Abstract: A method of flooring installation includes positioning a welding tip having a v-shaped plastic welding rod therein adjacent to a v-shaped joint formed between plastic flooring and plastic trim and heating the flooring, trim, and welding rod to flow the welding rod into the v-shaped joint to form a plastic weld bead and seal the joint. A welding tip and a welding rod are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layered fiber including 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. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The viscosity of the second polymer is not greater than about 10 percent of the viscosity of the first polymer measured at 170° C.

Abstract: A monoaxially-oriented polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures.

Abstract: A fiber for artificial hair that has an improved appearance with a suppressed gloss is obtained by combining regenerated collagen fibers having different shapes in cross section. An artificial hair product using the same is provided. The fiber for artificial hair according to the present invention is obtained by combining fibers having different shapes in cross section. The fiber for artificial hair includes regenerated collagen fibers, and the regenerated collagens fibers include at least two types of regenerated collagen fibers whose cross-sectional shapes are selected from the group consisting of shapes including an elliptical shape, a circular shape, and a multifoil shape. The artificial hair product of the present invention includes the above-described fiber for artificial hair.

Abstract: An extruded filament is provided having a cross-sectional configuration which permits a cut transverse section of the filament to function as a high definition tagging material, the extruded filament having contained therein along the direction of the longitudinal axis (the axis of extrusion) of the filament a multitude of extruded strand portions, which may be the same or different from one another from the standpoint of composition, visual or forensic effect, and which strand portions provide a multitude of pixel-like portions within a cross-sectional portion of the filament, which multitude of pixel-like portions, when taken together, comprise at least one pre-selected degree of identification whereby the tagging material may be differentiated or identified based on at least one degree of identification. A cut fiber or microparticle formed from the filament may be used to authenticate a product when used in association with the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reinforcement of materials by the dispersal of structures in the material to be reinforced. In particular the invention relates to the reinforcement of materials and involves the random dispersal of independent three-dimensional structures in the material, these structures may be a mixture of left and right handed structures and/or comprise a series of lumen to anchor them into the material and/or be selected from a subset of possible three dimensional structures based on the number of apices and connections between these.

Abstract: A method of producing an AlxGa(1-x)N (0<x?1) single crystal is directed to growing an AlxGa(1-x)N single crystal by sublimation. The method includes the steps of preparing an underlying substrate having a composition ratio x identical to the composition ratio of the AlxGa(1-x)N single crystal, preparing a raw material of high purity, and growing an AlxGa(1-x)N single crystal on the underlying substrate by sublimating the raw material. The AlxGa(1-x)N single crystal has an absorption coefficient less than or equal to 100 cm?1 with respect to light at a wavelength greater than or equal to 250 nm and less than 300 nm, and an absorption coefficient less than or equal to 21 cm?1 with respect to light at a wavelength greater than or equal to 300 nm and less than 350 nm.

Abstract: A consumable material for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the consumable material comprising a length and a cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the length that is axially asymmetric. The cross-sectional profile is configured to provide a response time with a non-cylindrical liquefier of the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system that is faster than a response time achievable with a cylindrical filament in a cylindrical liquefier for a same thermally limited, maximum volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: An artificial hair which is composed of synthetic fibers such as acrylic fibers or vinyl chloride fibers and which is characterized in that the cross section of each fiber has a shape consisting of one major axis and at least two minor axes nearly perpendicular to the major axis and that the single-fiber fineness is 25 to 70 dtex. This artificial hair is soft to the touch and bulky (voluminous) to impart a good feel to hair accessories and exhibits excellent combing properties and braidability, thus giving hair accessories (such as wigs, hairpieces, braids, extension hair and doll hair) which have excellent feel and settability.

