Abstract: Methods of analyzing single-walled carbon nanotube structures dispersed in aqueous solutions with dispersal agents are accomplished by depositing the structures in solution on a suitable substrate and forming an array of isolated structures that are substantially free of contaminating material. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are utilized to characterize the isolated structures formed on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for functionalizing the surfaces (and interior) of nanotube like materials using a plasma source. These plasma-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are useful for preparing a variety of different composite fibers having improved characteristics, such as conductivity and mechanical strength. The key innovation being pursued is the development of plasma-based methods for plasma-functionalizing the surfaces of CNTs with reactive chemical groups that covalently bind to polymers and prepolymers.

Abstract: A tape manufacturing system includes an extruder having a die that defines an elongated opening. The extruder provides molten NHFR polyolefin material through the die. The system further includes a cooling assembly, coupled to the extruder, that receives the extruded NHFR polyolefin material from the extruder and cools the extruded NHFR polyolefin material so that the extruded NHFR polyolefin material hardens into a contiguous sheet, and a cutting assembly that receives the contiguous sheet and cuts the contiguous sheet lengthwise to form multiple parallel feeds of NHFR polyolefin tape. The extruder, the cooling assembly and the cutting assembly operate simultaneously in a continuous manner so that the sheet of NHFR polyolefin material is unbroken between the cooling assembly and the cutting assembly. In general, the system is cost effective since multiple, unlimited length feeds of NHFR polyolefin tape can be made at the same time.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is constructed to include a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior for use in various absorbent constructions as an absorbent, capture and entrain liquids and attendant odors.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber, which includes: at least one thermoplastic polymer with an equilibrium water content of 2% or less; wherein the number of hollow portions (&agr;1) and a hollow ratio (&agr;2) in said fiber satisfy the following equations: &agr;1≧7 2≦&agr;2≦65 0.14≦(&agr;1×&agr;2)/100≦250.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-lobal hollow filament having stiffening ribs in the core portion and at least one transverse web in each lobe.

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: A filter, for use in removing residual fuel vapors from within an engine's intake system, includes a filter element having a plurality of fibers, for placement in communication with an intake air flow passage. Each of the fibers has an internal cavity formed therein, and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein extending from the internal cavity to the outer fiber surface. The filter also includes a hydrocarbon-absorbing material disposed within the internal cavities of the fibers. The hydrocarbon-absorbing material may be a solid material such as, e.g., carbon, or may be a liquid such as a relatively non-volatile organic solvent. Alternatively, the material may be a combined solid and liquid. In one embodiment, each of the elongated fibers includes a central stem and a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from the central stem, with a longitudinally extending slot defined between adjacent lobes. Specific useful filter configurations are detailed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermo-expandable fibers and to the expanded hollow fibers or microtubes, microcellular foam or foamed composite material that results upon heating the expandable fibers. The thermo-expandable fiber of the present invention is characterized by having a polymeric wall surrounding one or more pockets or particles of blowing agent or propellant within the fiber. The polymeric wall may have reactive functional groups on its surface to give a fusible fiber. When the expandable fibers are heated, they expand to form hollow fibers or microtubes comprising polymeric shells surrounding one or more internal gaseous voids, and when the fibers are expanded while in contact with each other, a microcellular foam may be formed. The foam consists of a plurality of hollow fibers fused together, optionally aided by functional groups present on the surface of the heated fibers that act to crosslink the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite hollow fiber membrane having a composite structure consisting of a homogeneous thin film interposed between porous substrate layers wherein the ratio of the oxygen permeation flux to the nitrogen permeation flux of the membrane is not less than 1.1 and wherein, after the membrane has been immersed in chemical liquids according to JIS K 7114, the percentage change of the ratio is within ñ10%. This composite hollow fiber membrane can be used to degas chemical liquids without any liquid leakage.

Abstract: Crimped polyester fibers which comprise a polytrimethylene terephthalate-based polyester and have three-dimensional crimps with a number of crimps of 9 to 30 peaks/25 mm and a crimp ratio of 20 to 50% and further a crimp modulus of elasticity of 80% or above. A fiber structure wherein the weight ratio of staple fibers of the above crimped polyester fibers to heat-bonding conjugated staple fibers is 30:70 to 95:5 and heat-bonded spots are formed at least partially in contact points of both the staple fibers and/or contact points of the mutual heat-bonding conjugated staple fibers.

