Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an optical fiber probe in which an optical fiber is formed as an optical fiber probe by etching a tip section and sharpening a core region of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is a polarization maintaining optical fiber including the core region, a stress-applying region, and a clad region. The optical fiber probe is formed by mechanical-grinding of the edge of the optical fiber into a sharpened shape so that the core region is located at the tip of a sharpened portion, and by dipping the formed edge of the optical fiber in an etchant for further sharpening the core region. Accordingly, a new optical fiber probe both with high transmission efficiency and with a large polarization degree is obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cable (ACCC) and method of manufacture. An ACCC cable (300) has a composite core and at least one layer of aluminum conductor (306). The composite core (303) comprises a plurality of fibers from at least one fiber type in one or more matrix materials. According to the invention, unique processing techniques such a B-Staging and/or film-coating techniques can be used to increase production rates from a few feet per minute to sixty or more feet per minute.

Abstract: A cane having optical properties includes: a core formed of a semiconductor material; and a transparent cladding formed of glass, glass-ceramic, or polymer coaxially oriented about the core, the cane may be used to produce a photovoltaic device, including: a semiconductor core including at least one p-n junction, defined by respective n-type and p-type regions; a substantially transparent cladding in coaxial relationship with the semiconductor core, forming a longitudinally oriented cane; and first and second electrodes, each being electrically coupled to a respective one of the n-type and p-type regions.

Abstract: A method for imparting resistance to staining to a substrate comprising contacting the substrate with a copolymer comprising the monomers of Formula wherein D is at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of aryl olefin, alpha olefin and diene, each M is independently H, Ca, Mg, Al, Na, or K, each R1 is independently H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, each R2 is independently linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, C6F5, arylalkyl, C6H4OH, R3COOH, or R3SO3H, or R1 and R2 are linked together to form a morpholino or pyrrolidino ring, R3 is linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, CH(COOH)CH2CH2, C6H4, or C6H3(OH), h1+h2 is h, h is a positive integer, k is zero or a positive integer, i and j are each independently zero or a positive integer, provided that the total of 1) h÷(k+h+i+j) is from about 0.005 to about 0.7, 2) k÷(k+h+i+j) is from about 0.3 to about 0.6, 3) [i+j]÷(k+h+i+j) is 0 to about 0.6, and provided that the sum of 1)+2)+3) is 1.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are image forming apparatuses, fuser members, and methods of making fuser members. The fuser member can include a substrate and an electrospun layer disposed over the substrate, the electrospun layer including a structure selected from a group consisting of a fiber-on-fiber structure, a bead-on-fiber structure, and a pop-corn structure, wherein the fuser member includes a top surface that is both hydrophobic and oleophobic.

Abstract: A mine support includes an elongate metal member and a coating comprising post-consumer recycled thermoplastic disposed on the member. The thermoplastic may include post-consumer recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate), and the coating may be an injection molded coating. A first layer of the coating may be provided with a thickness at least about 0.1 mm and a crystallinity between about 16% and about 30%, and a second layer of the coating may be provided with a thickness at least about 0.1 mm and a crystallinity between about 6% and about 14%. Either the first layer or second layer may contact the elongate metal member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 for sewing together reinforcing fibers, in particular to form a fiber preform, for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite component by means of impregnation with a curable polymer material. According to the invention, the fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 has an interface 4, 9, 15, 19 for locally increasing the ductility of a matrix formed by the curable polymer material and has at least one core thread 2, 6, 11, 12, 17, so as in particular to reduce the tendency for microcracks to form in the matrix of the finished composite component in the regions where the fixing threads 1, 5, 10, 16 penetrate. The interface 4 may be formed, for example, by an enclosure of the core thread 1 by a thermoplastic polymer material, for example by polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.

Abstract: A fiber size composition contains a modified polyolefin, a hydrophilic coupling agent, a boron-containing, fluorine-containing compound, a blend of at least two fatty acids and a compound selected from phosphorus(V) compounds and sulfur(VI) compounds, the fiber size composition being substantially free of conventional lower oxidation state antioxidants and optical brighteners. Composite materials produced from reinforcing fiber materials sized with a fiber size composition according to the invention exhibit improved properties such as, for example, increased strength and/or improved color stability.