Abstract: Readily-fibrillable fibers of PVA polymer, having good chemical resistance, hydrophilicity, weather resistance and water resistance have a flattened cross-sectional profile and have a mean thickness D (?m) that satisfies the following formula (1): 0.4?D?5??(1) wherein D=S/L; S indicates the cross-section area (?m2) of the fibers; and L indicates the length (?m) of the major side of the cross section of the fibers. The fibers can be used for making nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: Monofilament string suited for use in tennis rackets and the like, consisting of a core material and a covering material that serves as a matrix, in which the core material is embedded in the covering material in accordance with the ‘island in the sea structure’ and that therefore contains island components and a sea component, whereby the island components largely but not exclusively consist of a thermoplastic polymer; are arranged in a geometrical and preferably symmetrical pattern relative to each other and/or the longitudinal axis of the string; and at least three of the island components have a cross-section that has a multi-angular shape, with one side leaning close against the surface of the string. The one side has a curvature that closely lines the curve of the string surface, and the sea component largely but not exclusively consists of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A polylactic acid resin film or sheet which can be satisfactorily and stably formed and has excellent matte properties. It is a single-layer matte film or sheet which comprises a polylactic acid resin composition containing a particulate substance and at least one side of which has a surface gloss as measured in accordance with ASTM-D2457-70 (45° gloss) of 60% or lower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of vapor grown carbon fiber and inorganic fine particles comprising vapor grown carbon fiber, each fiber filament of the carbon fiber having a structure with hollow space extending along its axis, a diameter of 0.001 to 1 ?m and an aspect ratio of 5 to 15,000; and inorganic fine particles having a particle size of 0.0001 to 5 ?m, the particles being deposited onto the surface of the carbon fiber, wherein the ratio of the average diameter of the vapor grown carbon fiber to the average particle size of the inorganic fine particles is 1 0.01 to 1:5; the ratio by mass of the vapor grown carbon fiber to the inorganic fine particles is 1:0.005 to 1:50; and the carbon crystal structure of the carbon fiber is maintained and the surface characteristics are modified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber with 4T cross section, comprising four T-shaped lobes, each of said T-shaped lobes having a cap portion and a leg portion, the leg portion of each of said lobes intersecting at the center of the fiber, each of said lobes separating from each other, and the adjacent T-shaped lobes forming an open hollow portion. Moreover, parameters such as Denier, opening range of the hollow portion, hollowness ratio, and degree of variation of the cross section are specifically defined. The fiber of this invention has guide channels design and thus can preserve relatively large clearances. Accordingly, the fabrics woven by the fiber of this invention have the outstanding capabilities of absorbing moisture and relieving sweat and the effect of keeping warm without creating a muggy feeling.

Abstract: It is a problem of the present invention to provide a normal pressure cationic dyeable polyester being cationic dyeable under normal pressure, and having high strength. The problem can be solved by a normal pressure cationic dyeable polyester, characterized by being a copolymerized polyester having a main repeating unit including ethylene terephthalate, and including, in an acid component forming the copolymerized polyester, a metal salt of sulfoisophthalic acid (A) and a compound (B) which is a phosphonium salt of sulfoisophthalic acid or the like in such a state as to simultaneously satisfy the two mathematical expressions. Preferably, the glass transition temperature of the copolymerized polyester is within the range of 70 to 85° C., and the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymerized polyester is within the range of 0.55 to 1.00 dL/g. Further, by melt spinning the copolymerized polyester, it is possible to provide a polyester fiber.

Abstract: A synthetic cork is provided, comprising a shank portion, having a tip portion and a base portion, the base portion including a radial contour, the radial contour providing increased radial surface area relative to a smooth radial bottom portion. A synthetic cork stopper is also provided, wherein the synthetic cork base portion is glued into a hole of a cap. In exemplary embodiments, the radial contour is a spoked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aluminum nitride single crystal forming polygonal columns, the polygonal columns having the following properties [a] to [c]: [a] the content of a metal impurity is below the detection limit, [b] the average bottom area is from 5×103 to 2×105 ?m2, and [c] the average height is 50 ?m to 5 mm. The above aluminum nitride single crystal forming polygonal columns is preferably obtainable by sublimating an aluminum nitride starting material (A) containing 0.1 to 30% by mass of a rare earth oxide by heating the starting material at a temperature of not lower than 2000° C., depositing aluminum nitride on a hexagonal single crystal substrate and thereby growing aluminum nitride single crystal in the shape of polygonal columns.

Abstract: A composite specimen for conducting transverse tension strength testing may include a solid cylinder comprising parallel opposing ends, a cylindrical surface extending between and around the parallel opposing ends, and only parallel planar plies extending between and perpendicular to the parallel opposing ends. The parallel planar plies may comprise fibers extending within the parallel planar plies.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensory material with high sensitivity, selectivity, and photostability has been developed for vapor probing of organic amines. The sensory material is a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyl compound having amine binding groups and the following formula where A and A? are independently chosen from N—R1, N—R2, and O such that both A and A? are not O, and R1 through R10 are amine binding moieties, solubility enhancing groups, or hydrogen such that at least one of R1 through R10 is an amine binding moiety. This perylene compound can optionally be formed into well-defined nanofibers. Upon deposition onto a substrate, the entangled nanofibers form a meshlike, highly porous film, which enables expedient diffusion of gaseous analyte molecules within the film matrix, leading to a milliseconds response for vapor sensing.