Abstract: Hollow carbon microcoils are provided having a pitch that is substantially zero. Also provided are ceramic microcoils comprising a metal nitride, a metal carbide or a metal carbonitride. The invention also includes methods for producing such microcoils.

Abstract: This invention relates to fiber-forming bioabsorbable poly(ester-amide)s made by the polymerization of diamidediols with 3,6-dioxaoctanedioic acid, also known as “triglycolic acid”. More specifically it relates to diol terminated poly(ester-amide)s of triglycolic acid that are optionally further reacted with glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate, epsilon-caprolactone, or p-dioxanone, or mixtures of said cyclic monomers to produce the corresponding block copolymers. Said polymers are useful in the production of surgical sutures having superior performance characteristics including low bending stiffness and in the production of other fiber-based bioabsorbable implants and molded devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multilayer insulated wire comprising a conductor and solderable extrusion-insulating layers made up of two or more layers for covering the conductor, wherein at least one insulating layer is formed by a resin mixture comprising 100 parts by weight of a resin (A), of at least one selected from polyetherimide resins and polyethersulfone resins, and 10 parts by weight or more of a resin (B), of at least one selected from polycarbonate resins, polyarylate resins, polyester resins, and polyamide resins. There is also disclosed a transformer using the multilayer insulated wire. The multilayer insulated wire is excellent in heat resistance, solderability, and coilability, and is favorably suitable for industrial production. The transformer is excellent in electrical properties and high in reliability.

Abstract: A sized staple fiber product that disperses quickly, thoroughly and uniformly in water is particularly useful in the manufacture of gypsum board by the slurry process. An aqueous chemical size composiiton on the surface of the fibers contains a high level of surfactant and can contain a polymer film former and a biocide. Preferably, the fiber is chopped glass fiber. Novel sizing composition and methods of making and using the fiber are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a water swellable coating and a water swellable coating for forming a coated substrate are provided. The water swellable coatings are semi-gel dispersions of particulate superabsorbent polymer in a polyvinyl chloride plastisol. A dispersion is formed from the polymer and plastisol, then contacted with a substrate and heat cured to a semi-gel state. The coatings are capable of swelling in the presence of water to protect the substrates from water penetration, block water from penetrating the coatings to reach other substrates or to retain water to prevent leakage.

Abstract: Elastomeric articles are rendered less susceptible to blow or blister defects by providing, in at least one cord reinforcement ply of an article, a plurality of gas absorbing bleeder cords with the reinforcement cords and gas absorbing cords lying in the same general plane and with the gas absorbing cords consisting of staple hollow filaments. The gas absorbing cords may be used as fill yarn in weaving fabric employing parallel reinforcement cords.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards plastic bristles for the washing brushes of automatic car washes which operate with moving brushes, where the bristles are hollow-profile bristles. The hollow-profile bristles preferably exhibit a diameter of from 0.5 to 5 mm and a round or oval cross section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid walled hollow carbon fiber made from a hollow polyacrylonitrile fiber.

Abstract: A honeycomb article has longitudinal channels extending from one face to a second face. A portion of the honeycomb is removed by cutting away a helical slot that depthwise extends from the outer surface of the honeycomb through a majority of the channels and lengthwise extends along the honeycomb channel axis commencing at or near the first face and toward the second face. The helical slot traverses a minimum of one rotation around the honeycomb axis. The honeycomb article can be used in a number of applications including heat exchange, thermal mixing, physical mixing, chemical stripping, and chemical reactions of one or more workstreams entering from one face, or entering in a countercurrent mode from both faces.

Abstract: The toner fuser roll of the present invention, which is characterized by good thermal conductivity and resistance to degradation by release agents in addition to excellent wear properties, is capable of producing toner fused images with desirably high gloss. In accordance with the invention, the fuser roll comprises a cylindrical core and a base cushion layer comprising a condensation-cured poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer formed on the core. A barrier layer that comprises a cured fluorocarbon polymer and includes a particulate filler overlies the cushion layer. Overlying the barrier layer is a highly smooth outer surface layer comprising an addition-cured poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer and having a roughness value, Ra, no greater than about 10 microinches. Further in accordance with the invention is a process for forming the just described toner fuser roll.