Abstract: A dry adhesive and a method of forming a dry adhesive. The method includes forming an opening through an etch layer and to a barrier layer, expanding the opening in the etch layer at the barrier layer, filling the opening with a material, removing the barrier layer from the material in the opening, and removing the etch layer from the material in the opening.

Abstract: An encapsulated nanostructure fabricated using layers of polymer material and further processed for use in a micro-scale target device is presented. The fabrication includes the formation on a substrate of an array of encapsulated nanostructures. The encapsulated nanostructures each include a nanostructure and a micro-scale, multi-block structure that encapsulates the nanostructure. Each encapsulated nanostructure can be made usable by a target device by removing, e.g., by etching, one of the layers to expose a portion of the nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying Lotus Effect materials as a (superhydrophobicity) protective coating for external electrical insulation system applications, as well as the method of fabricating/preparing Lotus Effect coatings. Selected inorganic or polymeric materials are applied on the insulating material surface, and stable superhydrophobic coatings can be fabricated. Various UV stabilizers and UV absorbers can be incorporated into the coating system to enhance the coating's UV stability.

Abstract: A composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite having bonded thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a coating composition thereon configured to prevent release of internal gaseous refrigerant therethrough at ambient temperatures and pressure and capable of penetration of gaseous refrigerant therethrough from the composite interior at temperatures causing internal gas pressures of 15% or more above exterior pressure for such refrigerant release.

Abstract: A photocurable composition comprising cationically curable compound, an acrylate-containing compound; a hydroxyl-containing compound; a cationic photoinitiator; and a free radical photoinitiator; wherein said composition has less than 0.54 equivalents of cationically curable groups, less than 0.10 equivalents of acrylate groups and less than 0.10 equivalents of hydroxyl 0groups per 100 grams of said composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous size compositions for reinforcing fibers containing very little or no polymer film formers, but comprising one or more coupling agents, one or more lubricants and optionally one or more other functional ingredients that do not include a resin polymer film former. Also disclosed are reinforcing fiber strands having such a sizing thereon, molding compounds containing these reinforcing fiber strands and methods of making the molding compounds and reinforced polymer composite products.

Abstract: A process for finishing fibers and textiles with an antimicrobially active component comprising at least one silver component desensitized by an additional component, such as pinacryptol yellow, provides durable protection of textiles against bacterial attack and discolorations of the textiles.

Abstract: To provide a non-crosslinked flame-retardant resin composition possessing sufficient flame retardancy, mechanical properties, flexibility and workability, and also delivering excellent heat resistance over a long period of time as it is hard to be molten when used under high temperature environment and its material is not deteriorated even if used in contact with a vinyl chloride resin material and the like, and an insulated wire and a wiring harness using the same. The composition includes (A) a non-crosslinked base resin which contains a propylene resin containing 50 wt % or more of propylene monomer and a thermoplastic resin of which a melting point is 180° C. or more, (B) a metallic hydrate, (C) a hindered phenolic antioxidant, (D) a sulfurous antioxidant, and (E) a metallic oxide. Polymethylpentene, an imidazole compound and an oxide of zinc are preferably utilized as the thermoplastic resin, the ingredients (D) and (E), respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to terpene derivative compounds and rosins and sizing compositions comprising such compounds. Compounds of Formula (I) are disclosed in addition to rosins and sizing compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I). Fiber glass strands comprising a plurality of glass fibers at least partially coated with sizing compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The abrasion resistance of organic fiber based ropes and cords is increased by a outer woven cover of tapes of high molecular weight and more preferably ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated optical fibers comprising soft primary coatings and to such primary coatings for protecting glass optical fibers having a sufficient high resistance against cavitation. In particular, the primary coatings have a cavitation strength at which a tenth cavitation appears (?10cav) of at least about 1.0 MPa as measured at a deformation rate of 0.20% min?1 and of at least about 1.4 times their storage modulus at 23° C. The coating preferably shows strain hardening in a relative Mooney plot, preferably has a strain energy release rate Go of about 20 J/m2 or more, and preferably has a low volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The invention furthermore provides a method and apparatus for measuring the cavitation strength of a primary coating.

