Abstract: A fiber-reinforced building material in one embodiment incorporates cellulose fibers that are chemically treated with a dispersant to impart improved dispersibility to the fibers. The fibers are treated with a dispersant which deactivates the hydroxyl sites of the fiber surfaces and in some cases, making the fiber surface more hydrophobic. The dispersant inhibits the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose fiber surface from bonding with hydroxyl groups of other fibers and from bonding with hydroxyl groups of the same fiber, thereby significantly reducing inter-fiber and intra-fiber hydrogen bonding. The treated fibers can be readily dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout a mixture without re-clustering or reclumping once the mechanical mixing action stops.

Abstract: A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photocatalytic powder containing titanium dioxide fine particles containing an anionically active substance, where the electrokinetic potential of the fine particle is from about ?100 to 0 mV in an aqueous environment at pH 5. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photocatalytic slurry containing the powder, and a polymer composition, a coating agent, a photocatalytic functional molded article and a photocatalytic functional structure using the powder.

Abstract: An article comprises a solvent cast film comprising a polyetherimide comprising structural units derived from a dianhydride component selected from the group consisting of 3,4?-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 3,3?-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4?-oxydiphthalic anhydride, and combinations thereof, and a diamine component. The polyetherimide has a glass transition temperature that is at least 190° C. The film has a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 60 ppm/° C., a thickness from 0.1 to 250 micrometers, and less than 5% residual solvent by weight. The film has less than 15 molar % of a member selected from the group consisting of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, dianhydrides of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, esters of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A solvent cast film comprises a polyimide comprising structural units derived from polymerization of a dianhydride component comprising a dianhydride selected from the group consisting of 3,4?-oxydiphthalic dianhydride, 3,3?-oxydiphthalic dianhydride, 4,4?-oxydiphthalic dianhydride, and combinations thereof, with a diamine component comprising 4,4?-diaminodiphenylsulfone; wherein the polyimide has a glass transition temperature from 190° C. to 400° C.; and wherein the film has a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 60 ppm/° C., a thickness from 0.1 to 250 micrometers, endless than 5% residual solvent by weight.

Abstract: It comprises an electric conduction pattern member (11) which is flexible and plate-shaped, a gel member (13) having the electric conduction pattern member embedded therein, and flexible substrate sheets (15a, 15b) holding the gel member therebetween, the electric conduction pattern member (11) having the function of allowing the gel member (13) to be deformed and displaced by an external bending force, the stress due to the external bending force being dispersed by the gel member (13).

Abstract: Multilayer manufactured articles comprising at least one layer based on thermoprocessable copolymers of ethylene with chlorotrifluoroethylene and/or tetrafluroethylene and with acrylic monomers, and one layer based on polyamides.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: The brush bristle material of this invention has a synthetic resin material and a metallic material integrated into one or more pieces. The synthetic resin material and the metallic material mentioned above are made of nearly plate bar members and are integrated in the form of a plate or a bar or in any proper form by being mutually combined like a sandwich. The brush bristle material integrated by mutual combination of the component materials is enabled to combine the characteristic properties of the synthetic resin material and the metallic material and acquire proper hardness, elastic force and frictional force suited to a given workpiece, the shape of the workpiece and the purpose of use of the workpiece.

Abstract: A friction material which includes a base material, at least one type of resin material, and at least one type of nanoparticle-sized friction modifying particle is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically conductive yarn comprises stainless steel fibers with a specific stainless steel electrical resistance. The stainless steel fibers are coated with a metal coating, consisting of a metal material having a specific electrical resistance, smaller than the specific electrical resistance of stainless steel.