Abstract: A filler rod for occupying space in a stranded optical fiber communications cable having at least one buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber is disclosed. The filler rod comprises an elongated rod extruded from a polypropylene homopolymer, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer (i-PP) resin material, or preferably, from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer having a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The resin material is foamed during extrusion so as to have a plurality of void spaces therein and a relative density which is less than 1 relative to the unfoamed resin material. As compared to rods made from high density polyethylene, the i-PP filler rods show a greater foaming efficiency, more efficient use of material, an improved combination of mechanical properties and density, reduced post-extrusion shrinkage and a substantial reduction in the sticking of the filler rods to the outer jacket that is experienced with high density polyethylene filler rods.

Abstract: An electrical insulation composition comprising two or more crosslinked insulating layers wherein the layers comprise compatible polymer materials wherein crosslinking is present between the compatible layers to bond said layers together so that the crosslinked layers, when applied to a conductor, strip from said conductor without substantial separation. In addition, the crosslinked layers provide at least one of the following continuous service ratings when applied to 10 AWG or smaller conductor: i. greater than about 10 kV DC; ii. greater than about 5 kV AC.

Abstract: A composite conduit comprising an inner layer of fibrous material impregnated with a corrosion resistant resin and a fire resistant outer layer thereon, the outer layer comprising a fibrous material impregnated with an effective amount of calcium sulfate.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices composed of at least one microscopic hollow tube having a wall of single or multiple layers with a thickness of at least one nanometer and a diameter of at least 5 nanometers. The tubes can be formed from a wide variety of materials, some of the preferred materials include metals, polymers, silica, carbon, carbides, nitrides and oxides. The inside of the tubes can be coated with a desired material such as a catalyst. The tubes further may act as devices upon which materials can be deposited which are not compatible with the fiber and further may have depressions or elevations therein that were imparted to the fibers upon which the tubes were formed. The wall layers may be porous for the purpose of removing the fiber therethrough. Further the hollow tubes can be used in a preform by themselves or serve the purpose of being used to form rods or filaments in the desired configuration after the tubes are removed.

Abstract: In a fusing assembly for fixing toner to a receiver and having a fuser roller and a pressure roller forming a fixing nip, a metering roller, a polymeric release agent is applied to the metering roller and a release agent donor roller for receiving polymeric release agent from the metering roller and applying it to the surface of the fusing roller, the release agent donor roller comprising an outer layer including a silicone material selected so that its swelling in 1000 cts poly(dimethylsiloxane) is less than 6% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated multilobal filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated octalobal monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary having a multilobal cross-section to form a multilobal filament; and (c) winding the filament at a suitable draw-down. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across their cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: Hollow synthetic monofilament yarns are used in the construction of a base fabric for a papermakers wet felt. The synthetic hollow monofilament yarns have selected interior void, compressibility and resiliency characteristics and are interwoven with other yarns to form a woven base fabric with the hollow monofilament yarns predominating, on at least the paper carrying side of the base fabric. The weaving and finishing of the base fabric results in the hollow monofilament yarns retaining a substantially unflattened cross-section. Accordingly, substantially unflattened portions of the hollow monofilament yarns predominate the paper carrying side of the base fabric thereby providing a cushioning surface which is compressibly resilient to assist in the dewatering of the aqueous paper web as it is transported through a press nip during the manufacture of the paper.

Abstract: A synthetic bristle including a substantially continuous phase of polymer with spaced-apart microparticles in the interior thereof, at least some of said microparticles being close to the surface thereof for creating rough and irregular surface regions. The bristle can include a blowing agent in it, in addition to the microparticles, and the microparticles preferably are hollow glass beads. Brushes employing at least 5% by weight of the bristles of this invention also constitute a part of this invention, with the preferred brushes being applicator brushes, such as paintbrushes.