Abstract: Provided is an aqueous binder for inorganic fibers, which is formaldehyde-free, has excellent strength, and is suitable for use under conditions of weakly acidic to weakly basic, and by which a cured product composed of the binder having excellent strength is obtained, and an thermal and/or acoustical insulation material made of inorganic fiber using the same. The thermal and/or acoustical insulation material is molded by using an aqueous hinder for inorganic fibers including: an acrylic resin with an acid value of 350 to 850 mgKOH/g; a crosslinking agent containing at least one dialkanolamine; and a curing accelerator, in which a molar ratio of the total number of the hydroxyl groups and imino groups in the crosslinking agent to the total number of carboxyl groups in the acrylic resin is 0.8:1 to 1.5:1, and in which pH of the hinder is adjusted to 6.0 to 8.0 with a volatile basic compound.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manufacture of a single silk mono-filament. The single silk mono filament has a tensile strength of above 40 Newtons. The single silk mono-filament has applications as a musical string or a medical device.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises a blend of a propylene based polymer and an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated, absorbent, freestanding assemblies comprising inorganic nanowires, articles of manufacture comprising the same, processes of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The assemblies of this invention are useful in various applications, including removal of organics or hydrophobic materials, and waterproofing applications.

Abstract: A polymer extender composition comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 5% to about 90% of a monomer of the formula I: R1—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(I) (b) from about 5% to about 85% of vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or a mixture thereof, (c) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula II: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) (d) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula III HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(III) and (e) from about 1% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(IV) (f) from 0% to about 25% of methyl methacrylate, vinylbenzyl chloride, styrene or a mixture thereof, wherein each R is independently H or CH3; R1 is a linear or branched or cyclic alkyl chain having from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms, and m is 2 to about 10.

Abstract: A medical device such as a wire guide has a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating adhered to an etched, carbonaceous polymeric surface, for example a sodium-etched polymer surface. A method for preparing a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on a medical device includes etching a polymeric portion of the device to create a carbonaceous surface and applying a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on the etched surface.

Abstract: An inexpensive fiber that has heat retaining properties, satisfactory weather resistance and heat absorption efficiency, and includes a heat absorbing material having excellent transparency; and a fiber article that uses the fiber. A particle dispersion of Cs0.33WO3 is obtained by mixing Cs0.33WO3 microparticles, toluene, and a microparticle dispersing agent to create a liquid dispersion, and then removing the toluene. The particle dispersion is added to and uniformly mixed with pellets of polyethylene terephthalate resin, after which the mixture is extruded, the strands thus obtained are formed into pellets, and a master batch including Cs0.33WO3 microparticles is obtained. This master batch is mixed with a master batch to which inorganic microparticles have not been added, and the mixture thus obtained is melt spun and stretched to manufacture a polyester multifilament yarn. The polyester multifilament yarn is cut, polyester staple fibers are created, and a spun yarn is manufactured.

Abstract: A flexible, low-bulk pre-impregnated (pre-preg) towpreg, which is the resultant impregnation of a low pressure impregnation of a bundle of un-spread fiber tows arranged in a predetermined cross-sectional shape. During the low pressure impregnation process, the resin does not enter into the fiber bundle, but rather only coats the surface fibers comprising the tow, resulting in un-coated fibers in the core of the prepreg and with molten resin, partially adhering onto and around the exterior fibers of the fiber bundle such that the interior fibers remain uncoated and a thin, irregular sheath of resin is created on and around the exterior of the fiber bundle surrounding the core of dry fibers.

Abstract: A reinforcing cord of the present invention is a reinforcing cord for rubber reinforcement. The reinforcing cord includes a carbon fiber strand (11) and a plurality of glass fiber strands (12) arranged around the carbon fiber strand (11). The present invention makes it possible to obtain a reinforcing cord having sufficient tensile strength for reinforcing rubber products as well as high dimensional stability and bending fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A composition which provides stain resistance and soil resistance to substrates comprising a copolymer of Formula 1 wherein D is at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of aryl olefin, vinyl ether, allyl ether, alpha olefin and diene; each M is independently H, NH4, Ca, Mg, Al, or a Group I metal; R is H, a C1-C16 alkyl group, or an arylalkyl group; Rf is a fully fluorinated straight or branched C2 to C20 aliphatic radical, or mixture thereof, which is optionally interrupted by at least one oxygen atom; x is 1 to about 10, or a mixture thereof; k and h are each independently a positive integer; i and j are each independently zero or a positive integer, provided that i and j are not both simultaneously zero; the molar ratio of k to (h+i+j) is from about 3:1 to about 1:3, and the molar ratio of h to (i+j) is from about 1:99 to about 22:78 is disclosed.

