Abstract: An artificial grass fiber is formed, which fiber has an elongated cross-section that remains substantially constant along its longitudinal axis. An artificial lawn comprising these artificial grass fibers is provided, as well as to the use of the aforesaid artificial grass fibers. The fibers collectively provide a special type of artificial grass which imitates the advantageous characteristics of natural grass, in particular in the field of ball roll and sliding characteristics.

Abstract: A composite structure mainly composed of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril and a water swellable solid body, the fine fibers being obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof, and at least part of the surface of the solid body is covered with the fine fibers. The absorbent composite can be formed in various form of, for example, particle, pellet, sheet and the like, especially of a sheet type with a supporting sheet of a non-woven fabric. The present invention further provides a method of making the composite structure.

Abstract: A fabric article includes a fabric body having a technical face and a technical back. The fabric body has a raised surface that is formed at one or both of the technical face and the technical back. The raised surface is formed of yarn comprising polyolefin fibers. In some cases, the polyolefin fibers have a delta or trilobal cross-section. The fibers may be hollow. In certain examples, the polyolefin fibers are formed of a polyolefin and a clarifier.

Abstract: A versatile fabric for use as a towel includes multiple surface areas that are formed of different materials. A support web has hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials woven therethrough. The hydrophilic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a first portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a second portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the first portion. Similarly, the hydrophobic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a third portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a fourth portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the third portion. The first and third portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other and the second and fourth portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other to define four surface portions of the fabric.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.

Abstract: A design and process are provided in which a fully activated thermosetting adhesive layer and multi-layered thermoplastic adhesive are positioned between a flock layer and a substrate.

Abstract: A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first material and a second material disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first material and the second material exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recycled poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and products and processes using the recycled poly(trimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nylon yarn of a finely dispersed melt blended polymer alloy having i) a polyamide component selected from polyhexamethyleneadipamide, polycaprolactam and mixtures thereof, and ii) a nylon 11 component; wherein the polyamide component is the major component by weight of the total melt blended polymer and wherein the polyamide component has a viscosity of about 2.6 IV or more as measured in 96% sulfuric acid. The resulting nylon yarn shows improved bleach resistance. The present invention also relates to processes of producing the yarn and nylon carpets comprising the yarn described above.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tufted carpet. The carpet may include a pile layer having a bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarn. The BCF yarn may include a polypropylene (PP) yarn with a tenacity between about 2.6 cN/dtex and about 3.2 cN/dtex at an elongation of about 50% to about 70%. Alternatively, the BCF yarn may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a tenacity between about 2.6 cN/dtex to about 3.4 cN/dtex at an elongation of about 20% to about 40%.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate on which carbon nanotubes each having one end connected to the substrate can be formed at a high synthetic rate and from which the carbon nanotubes are less likely to be peeled off. The substrate is a substrate for forming the carbon nanotubes and includes a buffer layer 13 formed on at least one of surfaces of a substrate main body 14 and containing aluminum atoms and fluorine atoms. The carbon nanotube complex includes the substrate and a plurality of carbon nanotubes 11 each having one end connected to a surface of the buffer layer 13.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a flocked metal plate, which has a hydrophilic nature and is excellent in water retention property and water absorbing property, and a method of producing the flocked metal plate. A flocked metal plate having a flocked layer, which is formed by implanting short fibers as short fiber bundles in a synthetic resin adhesive layer provided at least one face of a metal plate or a surface treated metal plate, wherein the synthetic resin adhesive layer is made a hydrophilic synthetic resin adhesive layer, the short fibers implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer are made hydrophilized short fibers, and the short fibers are implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer to give a flocked layer having short fiber bundles at as high density as possible, thereby giving a flocked metal plate carrying a flocked layer having been made a flocked layer which exhibits a hydrophilic nature, water retention property and water absorbing property.

Abstract: Polyurethane carpet backings are made using a polyurethane-forming composition that includes fatty acid amide polyols. The formulation allows a significant replacement of conventional polyols with polyols derived from annually renewable resources, while maintaining important properties like edge curl, tuftbind, viscosity and curing rates.

Abstract: Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) compositions, and articles made therefrom, having improved flame retardancy are provided. The compositions can be used to make carpets that are suitable for installation where flame retardancy is desired.