Abstract: Recycled paper pulp having at least two different types of paper which consume widely different amounts of bleaching chemical, or mixed hardwood and soft-wood pulps, are treated in a manner that enhances distribution and redistribution of bleaching chemical to enhance uniformity of the bleaching treatment. The pulp is intensely mixed to provide a homogenous mixture of fibrous material and bleaching chemical, and then is continuously or intermittently subjected to mechanical action (such as in low intensity mixers, or by agitating pulp in a retention tank) of sufficient intensity and duration so as to enhance distribution and redistribution of a bleaching chemical. Also, recycled pulp will have cleanliness which varies significantly over time, and this is accommodated by sensing at least one of the brightness, color, or lignin content (e.g.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field synthetic polymeric membrane materials formed from casting polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer solutions and/or dispersions. Membranes formed in accordance with the present invention are all highly porous. Both internally isotropic membranes and highly asymmetric PVDF membranes are disclosed. Membranes of the invention may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The membranes of the invention are useful in a variety of microfiltration and ultrathin applications.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of solid-walled hollow polymeric fibres comprises the steps of dissolving polymeric material in a suitable solvent liquid to form a dope solution (44), extruding the dope solution through an aperture in a spinneret (41) to form a narrow jet of liquid injecting a coagulant (46) through an aperture (53) in the centre of the liquid dope jet as it leaves the spinneret, directing the jet through an air gap into a coagulant bath containing a further coagulant; and directing the fibre through a drawing bath to reduce the diameter, each coagulant solution being a mixture of a coagulant liquid capable of causing gelation and solidification of the liquid dope jet and between 20% and 80% of the solvent liquid.

Abstract: A hollow monofilament of a high temperature spinnable thermoplastic such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) which is substantially hollow by up to about 80% by volume and has an outer diameter in the range from about 0.07 to 0.80 mm. is used in the construction of braiding in substitution for solid monofilaments with the advantage of lower cost and increased abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The internal channels (22) of wicking fibers (20) are filled with a selected liquid (18) form of a prepolymerized polymer or monomers and related reagents and then the polymerization reaction is carried out under suitable conditions to form a fiber with desired properties. Fibers with the properties of the formed polymeric products are conveniently obtained thereafter. This provides a convenient way to obtain engineered fibers by directly polymerizing the monomers in the wicking fiber (20) channels (22). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities or channels (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid, with which they comes into contact, through the internal cavities (22).

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) an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can be a large number of relatively small conductive solid particles (18). The small solid particles (18), which can be graphite are permanently entrapped within the longitudinal cavities (22) of the fibers (20) without the use of an adhesive. The electrically conductive material can also be a selected liquid. In the case of a liquid, the wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected conductive liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected electrically conductive liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22).

Abstract: The invention comprises devices composed of at least one microscopic hollow tube having a wall of single or multiple layers with a thickness of at st one nanometer and a diameter of at least 5 nanometers. The walls of the tubes can be formed from a wide variety of materials, some of the preferred materials include metals, polymers, carbon, ceramics, glasses. If the space between the tubes is filled, the tubes become channels in a monolithic or composite body. The channels can have a random or ordered orientation. The interior of the tube walls can be coated with a desired material such as a catalyst and also may have depressions or elevations therein that were imparted to the fibers upon which the tubes are formed. The wall layers may be porous for the purpose of removing the fiber therethrough. Microtubes and microtube devices may be interfaced with the macroscopic world in a number of ways.

Abstract: Respective hollow fiber membranes suitable for use in removing undesired contaminants from blood, in particular in an artificial kidney, have:(1) per membrane area of 1.8 m.sup.2, in vitro clearances for urea and phosphorus respectively of .gtoreq.195, and .gtoreq.180, ml/min, a .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin clearance .gtoreq.44 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.0.5%;(2) an albumin permeability .ltoreq.1.5% and an overall mass transfer coefficient Ko .gtoreq.0.0012 cm/min; and(3) a vitamin B.sub.12 dialyzance of .gtoreq.135 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.3%. The membranes can be prepared by spinning hollow fibers from a spinning solution comprising a polysulfone, a hydrophilic polymer, a solvent and water, the spinning solution having a viscosity x at 30.degree. C. of 25-130 poise and a quantity y % of water given by:-0.01x+1.45.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.-0.01x+2.

