Abstract: A bulked continuous filament with a three-sided exterior configuration is characterized in that each side has a smoothly curved contour extending between a first and a second rounded tip with an inwardly extending depressed region being disposed adjacent to each tip. Generally, the filament has an exterior modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 2.0, and a tip ratio in the range from about 2.0 to about 4.0. The filament generally delta-shaped void with three major apices extending centrally and axially therethrough. Each side of the void is convexly shaped and formed from a pair of facets that meet to define minor apices. The void is oriented such that each major apex extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior of the filament and each minor apex extends toward a tip of an exterior side.

Abstract: Glass fibers are disclosed. The glass fibers can be used, for example, in a lead acid battery.

Abstract: A sound and heat insulation material for insulating buildings, motor vehicles, conduits, etc., is covered on at least one exterior surface with a material which reacts at a given temperature by foaming up, and which is difficult to ignite or inflammable. The exterior covering can be a sheet or fiber layer which is impregnated with the reactive material or coated with it. The fibers of the sound and heat insulation core layer can also be directly coated with the reactive material or be mingled with a variable proportion of foamable fibers. The sound and heat insulation element, which is difficult or impossible to ignite, has good insulating properties.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to functionalizing nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. In certain implementations, the polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups for functionalizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A composite textile includes a batting layer, a cushion layer, and a face fabric. The batting layer has high melt temperature and low melt temperature fibers. The cushion layer is needled to the batting layer. The face fabric is bonded to the cushion layer by an adhesive. The face material/cushion layer/batting layer is heat set and rolled onto a roll for use in forming composite parts. The composite textile is more readily recyclable when the batting layer, the cushion layer, the adhesive, and the face material are all formed completely from material of the same chemical nature, such as polyolefin, polyester, or the like.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an acrylonitrile based composite fiber having a new feeling different from that of an ordinary cellulose acetate fiber, cellulose fiber and acrylic fiber, excellent spinability, fiber properties and process ability of yarn spinning, and excellent functions, in particular, a deodorizing function and a moisture absorbing and retaining property. The composite fiber is comprised of 10 to 40% by weight of cellulose acetate and/or cellulose and 60 to 90% by weight of an acrylonitrile based polymer, and has a structure with the cellulose acetate and/or cellulose forming an island component in a cross section perpendicular to a fiber axis and the acrylonitrile based polymer forming a sea component.

Abstract: An optical polycarbonate resin molding material comprising pellets formed from a polycarbonate resin, wherein the pellets satisfy the following properties (1) and (2): (1) an average of surface areas (hereinafter referred to as “cross sectional areas”) in cutting cross sections of the pellets is 3.0 to 6.5 mm2, and a standard deviation thereof is not larger than 0.65 mm2, and (2) an average of ratios of long diameters to short diameters (hereinafter referred to as “long diameter/short diameter”) in the cutting cross sections of the pellets is 1.3 to 1.7, and a standard deviation thereof is 0.08 to 0.15, and an optical disc substrate formed from the material. According to the present invention, when the aromatic polycarbonate resin pellets which satisfy the properties (1) and (2) are used for molding, an optical disc substrate which hardly undergoes occurrence of silver streaks can be obtained, and operations at the time of molding can be facilitated.

Abstract: The invention provides a profiled polymer filament having an open hollow cross-sectional shape normal to the longitudinal axis of the filament, wherein the cross-section is dimensioned to prevent the filament from interlocking with a second filament of the same cross-section. The invention also provides methods of manufacture of such filaments by melt spinning a polyamide, and spinnerets suitable for use in melt spinning such filaments.

Abstract: A process for producing implants made of a bioresorbable metal, particularly magnesium alloys or zinc alloys, in which the material properties of the magnesium or the zinc are changed and the processing and utilization properties are improved by combining process steps for adjusting the properties of the material and subsequent machining. In this way it is possible to produce thin-walled tubular implants, particularly blood vessel support stents, from bioresorbable magnesium or zinc alloys, which are readily deformable without the risk of fracture during implantation.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber, the main body of each fiber filament of the fiber having an outer diameter of about 1 to about 500 nm and an aspect ratio of about 10 to about 15,000 and comprising a hollow space extending along its center axis and a multi-layer sheath structure consisting of a plurality of carbon layers, the layers forming concentric rings, wherein the fiber filament has a nodular portion which is formed of outwardly protruding carbon layers or formed of a locally increased number of carbon layers. A similar fine carbon fiber, in which the fiber filament has repeatedly enlarged protruding portions and the filament diameter varies along with the length of the filament, the ratio of the diameter (d?) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at the outwardly enlarged portions to the diameter (d) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at a position at which no outwardly enlarged portions is present; i.e., d?/d, being about 1.05 to about 3, is also provided.