Abstract: Excellent water- and oil-repellency and soil releasability can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid containing a water- and oil-repellent agent and a stain blocking agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent contains at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifying agent.

Abstract: A sizing composition including one or more primary lubricants, at least one secondary lubricant, and at least one coupling agent is provided. The primary lubricant is a fatty amide lubricant that is the condensation product of a saturated fatty acid having at least 16 carbon atoms and a polyamine. Additionally, the primary lubricant acts both as a lubricant and as a cationic surfactant in the size composition when it is neutralized with a weak acid to assist in dispersing the fibers in a gypsum slurry. The secondary lubricant is polyamide or a polyvinyl amine, and acts as a film forming agent in the fiberizing process to protect the glass fibers from interfilament abrasion. The sizing composition provides improved fiber feeding, fiber flow, and fiber dispersion in a gypsum matrix or slurry. The weight ratio by dry solids of primary to secondary lubricant in the size composition is at least 5:1.

Abstract: An antimicrobial fiber is described including: an inner layer and an outer layer; wherein the inner layer and the outer layer comprise at least one of the following characteristics: (I) the inner layer and the outer layer comprise of different concentrations, or different release rates, of at least one antimicrobial agent; and (II) the inner layer and the outer layer comprise different antimicrobial agents. An alternative antimicrobial fiber includes an antimicrobial agent compounded or combined with a dissolvable substance to promote release or binding of the antimicrobial agent. Related articles are also described.

Abstract: A coating is formed by chemical vapour deposition an electrically heated filament which is passed through an end plate into a deposition chamber and leaves the deposition chamber through a similar end plate. The filament slides through an entrance passage into the deposition chamber. The entrance passage is formed from misaligned portions which press the filament into direct electrical contact with their walls. A tube communicates with a chamber between the ends of the passage and acts as a sealing means to prevent gas escaping from the deposition chamber through the entrance passage. The end plate operates in exactly the same manner. As no mercury or a low-melting point eutectic alloy is used, no contaminants associated therewith are produced and the resultant coated filament is free of such contaminants.

Abstract: A self-healing cable comprising a conductor and a water-swellable composition surrounding said conductor is disclosed. When the cable is damaged and water ingress reaches the water-swellable composition, the water-swellable composition expands and fills in any void, puncture or crack present, thus sealing the damage in the cable. In one embodiment, the water-swellable composition is formed from an admixture of a substantially non-water-swellable polymer and a water-swellable filler. In another embodiment, the water-swellable composition is formed from a water-swellable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to peptide-coated fibers, processes of fabricating said fibers, and articles incorporating said fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a halogen-free flame retardant plastic composition, for coating a substrate, comprising an acrylic resin and an intumescent agent. It is in the form of plastisol, and comprises therefore a plasticizing medium wherein the acrylic resin and the intumescent agent are dispersed, said plastisol being formulated such that, in combination: the viscosity remains not more than 6000 mPa's, measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer at 20 revolutions per minute, its rheological behavior is pseudo-plastic and Newtonian.

Abstract: Disclosed is a melt processible semicrystalline fluoropolymer comprising: (a) about 2 to about 20 weight percent of repeating units arising from hexafluoropropylene; (b) about 0.001 to about 1 weight percent of repeating units arising from a hydrocarbon monomer having a carboxyl group and a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond; and (c) the remaining weight percent of repeating units arising from tetrafluoroethylene. This melt processible semicrystalline fluoropolymer is impermeable to fuels and is useful as a lining for petroleum fuel tubing, as well as chemical resistance coating for, or adhesive between, perfluoropolymer and other polymers, metals and inorganics.

Abstract: Powder coating materials which comprise high-functionality, highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonates based on dialkyl or diaryl carbonates or on phosgene, diphosgene or triphosgene and on aliphatic, aliphatic/aromatic or aromatic diols or polyols.

Abstract: A composite tubing includes: an outer tubing which is prepared by seaming along a lengthwise direction two lateral sides of a lengthwise-extending strip made from a deformable material, the lateral sides being disposed opposite to each other in a transverse direction relative to the lengthwise direction, and being superimposed on each other so as to form a tubular body and a seamed ridge, the tubular body including a force-bearing-side half and a ridge-side half cooperating with each other to define a compressible tubular chamber, the seamed ridge extending from the ridge-side half radially and lengthwise; and a fiber-based rope disposed to extend lengthwise in the compressible tubular chamber, and being of a dimension such that, when the force-bearing-side half is pressed and deformed, the fiber-based rope is shiftable against the ridge-side half so as to vest the tubular body with an increased strength while preserving the padding effect of the force-bearing-side half.

