Abstract: Viscose filaments, preferably in staple fibre form, which have a decitex of less than 5.0 and a multi-limbed cross-section, the limbs having a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1. Examples of multi-limbed cross-sectional shapes are Y-, X-, H- and T-shapes. The fibre can be formed into woven, non-woven or knitted fabrics, and is especially useful for absorbent products.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: Powder coating formulations which include as a component thereof a silyl carbamate of the formula: where R1 is a hydrocarbon or acyl group; R2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group; R3 is alkylene, optionally interrupted with one or more ether oxygen atoms; a is 0 or 1; X is an m-valent organic group; m is 1-6; and, either A=NH and B=O, or A=O and B=NH. The silanes are useful as crosslinkers and/or adhesion promoters.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomer film comprising (i) a thermoplastic elastomer and (ii) 5 to 100 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer, of an electrically conductive filler, and having a volume resistance of 0.1 to 5 &OHgr;cm as measured in the direction perpendicular to the film plane. This film is produced by a casting process wherein a releasable base is coated with a solution prepared by dissolving or dispersing 5 to 30 parts by weight of the sum of a thermoplastic elastomer and an electrically conductive filler in 100 parts by weight of an organic solvent; the thus-formed coating is dried; and then the thus-formed film is released from the releasable base.

Abstract: An extrudable composition is provided which is made from at least two thermoplastic polymers in a biconstituent construction. One of the thermoplastic polymers is present as a dominant continuous phase and the other one or more polymers are present as a non-continuous phase or phases in an amount of 1.5 weight percent or less. No compatibilizer is necessary. The polymer of the non-continuous phase or phases has a polymer melt temperature higher than 30° C. below the polymer melt temperature of the continuous phase. The polymer of the dominant phase may be, for example, polypropylene and the non-continuous phase may be, for example, polyamide. The extrudable composition may be used to produce fibers which are generally between about 5 and 50 microns in diameter. The fibers may be made into nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A steel fiber (10) for reinforcement of high-performance concrete or mortar has a length ranging from 3 mm to 30 mm, a thickness ranging from 0.08 mm to 0.30 mm, and a tensile strength greater than 2000 MPa. The steel fiber is provided with anchorages (12,24) the dimension of which in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steel fiber is maximum 50% of the thickness. These anchorages provide an effective staying in the high-performance concrete without influencing the mixability of the steel fibers in a negative way.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or its espunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A transparent electromagnetic wave shield comprising a transparent polymer film and a conductive layer of a linear pattern shape formed on at least one side of said film, wherein the line intervals in said linear pattern are random between 20 &mgr;m and 1 mm.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: An agglomerate and a process for its manufacture by providing a dry particulated fibrous organic material, mixing it with a powdered mineral to obtain a first mixture, adding a binding agent to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, agglomerating the second mixture in an agglomeration dish and drying the agglomerate to a desired dried state.

Abstract: The monofilament of this invention is a polyamide of polyhexamethylene adipamide oriented from 1.0-4.0 times its original length, has a diameter of 400-1600 microns and contains 2-20% by weight, based on the weight polyamide of the monofilament, of an alkyl aryl sulfonamide plasticizer and 5.0-40.0% by weight, based on the weight of the monofilament, of abrasive particles having a particle size of 10-400 microns. These monofilaments are particularly useful as bristles used in brushes that are operated under dry conditions at relatively high temperatures.

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: A method for the manufacture of surface-structured bristle material from plastic by extruding a monofilament. Before or during extrusion a granular material is admixed with a thermally melted first plastics material forming the main component of the monofilament. The granular material comprises a second plastics material, which has a higher thermal strength than the first plastics material. The particle size of the granular material is such that the monofilament, during a subsequent stretching, is subject to a greater transverse contraction in cross-sections where there is little or no granular material than in cross-sections containing granular material. A disclosed bristle included a surface structure from a first plastics material forming the main component of the bristle and in which is embedded in a substantially completely covered manner a granular material of a second plastics material, the granular material forming a structuring on the bristle surface.

Abstract: An implantable medical article as well as an implantable fiber which is particularly useful for medical implants is disclosed. The fiber includes comprises a first component formed from a substantially resorbable material and a second component formed from a fiber-forming polymer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for spinning fibers or filaments from a spinnable solution using a centrifuge of which the wall has one or more spinning orifices, in which process the spinnable solution is jetted from the centrifuge into a coagulant inside a jacket. The inner radius of the jacket is at least 35% wider than the radius of the outer circumference of the centrifuge, thus allowing the process' productive capacity to be increased. In addition, the fibers or filaments made by this process have very favorable pulp properties.

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 invention is directed to a bristle (12) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is made of plastic and includes several filaments (13, 14, 15) joined together. The filaments (13, 14, 15) are wound or braided and joined together as a result of the action of chemical agents. This results in a firm bond between the filaments (13, 14, 15), and any cavities between the filaments (13, 14, 15) are reliably avoided. Overall, a toothbrush results which, in addition to having a high cleaning effect, offers bacteria or other germs no possibility of infiltration.

