Abstract: Level (i.e., uniform diameter along the length thereof) and tapered (varying diameter along the length thereof) brush bristles include a central core having an outer wall and a pair of internal, semi-cylindrical passages separated by a central dividing wall. A plurality of spokes, or ribs, extend radially outwardly from the outer wall of the central core in planes other than the plane of the central dividing wall and also are spaced equidistant from each other about the circumference of the outer wall. Applicator brushes employing the aforementioned bristles also form a part of this invention.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers and methods of producing the same are provided such that an inter-domain boundary layer is interposed between distinct domains formed of incompatible polymers so as to minimize (if not eliminate entirely) separation of the domains at their interfacial boundary. The polymer forming the inter-domain boundary layer therefore is provided so as to be compatible with the otherwise incompatible polymers forming each of the domains between which it is interposed.

Abstract: A method of making an improved composite containing substantially non-segregating solid reinforcing elements therein is disclosed. New composites and non-segregating solid reinforcing elements for these composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: A material and product excellent in stability in the yarn forming process, small in the color shade contrast due to dyeing, to provide natural irregularity, having microscopic unevenness on the surface of a fabric, to provide dry touch to the eyes and by touch, and good in color fastness are disclosed.The polyamide based fibers of the present invention is a thick and thin yarn in which the unevenness of thickness in the length direction of the polyamide based multifilament is 5 to 20% and in which the standard deviation of the stress at 40% elongation in the stress-strain curve with a sample length of 20 cm is 0.3 g/d or less. The thick and thin yarn can be produced by a process, in which an undrawn polyamide based multifilament of 20.times.10.sup.-3 or less in birefringence .DELTA.n is drawn at a low ratio, comprising the steps of falsely twisting it at a position between a feed roller and a draw roller, drawing from 1.5 to 2.5 times, and thermosetting at 100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Multicomponent fiber and a method of producing the same whereby the inter-domain boundary layer between the distinct domains is surface roughened and/or mechanically modified so as to increase the surface area contact (and thereby the adhesion) therebetween. As such, delamination of the domains at their interfacial boundary layer is minimized (if not eliminated entirely). Preferably, the fibers are concentric core-sheath bicomponent fibers whereby the core is surface roughened and/or mechanically modified so that of the inter-domain boundary layer between the core and the sheath appears in cross-section to be serrated, undulated and/or ribbed so as to provide a core domain with a shape factor of between about 25 to about 55.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite material made of a fiber reinforcement having a coating of gadolinium and gadolinium boride, preferably as discrete layers, each having a thickness of 1 to 6 microns. This composite is made by coating reinforcing fibers with gadolinium using a deposition technique, further coating the fibers with gadolinium boride by a deposition technique and then consolidating the coated fibers into a metal matrix to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: Novel bicomponent fibers have a sheath domain and an core domain which is embedded entirely within, and thereby completely surrounded by, the polyamide domain. The core domain is annular and defines a longitudinally extending central void. The preferred bicomponent fibers have a sheath-core structure wherein the polyamide domain constitutes the sheath and a fiber-forming polyolefin polymer constitutes the core. The preferred trilobal bicomponent fibers will exhibit a modification ratio of between 2 to 4, an arm angle of between 7.degree. to about 35.degree., and a total cross-sectional void area between about 3 and about 10 percent. Each lobe of the fiber may optionally contain a lobal void space which, if present, is preferably radially elongate in cross-section.

Abstract: A grinding roll for use in a material bed roll mill for the comminution of brittle material has a cylindrical body in the periphery of which are alternating grooves and lands. To the exterior of each land is secured a wear strip. The grooves of the confronting rolls may be directly opposite one another or the grooves may be offset axially so that the grooves in one roll confront a land of the opposite roll.

Abstract: Improved polyester fibers, filling materials and filled articles are provided by fibers of helical configuration, high void content and low friction.

Abstract: Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.

Abstract: Synthetic fibers that have a round cross-section and three round longitudinal voids.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers and methods and apparatus for producing the same are provided such that an inter-domain boundary layer is interposed between distinct domains formed of incompatible polymers so as to minimize (if not eliminate entirely) separation of the domains at their interfacial boundary. The inter-domain boundary layer is formed of a heterogeneous mixture of the polymers forming the respective adjacent domains between which the boundary layer is interposed. The inter-boundary layer will most preferably include rivulets or fingers of each polymer forming the adjacent domains which interlock with one another in a randomly tortuous manner. These different polymer rivulets thereby effectively increase the surface area and mechanical interlocking at the interfacial boundary between the fiber domains thereby increasing the adhesion therebetween.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers have a primary core, and multiple secondary cores equidistantly radially spaced from one another and from the primary core. The primary and secondary cores are entirely embedded within (and thus completely encased by) a primary sheath. Optionally, the primary sheath may be entirely or partly surrounded by a secondary sheath. The primary and secondary cores may be spun from polymers having distinctly different or complementary properties which are surrounded by a sheath or sheaths formed of another polymer(s) which protects the cores.

