Abstract: A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Polymer yarns prepared from ultra high molecular weight homopolymers or copolymers which includes the steps of preparing a suspension of a homopolymer or copolymer and a spinning or gelling solvent, extruding the suspension with the formation of a gel, spinning the gel to obtain non-stretched filaments or yarns, cooling the non-stretched filaments or yarns, feeding the non-stretched filaments or yarns, to an extractor together with the feed of an organic extraction solvent, extracting the non-polar long chain solvent impregnated in the yarns, drying the non-stretched filament bundles or yarns, and stretching said dry yarns at a temperature in excess of 80° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminar textile material for covering a pasty active mass on a battery electrode. The invention further relates to a battery electrode having such a material, to a battery, and to a method for producing battery electrodes. Potential improvements of lead batteries are disclosed that are more practical than previously known solutions, and that stabilize the pasty active mass on the battery electrodes. A laminar textile materiel is disclosed to this end, comprising glass fibers and fibers made of a thermoplastic plastic, e.g. polyester.

Abstract: An extruded component formed from an extruded material having antimicrobial components is disclosed. The extruded material may be formed from polymers and formed into a generally elongated shape. The antibacterial components may be included within at least a portion of the material forming the extruded component. The extruded component may be a filament and may include silver glass particles. In some embodiments, the extruded component may be a single component system, a bi-component system, or a tri-component system.

Abstract: A method for forming yarn provides for forming an intermediate product being a fire retardant and heat resistant cohesive elongated network of fibers in a single operation by stretching and breaking filaments of a ribbon like tow starting material of longitudinally aligned filaments. The intermediate product may be wool-like with wavy and randomly oriented fibers formed by from the fragmented filaments. The single drafting operation includes directing the tow through first and second pairs of rollers, the second pair rotating faster than the first. The intermediate product may be spun directly into yarn in one spinning/twisting operation. The fire retardant and heat resistant yarn so produced may include 100% oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers having an average length greater than about 15 cm. The yarn may be knitted or otherwise formed into fire-retardant and heat resistant fabrics or other products used in various applications.

Abstract: A novel method of forming thin films of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is described. In this method, carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a superacid solution and laid down on a substrate to form a conductive and transparent CNT network film. The superacid, in its deprotonated state, is an anion that has a permanent dipole moment. The superacid solution may be a pure superacid or have additional solvent. Preferably, the superacid solution does not contain an oxidizing agent. Novel, highly conductive and transparent CNT network films are also described.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) yarn and to a method for producing thereof. The invention also relates to a medical device comprising the yarn. A UHMwPE yarn is provided having a diameter of 30 ?m or more and a residual spin solvent of less than 100 ppm, wherein the yarn is a gel-spun monofilament.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of sequestering carbon dioxide using metal oxide compositions, methods of making the metal oxide compositions, and articles comprising the metal oxide compositions.

Abstract: A fiber bundle which has a pieced part formed by jetting a pressurized fluid against a fiber-bundle overlap is formed either by directly superposing the ending part of a fiber bundle composed of many fibers on the beginning part of another fiber bundle composed of many fibers or by superposing the end part and the beginning part on a jointing fiber bundle composed of many fibers, whereby the many fibers of the fiber bundles are interlaced with one another to thereby piece up the fiber bundles. The pieced part comprises an opened-fiber part in which the fibers have been opened and interlaced-fiber parts respectively located on both sides thereof, each interlaced-fiber part being composed of a plurality of constituent interlaced parts located apart in the width direction for the fiber bundle.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclic olefin-derived resin microfiber and a cyclic olefin-derived resin non-woven fabric. A polymer solution containing a volatile solvent and a cyclic olefin-derived resin is subjected to electrostatic spinning. The volatile solvent to be used preferably contains at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of chloroform, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane and decalin. In addition, by using a cyclic olefin-derived resin with a glass transition point of at least 160° C., high heat-resistance can be imparted to a cyclic olefin-derived resin fiber.