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 process for forming flexible cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers of the type having two or more monofilament lines mounted on a common spool. The line produced by the process of the present invention defines two monofilament strands joined together in a side-by-side relationship by a severable bond. Each strand defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced and outwardly projecting vegetation cutting edges thereon, two of the edges on one of the strands being in parallel contact with two of the edges on the other strand so as to define a pair of parallel readily severable welds bonding the strands together in a side-by-side disposition.

Abstract: Cellulose microfibrils, in particular for use as a reinforcing filler or structuring agent in composite materials, a method for making same, and composite materials containing said microfibrils, are disclosed. Specifically, said microfibrils are surface-modified cellulose microfibrils with an L/D ratio higher than 20, preferably higher than 100, and an average diameter of 1-50 nm, where L is the length of the microfibril and D is its average diameter. At least 25% by number of the hydroxyl functions on the surface of the microfibrils are esterified by at least one organic compound including at least one function capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose. As a result, when the organic compound is a compound that includes acetyl groups such as acetic acid, said microfibrils are used as a reinforcing filler in a material comprising cellulose acetate as the polymeric matrix. The filled composite material may be shaped to provide films, moldings, fibers or yarns.

Abstract: A reinforcing material for incorporation into a kneaded and shaped hydraulic material, comprising a fiber having a fineness of 5 d or more, an aspect ratio of from 10-500, a breaking tenacity of 5 g/d or more, an elongation (A) of from 6-20%, a flexing tenacity utilization factor (B) of 35% or more, and (B).ltoreq.4 (A).

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

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: The invention is directed to a bristle (1) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is comprised of a monofilament (2) made of plastic. The monofilament (2) is of a non-circular cross-section, is twisted about its longitudinal axis, and is fixed as a result of the action of chemical agents. In this manner, the bristle (1) is provided with a three-dimensionally structured surface which effects an improved cleaning action, in particular with regard to the removal of plaque.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber demonstrates moisture wicking properties. The fiber has one or more internal lenghtwise open channels each having an opening and at least one groove having a deepest point, a longest dimension and a mouth. The mouth is defined by moving a line from the deepest point along the longest dimension until the largest convex set is identified. The mouth is at the line segment closing the largest convex set. The mouth has width x wherein the average transverse cross-sectional area of the groove is greater than or equal to (.pi.x.sup.2)/8. A durable hydrophilic surface modification is assosiated with said channel.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-sensitive stencil sheet comprising an ink-impermeable thermoplastic film and a porous substrate laminated to the film, characterized in that the porous substrate is a screen gauze which is made of synthetic fibers having a fiber diameter of 25-60 .mu.m and has a mesh number of 160-190 or 210-290. The screen gauze may be subjected to calendering.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber reinforcing system that enhances ductility of concrete at small and large crack openings, while avoiding the necessity of using steel fibers at high (e.g., 1%) volumes, by taking into account Young's modulus, deploying large surface area to volume ratios for improved anchorage, and using different relative lengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to melt-spun polyurethane elastic fiber having a degree of luster of 70 or less, the degree of luster being defined as (I/Io).times.100 where the amount of light reflecting off the surface of the fiber is I and the amount of light reflecting off a standard white plate is Io. On the surface of preferable polyurethane elastic fiber, 10 or more mountain-like protrusions of 0.2 to 5.05 to 110 parts by weight of 5 to 110 parts by weight of .mu.m in height are present every 10 .mu.m fiber in the axial direction.Also, the present invention relates to a process for producing polyurethane elastic fiber, comprising melt-spinning butylene terephthalate-based crystalline polyester (A) and thermoplastic polyurethane (B) wherein before spinning, the compound (A) is melt-mixed with thermoplastic polyurethane (B-1) having isocyanate groups in an amount of 150 to 500 .mu.mol/g.Further, the present invention relates to covered fiber comprising the polyurethane elastic fiber as a core.

Abstract: A long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molding material in the form of pellets each having inorganic filaments arranged substantially in the same length and in parallel in the same direction in a matrix of a thermoplastic resin, wherein the exposed ratio E as defined by the following formula (1) is at most 60%, on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet:E=(e/N).times.100 (1)where E is the exposed ratio (%), e is the number of inorganic filaments with their cross-sections exposed on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet, and N is the total number of inorganic filaments arranged in the pellet.

Abstract: Steel wire element for mixing into subsequently hardening soft materials includes hook-shaped ends and a middle portion the length/diameter ratio of which is between 20 and 100. The middle portion of the element displays a substantially circular cross section over essentially its entire length and the hook-shaped ends of the element are deformed by flattening.

