Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial leather containing a non-woven fabric composed of ultra micro fibers and impregnated with an polymeric elastomer, wherein a residual shrinkage ratio of the artificial leather at 30% stretching is 10% or less in a machine direction and is 20% or less in a cross-machine direction. The artificial leather has optimal residual shrinkage ratios, and specifically a residual shrinkage ratio in a machine direction of 10% or less and a residual shrinkage ratio in a cross-machine direction of 20% or less, when the artificial leather is stretched by 30%. As a result, the artificial leather which has stretched during the process for shape-formation can easily contract and restore, and thus avoid creasing even when applied to the products having many curved parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset resin fibre components, composite materials including thermoset resin fibre components, composite articles manufactured using such composite materials and methodologies for manufacturing same. The thermoset resin fibre components may include a single fibre of thermoset resin or a plurality of fibres commingled together. The properties and characteristics of the thermoset resin used are chosen according to the material to be produced therefrom. The thermoset fibre components may be woven into reinforcement fibres to form prepregs. Thermoplastic fibres may be commingled and co-woven with the thermoset fibre components.

Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided a polyester ultrafine fiber excellent in durability and having an antistatic property, and a method for producing the same. Further, there are provided an antistatic polyester ultrafine fiber capable of being imparted with various functions such as ultraviolet blocking effect, cation dyeability, flame retardancy, spun-like bulkiness, soft touch and resilience of the surface, reboundability, dryness, naturalness, and spunize appearance, wool-like touch feel, wrinkle recoverability, and water absorbing/quick drying property, by introduction of a third component into the antistatic polyester ultrafine fiber, combination with other fibers, change in cross sectional shape, and the like, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A synthesis method containing core-shell heterostructure nanowires (or lateral heterostructure nanowires) surrounding alloy in shell and longitudinal metal oxide heterostructure nanowires, and a reversible synthesis method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, core-shell heterostructure nanowires and longitudinal metal oxide nanowires comprised of various substances using the simple process can be produced in volume.

Abstract: This invention is polyester fibers with an initial tensile resistivity of 15 to 38 cN/dtex, a elastic recovery rate of 70% or more after 20% elongation, and a self-shrinkage percentage of 0.3% to 1.4% after dry heat treatment at 160° C. The polyester fibers of this invention can be used to obtain a woven or knitted fabric resistant against repeated loads, excellent in surface softness and uniformity, and free from projections/recesses and curling. Since the woven or knitted fabric obtained from the polyester fibers of this invention are highly resistant against repeated loads, it can be suitably used as a car seat loaded with human bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber having starch and a surfactant, and a web employing such a fiber.

Abstract: Fabrication of yarns or other shaped articles from materials in powder form (or nanoparticles or nanofibers) using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheet as a platform (template). This includes methods for fabricating biscrolled yarns using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheets and biscrolled fibers fabricated thereby.

Abstract: Braided or twisted lines made from a) gel spun polyolefin yarns and b) at least one other yarn or monofilament are stretched to increase line tenacity. If desired, stretching conditions can also be chosen to significantly reduce the denier of the line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: To obtain an ultrafine heat-shrinkable conjugate fiber at high productivity, in which a flow-drawing state of a polyester undrawn yarn is realized easily and stably. By drawing undrawn yarn comprising a conjugated polyester polymer and olefin polymer, a flow-drawing process can be easily and stably realized using conventional production facilities; and the heat-shrinkable fiber, a drawn intermediate, and an ultrafine hot-melt adhesive conjugate fiber produced by redrawing the drawn intermediate of the present invention can be obtained with high productivity and excellent runnability. More specifically, the ultrafine hot-melt adhesive conjugate fiber obtained by redrawing can be drawn at a heretofore unseen high drawing magnification, and the fiber structure of the olefin polymer constituting part of the conjugate fiber is markedly developed.