Abstract: An electrically insulating highly thermally conductive resin composition includes (A) 100 parts by weight of a polyamide-based resin, and (B) 10 to 80 parts by weight of a long metal fiber including a metal comprising copper, nickel, aluminum, iron, chromium, molybdenum, an alloys thereof, or a combination thereof. The electrically insulating highly thermally conductive resin composition can exhibit high hardness and high strength as well as excellent electrically insulating and thermal conductivity properties, and can be useful for various molded products requiring high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of winding an elastomeric yarn, such as spandex, onto a spool includes the steps of providing a spool; providing an elastomeric yarn; rotating the spool at a speed to define a spool rotation speed; moving the yarn traversely with respect to the spool in an alternating to and fro manner to define a traverse frequency; winding the yarn onto the spool; controlling the ratio of the spool rotation speed to the traverse frequency to define a wind ratio during the winding of the yarn onto the spool; and decreasing the traverse speed as the yarn is wound onto the spool in an inverse proportion to an amount of yarn that has been wound. The winding of the yarn onto the spool forms a yarn cake on the spool. The traverse speed may be decreased in inverse proportion to a diameter of the yarn cake. The method may further include the step of shifting the yarn by a pitch for each rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill or a cryogenic grinding mill.

Abstract: A plant for making continuous yarns (30) made of silicon material comprises at least an extrusion station (12), into which the material is introduced in an amorphous condition, and extrusion means (15) which cause the material to exit from the extrusion station (12) along an extrusion axis (D). The plant also comprises a vulcanization station (16), located downstream of the extrusion station (12), at a determinate distance (“L”) therefrom, in which the continuous yarn (30) is vulcanized in a direction of treatment (T). The plant also comprises a drawing unit (18), disposed downstream of the vulcanization station (16).

Abstract: Silicon single crystals are pulled from a melt in a crucible, the single crystal surrounded by a heat shield, the lower end of which is a distance h from the melt surface, wherein gas flows downward between the single crystal and the heat shield, outward between the lower end of the heat shield and the melt, and then upward in the region outside the heat shield. The internal diameter of the heat shield at its lower end is 55 mm or more than the diameter of the single crystal, and the radial width of the heat shield at its lower end is not more than 20% of the diameter of the single crystal. Highly doped single crystals pulled accordingly have a void concentration ?50 m?3.

Abstract: Insulation for high temperature applications includes glass fibers having an average diameter of between about 2.7 to about 3.8 microns. In one possible embodiment the insulation includes a polyacrylic acid binder. Such insulation has about 98 weight percent glass fibers and about 2 weight percent binder.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber having starch and a surfactant, and a web employing such a fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a polyolefin fiber. The process comprises the steps of providing at least one polyolefin tape; twisting or folding the at least one polyolefin tape longitudinally to obtain a precursor fiber and exposing the precursor fiber under tension to a temperature within the melting point range of the polyolefin for a time sufficient to at least partly two or more parts of the precursor fiber. The invention also relates to the fiber obtainable thereby.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to low-haze transparent conductors, ink compositions and method for making the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manganese tetrathiotungstate composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of improved high strength nylon staple fibers having a denier per filament of 1.0 to 3.0, a tenacity T at break of at least about 6.0, and a load-bearing capacity, T7, of greater than 3.2. Such nylon staple fibers are produced by preparing tows of relatively uniformly spun and quenched nylon filaments, drawing and annealing such tows via a two-stage drawing and annealing operation using relatively high draw ratios and then cutting or otherwise converting the drawn and annealed tows into the desired high strength nylon staple fibers. The nylon staple fibers so prepared can be blended with other fibers such as cotton staple fibers to produce nylon/cotton (NYCO) yarns which are also of desirably high strength.

Abstract: A bar type clay member for craft includes a body formed by heating and melting 50 wt % to 80 wt % of wax, adding 10 wt % to 40 wt % of body pigment and 1 wt % to 10 wt % of a colorant to the melted wax, and then melting and dispersing the body pigment and colorant in the wax, wherein the body has a thickness ranging from 0.3 mm to 10 mm and has a bar-like shape.

Abstract: A process of preparing a plurality of nanostructures, each being composed of at least one target material is disclosed. The process comprises sequentially electrodepositing a first material and the at least one target material into pores of a porous membrane having a nanometric pore diameter, to thereby obtain within the pores nanometric rods, each of the nanometric rods having a plurality of segments where any two adjacent segments are made of different materials. The process further comprises and etching the membrane and the first material, thereby obtaining the nanostructures.

Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a yarn, comprising (a) a plurality of fibers having an orientation angle of no more than 8.0 degrees and made of a para-aramid having an inherent viscosity of 5.2 to 6.2 dl/g, (b) a linear density of at least 2666 dtex (2400 denier), (c) a modulus of at least 810 grams per dtex (900 grams per denier), and (d) a tenacity of at least 18 grams per dtex (20 grams per denier). The invention further relates to methods of making such yarn.