Abstract: The process for preparing tubular titanium oxide particles comprises subjecting a water dispersion sol, which is obtained by dispersing (i) titanium oxide particles and/or (ii) titanium oxide type composite oxide particles comprising titanium oxide and an oxide other than titanium oxide in water, said particles having an average particle diameter of 2 to 100 nm, to hydrothermal treatment in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide. After the hydrothermal treatment, reduction treatment (including nitriding treatment) may be carried out. The tubular titanium oxide particles obtained in this process are useful as catalysts, catalyst carriers, adsorbents, photocatalysts, decorative materials, optical materials and photoelectric conversion materials. Especially when the particles are used for semiconductor films for photovoltaic cells or photocatalysts, prominently excellent effects are exhibited.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor including a lower electrode layer, a nanotube structure film composed of an insulator matrix and a plurality of nanotubes dispersively arranged in the insulator matrix, a magnetoresistive film provided on the nanotube structure film, and an upper electrode layer provided on the magnetoresistive film. Each nanotube is composed of a circular tubular nonmetal and a circular cylindrical metal surrounded by the circular tubular nonmetal. The nanotube structure film is partially etched at its central region to make conduction of the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer through the magnetoresistive film and the circular cylindrical metal of each nanotube present at the central region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multifilament crimped yarn comprising an aliphatic polyester and methods for producing thereof, and to carpets that are manufactured by using the crimped yarn. The present invention provides an aliphatic polyester multifilament crimped yarn for the carpets comprising an aliphatic polyester having a melting point of equal to or higher than 130° C., said multifilament crimped yarn having crimp elongation rate of the multifilament crimped yarn after being processed with boiling water of 3-35% and breaking strength of 1-5 cN/decitex.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous fiber comprising a polymeric material, said fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The process for producing the porous fiber comprises electrospinning a 5 to 20% by weight solution of at least one polymer in an organic solvent using an electric field above 105 V/m to obtain a fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The porous fiber may be used as a carrier for a catalyst, as an adsorbent or absorbent or as a biomaterial, may be chemically modified or functionalized or may be used as a template for producing highly porous solids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibrous fabric comprising hollow fibers. Preferably, the fibrous fabrics will have an opacity greater than a fibrous fabric with an equivalent basis weight and made with the same material and the same fiber diameter. The fibrous fabric comprising hollow fibers may also have an opacity greater than a higher basis weight fibrous fabric containing the same material and having an equivalent fiber diameter and the same number of fibers. The perimeter of the hollow region of the hollow fibers is substantially non-concentric to the outer perimeter of the hollow polymeric fibers. The hollow fibers can be monocomponent and multicomponent, as well as monoconstituent or multiconstituent. These hollow fibers are then consolidated into woven and nonwoven fibrous fabrics that are then converted into articles.

Abstract: A process for cross-linking/expanding at least one cross-linkable, expandable blank, which is intended to form all or part of an elastomeric safety support for a tire in which:

Abstract: A fabric material for forming a garment to be worn by a user is provided. The fabric material has a first side and a second side. The fabric material comprises a plurality of fibers with at least a portion of the fibers having at least one open side wherein each fiber directs moisture from the first side of the fabric material to the second side of the fabric material. A method for constructing the fabric material is also provided.

Abstract: Microporous particles for stabilizing thermoplastic compositions comprising comprising a stabilizer are provided. Each of the porous microparticles has a plurality of preformed pores into which the stabilizing agent is loaded and from which the stabilizing is subsequently released to the processing environment of use.

Abstract: A roof membrane and a roof system employing a EPDM membrance which is compatible with a bituminous adhesive. The membrance includes an outer layer of polymeric layer such as EPDM bonded to a polyester protective layer which is in turn bonded to a fleecy material. This can be adhered to a roof deck surface using hot asphalt or bitumen which bonds the fleecy material to the roof deck in turn holding the EPDM in place. The polyester layer prevents the asphaltic material from attacking and dissolving the EPDM with the fleecy material providing good adhesion between the polyester and the EPDM.

Abstract: A solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber including a fiber and a deactivated surface-bonded sol-gel coating on a portion of the fiber to form a solid phase microextraction coating on the portion of the fiber, wherein the solid-phase microextraction coating is capable of preconcentrating trace organic compounds in various matrices. A sol-gel method of preparing SPME fibers with chemically bonded stationary phase coatings that serve as solvent-free extraction media including the step of chemically bonding the sol-gel stationary phase with the SPME fiber surface during its creation through sol-gel reactions.