Abstract: An aqueous sizing composition for at least partially coating a plurality of glass fibers can comprise at least one rosin, at least one coupling agent, and at least one lubricant. The rosin can be a chemically-modified rosin. A plurality of coupling agents can be included, including combinations of coupling agents that can provide for multi-resin compatibility and desirable fiber glass strand properties. An embodiment of a fiber glass strand at least partially coated with a sizing composition may have properties particularly suited for applications that do not utilize air jet weaving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated optical fiber comprising a glass optical fiber with a single protective coating or a combination of an inner and an outer primary coating applied thereon and optionally with a colored coating subsequently applied thereon wherein the inner primary coating or at least a portion of the single coating is prepared from a radiation curable composition which when cured as a capillary film with a 100W medium pressure mercury lamp has a percentage reacted acrylate unsaturation of at least about 54% after exposure to a dose of about 4.4 mJ/cm2 or wherein the outer primary coating is prepared from a radiation curable composition which when cured as a capillary film with a 100 W medium pressure mercury lamp has a percentage reacted acrylate unsaturation of at least about 56% after exposure to a dose of about 4.4 mJ/cm2. The invention further relates to a radiation curable composition having a high cure speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reinforcement yarns coated with a sizing composition comprising at least one silane satisfying the formula: Si(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4) in which: R1, R2 and R3 are chosen from the following atoms or groups: —H (except in the case of R3), —Cl, —O—R5, —O—R6—O—R5, —O—(C?O)—R5, —O—R6—(C?O)—R5, R5 and R6 being chosen from hydrocarbon radicals whose main chain has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R4?—R7—NHR8 R7 being chosen from branched hydrocarbon radicals whose main chain has from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R8 being chosen from the following groups: —H, —R9—NH2, —R10—NH—R9—NH2, R9 being chosen from hydrocarbon radicals containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms or from carbonyls, and R10 being chosen from hydrocarbon radicals whose main chain has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The glass yarns according to the invention are particularly suitable for reinforcing organic materials, the yarns and composites obtained resisting in a corrosive medium.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced concrete has thin steel wire of diameter between 0.05 and 0.3 mm such as cut from recycled vehicle tires. To avoid the problem of balling when mixing, two alternatives are suggested. The first consists of strands of fiber, which demonstrate excellent bond characteristics. The second consists of a mixture of fiber lengths and thicknesses, giving a wide distribution of l/d ratios not exceeding 250, which has the effect of reducing balling tendency so that significant densities can be achieved.

Abstract: A braid-reinforced hollow fiber membrane which includes a reinforcing material of a tubular braid and a polymer resinous thin film coated on the surface of the reinforcing material. The polymer resinous thin film has a skin layer with micro pores having a diameter in the range from 0.01 to 1 ?m and an inner layer of a sponge structure with micro pores having a diameter less than 10 ?m. The hollow fiber membrane exhibits excellent mechanical strength, reliable filtration and simultaneously, good water permeability.

Abstract: A formed article obtained by pressure forming a porous body-coated fiber includes an inorganic fiber and a porous body made of fine inorganic particles associated with one another in a ring-shaped or helical manner to form secondary particles. The inorganic fiber is coated with the porous body. Also provided is a formed article made from porous body-coated fiber on a porous body-coated particle. The porous body-coated particle includes a core particle and a porous body made of fine particles of a first inorganic compound associated with one another in ring-shaped or helical manner to form secondary particles. The core particle is coated with the porous body.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a clad glass composition for graded-index rod lens for covering, during manufacturing, a preform glass composition lens of a graded-index rod lens that does not include PbO, in which the composition substantially does not include PbO, and expressed in mol % includes SiO2: 45 to 65, Na2O: 3 to 30, K2O: 0 to 10, MgO: 0 to 15, BaO: 0 to 20, where Na2O+K2O: 3 to 35 and MgO+BaO: 0 to 25, and furthermore includes B2O3: 0 to 15, ZnO: 0 to 10, TiO2: 0 to 10, Y2O3: 0 to 7, ZrO2: 0 to 7, Nb2O5: 0 to 7, In2O3: 0 to 7, La2O3: 0 to 7, Ta2O5: 0 to 10, where B2O3+ZnO+TiO2+Y2O3+ZrO2+Nb2O5+In2O3+La2to 20, and a content of at least one of TiO2 and La2O3 is substantially 0 mol %.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a chemical reaction includes raising a temperature of a protective layer covering a catalyst in the presence of a chemical solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sizing composition composed of a solution comprising at least 5% by weight of solvent and comprising a thermally curable base system, said system comprising at least 60% by weight of components with a molecular mass of less than 750 and at least 60% by weight of components of a mixture exhibiting at least one epoxy reactive functional group, at least one amine, preferably primary or secondary amine, reactive functional group, and at least one hydroxyl reactive functional group. Another subject matter of the invention relates to the glass strands coated with the abovementioned sizing composition. The glass strands obtained are capable of being used to reinforce organic or inorganic materials.