Abstract: A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core, a first layer and a second layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The first layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second layer is disposed on at least a portion of the first layer and contains a second polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete curing blanket that includes an absorbent layer and an impervious layer on the absorbent layer, wherein the impervious layer includes a first mixture of unprocessed raw starch, a polymeric vinyl alcohol and a nucleating agent, and a second mixture of glycerol and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer conductive fiber having a core/shell structure, wherein the core contains nanotubes, in particular carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to a method for producing said fiber by coextrusion and to the uses thereof The invention finally relates to a composite material including the aforementioned multilayer composite fibers bonded together by weaving or using a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method for producing one or more nanofibers includes providing (a) a solution comprising a polymer and a solvent, (b) a nozzle for ejecting the solution, and (c) a stationary collector disposed a distance d apart from the nozzle. A voltage is applied between the nozzle and the stationary collector, and a jet of the solution is ejected from the nozzle toward the stationary collector. An electric field intensity of between about 0.5 and about 2.0 kV/cm is maintained, where the electric field intensity is defined as a ratio of the voltage to the distance d. At least a portion of the solvent from the stream is evaporated, and one or more polymer nanofibers are deposited on the stationary collector as the stream impinges thereupon. Each polymer nanofiber has an average diameter of about 500 nm or less and may serve as a precursor for carbon fiber production.

Abstract: Sealing devices are presented. The sealing device includes a first material and a second material. The first material responds to energy inputs differently than the second material. The first and second material are operatively connected and configured to be inserted into an orifice.

Abstract: A rod for supporting components in a fuselage cell structure, in particular produced with fibre-reinforced composite materials, of an aircraft, in particular for supporting at least one floor frame on at least one annular former and/or at least one further component of the fuselage cell structure. In accordance with the invention the rod is formed, at least in portions, with a metal foam, in particular for the absorption of crash loads. The metal foam can transform, irrespective of its inherent weight, the high mechanical loads produced in the event of an accident into work of plastic deformation at the microcavities within the metal foam. A first variant of the rod is almost completely formed by a metal foam, whereas a second embodiment comprises merely a core made of the metal foam with a relatively small diameter, which core is surrounded coaxially by a support casing and an outer sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.

Abstract: A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a first portion of a first semi-crystalline polymeric material, and a second portion of a second semi-crystalline polymeric material, and where the second semi-crystalline polymeric material has a crystallization temperature that is greater than a crystallization temperature of the first semi-crystalline polymeric material.

Abstract: A porous hollow fiber membrane which has high blocking performance and high water permeability suitable for filtration and the like and exhibits excellent strength, and a process for stably producing the porous hollow fiber membrane are disclosed. The process utilizes a hollow fiber molding nozzle having two or more circular discharge ports which are disposed concentrically. Multilayer melt-extrusion is performed by discharging molten mixtures which include a thermoplastic resin and an organic liquid and differ in composition from the adjacent discharge ports. The resulting product is cooled to solidify to obtain a hollow fiber. The organic liquid is then removed from the hollow fiber by extraction to produce a porous hollow fiber membrane. The molten mixture discharged from at least one circular discharge port includes an inorganic fine powder in addition to the thermoplastic resin and the organic liquid. The inorganic fine powder is removed by extraction after cooling in addition to the organic liquid.

Abstract: Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A preform for forming a hollow-core, slotted photonic band-gap (PBG) optical fiber for use in an environmental sensor, and methods of forming such a fiber using the preform are disclosed. The preform comprises a slotted cladding tube that surrounds a slotted, hollow-core PBG cane. The slots in the cladding tube and PBG cane are longitudinally formed and substantially aligned with each other. When the preform is drawn, the slots merge to form an elongated side opening or slot in the resulting hollow-core PBG fiber.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection consisting essentially of from (a) 50 to 80 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, (b) 10 to 30 weight percent flame-retardant rayon fiber, (c) 10 to 20 weight percent modacrylic fiber, (d) 0 to 5 weight percent para-aramid fiber, and (e) 0 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). In one embodiment, garments made from the yarn provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating.

Abstract: A continuous composite fiberglass sucker rod for connection between a pump and a pump drive has a rectangular cross section. End fittings having a rod receiving cavity are connected to the rod ends using a curable adhesive. The rod fitting is maintained in a vertical position with the cavity facing upwardly. The rod end portion is positioned in the cavity with the end at the bottom of the cavity. Curable adhesive is introduced into the cavity. A centralizer bushing is used to maintain alignment of the rod relative to the cavity. A portable heating device receives the fitting and rod end portion and enhances the curing process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high surface area fiber and textiles made from the same. In one preferred embodiment the fiber has a middle region with a plurality of projections that define a plurality of channels, which increases the surface area of the fiber. In one preferred embodiment, the fiber has a specific surface area of about 140,000 cm2/g or higher and a denier of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The fiber of the present invention is made using a bicomponent extrusion process using a thermoplastic polymer and a dissolvable sheath.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for forming a fabric by spraying onto a supporting surface, the composition comprising fibers, a binder and a diluent. Further aspects of the invention include the fabric formed by spraying the composition and an article comprising the fabric, an apparatus and a method for spraying the composition.