Abstract: A laser gain medium and a method of manufacturing a laser medium, such as a laser rod, or slab for use in high-powered laser peening systems. A laser medium and method reduces stress risers along the surface of the amplifier medium by grit blasting, polishing, etching, annealing, and by eliminating platinum inclusions within the laser glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping small three-dimensional articles such as nanotube exhibiting a layered structure through material removal such that the article is controllably shaped to exhibit a desired contour. Typically, material removal does not require use of a chemical etchant and is carried out while the article and a shaping electrode are positioned in contact material removal relationship with under a potential difference. The invention also relates to nanotubes and small three-dimensional articles exhibiting a layered structure having a controllably shaped contour.

Abstract: Biodegradable fibers of polylactic acid having a number-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 150,000, have an interior portion having a higher alkali solubility than the exterior portion of the fiber. The fibers also have from 5 to 50 cracks/10 cm. The physical properties of these fibers are suitable for practical use, and the biodegradation of these fibers is controllable.

Abstract: A method of making heat engine components, such as rocket nozzle throats, includes forming a body having at least one surface, wherein the body is made of a refractory metal, and compressing a ceramic powder between a die and the at least one surface of the body, with sufficient heat and pressure to densify and thus form a solid ceramic coating on the at least one surface of the body. Nozzle throats made according to the invention have bodies made of refractory metals, such as tantalum, and ceramic coatings on the inner surfaces of the annular bodies, wherein the ceramic coatings are made of ceramic materials such as tantalum carbide.

Abstract: The invention relates to mesotubes and nanotubes (hollow fibers) having an inner diameter of 10 nm-50 &mgr;m and to a method for the production thereof. The hollow fibers can be produced by coating degradable materials with non-degradable materials, whereby the degradable materials are destroyed by thermal methods, for instance. The hollow fibers are used in separation technology, catalysis, micro-electronics, medical technology, material technology or in the clothing industry.

Abstract: A hollow thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament carpet yarn includes a core portion having N number (typically, three or four) lobes joined thereto. Stiffening ribs are formed in the core portion. The stiffening ribs cooperate to define at least N hollow regions in the core portion. The hollow regions may communicate or be isolated from each other. Each lobe has at least one transverse-stiffening web therein that prevents the lobe lateral edges from being deformed towards the exterior of the filament. The major portion of each lateral edge of each lobe may be substantially linear or convexly curved over substantially its entire length. A spinneret plate for producing the filament is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making wet rolls includes providing a web of material, applying a wetting solution to the web to produce a wet web, and winding the wet web into a roll. The wetting solution may include an inorganic salt and at least one preservative. The wetting solution may be distributed evenly throughout the wet roll.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanotube structure which includes providing a substrate, providing a mask region positioned on the substrate, patterning and etching through the mask region to form at least one trench, depositing a conductive material layer within the at least one trench, depositing a solvent based nanoparticle catalyst onto the conductive material layer within the at least one trench, removing the mask region and subsequent layers grown thereon using a lift-off process, and forming at least one nanotube electrically connected to the conductive material layer using chemical vapor deposition with a methane precursor.

Abstract: A bulky polyester multifilament composite yarn having a delicate hand and an appropriate bulkiness, which comprises two types of polyester filaments FA and FB differing from each other in average filament length, the FA being formed from a polyester resin containing 0.1 to 9.0% by mass of a micropore-forming agent (e.g., a polyoxyalkylene polyether, a metal organic sulfonate, a metal-containing phosphorus compound, and the like) and 0.5 to 5.0% by mass of a residual elongation improver (e.g., a polymer of methyl methacrylate, a polymer of a styrene compound, a polymer of a methylpentene compound, and the like) based on the mass of the polyester-resin, the FA having an average filament length that is from 1.07 to 1.40 times the average filament length of the FB, and the FA forming the peripheral portion of the composite yarn.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: A hollow shrinkable fiber is manufactured by wet spinning a copolymer of acrylonitrile and a halogen-containing vinyl monomer, and then carrying out steam treatment, followed by drying treatment, and then heat treatment, thus forming a marrow-like or network-like hollow portion comprising a large number of voids in a core part of the fiber cross section. The void ratio of the fiber cross section is 10 to 50%, and the dry heat shrinkage percentage of the fiber is at least 15%. The fiber has a hollow form similar to that of natural fur, is excellent in terms of bulkiness, a lightweight feeling and warmth retention, and can be used as down hairs in pile products.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite material (10) having a plurality of interlaminar stitches (16) as shown in FIG. 1. The stitches are formed by directing laser energy into the material to melt and recast zones of the material in a direction transverse to the layers of reinforcing fibers(12). The stitches not only improve the interlaminar strength of the material, but they also increase the through-thickness thermal conductivity of the material, thereby reducing thermal-induced stresses. The zones of recast material (18) may define holes (20) extending at least partially through the thickness of the material. The holes may be filled with a filler material (24), thereby mitigating any adverse loss-of-area effect created by the holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinylidene fluoride resin compositions comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyvinylidene fluoride resin, and 0.03 to 10 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl quaternary ammonium sulfates and alkyl quaternary ammonium sulfites.