Abstract: Disclosed is a versatile method to produce superhydrophobic surfaces by combining electrospinning and initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). A wide variety of surfaces, including electrospun polyester fibers, may be coated by the inventive method. In one embodiment, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) was electrospun and then coated by iCVD with a thin layer of hydrophobic polymerized perfluoroalkyl ethyl methacrylate (PPFEMA). In certain embodiments said coated surfaces exhibit water contact angles of above 150 degrees, oleophobicities of at least Grade-8 and sliding angles of less than 12 degrees (for a water droplet of about 20 mg).

Abstract: An article comprises a substrate and a functional polymeric phase change material bound to the substrate. In some aspects the functional polymeric phase change material is chemically bound to the substrate and can be accomplished by at least one of covalent bonding or electrovalent bonding. The functional polymeric phase change material can comprise a reactive function selected from the group consisting of an acid anhydride group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alkyl group, an aldehyde group, an amide group, an amino group and their salts, a N-substituted amino group, an aziridine, an aryl group, a carbonyl group, a carboxy group and their salts, an epoxy group, an ester group, an ether group, a glycidyl group, a halo group, a hydride group, a hydroxy group, an isocyanate group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, a silyl or silane group, an urea group, and an urethane group, and wherein the substrate comprises at least one of cellulose, wool, fur, leather, polyester and nylon.

Abstract: A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner. A polymer coating on a capillary tube is converted into gas and removed through an oxidative reaction with oxygen radicals resulting from ozone decomposition, thereby providing tapered polymer coating. The material of the polymer may be polyimide.

Abstract: One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN).

Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods for producing composite materials that are suitably adapted for use in elevated temperature environments generally include the use of oxyarylbisorthodinitrile matrix resins in conjunction with aromatic amines to produce an improved phthalonitrile-based composite. Various features and specifications may be controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve the temperature-rated performance of the disclosed composite materials. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide composite materials that offer improved strength at temperatures in excess of 600° F.

Abstract: The polymer composition comprises a polymer and a liquid compound having poor compatibility with the polymer. When the liquid compound is caused to be held in the polymer in a high concentration, a block copolymer having in the molecule a copolymerized polymer block unit having high compatibility with both of the matrix polymer and the liquid compound is incorporated and dispersed. As a result, the block copolymer serves like a surfactant to form an interface and the liquid compound is enclosed inside the interface to thereby form a liquid-in-solid polymer type emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clad glass composition that is excellent in devitrification resistance and that prevents the whole mother glass rod from devitrifying by preventing a core glass composition from devitrifying in forming a mother glass rod using a concentric crucible drawing method. The clad glass composition forms a clad of a mother glass rod for a gradient-index rod lens having a core/clad structure. The clad glass composition includes the following components, indicated by mol %: 45 to 65% SiO2; 0.5 to 10% TiO2; 0 to 15% B2O3; 0 to 7% Al2O3; 0.1 to 10% Bi2O3; 0 to 5% Li2O; 5 to 30% Na2O; 0 to 10% K2O; 0 to 15% MgO; 0 to 10% CaO; 0 to 10% SrO; 0.

Abstract: Compositions including a fluorocompound and optional adjuncts afford fire and flame safety by resisting, mitigating or preventing sorption of inflammable liquids such as fuels. Methods of use are presented, and generally include application of a composition to a substrate. Treated substrates are presented, and include fibers, fabrics, and articles such as garments.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of a composite yarn or non-woven strand wherein a core of super absorbent fibers or polymers (SAP's) having a swell factor of approximately 25% and greater are encapsulated by a nonwoven membrane of defined porosity. The membrane is then sealed in a fashion to generally deter or prevent the SAP material from migrating out of the core as water is freely absorbed and desorbed from the composite yarn structure. The strands of yarns or strips of non-woven material are subsequently constructed into an open or unorientated fabric formation. When used as a subterranean fabric, structure or material, the resultant fabric structure retains moisture while permitting normal root growth and allowing excess water to pass through and beneath the fabric while facilitating movement of water from lower levels to the surface.