Abstract: Polymer blend fibers having a phase separation structure are provided. The phase separation structure is a sea-island structure and a diameter D.sub.1 on a circle basis of an island phase of the sea-island structure in a transverse cross-section of the fibers is in the range of 0.001 to 0.4 .mu.m.

Abstract: By dissolving a vinyl alcohol polymer (A) and an incompatible vinyl polymer (B), preferably an acrylonitrile polymer in a common solvent to prepare a spinning stock solution of a phase separation structure wherein the polymer (B) is present at particle sizes of 2 to 50 .mu.m, and wet spinning or dry-wet spinning the resulting spinning stock solution in a solidifying bath containing a mixture of an organic solvent capable of solidifying both the polymers (A) and (B) and the solvent of the spinning stock solution at a weight ratio of 25/75 to 85/15, thereby drawing the resulting yarn by 8-fold or more, a fiber is provided; and from the fiber can be produced a fibril with good hydrophilicity, a higher strength, and excellent heat fusion resistance, along with excellent wiping performance, filtering performance, micro-particle capturing properties and reinforcing performance, readily, stably and inexpensively.

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

Abstract: Flat filaments have a flatness (A/B) of 7 to 25, where A is a length of at least one of the two longer sides of a substantially rectangular, transverse cross-section of each filament and B is a length of at least one of the two shorter sides of the substantially rectangular, transverse cross-section of each filament. The flat filaments also have a fineness of 0.5 to 40 denier, and are provided on each of the two longer sides with one or more ribs continuously extending in a direction of an axis of the filament and having a width W and a height H. The number of the ribs on each longer side ranges from 1 to A/2W, the rib width W ranges from B/2 to 3B, and the rib height H ranges from B/2 to 2B. The filaments have excellent nontackiness and bulkiness and permit easy elimination of crimps by polishing, and can be suitably used as raw fibers which, when formed into a pile product, provide the pile product not only with a soft feeling but also with resilient and substantial feeling.

Abstract: A field-emission structure suitable for large-area flat-panel televisions centers around an insulating porous layer that overlies a lower conductive region situated over insulating material of a supporting substrate. Electron-emissive filaments occupy pores extending through the porous layer. A conductive gate layer through which openings extend at locations centered on the filaments typically overlies the porous layer. Cavities are usually provided in the porous layer along its upper surface at locations likewise centered on the filaments.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibrous structures comprised of shaped fibers wherein the thickness of the compressed fibrous structure at 1.00 psi is .gtoreq.1.3 times that of a similar compressed structure having the same area density and made from round cross section fibers of the same dpf as the shaped fibers. The invention is useful in articles such as coats, gloves, boats, shoes, etc. made using the structures disclosed herein. The surprising feature of structures according to the present invention is the thickness retention at high pressures. This retained thickness under pressure translates directly into decreased heat transfer or improved insulation.

Abstract: Slickened polyester cut fibers are provided in slivers that are suitable for processing on worsted or woollen system, and provide fabrics of improved aesthetics. The slivers may be of 100% polyester cut fiber or of blends of such fiber with wool, such as are conventionally used in worsted or wool processing from sliver to spun yarn, which is formed into fabrics and garments.

Abstract: A new polyester fiber is provided with an improved scalloped-oval cross-section, such as provides a surprising combination of advantages in downstream products, such as fabrics and garments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating cellulosic fibers using high temperatures that is effective to result in modified cellulosic fibers that exhibit desired properties such as water retention values and wet curl values. The high temperature process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are essentially uniformly treated. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the treated cellulosic fibers for use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A molded friction material for a damper is disclosed, which contains, as a part of a friction regulating material, porous fibrous particulates having an average particle size of 0.5 to 2 mm and a bulk density of 0.1 to 0.2 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising finely divided ceramic fibers or porous fibrous particulates having an average particle size of 0.1 to 5 mm and a bulk density of 0.2 to 2.0 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising finely divided ceramic fibers, a filler, and a binder. The friction material exhibits excellent performance basically required of a friction material, such as mechanical strength and damping characteristics, and hardly squeaks during damping.