Abstract: A glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire is encoded with multi-bit digital information. Encoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner.

Abstract: Ordered elastomeric composites comprise an ordered arrangement of a number of first elastomeric phases distributed uniformly within a continuous matrix second elastomeric phase. The second phase can be formed from an elastomeric material that is relatively harder than an elastomeric material that is used to form the first phases. Each first phase can be in the form of a core having a defined length and diameter, and the second phase can be formed from a number of shells that each surround a respective core. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of cores and shells are aligned coaxially with one another to provide a cellular structure. Ordered elastomeric composites of this invention can be used to form part of or an entire elastomeric seal, e.g., in the form of an annular ring adapted for use in a rotary cone drill bit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cable (ACCC) and method of manufacture. An ACCC cable has a composite core surrounded by at least one layer of aluminum conductor. The composite core comprises a plurality of fibers from at least one fiber type in one or more matrix materials. The composite core can have a maximum operating temperature capability above 100° C. or within the range of about 45° C. to about 230° C., at least 50% fiber to resin volume fraction, a tensile strength in the range of about 160 Ksi to about 370 Ksi, a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 7 Msi to about 37 Msi and a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about ?0.7×10?6 m/m/° C. to about 6×10?6 m/m/° C. According to the invention, a B-stage forming process may be used to form the composite core at improved speeds over pultrusion processes wherein the speeds ranges from about 9 ft/min to about 60 ft/min.

Abstract: A paper, board or non-woven product containing a fiber layer containing cellulosic fibers, plant fibers or other material suitable for making a paper, board or non-woven product. One surface of the fiber layer is treated with pigment particles. The web is treated with microscopic particles whose average size is so small as to permit the particles to adhere to each other by van der Waals forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cable (ACCC) and method of manufacture. An ACCC cable has a composite core surrounded by at least one layer of aluminum conductor. The composite core comprises a plurality of fibers from at least one fiber type in one or more matrix materials. The composite core can have a maximum operating temperature capability above 100° C. or within the range of about ?45° C. to about 240° C. or higher, at least 50% fiber to resin volume fraction, a tensile strength in the range of about 160 Ksi to about 370 Ksi, a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 7 Msi to about 37 Msi and a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about ?0.6×10?6 per deg. C. to about 1.0×10?5 per deg. C. 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: Novel sizing compositions, their preparation and use. The compositions contain water-dispersible and/or water-soluble and alkylamine-blocked polyisocyanates, film-forming resins, coupling agents and lubricants. The isocyanates are synthesized from at least one polyisocyanate, at least one ionic and/or potentially ionic and/or nonionic compound, and at least one blocking agent which is at least 20% by weight aralkylamines.

Abstract: A fire safety line is disclosed having a core of heat-resistant strands twisted together and surround by a tough, cut and abrasion resistant jacket. Preferably, the strands of the core are glass fibers coated with vermiculite and the jacket is formed of braided glass fibers encapsulated by a para-aramid. Stainless steel wire may also be interbraided to reinforce the jacket.

Abstract: A suture material for surgery comprises one or more filaments and is formed with a coating, which is characterized in that the coating at least partly comprises a bioresorbable polymer, which is essentially formed from a random terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure.

Abstract: A storage medium for gas molecules has a nanowire core and a number of organic molecules attached to the exterior surface of the nanowire. The organic molecules attached to the exterior of the nanowire are adapted to releasably hold gas molecules. Methods for making and using the invention, including the use of a silicon nanowire, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-curable solvent-free coating composition for optical fiber having a radiation-curable urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer comprising an alkyd backbone,a reactive diluent, and a photoinitiator, and optionally an additive.