Abstract: A sound- and vibration-dampening (NVH) layered composition may be prepared by spraying or spray-foaming a polyurethane heavy layer, and spray-foaming a flexible polyurethane foam layer, under conditions such that the two layers bond integrally with one another without use of glue or other adhesive. Additional layers, that are the same as, or different from, these two layers may also be included in the composition. The layered composition may be used in, for example, automotive applications. The method is faster and requires less hardware and space than conventional methods that include gluing steps or employ heavy molds to withstand the pressures generated therein by methods such as injecting or pouring; however, it may still attain relatively uniform thicknesses even when spraying is done on a substrate that does not become part of the final construction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to materials comprising polylactic acid (PLA). In accordance with the invention, PLA material is stretched in at least the machine direction at a total stretch ratio of 1:4 or more. These materials have excellent biodegradability and find use in horticulture, in particular for tying up plants or parts thereof.

Abstract: A composition comprising an organic fluorophore having a structure of: or a derivative thereof; as well as articles of manufacture marked with the fluorophore, methods for marking articles with the fluorophore, and methods for producing a fluorescent fiber.

Abstract: A polymer alloy fiber includes a polymer alloy consisting of a polylactic acid resin (A), a polyolefin resin (B), and a compatibilizer (C), wherein the compatibilizer (C) is an acrylic elastomer or an styrene elastomer containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of anhydride, carboxyl, amino, imino, alkoxysilyl, silanol, silyl ether, hydroxyl, and epoxy, and the polylactic acid resin (A) and the polyolefin resin (B) are island and sea components, respectively, to form a sea-island structure in the morphology of the polymer alloy.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion including (A) at least one base polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based co-polymer and a propylene-based co-polymer; (B) at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and at least one filler; wherein the polymeric stabilizing agent is different from the at least one base polymer and is compatible with the at least one base polymer and the at least one filler, and wherein the dispersion has filler in the range of greater than 0 to about 600 parts per hundred parts of a combined amount of the at least one base polymer and the polymeric stabilizing agent is disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric separable fastener member is provided which comprises a fiber for a base fabric and a fiber for a fastening element firmly anchored by the fused fiber for the base fabric and which is excellent in flexibility and durability without a back-coated layer. The separable fastener member comprises (?1) a ground warp, (?2) a ground weft containing a binder fiber, and (?3) a pile yarn, and the pile yarn (?3) is anchored by the fused binder fiber. In the separable fastener member, each of the ground warp (?1), the ground weft (?2) and the pile yarn (?3) comprises a polyester fiber, the mass ratio of the ground warp (a1) relative to the ground weft (a2) is 40/60 to 80/20, and the mass ratio of the total amount of the ground warp (a1) and the ground weft (a2) relative to the pile yarn (a3) is 90/10 to 50/50.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient methods for producing a superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) array. The methods comprise providing a vertically aligned CNT array and performing vacuum pyrolysis on the CNT array to produce a superhydrophobic CNT array. These methods have several advantages over the prior art, such as operational simplicity and efficiency. The invention also relates to superhydrophobic CNT arrays.

Abstract: Substantially flame retardant-free carpets comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn having minimal carrier and, optionally, minimal antistatic agent, are disclosed, as are methods for making such carpets.

Abstract: A temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment, a method of forming a sheet of the hooks and, a method of insulating the skin of a flight vehicle. Temporary loops are formed in a fabric containing temperature tolerant fiber tows, e.g., the tows may be carbon, a metal, a carbide such as carbon silicide, a nitride, or an oxide. The temporary loops are stiffened (e.g., with resin, metal or ceramic), and severed to form temperature tolerant fiber composite hooks. The sheet may be cut and permanently applied, for example, to the skin of a spacecraft or aircraft. A fibrous material, e.g., fibrous insulation or batting, may be pressed in place or formed into the hooks, or the fibrous material may be attached to another structure and pressed in place for a temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment.

Abstract: A multi-colored flocked article is provided having a plurality of flock and adhesive regions. Each flock region is defined by a plurality of flock fibers that are substantially the same in color and are substantially free of light dispersants, such as titanium dioxide. Further, each flock region is of a different color relative to an adjacent flock region to form a patterned, multi-colored design. Each of the plurality of adhesive regions corresponds to a flock region and includes a colored adhesive. The color of the adhesive is at least similar or substantially similar in color to the flock fibers in the corresponding flock region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include flame retardant composites, flame retardant nylon fibers, flame retardant nylon fiber carpets, methods of making each, and the like.