Abstract: Fabricated articles are disclosed which comprise a polypropylene impact copolymer. The propylene impact copolymer composition comprises from 60 to 90 percent by weight of the impact copolymer composition of a matrix phase, which can be a homopolymer polypropylene or random polypropylene copolymer having from 0.1 to 7 mol percent of units derived from ethylene or C4-C10 alpha olefins. The propylene impact copolymer composition also comprises from 10 to 40 percent by weight of the impact copolymer composition of a dispersed phase, which comprises a propylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having from 6 to 40 mol percent of units derived from ethylene or C4-C10 alpha olefins, wherein the dispersed phase has a comonomer content which is greater than the comonomer content in the matrix phase. The propylene impact copolymer composition is further characterized by having the ratio of the matrix MFR to the dispersed phase MFR being 1.2 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A carbon/nanoparticle nanofiber includes a carbon base structure and a plurality of nanoparticles that include a lithium alloy or a lithium alloy precursor. One or more nanofibers may be formed into a nonwoven fabric. The fabric may be utilized as an electrode, such as for example in a battery. The carbon/nanoparticle composite nanofiber may be fabricated by forming a polymer/nanoparticle nanofiber, such as for example by a spinning technique, and carbonizing the polymer/nanoparticle nanofiber.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: A fine denier poly(trimethylene arylate) spun drawn fiber is characterized by high denier uniformity. A process for preparing uniform fine denier yarns at spinning speeds of 4000 to 6000 m/min is further disclosed. The poly(trimethylene arylate) fiber hereof comprises 0.1 to 3% by weight of polystyrene dispersed therewithin. Fabrics prepared therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tire comprising a crown surmounted by a tread, a crown reinforcement, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement passing into the two sidewalls and anchored by means for anchoring in the two beads, said anchoring means comprising, in at least one bead, a circumferential alignment of at least one anchoring reinforcing member oriented circumferentially and cooperating with a rubber composition referred to as ‘anchoring rubber’; this tire is characterized in that this anchoring reinforcing member is a metal cable having two layers of construction M+N comprising an inner layer C1 of M wires of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer C2 of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, this anchoring cable furthermore having the following characteristics (d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): 2?M?4 M+3?N?M+7 0.25<d1<0.40; 0.25<d2<0.40; 3.5<p1<7<p2<14.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a touch sensor made from fibers with conductive and non-conductive regions. The fibers are woven into a fabric and connected to control electronics. The fibers are grouped and the ends of the fibers in a group are connected together prior to connection to the control electronics in order to reduce the number of connections required between the sensor fabric and control electronics. The control electronics drive signals to the sensor fabric and measure signals from the sensor fabric to determine touch locations and touch contact areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset resin fiber components, composite materials including thermoset resin fiber components, composite articles manufactured using such composite materials and methodologies for manufacturing same. The thermoset resin fiber components may include a single fiber of thermoset resin or a plurality of fibers commingled together. The properties and characteristics of the thermoset resin used are chosen according to the material to be produced therefrom. The thermoset fiber components may be woven into reinforcement fibers to form prepregs. Thermoplastic fibers may be commingled and co-woven with the thermoset fiber components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite fiber containing a thermoplastic polymeric matrix comprising a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) in which multi-walled nanotubes, especially carbon nanotubes, are dispersed. It also relates to a process for manufacturing this composite fiber and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for welding wires (2) is provided, wherein at least two wires (2) are welded to each other by way of a laser source, wherein at least one wire (2) to be welded is subjected to an annealing process using a hot gas flow prior to the welding process, and/or at least the resulting welded joint is subjected to an annealing process using a hot gas flow during the welding process, and/or the resulting welded joint is subjected to an annealing process using a hot gas flow following the welding process.

Abstract: A method of making a roll of adhesive tape that comprises providing a length of tape having a leading end, a trailing end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and providing a tab having first and second opposite ends having a length between them, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the tab is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of tape along a tape path, positioning the leading tape end about a central tape roll axis, and circumferentially winding the length of tape about the axis until a penultimate tape layer having a circumference is wound.

Abstract: A thermal bonding conjugate fiber constituted from a first component comprising a polyester resin and a second component comprising a polyolefin resin with a melting point lower than that of the polyester resin by not less than 20° C., characterized in that a post-heat treatment bulk retention rate thereof is 20% or more when calculated by the following measurement method: Bulk retention rate=(H1 (mm)/H0 (mm))×100(%) (wherein H0 is the web height when a 0.1 g/cm2 load is applied to a web with a mass per unit area of 200 g/m2; and H1 is the web height after a heat treatment for 5 min at 145° C. when a 0.1 g/cm2 load is applied to that web).