Abstract: The formation of articles using a breathable, electromagnetic shielding material. More particularly, a material and process for the formation of articles capable of shielding electromagnetic waves while allowing the release of thermal energy. Electromagnetic shielding powder particles are infused into cavities of multilobal polymeric fibers and between the fibers forming a flexible, breathable electromagnetic shielding material suitable for forming shaped articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reinforced carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to reinforced carbon nanotubes having a plurality of microparticulate carbide or oxide materials formed substantially on the surface of such reinforced carbon nanotubes composite materials. In particular, the present invention provides reinforced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a plurality of boron carbide nanolumps formed substantially on a surface of the reinforced CNTs that provide a reinforcing effect on CNTs, enabling their use as effective reinforcing fillers for matrix materials to give high-strength composites. The present invention also provides methods for producing such carbide reinforced CNTs.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles having a high durometer and relatively large diameter. The bristle density is in the range of 8 to 20 bristles per turn; more preferably 10-15 bristles per turn, and most preferably 12-14 bristles per turn. The bristles have a diameter of from 0.010 inch to about 0.016 inch, preferably 0.011 inch to 0.014 inch, and most preferably 0.011 or 0.012 inch. The bristle durometer is in the range of about 92 Shore D hardness to 120 Rockwell R; more preferably about 100 to 120 Rockwell R; most preferably about 103 to 108 Rockwell R. In one preferred embodiment, the filaments have a durometer of 108 Rockwell R. The brush is stable and effective for rapid lengthening of eyelashes and combing of the eyelashes.

Abstract: A melt spinnable fiber is provided that comprises a first component comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second component comprising thermoplastic starch where the second component is not encompassed by another component or components or if encompassed by another component or components then the second component encompasses a hollow core. A particular use of such a fiber is for removal of the second component in the presence of a solvent in order to produce fibers with desired properties. An agent may be present in the second component for controlling the rate of removal of the second component thereby allowing for physical manipulation of the fiber prior to complete removal of the component. The invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the fibers.

Abstract: A carbon tube containing a carbonized tube wall. The tube wall is consisted of carbonized coating material and trace of fiber residue, and the carbonized coating material is prepared according to a process including the steps of: (a) coating a fiber structure with a carbon-containing coating material to form a coating layer over the fiber structure; (b) removing the fiber structure; and (c) carbonizing the coating layer to form the carbonized tube wall. The fiber structure can be either a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional or three-dimensional device can be prepared accordingly.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube has a carbon network film of polycrystalline structure divided into crystal regions along the axis of the tube, and the length along the tube axis of each crystal region preferably ranges from 3 to 6 nm. An electron source includes a carbon nanotube having a cylindrical shape and the end of which on the substrate side is closed and disposed in a fine hole. The end on the substrate side of the tube is firmly adhered to the substrate. The carbon nanotube is produced by a method in which carbon is deposited under the condition that no metal catalyst is present in the fine hole and produced by a method in which after the carbon deposition the end of the carbon deposition film is modified by etching the carbon deposition film using a plasma.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing structured organic-inorganic hybrid materials, using an amphiphilic block copolymer as template.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer filament is characterized by a four-sided void that extends centrally and axially through the filament. Each apex of the void extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior configuration of the filament. The four-sided void has a modification ratio in the range from about 1.2 to about 2.0 and occupies from about five percent 5% to about thirty percent 30% of the cross sectional area of the filament. A spinneret plate for producing the thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament has a cluster of four orifices centered about a central point. Each orifice includes a generally isosceles triangle-shaped major portion from which extends a pair of legs, each leg of one orifice being spaced from the leg of an adjacent orifice to define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided, formed from a multiplicity of substantially continuous bicomponent filaments randomly arranged and bonded to one another. The bicomponent filaments have a multilobal cross-sectional configuration including a first polymer component formed of a higher-melting composition occupying at least the central portion of the filament cross-section and a second polymer component formed of a lower-melting composition being present in at least one lobe of the multilobal cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple and safe method for producing hollow rayon fibers, which are light and heat-insulating. The fibers, having a cross section of FIG. 1, are produced by forming a cellulose layer with a mixed crystalline structure of cellulose II and IV through selective saponification of a portion of cellulose acetate fibers with the use of alkali, followed by dissolving a portion which remains unsaponified, with the use of an organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multifilament textile yarn whereof the filaments or staples have a hollow section, a method for making said hollow yarn, and textile surfaces obtained from said yarns. More particularly, it concerns a method for making multifilament yarns comprising hollow filaments obtained by melt-drawing of a polyamide composition having a yarn count less than 10 dtex for each staple and whereof the staples with hollow section have a central hollow surface representing at least 5% of the total surface in said staple transfer section. The invention is characterized in that the yarn has an USTER coefficient (U %) less than 3% and a number of staple with arc-shaped section less than 30% of the total number of staples with hollow section. The flat yarns, twisted and textured are used in particular for mixing textile surfaces, such as woven or knitted fabric.