Abstract: A flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair, which is obtained by melt spinning a composition as a mixture of 100 parts by weight of (A) a polyester made of one or more of polyalkylene terephthalate and a copolymer polyester comprising polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component with 5 to 30 parts by weight of (B) a brominated epoxy flame retardant. The present invention also relates to the polyester fiber for artificial hair which has at least one modified cross-section, is a mixture with a fiber having a modified cross-section, and has a mixing ratio of the fiber having a round cross-section to the fiber having a modified cross-section is 8:2 to 1:9, and to the flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair which further comprises a hydrophilic fiber treating agent attached thereto, and thus has excellent smooth feeling, combing properties, and flame retardance.

Abstract: A flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair, which is obtained by melt spinning a composition as a mixture of 100 parts by weight of (A) a polyester made of one or more of polyalkylene terephthalate and a copolymer polyester comprising polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component with 5 to 30 parts by weight of (B) a brominated epoxy flame retardant. The present invention also relates to the polyester fiber for artificial hair which has at least one modified cross-section, is a mixture with a fiber having a modified cross-section, and has a mixing ratio of the fiber having a round cross-section to the fiber having a modified cross-section is 8:2 to 1:9, and to the flame retardant polyester fiber for artificial hair which further comprises a hydrophilic fiber treating agent attached thereto, and thus has excellent smooth feeling, combing properties, and flame retardance.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with flash-spinning a surface-modified structure such as a plexifilimentary yarn or a microcellular foam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spunbond fiber comprising polyphenylene sulfide polymer having a zero shear viscosity at 300° C. of about 21,500 to about 28,000 Pa·s.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soft touch fibers and nonwoven fabrics made from such fibers. The fibers comprise an incompatible polymer system which leads to the soft touch quality. The fibers comprise a mixture of at least two thermoplastic polymers each having different viscosities and wherein the mixture has an interfacial tension from about 0.5 to about 20 mN/m, and wherein the mixture comprises a portion of the fiber surface. The fibers may include from 40-98 percent of a polyolefin continuous phase and from 2 to 60 weight percent of an amorphous thermoplast dispersed phase, such as polystyrene or polyamide.

Abstract: This invention provides hollow fibers impregnated with gel in which the gel firmly adheres to the inner walls of the hollow fibers due to the introduction of comb polymers on the inner walls of the hollow fibers. These hollow fibers impregnated with gel have no gaps at the interfaces between the inner walls thereof and the gel. Accordingly, analysis can be performed with high accuracy. Also, thin slices obtained by bundling these hollow fibers and then slicing this bundle have sufficient adhesion between the gel and the inner walls of the hollow fibers. This also prevents gel from becoming detached from the inner walls at the time of slicing or during operations such as hybridization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoporous fiber being substantially free from coarse pores and having homogeneously dispersed nanopores, unlike conventional porous fibers. A porous fiber has pores each having a diameter of 100 nm or less, in which the area ratio of pores each having a diameter of 200 nm or more to the total cross section of the fiber is 1.5% or less, and the pores are unconnected pores, or a porous fiber has pores each having a diameter of 100 nm or less, in which the area ratio of pores each having a diameter of 200 nm or more to the total cross section of the fiber is 1.5% or less, the pores are connected pores, and the fiber has a strength of 1.0 cN/dtex or more.

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: The present invention relates to a polyester fiber with surface smoothness that is maximized by making the cross-section of the filaments flat and uniform, and fabric made of the present fibers is thinner than fabric made of the circular cross-sectional fibers, so it is possible to reduce the amount of coating resin used and to lighten the weight of the product because of low surface irregularity and porosity, and a fabric including the same.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a polymer blend of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), wherein the poly(vinylacetate) is present in an amount ranging between about 20 wt % and about 80 wt %, and poly(acrylic acid) is present in an amount ranging between about 80 wt % and about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the blend. In another embodiment is provided a fiber produced from this polymer blend, and which has cells therein. In another embodiment is provided a flavorant release material comprising the porous fiber disclosed herein, and one or more flavorants disposed in a longitudinally extending core within the fiber. In another embodiment is provided a polymer fiber membrane containing a hollow, porous fiber formed from the polymer blend disclosed herein. In another embodiment is provided a filter containing the fiber described herein.