Abstract: The invention provides composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene anisotropic reinforcement of high strength and modulus. The composites have superior mechanical properties relative to non-filled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, including higher strength, impact strength, increased creep resistance, and improved modulus. The composites may be sterilized for biomedical use, using gamma radiation and other techniques. Further, the composites are resistant to the effect of body fluids and have lower creep rates so that they will provide implant life. The composites may be cross-linked by exposure to an acetylene environment. Also, the composites find use in other high strength, high impact applications such as sports equipment.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin structure comprising a thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers, having a ratio (Lw/Ln) of the number average fiber length (Ln) to the weight average fiber length (Lw) of the uniformly dispersed reinforcing fibers of 1.1 to 5, and having a weight average fiber length of 1.0 mm to 200 mm.

Abstract: Degradable multilayer melt blown microfibers are provided. The fibers comprise (a) at least one layer of polyolefin resin and at least one layer of polycaprolactone resin, at least one of the polyolefin or polycaprolactone resins containing a transition metal salt; or (b) at least one layer of polyolefin resin containing a transition metal salt and at least one layer of a degradable resin or transition metal salt-free polyolefin resin. Also provided is a degradable web comprising the multilayer melt blown microfibers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an air freshener composition containing a fiber pad comprising at least one needle-punched, nonwoven, hydrophilic fiber wherein the fiber has a capillary structure and deep grooves or channels along the longitudinal axis of the fiber, a fragrance incorporated into said fiber pad, wherein the fiber pad is enclosed by a container having air passageways to allow for the fragrance to escape into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A mat is provided which comprises a plurality of strands, each including reinforcing fibers and polymeric material. First portions of the strands are angularly positioned at an angle relative to second portions of the strands and are joined to the second portions via the polymeric material. Also provided is a method for forming the mat.

Abstract: A "honeycomb"-like paintbrush bristle, either leveled or tapered, has a consistently circular cross-section and two enclosed, longitudinal, hemi-cylindrical voids separated by a single planar interior web which extends diametrically across the bristles interior. The honeycomb bristle is made by extrusion through a die or spinneret which has two generally E-shaped facing openings, so that the resultant bristle has only two external seams along its length.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a coextruded monofilament having a core material made of a first resin and a sheath material made of a second resin, with the second resin being different from the first resin, and a pocket formed in the end of the monofilament. This invention also relates to a method of forming a pocket in the end of a coextruded monofilament by chemical or mechanical means, or a combination of chemical and mechanical means.

Abstract: A fiber insulation product comprising hollow fibers. Each hollow fiber may be composed of at least two different thermoplastic insulating materials, such as glasses, having differing coefficients of thermal expansion, with each of the hollow fibers being an irregular-shape exhibiting a substantially uniform volume filling nature, and providing improved recovery and thermal conductivity abilities even in the absence of a binder material. An apparatus for making hollow fibers for such a product is also provided.

Abstract: A porous fiber includes a distinctive configuration of voids therein to achieve advantageous levels of wettability, liquid penetration and mechanical properties. The fiber has a denier of not more than about 50, and a percent elongation at break of not less than about 30%. The fiber can also have a tensile strength at break of not less than about 200 MPa.

Abstract: An aerodynamic cutting string for use with such devices as flexible line trimmers and the like. The string incorporates a number of embodiments which eliminates or greatly reduces the drag, fluttering and force imbalances which are created as a result of the pressure differential and wake which are formed behind the flexible line as it moves. This accomplishment is achieved by employing an aerodynamic profile for the line which lowers the coefficient of drag and reduces the forces created by the air foil.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a body with a length, inside, and outside, and laterally spaced side surfaces. The body has a compression section, with there being a plurality of fibers embedded in the compression section having a diameter of 0.7 to 0.9 denier.

Abstract: A nonwoven filter media or mat (10) formed from a plurality of elongated generally hollow fibers (20) each having an internal cavity (22) which has an opening (24), smaller than the cavity width, to the fiber (20) surface and each retaining within the internal cavity (22) a large number of relatively small solid particles (18). The small solid particles (18), which can be an adsorbent such as activated carbon, are permanently entrapped within the longitudinal cavities (22) of the fibers (20) without the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: An iridescent effect is achieved in satin weave filling-faced fabric using sheath-core filaments wherein the core is dyed to a color that is different from that of the sheath.

Abstract: Tow that is suitable for processing on a worsted or wollen system and that consists essentially of continuous polyester filaments that have a scalloped-oval cross-section with grooves or channels that run along the length of the filaments. Such polyester tows provide improved processing on the worsted system to provide spun yarns of polyester and blends with wool, and downstream articles, such as fabrics and garments.