Abstract: A two-part sizing composition that imparts improved resistance to hydrolysis of reinforced composites including a size composition and a binder composition is provided. The size composition may include one or more coupling agents, one or more lubricants, and at least one wetting agent. The binder composition may include a copolymer formed from maleic anhydride and at least one other copolymerizable monomer, at least one crosslinking agent, and a surfactant or mixture of surfactants. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the maleic anhydride copolymer is a maleic anhydride-butadiene copolymer partial ammonium salt. The size composition may be applied to a reinforcing fiber material before the binder size material is applied. The two-part size composition may be applied to a reinforcing fiber material to form a reinforcing fiber product which may then be densified or compacted to form a densified reinforcing fiber product, such as a pellet.

Abstract: A radiation-curable fiber optic coating composition for an inner primary coating includes a coloring agent, preferably a dye or a dye precursor, compatible with the fiber of the fiber optic and capable of imparting a pre-selected color to the inner primary coating, or another coating. The coloring agent can be a reactive dye. Any of the dyes preferably is stabilized by a stabiliser in the colored coating layer, or, preferably, in a more exterior layer.

Abstract: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings, optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings and methods for making the same are disclosed. The composition comprises a combination of two different radiation curable urethanes, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers.

Abstract: Gel and gel composites health care articles, including masks, pads, blood bags, tubings, male and female tubing connectors, and needle protector sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites useful for shielding electromagnetic radiation and their manufacture. In general, the composites of the present invention comprise conductive fibers which are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix. The invention also relates to pellets and their manufacture. Such pellets are useful in the manufacture of composites comprising highly dispersed conductive fibers in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A process for producing a potting transition which is more nearly planar and which is more repeatable from assembly to assembly. Devices for carrying out the process are also disclosed. A stranded cable comprising a containment jacket is stripped of its containment jacket for a short length to expose the end strands for termination (Obviously, in the case of a cable having no jacket, no stripping is required). The exposed strands are then placed in a barrier device to separate them into a region of exposed strands and a region of guarded strands. Potting compound is then applied to the exposed region. The barrier device prevents the potting compound from penetrating into the guarded region. The result is a distinct transition between a region of strands which have been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“wetted region”) and a region of strands which have not been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“unwetted region”).

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: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings and optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings are disclosed, as are methods for making the same. The compositions comprise a combination of two different radiation curable urethane oligomers, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers. One of the oligomers has at least three functional groups that can undergo radiation cure, and comprises a lactone modified polyol.

Abstract: A method of making a grout composition which reduces the amount of bleed water from grout used in bonded post-tensioned concrete applications is provided. The method includes forming the grout composition by combining copolymers with other materials into a hydraulic cementitious composition. The copolymers are formed from structural components a) to c) and optionally d) which are mono-unsaturated compounds, with a generally linear macromolecular structure. By reducing the amount of bleed water in bonded post-tensioned concrete applications the grout composition provides protection from corrosion for the steel members, including stranded tendons and solid bars. The reduction in the amount of bleed water is achieved without significantly increasing the viscosity of the grout mixture thereby allowing good pumpability, placement, and maintenance of other properties such as resistance to volume change, long working time and acceptable strength development.

Abstract: An optical communication apparatus comprises an optical transmitter (1) which emits light signals corresponding to external electric signals (11) using light emitted from a short-wavelength light-emitting element (14) such as a yellow light-emitting diode of maximum wavelength in a range of 560–590 nm or a green light-emitting diode of maximum wavelength in a range of 490–550 nm; a plastic fiber (2) including a methacrylate polymer core free from benzene rings and having one end connected optically with the short-wavelength light-emitting element (14), the core containing less than 5 ppm free sulfur; and an optical receiver (3) having a photodetector element (31) connected optically with the other end of the plastic fiber (2) and adapted to producing an output electric signal (35) in accordance with the output from the photodetector element (31).