Abstract: A yarn for strands of an artificial turf ground cover, including a tape filament (4) having a core layer (8) and two outer layers (9) of a different material than the core layer (8), each on one of two opposite sides of the core layer. The core layer (8) contains at least polyester or polyolefin material, and the outer layers (9) contain high-density polyethylene. An artificial turf ground cover and a playing field including such a yarn and a method for producing such a yarn are also described. The high-density polyethylene has a relatively small coefficient of friction with the human skin and the yarn has a good shape recovery after deformation in spite of containing HDPE in outer layers.

Abstract: A die and method for extruding an extrudable material to form an extruded member is described. In one embodiment, the die comprises a barrier member comprising a plurality of feed channels that extend through the barrier member. Furthermore, the die incorporates a passage forming member extending from the barrier member substantially in the direction of extrusion. The feed channels are arranged with respect to the passage forming member to allow the extrudable material to substantially flow about the passage forming member to form a corresponding passage in the extruded member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft and flexible surgical soft tissue mesh comprising polyethylene yarns, wherein the polyethylene yarns have a tensile strength of more than 1.0 Gpa and consist of a polyethylene with a relative viscosity of more than 5 dl/g. A further aspect of the invention is a method of producing a soft and flexible surgical soft tissue mesh comprising polyethylene yarns, wherein yarns are applied that comprise filaments made by: a) spinning at least one filament from a solution of polyethylene with a relative viscosity of more than 5 dl/g in a solvent; b) cooling the filament obtained to form a gel filament; c) removing at least partly the solvent from the gel filament; and d) drawing the filament in at least one drawing step before, during or after removing solvent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fabric comprises a plurality of functional monofilaments shaped to provide anchoring of a coating applied to the fabric and exhibits improved resistance to peeling away of the coating from the fabric. The second embodiment is a fabric comprised of a plurality of bicomponent monofilaments having a first component with at least one receptacle containing a second component, and the fabric exhibiting improved gripping compared to fabric constructed of conventional monofilaments. Methods for making the monofilaments and fabrics are also described.

Abstract: Synthetic staple fibers having good air opening property and useful for producing an air-laid nonwoven fabric having excellent quality, have a fiber length of 0.1 to 45 mm and a cross-sectional profile having 1 to 30 concavities, in which cross-sectional profile the ratio D/L, of a largest depth D of each concavity to a largest width L of the opening of the concavity, is in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: Methods for assembly of monolayers of nanoparticles using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, as well as monolayers, assemblies, and devices are described. The surface properties of these monolayers are highly reproducible and well-defined as compared to other systems. These monolayers can readily be used for molecular detection in either an air-borne or a solution environment, and sensors using the monolayer could have significant implications in chemical and biological warfare detection, national and global security, as well as in medical detection applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multicomponent fiber having an exposed outer surface, comprising at least a first component of polyarylene sulfide polymer, and at least a second component of a thermoplastic polymer free of polyarylene sulfide polymer, wherein said thermoplastic polymer forms the entire exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber.

Abstract: A hybrid nanocomposite architecture is presented. The architecture includes a first composite ply oriented at a first orientation. The architecture also includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) film layer including a plurality of CNT pellets disposed therein, each of the CNT bundles including a plurality of CNTs extending from the bottom surface of the CNT film layer to a top surface of the CNT film layer, the CNT film layer disposed in an abutting relationship with the first composite ply. The architecture further includes a second composite ply which may be oriented at a second orientation, the second composite ply disposed in an abutting relationship with the CNT film layer, and wherein the CNTs of the CNT film layer act as a penetrating bridge across an interface between the first composite ply and the second composite ply.

Abstract: A filament or fiber (2) comprising a volume modulation coloration producing substance (6); containment means (8) for containing the substance in the form of an elongated core which containment means is at least partially light transmitting; and stimulation means (4) for stimulating the substance to produce a change in the volume of the substance, thereby changing the color of the filament or fiber.

Abstract: Single crystal MoO3 nanowires were produced using an electrospinning technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the 1-D nanostructures are from 10-20 nm in diameter, on the order of 1-2 ?m in length, and have the orthorhombic MoO3 structure. The structure, crystallinity, and sensoric character of these electrostatically processed nanowires are discussed. It has been demonstrated that the non-woven-network of MoO3 nanowires exhibits higher sensitivity and an n-type response to NH3 as compared to the response of a sol-gel based sensor.