Abstract: A polyester monofilament comprising a high-viscosity polyester as a core component and a low-viscosity polyester as a sheath component is provided, the polyesters having been combined together in a core-sheath arrangement. The polyester monofilament has a fineness of 3.0-13.0 dtex, a breaking strength of 6.0-9.3 cN/dtex, a strength at 10% elongation of 5.0-9.0 cN/dtex, a difference in wet heat stress in the filament-length direction of 3.0 cN or less, and a residual torque value of at most 4 turns per m. Provided is a process for producing a polyester monofilament by a direct spinning/drawing method in which two ingredients, i.e., a high-viscosity polyester as a core component and a low-viscosity polyester as a sheath component, are melt-extruded from a spinnert while being combined together in a core-sheath arrangement, and cooled and solidified, and the resultant extrudate filament is continuously drawn and wound up.

Abstract: A crease resistant scrim reinforced coated fabric and associated high density polyethylene (HDPE) tapes that can be used in areas where esthetics are important such as rental tents where the material is constantly folded and installed. The scrim has woven HDPE tapes made from a resin to soften the tape, and a coating comprising a UV masterbatch to resist UV radiation, a Flame resistant (FR) masterbatch to resist fire. The resin with a relatively low flexural modulus and a relatively high Vicat softening point would reduces the scrim's crystallinity and avoids tape shrinkage during coating without overly weakening the tape.

Abstract: An elastic multiple component fiber comprising a cross-section, wherein at least a first region of said cross-section comprises a polyurethaneurea composition; and comprising a second region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include one or more high-density textile fibers with a density from about 1 to about 11 g/mL. Some embodiments may include fabrics and/or garments made from such fibers. Embodiments comprising garments can include, for instance, exercise aids for providing extra mass to the wearer. Other embodiments can comprise, without limitation, building materials, safety equipment, armor, body armor, protective apparel, marine repair materials, marine protective devices, boat hulls, vehicle chassis, or blast-resistant materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of producing nanowires comprising a PbSe core and a PbS shell, and methods of producing nanowires comprising a PbSe core and a PbTe shell. The method for producing the PbSe core/PbS shell nanowires comprise the steps of providing a core/shell growth solution comprising PbSe nanowires, heating the core/shell growth solution to a temperature sufficient to produce a PbS shell over the PbSe nanowires, adding a Pb precursor solution to the core/shell growth solution, and adding an S precursor solution to the core/shell growth solution after the addition of the Pb precursor to produce nanowires comprising a PbSe core and a PbS shell.

Abstract: An improved process for solution spinning of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) filaments, wherein the 10 wt % solution of the UHMW PE in mineral oil at 250° C. has a Cogswell extensional viscosity and a shear viscosity within select ranges.

Abstract: A multi-component article with controllable degradation and/or disintegration, comprising: a first part (A) which comprises at least one polyolefin combined with at least one prodegradation/prodisintegration agent; and; a second part (B) which comprises at least one polyolefin combined with at least one prodegradation/prodisintegration agent, provided that said first and said second parts differ at least by either one of type of polyolefin, type of prodegradation/prodisintegration agent and level of prodegradation/prodisintegration agent, the types of polyolefin and of prodegradation/prodisintegration agent and the levels of prodegradation/prodisintegration agent being selected so as said part (B) degrades more slowly than said part (A), and said part (B) at least partially covers said part (A).

Abstract: The present invention provides threads of hyaluronic acid, and/or derivatives thereof, methods of making thereof and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., dermal fillers), surgery (sutures), drug delivery, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing man-made devices which have the properties and functions of biological membranes and membrane proteins, and to the structure of such devices. Briefly, in one aspect of the invention, natural or genetically engineered proteins are incorporated into a polymeric vesicle that is conjugated to a thread to form a vesicle-thread conjugate. The engineered protein is preferably a transmembrane protein embedded in the wall of the polymeric vesicle. The vesicle-thread conjugate is then formed into a membrane or thin fabric having a wide variety of inherent functionality, including the ability to selectively transport and/or filter compounds between fluids. By selecting proteins with specific properties, membranes can be fabricated with a defined functionality including molecular scale addressability via directed electrostatic, electromagnetic, and chemical forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.