Abstract: Polymer derivatives based upon polyalkyleneimine backbones having from about 20% to about 60% of their reactive amino functionalities substituted by C14-20 carboxylic acids, are disclosed. Fiber lubricants and/or sizing compositions comprising such polymer derivatives are also disclosed. The disclosed fiber lubricants exhibit excellent affinity for fiberglass fibers and have excellent hydrophobicity, while also providing excellent lubrication. Methods for preparing said derivatives are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating fibers using the polymer derivatives.

Abstract: A polyamphoteric superabsorbent copolymer made up of polymerizerable acid monomer and of polymerizable base monomer and optionally a supplemental monomer. In particular, the invention includes a radiation curable coating composition that comprises from about 20 weight % to about 80 weight % of polymerizerable acid monomer and from about 20 weight % to about 80 weight of polymerizable base monomer; and from 0 weight % to about 50 weight % of supplemental monomer. On exposure to radiation the coating composition forms a polyamphoteric superabsorbent copolymer. The radiation curable coating composition may be used with suitable substrates.

Abstract: The present spin finish composition comprises at least about 10 percent by weight based on the spin finish composition of components (a) and (b) having the formula R1—(CO)x—O—(CH(R2)—CH2—O)y—(CO)z—R3 wherein each of R1 and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to 22 carbon atoms or an alkylene hydroxy group having from one to 22 carbon atoms, x is zero or one, R2 may vary within component (a) or component (b) and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms, y is zero, or from one to 25, and z is zero or one, in component (a), x and z are equal to zero and the average molecular weight of component (a) is less than or equal to 1,900 and if R2 varies, component (a) is a random copolymer; and in component (b), at least x or z is equal to one or component (b) is a complex polyoxyethylene glyceride-containing compound having greater than 10 polyoxyethylene units; up to about five percent by weight base

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic strand to a flat substrate or sheet of material moving the elastic strand and the sheet in a converging manner from a first position in which the elastic strand is spaced from the sheet to a second position in which the elastic strand contacts one surface of the sheet. A filament of adhesive is dispensed onto the strand in a pattern configured with adhesive masses coupled by thinner filament sections. The adhesive masses are contacted with the strand when the strand is in the first position. The strand is bonded to the substrate with at least the adhesive masses.

Abstract: Layered metal non-oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of metal non-oxide derived from a pre-associated coating on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of metal boride, carbide and nitride coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrate are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymer catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: A urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer which has a low viscosity and gives a flexible cured product having a low surface tackiness, is provided. It is obtainable by reacting a polyol component comprising a polyoxyalkylene polyol which has from 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups, a hydroxyl value VOH (mgKOH/g) of from 5 to 115 and a total degree of unsaturation VUS (meq/g) satisfying VUS?(0.45/VOH)+0.02, with a polyisocyanate compound and a hydroxylated (meth)acrylate compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a sizing composition for glass fibers useful in reinforcing an olefin resin, which comprises at least a) an acid-modified olefin resin which has been neutralized with an amine and b) an amino-containing silane coupling agent. The sizing composition makes it possible to firmly adhere an olefin resin as a matrix resin and the glass fibers with each other and hence, to provide a molding having excellent strength without occurrence of fuzzing on the resin pellets or the molding. This invention also provides glass fibers for olefin resin reinforcement and a production process of an olefin resin composition for fiber-reinforced moldings.

Abstract: A tissue product containing a cellulosic fibrous material and less than about 10 wt. % of a superabsorbent material (e.g., fibers, particles, etc.) is provided. In some instances, the superabsorbent material can absorb between about 100 to about 350 grams of an aqueous solution per gram of superabsorbent material. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent material can be applied at the stock-preparation stage of a papermaking process, and can be provided in a dry or preswollen state.

Abstract: A method for making a shaped article or a shaped article having a volume resistivity of less than 102 ohm-cm with a desired combination of properties and processibility in an injection moldable composition. In particular the shaped articles formed include injection molded bipolar plates as current collectors in fuel cell applications.