Abstract: A high surface area carbon nanofiber is provided. The carbon nanofiber has an outer surface on which a porous high surface area layer is formed. A method of making the high surface area carbon nanofiber includes pyrolizing a polymeric coating substance provided on the outer surface of the carbon nanofiber at a temperature below the temperature at which the polymeric coating substance melts. The polymeric coating substance used as the high surface area around the carbon nanofiber may include phenolics-formaldehyde, polyacrylonitrile, styrene, divinyl benzene, cellulosic polymers and cyclotrimerized diethynyl benzene. The high surface area polymer which covers the carbon nanofiber may be functionalized with one or more functional groups.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a paper strip formed into a cylindrical shape by spirally winding the same and securing adjacent opposed portions thereof by means of adhesives. The building structure has a peeling strength of not less than 13.0 kg/cm.sup.2 and a compression strength of not less than 250 kg/cm.sup.2, which can be used for manufacturing interior and exterior walls of buildings in simple steps, rapidly and at a reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A method for constructing a polyvinylidene fluoride based hollow fiber membrane from a polymer mixture using temperatures not greater than 80.degree. C., the mixture comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, a pore forming agent, and a solvent. The mixture can also comprise a second polymer selected from the group comprising polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinylformal, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhexafluoropropylene, polydiacetylene, cellulose and copolymers thereof. The hollow fiber membranes formed using the controlled temperatures of this invention have acceptable strength characteristics and asymmetrical pore structures which provide a low transmembrane pressure drop.

Abstract: A novel field emitter material, field emission electron source, and commercially feasible fabrication method is described. The inventive field emission electron source produces reliable electron currents of up to 400 mA/cm.sup.2 at 200 volts. The emitter is robust and the current it produces is not sensitive to variability of vacuum or the distance between the emitter tip and the cathode. The novel emitter has a sharp turn-on near 100 volts.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer filament is characterized by a trilobal 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 trilobal void has a modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 3.0 and occupies from about five percent (5%) to about thirty percent (30%) of the cross sectional area of the filament. At a given constant void percentage a decrease of modification ratio increases the degree of sparkle.A spinneret plate for producing the thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament has a cluster of three generally arrow-shaped orifices centered about a central point. Each orifice is defined by a first and a second outer leg joined together at a pointed end directed away from a central point of the cluster. Each orifice has a central leg extending from the jointure of the outer legs toward the central point of the cluster.

Abstract: A nonwoven filter media or mat (1) 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 its internal cavity (22) an electrically chargeable powder particle material. The electrically chargeable material can be a pure electrically chargeable dielectric powder material or a mixture of oppositely chargeable dielectric powder particles (18). The small solid particles (18), which can be PTFE, CTFE, halogenated polymers or any other electrically chargeable dielectric powder particles, are permanently entrapped within the longitudinal cavities (22) of the fibers (20) without the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable composite fiber having improved processability on carding and superior splitting property by a splittable composite fiber comprising at least two thermoplastic resin components, and having a structure wherein a part of at least one of the components projects from the surface of the fiber.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a medical system, having a first part including a plastic material that is dimensionally stable at a heat-treatment temperature and a second part including a plastic material that is not dimensionally stable at the heat-treatment temperature and thus tends to flow under a compressive force; in which the plastic materials do not contain any PVC or EVA. The connection is made by bringing the surfaces on the first and second parts together with subsequent heat-treatment under a compressive force, wherein the second plastic material tends to flow under the simultaneous effects of temperature and compressive force.

Abstract: Hollow polyester fibers having a thickness of 0.11 to 8.89 d tex (0.1 to 8.0 denier), a hollow volume (a cross-sectional area ratio of hollow to fiber) of 40 to 85%, and a crystallization degree of 20% or more and crystal size in (0 1 0) plane of 4 nm or more of polyester, has a high resistance to compression and a high recovery from compression and are useful for producing woven and knitted fabric having a high durability, pile sheet materials having high resistance to and recovery from pile prostration, and nonwoven fabrics and artificial leather materials having a high resistance and recovery from compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated metal surface including successively, starting at the metal, at least one layer of polyurethane and at least one layer of thermoplastic polymer, it being possible for a binder to be placed between the polyurethane and the thermoplastic polymer.It is useful for covering pipes, electrical cables, telecommunication cables and stay wires.