Abstract: A PMC fabric yarn for use in a PMC fabric. The PMC fabric yarn has a composition which is a mixture of between 90% and 99.8% PET, with a remainder of said composition being between 0.2% and 10% CNT. The composition of the yarns has a relative elongation at 15.75 cN/tex which is between approximately 5% and 20% less than the PET, and an abrasion resistance which is between approximately 50% and 500% greater than the PET.

Abstract: A binding fiber having, as at least one first thermoplastic component, a copolyamide which has a relative viscosity of at least 1.50 (measured at 0.5% in m-cresol at 25° C.), a MVR of maximum 20 cm3/10 min at 190° C. and 2.16 kg load, a hydrophobicity of less than 7.2, a melting temperature lower than 105° C. in the water saturated condition and a higher melting temperature in the dry condition. The binding fiber can, on the one hand, be activated with hot steam at approximately ambient pressure during the manufacture of flat materials containing natural fibers, such as paper, cardboard, wood fiber boards, or fiber mats. The finished flat material can, on the other hand, be subjected to higher temperatures, and the copolyamide develops good bonding with respect to the cellulose fibers normally used in the indicated flat materials.

Abstract: A nanofiber, which is prepared by using a fabrication method comprising the steps of spinning a spinning solution prepared by dissolving at least one precursor for metal, metal oxide, or metal complex oxide with a polymer mixture comprising at least two polymers having different molecular weights and glass transition temperatures in a solvent and thermally treating the spun fiber, comprises close-packed nanoparticles of a metal, a metal oxide, a metal complex oxide or a mixture thereof and has excellent structural, thermal, and mechanical stability as well as a uniform fiber-shape.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer comprising sulfonating a perfluorocyclobutane polymer with a sulfonating agent to form a sulfonated perfluorocyclobutane polymer, wherein the sulfonating agent comprises oleum, SO3 or a combination thereof is provided. A process for preparing proton exchange membranes and fuel cells comprising the proton exchange membrane are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer alloy has been developed comprising a polysulfone and a vinyl lactam polymer. The resulting alloy has excellent thermal characteristics and even in the presence of substantial quantities in vinyl lactam polymers, has solvent resistance to both organic and aqueous solvent materials. The materials, when dissolved in solvents, can be spun from a variety of solvents into a variety of useful fiber materials. The resulting fine fiber, microfiber and nanofiber materials have excellent thermal and chemical resistance for a variety of fiber applications. The polymer alloys of the invention can be spun into nanofiber mats that can act as a filtration media and can also be combined into conventional substrate materials for fabrication into filter structures.

Abstract: Provided is an organic-inorganic hybrid nanofiber including an inorganic semiconductor material in a nanoparticle or nanocrystal state, and a conductive polymer including the inorganic semiconductor material and having a lower thermal conductivity than the inorganic semiconductor material. The inorganic semiconductor material and the conductive polymer are arranged in a composite material type to have a thermoelectric property. Thus, the organic-inorganic hybrid nanofiber can be applied to a low-priced thermoelectric device having relatively high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing colloidal crystals from which a large single crystal reduced in lattice defects and unevenness can be easily produced at low cost without fail. The process for colloidal crystal production comprises: preparing a colloidal polycrystal dispersion in which colloidal crystals precipitate at a given temperature (preparation step); introducing into a vessel The colloidal polycrystal dispersion in the state of containing fine colloidal polycrystals precipitated (introduction step); and melting the colloidal polycrystals and then recrystallizing the molten polycrystals (recrystallization step). The crystals thus obtained have fewer lattice defects and less unevenness than the original polycrystals.

Abstract: A filter segment for use in a filter of a smoking article includes a substrate loaded with at least one smoke-modifying agent. The substrate is located within the body of the filter segment and is formed from filter plug wrap having an air permeability ranging from about 6,000 Coresta units to about 24,000 Coresta units.

Abstract: Natural fiber is beaten with a biaxial kneading machine. The beaten natural fiber is processed finely with a bead mill so as to allow the processed natural fiber to have a BET specific surface area not smaller than 1 m2/g. This method provides fine fiber in a short time to form a rigid paper component.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention may include a product comprising: a friction material comprising a plurality of fibers having a fiber diameter ranging from about 1 to about 20 micrometers, the fibers comprising ceramic or mineral fibers and reinforcing fibers to add strength, the reinforcing fibers being fibrillated with a Canadian Standard Freeness greater than 300.