Abstract: A fabric composite product is disclosed. The fabric composite is formed from at least two (2) layers that are connected by loop pile stitches. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric composite includes a fill layer positioned in between two (2) outer fabric layers. The fill layer contains high loft fibers. For example, in one embodiment, the fill layer is made from siliconzied fibers. The loop pile stitches connect the layers together without substantially compressing the fill layer. In this manner, the fabric composite has good cushioning properties and has a gel-like feel.

Abstract: A filter composite comprises a first layer of glass fibers having random orientation, and synthetic resinous fibers extending in close association with the glass fibers, the glass fibers having: i) diameters between 1 and 16 microns ii) lengths between about ¼ and 1½ inches the synthetic fibers having denier between 1.6 and 40, and length between ¼ and 2 inches.

Abstract: Rubber compositions for hose production having excellent scorch resistance, extrudability, moisture impermeability, weatherability (ozone resistance), and compression set resistance, as well as a hose produced therefrom, and in particular, a refrigerant hose and its production process are provided. More illustratively, a composition comprising (A) a brominated copolymer of an isomonoolefin and a p-alkylstyrene (PMS) wherein PMS content, bromine (Br) content, and Br/PMS weight ratio are within particular ranges; (B) zinc white; and (C) a brominated alkylphenol resin, and a hose wherein such composition is used for the inner tube and/or the outer cover are provided. Also provided are a composition comprising (A) the brominated copolymer rubber and (D) an inorganic laminar compound; a hose produced by using such composition for the inner tube; and a process for producing a refrigerant hose from such a composition by in-die drawing process.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube growth is achieved in a high-yield process. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a carbon nanotube device includes a catalyst island, such as Fe2O3, and a carbon nanotube extending therefrom. In one implementation, the catalyst island is disposed on a top surface of a substrate. The carbon nanotube device is useful in a variety of implementations and applications, such as in an atomic force microscope (AFM), in resonators (e.g., where a free end of the carbon nanotube is adapted to vibrate) and in electronic circuits (e.g., where the carbon nanotube is electrically coupled between two nodes, such as between the catalyst island and a circuit node). In addition, growing carbon nanotubes with such a catalyst island is particularly useful in the high-yield growth of a large number of nanotubes.

Abstract: A carbon fiber has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, wherein each of the graphene layers includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end at one end and a small ring end at the other end in the axial direction. When the carbon fiber is subjected to a heat treatment in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, the large ring ends of each two of the hexagonal carbon layers are linked by layer link sections in at least one of groups of the hexagonal carbon layers arranged in an axial direction, and an outer surface is closed to have a multi-semiring structure in cross section. When the carbon fiber is then subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere, the layer link sections are released, whereby the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed at the large ring ends in a regularly arranged manner.

Abstract: A nanowire including a core portion 12 made of a carbon nanotube having at least one layer of a graphene sheet 12a, 12b, and a functional layer 14 formed around the core portion 12 and having at least one layer of a modified graphene sheet in which a graphene sheet has been modified; a method for producing the nanowire; a nanonetwork using the nanowires; a method for producing the nanonetwork; a carbon structure using the nanowire; and an electronic device using the nanowire.