Abstract: An artificial fiber for use in an artificial grass sports field is disclosed wherein, seen in a transverse sectional direction of the fiber, at least part of the fiber is provided with a stiffness-enhancing portion extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. The artificial fiber includes at least two fiber flange portions, at least one fiber flange portion forming the stiffness-enhancing portion, while at least two fiber flange portions have a uniform thickness. The improved artificial fiber is less flexible and consequently exhibits less tendency to deform to a flat orientation, but does not increase the risk of injuries to players or have an adverse effect on the playing characteristics of the field. Also disclosed is an artificial grass lawn, suitable for sports fields, having a substrate to which one or more artificial fibers of the invention are attached.

Abstract: A crystalline article includes a single-crystal ceramic fiber, tape or ribbon. The fiber, tape or ribbon has at least one crystallographic facet along its length, which is generally at least one meter long. In the case of sapphire, the facets are R-plane, M-plane, C-plane or A-plane facets. Epitaxial articles, including superconducting articles, can be formed on the fiber, tape or ribbon.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dissolving polyamides under ambient conditions and for forming polyamide nanofibers by electrospinning. Also provided are methods for incorporating nanoparticles, including nanotubes, into such nanofibers.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanofiber adhesive structure includes, in one embodiment, providing a plurality of generally parallel fiber bundles secured in a first binder and in which each of the fiber bundles includes a plurality of generally parallel fibers secured in a second binder. The fibers have a diameter between about 200 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. A portion of the first binder is dissolved from the structure to expose end portions of the plurality of fiber bundles having a length of about 100 microns. A portion of the second binder of the exposed end portions of the plurality of fiber bundle is dissolved to expose the fibers having a length of about 15 microns. Thin slices may be made and assembled on a web to provide a gecko tape having adhesive properties based on Van der Waals forces.

Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: Meltblown lyocell fibers are disclosed which show a high degree of antimicrobial activity against E. coli and C. albicans. The fibers are prepared by adding inorganic and organic compounds to the NMNO dope prior to spinning. The additives are uniformly distributed throughout the fiber cross section and longitudinal sections show relatively smooth or grainy, rough surfaces depending on the additive used.

Abstract: A filter medium comprises a modified cross-section fiber (A) having a fiber diameter between 40 and 70 ?m, an extremely fine fiber (B) having a fiber diameter of more than 5 ?m and no more than 10 ?m and a modified cross-section fiber (C) having a fiber diameter between 15 and 30 ?m, the content of the extremely fine fiber (B) is between 3 and 10% by mass, and the content of the modified cross-section fiber (C) is between 5 and 15% by mass based on 100% by mass of total the fibers in the filter medium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire which can manufacture the longest possible wire by connecting relatively short wires with each other and is capable of suppressing reduction of a critical current resulting from influence by strain when the wires connected with each other are bent, an oxide superconducting wire, a superconducting coil and a superconducting apparatus are provided. According to the method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire by superposing end portions of two oxide superconducting wires with each other thereby bonding the end portions and connecting the oxide superconducting wires with each other, a junction formed by superposing the end portions with each other is so worked as to reduce the quantity of strain on an end of the junction when the two oxide superconducting wires and connected with each other are bent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a metallic nanofiber structure are disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a first solution including a first material and a second material, wherein the second material includes at least one metal; forming the first solution into composite fibers including the first material and the second material; and removing the first material from the composite fibers under conditions effective to produce a metallic nanofiber structure that includes a plurality of metallic nanofibers. Also disclosed are metallic nanofiber structures prepared according to a process of the present invention, which can be used as fuel cell catalysts. Fuel cells containing electrodes that include these metallic nanofiber structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanowires which are substantially straight and substantially free of nanoparticles and methods for making the same The nanowires can be made by seeded approaches, wherein nanocrystals bound to a substrate are used to promote growth of the nanowire. Nanocrystals in solution may also be used to make the nanowires of the present invention. Supercritical fluid reaction conditions can be used in a continuous or semi-batch process.

Abstract: This invention provides security articles comprising fibers, threads and fiber sections (“dots”) possessing multiple verification characteristics. The fibers possess unique and difficulty duplicated combinations of complex cross-sections, components, and multiple luminescent responses. The many verifiable characteristics of the security fibers, threads and dots provide high levels of protection against fraudulent duplication of articles in which they are incorporated. The manifold security features provide means of tailoring specific identity characteristics for specific use and users.