Abstract: Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A polyester filament yarn made by treating a polyester filament with an aqueous alkali solution, which filament is composed of a core extending over the length of filament and a plurality of fins bonded to the core over the length of the core and radially extending from the core, and which satisfies the following three requirements:(1) 1/20.ltoreq.SB/SA.ltoreq.1/3,(2) 0.6.ltoreq.LB/DA.ltoreq.3.0, and(3) WB/DA.ltoreq.1/4wherein SA and DA are cross-sectional area and diameter of the core, and SB, LB and WB are cross-sectional area, maximum length and maximum width of the fins, respectively. The fins are at least partially separated from the core by the alkali treatment. A fabric composed of the filament yarn has soft touch and feeling, high bulkiness and uniform appearance.

Abstract: A thermostructural composite article and a method for making in which the article comprises silicon carbide reinforcing fibers having an oxygen content by weight of not more than about 14% and an average diameter of less than about 20 microns in a refractory matrix at least partially formed by chemical vapor infiltration. The fibers in the composite article of the invention have an end-to-end fiber diameter uniformity ratio of less than about 1.5.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibrous structures comprised of shaped fibers wherein the thickness of the compressed fibrous structure at 1.00 psi is .gtoreq.1.3 times that of a similar compressed structure having the same area density and made from round cross section fibers of the same dpf as the shaped fibers. The invention is useful in articles such as coats, gloves, boats, shoes, etc. made using the structures disclosed herein. The surprising feature of structures according to the present invention is the thickness retention at high pressures. This retained thickness under pressure translates directly into decreased heat transfer or improved insulation.

Abstract: There is provided an elongate fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite which comprises a multiplicity of filamentary fibers, each extending longitudinally of the composite and a thermoplastic resin matrix impregnating and surrounding the filamentary fibers. The composite has alternating lobes and valleys on its surface defining a fluted cross section. The lobes and valleys extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite. In a preferred form of the invention, the filamentary fibers also extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite, and desirably, the helical pitch of the filamentary fibers is substantially the same as that of the lobes and valleys. The helical pitch may suitably range from about 1.5 to about 8 inches and the elongate composite may have a diameter of from 0.125 to 8 inches. The fibers may comprise from about 20 to about 80 percent by weight of the composite. The number of fibers in the elongate composite may be within the range of 2,000 to 70,000,000 filaments.

Abstract: Glass polyhedrons that can be used particularly as spacers and make it possible to maintain a space between two glass sheets. These polyhedrons have an approximately polygonal section whose dimension are less than a millimeter and whose corners are rounded with a radius of curvature of less than 10 microns.

Abstract: Densified particles of friction ingredients which include an uncured mix of friction ingredients with a thermosetting binder resin and an effective amount of a liquid coreactive with the resin which maintains the temperature during particle formation below the curing temperature of the resin can be used to make friction elements. Methods of forming friction elements from the particles and friction elements made from the particles also are described.

Abstract: A conjugate multilobal fiber and a fabric made therefrom is provided. The fiber comprises at least two polymers arranged with at least one polymer occupying a portion of the fiber and at least one other polymer having a lower melting point than the first portion polymer occupying an outer portion of the fiber. The polymers can be arranged in a number of configurations depending on the planned use of the web.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate fiber excellent in gloss and feeling, formed from a mixture which consists essentially of (a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate and (b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which can plasticize the cellulose acetate, wherein, in a cross-sectional form at right angles with the lengthwise direction of the fiber,(i) the cross-sectional form is non-circular,(ii) the cross-sectional form has 1 to 4 axes of symmetry, and(iii) the cross-sectional form has a contour formed of smooth curves or formed of smooth curves and straight lines.The above cellulose acetate fiber can be produced by dry-spinning a spinning dope consisting essentially of(a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate,(b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which is soluble in solvent and can plasticize the cellulose acetate, and(c) a solvent which can dissolve the above (a) and (b).

Abstract: A polymer bristle (100) for a liquid-applying brush such as a paint brush includes in cross section a central bore (95), an annulus (96) and preferably three radiating spokes (97) with parallel sides and rounded tips. The bristle is tapered from a thick end (101) that is bundled into the ferrule of a brush toward a thin end (103). The bristle may be flagged by slits (130).

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component forms an exposed surface on at least a portion of the multicomponent fiber which will permit thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers. The multicomponent fibers comprise two poly(lactic acid) polymers with different L:D ratios which provide biodegradable properties to the multicomponent fiber yet which allow the multicomponent fiber to be easily processed. The multicomponent fiber is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.