Abstract: Polypropylene fibrous elements and more particularly polypropylene microfiber fibrous elements, fibrous structures including polypropylene fibrous elements, and processes for making same are provided.

Abstract: Fibrous elements, such as filaments, and more particularly to fibrous elements employing a polymer and a wetting agent, methods for making such fibrous elements, fibrous structures employing such fibrous elements, methods for making such fibrous structures and packages containing such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nanorods, compositions and substrates comprising nanorods, and methods of making and using nanorods and nanorod compositions and substrates. In one embodiment, the nanorod is composed of Zinc oxide (ZnO). In a further embodiment, a nanorod of the invention further comprises SiO2 or TiO2. In a specific embodiment, a nanorod of the invention is composed of ZnO coated with SiO2. Nanorods of the present invention are useful as an adhesion-resistant biomaterial capable of reducing viability in anchorage-dependent cells.

Abstract: [Problem] A method by which a flame proofing property can easily be provided to polyester fiber having long-term stable color and excellent mechanical properties, particularly, a resin composition and a flame proofing method needed for flame retardant spun-dyed polyester fiber which is excellent in light resistance and durability, and is capable of coloring any of various colors, and also, is environment-friendly, are strongly desired. ?Solution? There is provided a flame retardant spun-dyed polyester fiber obtained by melt-spinning a flame retardant polyester resin composition comprising a flame retardant comprising at least one inorganic phosphorus-nitrogen based compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium polyphosphate, melamine polyphosphate and phosphazenes; colorant; and thermoplastic polyester resin, characterized in that content of said inorganic phosphorus-nitrogen based compound is 0.1 to 12% by mass, content of said colorant is 0.

Abstract: An improved unbonded loosefill insulation material having a multiplicity of tufts and a plurality of voids between the tufts is provided. The tufts have an average major tuft dimension. The average major tuft dimension of the tufts of the improved unbonded loosefill insulation material is shorter than an average major tuft dimension of tufts of conventional unbonded loosefill insulation material, thereby providing the improved unbonded loosefill insulation material with a higher insulative value than conventional unbonded loosefill insulation material.

Abstract: An inorganic nanowire having an organic scaffold substantially removed from the inorganic nanowire, the inorganic nanowire consisting essentially of fused inorganic nanoparticles substantially free of the organic scaffold, and methods of making same. For example, a virus-based scaffold for the synthesis of single crystal ZnS, CdS and free-standing L10 CoPt and FePt nanowires can be used, with the means of modifying substrate specificity through standard biological methods. Peptides can be selected through an evolutionary screening process that exhibit control of composition, size, and phase during nanoparticle nucleation have been expressed on the highly ordered filamentous capsid of the M13 bacteriophage. The incorporation of specific, nucleating peptides into the generic scaffold of the M13 coat structure can provide a viable template for the directed synthesis of a variety of materials including semiconducting and magnetic materials.

Abstract: With a view to realizing a titanium oxide structure that has a large surface area and enables efficient transfer of ions and electrons by virtue of titanium oxide particles connected to one another, an object of the invention is to develop a material useful as an active material for dye-sensitized solar cells, and a process for producing the material; a porous titanium oxide composition and a process for producing the composition; and a photoelectric conversion element comprising the titanium oxide structure or porous titanium oxide composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are particles containing substrates and an anion-binding layer, containing one or more anion-forming organic active compounds or active compound/colorant mixtures; processes for preparing said particles and to methods of use thereof in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, formulations, paints, coatings, plastics, films, in security printing, in security features in documents or identity papers, for coloring seed, for coloring foods or in medicament coatings and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: Rod-type, polycrystalline silicon having a rod diameter of >100 mm are obtained by deposition of silicon-containing gas according to the Siemens method, wherein the Si rods are brought into contact with hydrogen at the end of the deposition process during cooling in the reactor, and the cooled Si rods obtained have in perpendicular cross section cracks and/or radial stresses having a defined size.

Abstract: Stable needle shaped crystals of natamycin having a mean length of between 0.1 and 20 ?m.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon fiber composite material includes a first step and a second step. The first step includes oxidizing first carbon nanofibers produced by a vapor growth method to obtain second carbon nanofibers having an oxidized surface. The second step includes mixing the second carbon nanofibers into an elastomer, and uniformly dispersing the carbon nanofibers in the elastomer by applying a shear force to obtain the carbon fiber composite material. The second carbon nanofibers obtained by the first step have a surface oxygen concentration measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of 2.6 to 4.6 atm %.