Abstract: Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers are disclosed which have been grafted with nitrobenzyl, allyl, or nitrostilbene groups to increase adhesion of the fibers to rubber. A process for making the grafted fibers is, also, disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting filament intended for trimming and cutting vegetation, such a cutting filament being used on rotary-head motorized cultivators such as brush cutters and edge trimmers. During use such cutting filaments generate a substantial and unpleasant amount of high-frequent noise which is added to the noise of the motor for driving the rotary head. These noises lead to outdoor noise pollution. Legislatory requirements aiming to limit the noise to a level deemed to be acceptable are being drawn up and could shortly come into force. The cutting filament according to the present invention is characterized in that the cutting filament (1; 10') has undulations (2; 6; 12') that recur in the longitudinal direction of the cutting filament (1; 10').

Abstract: A method of inserting a fill yarn on an air jet loom includes propelling a fill yarn with one or more air jets from the insertion side to the exit side of the loom, where the yarn comprises a strand of individual filaments, the strand having a primary cross-sectional shape and periodic flat spots with a flat cross-sectional shape which is more elongated than the primary cross-sectional shape, and where the flat spots provide increased drag for propulsion by the air jets.

Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: To provide a PTFE composite fiber having remarkably improved thermal bonding property, PTFE cotton-like materials which can be used for producing a non-woven fabric by thermal bonding method, processes for production thereof, a process for producing a split yarn, a process for producing a monofilament and a process for producing a multifilament having loop and/or branched structure.A thermofusing resin layer is provided on the surface of the PTFE fiber. After lamination of the PTFE film and the thermofusing resin film, uniaxial stretching is carried out at a temperature between the melting points of the respective films.

Abstract: A viscose plush comprising warp threads, fill threads and pile threads, each composed of viscose. The pile threads have longitudinal grooves on their surface. And the longitudinal grooves of adjacent pile threads combine to form capillary channels to suck in foreign substances axially.

Abstract: Polymeric monofilaments having 3 to 12 circumferential striations exhibit excellent performance when used in woven papermaking belts.

Abstract: Fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprise a plurality of thermoplastic fibers having a profile geometry defined by the equation, ##EQU1## wherein the amplitude a.sub.0 falls within a range of from about 0.1 d.sub.f to 2.0 d.sub.f and the period .lambda. falls within a range of from about 2 d.sub.f to 15 d.sub.f for fibers having a diameter d.sub.f of from about 0.5 to about 1 mm; the peak pull-out stress .sigma..sub.peak and the specific pull-out energy absorbed to a maximal displacement of 7.5 mm .psi..sub.peak, both increase linearly with a deformity factor defined by the equation, ##EQU2## where .alpha.=0.8 and .beta.=-1, such that the peak pull-out stress is defined by the equation, ##EQU3## and the specific pull-out energy is defined by the equation, ##EQU4## the fiber additives having an optimimum deformity,D.sub.optimum .apprxeq.(0.5 to 1)D.sub.critical,D.sub.critical being that deformity where the ultimate tensile strength of the fiber equals k.sub.1 D.sub.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber of acrylic series having an excellent animal-hair feeling is provided. The surface of the fiber having unevenness, in which the center-line mean roughness of the outer periphery of the cross-section of the fiber lies within a range of 0.01 to 0.13 .mu.m, is adhered thereon with an organopolysiloxane, wherein an effect by a treatment with silicone may be obtained to a greatest extent to provide the fiber having an extremely excellent animal-hair feeling. The kinds and amounts of additives to be added to a spinning solution may be so controlled that the roughness of unevenness on the surface of the fiber lies within the above range, thereby the appearance of the fiber with or without gloss may be selected. When the roughness of the surface unevenness lies within the above range and the cross-section of the fiber is a circle, or a flat or oval section having an aspect radio of 10 or less, a fiber having an extremely excellent animal-hair feeling may be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that are capable of spontaneously transporting certain fluids, for example aqueous fluids, such as water, on their surfaces. The fibers, especially in the form of tow, can be incorporated into absorbent articles, such as diapers, in order to transport fluids to more effectively utilize the absorbent portion of the article. The fibers can be synthetically coated with absorbent materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of ambient airflow and a method for the use thereof. The apparatus includes man-made or natural fibers that float when released into the air by a user. The direction of ambient airflow is determined by observing the direction of movement of the fibers from the point of release from the user's hand.

Abstract: The welding rod used to weld the surface covering has a laminate structure in which a print layer is disposed between a first thermoplastic layer and a second transparent thermoplastic layer. Preferably the welding rod is in the form of an elongated element having a half-round cross-sectional shape. The welding rod is used to join two pieces of thermoplastic sheeting, particularly flooring, together. If the welding rod has a pattern similar to the printed pattern of the sheeting the resulting surface covering looks seamless.

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: Steel fiber reinforced concrete with very high flexural strength. A concrete composition is used with a compressive strength P of at least 80 N/mm.sup.2. Mixed in the concrete are fibers made by a cold work hardening cross-section reduction operation, having a length-to-thickness ratio ranging from 60 to 120, and with a grappling form. The tensile strength T of the steel is in a proportion with respect to the compressive strength P according to the formula T/P>17.

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.