, and Ar.sup.2 and Ar.sup.3 each have different individual meanings within the scope of the given definitions, and the respective monomer components underlying the polymer are selected so as to produce an aromatic polyamide which forms preferably isotropic solutions in organic solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a short carbon fiber bundling mass comprising not less than 90% by weight of short carbon fibers and carbonized materials derived from a resin as a sizing agent, and having not more than 0.5% of a weight loss of said short carbon fiber bundling mass when left in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing multicomponent fibers provides a dispersion of a particulate additive or chemical compound in a nonaqueous liquid carrier, forms a blend of a first thermoplastic polymer and the dispersion by injecting the dispersion into an extruder which is part of a fiber extrusion apparatus and which extruder is extruding the tint thermoplastic polymer thereby forming a blend of the additive in the first thermoplastic polymer, provides a second thermoplastic polymer to the fiber extrusion apparatus; in the fiber extrusion apparatus, arranges the blend and the second thermoplastic polymer in a preselected, mutually separated relative arrangement; directs the arrangement of blend and the second thermoplastic polymer to a spinneret which is a part of the fiber extrusion apparatus while maintaining the preselected, mutually separated relative arrangement; exudes the directed arrangement of the blend and the second molten polymer through the spinneret to form multicomponent fibers; and solidifies the mu

Abstract: A high-strength ultra-fine fiber construction including a high-strength multi-filament yarn including ultra-fine filaments of a fineness of a single filament less than 0.8 denier, a tenacity of 6.5 g/d or more, and the elongation at break of the multi-filament yarn being 15% or more. In order to obtain such a fiber construction, islands-in-sea-type or divisional type conjugate spinning is initially carried out to obtain conjugate multi-filament yarns, which is subjected to weaving to produce a fabric, and a island component removing or dividing treatment is finally done in order to obtain the high-strength ultra-fine fiber in the fiber structure.Ultra-fine fibers of the desired strength together with a particular range of a cover factor provides all the advantages of the ultra-fine fibers. A reduced air permeability, when it is necessary, can be easily obtained. Namely, a desired mechanical property as well as a desired softness are both obtained, while the number of naps and filament breakages are reduced.

Abstract: There are described a multicomponent compound yarn composed of at least three components, wherein a first component comprises from 40 to 70 percent by volume of thermoplastic fibers, a second component comprises from 10 to 30 percent by volume of polyfluorocarbon fibers, and a third component comprises from 10 to 50 percent by volume of fiber made of a polymer whose melting point is at least 20.degree. C. above the melting point of the fibers of the first component, and processes for producing it. The multicomponent compound yarn described is used for producing the sliding layer of plain bearings or of sliding ring seals.

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

Abstract: A composition of matter and a process for the preparation thereof is disclosed for a fibrous composite (e.g., synthetic wood). The fibrous composite contains 50 to 95% by weight carpet and 5 to 50% by weight of a structural adhesive. Structural adhesives effective in this application would include phenol-formaldehyde resins, either of the resole or novalac type, phenol-formaldehyde resins that have at least one other co-monomer present, e.g., bis-phenol A, resorcinol, and other substituted phenols, urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine urea formaldehyde resins, tannin-phenol-formaldehyde resins, diisocyanate resin, epoxy resins, crosslinkable polyvinyl acetate, proteins, e.g., soy flour, blood and polyester resins.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which is formed from a blend of first and second insulating materials having three-dimensional groups of fibers of different sizes and densities. At least one of the insulating materials is comprised of irregularly-shaped glass fibers comprised of two distinct glass compositions. When blended with the fibers of a standard insulation or with other irregularly-shaped fibers of different sizes, the resulting loose-fill insulation product shows improved coverage and thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A composite abrasive filament, including at least one preformed core at least partially coated with a hardened, abrasive-filled thermoplastic elastomer, exhibits increased abrading life over previously known abrasive filaments. Also disclosed are methods of making such filaments and using such filaments in article form to abrade a variety of workpieces.

Abstract: The specification discloses a conjugate carpet face,yarn comprising trilobal or delta cross-section polyolefin filaments and a plurality of generally co-linear smaller polyamide fibrils embedded within the polyolefin filaments. This yarn has the stain resistant properties of polyolefin based yarns and the resiliency of polyamide based yarns.

Abstract: Composite yarns having exceptional cut resistance are made by combining at least two different kinds of fiber, as follows: (a) a high modulus fiber having a modulus greater than about 200 gpd as measured by ASTM Test Method D-3822; and (b) a particle-filled fiber, which is made from a semi-crystalline polymer, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), and hard particles having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3.

Abstract: Two-component loop yarns composed of core and effect filaments are made of synthetic polymers and comprise the following features. At least some of the effect filaments are made of polyester, and at least some of the effect filaments have a breaking extension of from 35 to 70%, preferably from 35 to 60%. Moreover, at least some of the effect filaments have a birefringence of from 100*10.sup.-3 to 150*10.sup.-3, in particular from 125*10.sup.-3 to 140*10.sup.-3, and at least some of the effect filaments have a hot air shrinkage of 200.degree. C. of from 3 to 14%, in particular from 5 to 10%. The effect filaments have a filament linear density of not greater than 1.5 dtex.

Abstract: Disclosure describes ball-like structures formed from bundled, crimped fibers rounded around a central portion thereof as a core, the core being formed with a molten-fused structure and having the following stipulations:(a) a density of the molten-fused structure is not less than 75% based on a density of the crimped fibers forming the ball-like structures.(b) a length of the molten-fused structure is 5 to 50% based on a diameter of the ball-like structures, and(c) a withdrawing strength of a crimped fiber strand connected with the molten-fused structure is not less than 50% based on a linear strength of the crimped fiber strand itself used for the ball-like structures.