Abstract: A method of forming PET fiber for carpet is disclosed. The method includes drying PET material so it has a water content of less than 50 ppm. Adding color to the PET material, heating the PET material to a temperature less than 330° C. so the PET has a viscosity between about 0.68 and 0.86, and extruding the PET through a spinneret to form fibers.

Abstract: Polylactic acid fibers excellent in wearing resistance and in the ability to smoothly pass through processing steps. The polylactic acid fibers contain a fatty acid bisamide and/or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt. % based on the whole fibers.

Abstract: Provided are polyester compositions comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and flame retardant additives that are phosphonic acid esters. The compositions can be used to make articles having reduced flammability and reduced yellowness as compared to conventional poly(trimethylene terephthalate) compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are films, tapes, and melt-spun fibers prepared from a composition comprising (a) at least one polyester polymer and (b) from about 1 to 30 weight % of at least one ethylene copolymer such as ethylene/vinyl acetate dipolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate dipolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, functionalized ethylene copolymers, ethylene/acid copolymers, and salts thereof. The films, tapes and fibers exhibit improved tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to non-modified polyester compositions. Also disclosed are textiles and articles prepared from the fibers described.

Abstract: An endless belt includes base resin, polyaniline, and alkyl imide acid. Alternatively, the endless belt includes base resin, polyaniline, and alkylsulfonic acid. With such an arrangement, it becomes possible to keep constant the electric resistance of the endless belt despite the change in circumstances or the change with the passage of time, and to thereby enhance the printing quality.

Abstract: Multilayer composite materials which comprise a plastics foil permeable to water vapour, method for production of the same and use of the same Multilayered composite materials comprising as components: (A) a water vapor permeable plastics foil, (B) optionally at least one bonding layer and (C) a polyurethane layer with capillaries passing through the entire thickness of the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A cationic finished textile material, in particular in the form of a cloth, rag or the like, includes a textile fabric composed of textile fibers, wherein the fibers having a permanent cationic finish, wherein the textile material is at least partly raised. The cationic finished textile material is particularly useful for preventing discolorations and/or graying of textiles in the wash or for preventing depositions of dyes on textiles in the wash.

Abstract: A polyamide substrate having deposited thereon a copolymer effective to impart resistance to staining by turmeric wherein said copolymer comprises polymer units derived from (a) at least one cyclic olefin having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and (b) maleic anhydride wherein the molar ratio of total cyclic olefin to maleic anhydride is between about 0.5 and 1.3, and a method for using the copolymer to impart stain resistance to a polyamide substrate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations. Additional steps and procedures include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents. The preferred homogeneously branched ethylene polymer is a substantially linear ethylene polymer.

Abstract: In some embodiment, a method of manufacturing an automobile floor carpet comprises a step of pressing a nonwoven fabric 4, an adhesive film 3 obtained immediately after extruding thermoplastic resin having a melt flow rate of 10 to 1,000 g/10 min from an extruder 20, and a surface skin material 2 piled together in this order with a pair of rollers 21 and 22. With this manufacturing method, an automobile floor carpet excellent in sound absorption performance and also excellent in sound insulation performance can be manufactured.

Abstract: Dye receptivity of fibers used in the dyeing and printing of cationic dyeable nylon as used as carpet fibers or similar polymers difficult to dye with anionic dyes are improved by a coating rendering these fibers more receptive to anionic dyes.

Abstract: Polyurethane carpet backings are made using a polyurethane-forming composition that includes hydroxymethyl-containing polyester polyols. The formulation allows a significant replacement of conventional polyols with polyols derived from annually renewable resources, while maintaining important properties like edge curl, tuftbind, viscosity and good curing rates.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material, wherein the topsheet has a density of less than 0.027 g/cc under a load of 0.004 psi, and a density of less than 0.068 at a load of 0.23 psi.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer or styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene polymer (SEBS) as infill material in artificial turf systems. Artificial turf has achieved growing popularity in recent years, particularly for football fields. The vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer comprises a polyolefin and a rubber wherein the rubber is dynamically vulcanised by the use of a curing agent. The polyolefin is chosen from polyethylene or polypropylene and the rubber is chosen from EPDM or EPM. The rubber is dynamically vulcanised by a curing agent chosen from sulfur, sulfurous compounds, metal oxides, maleimides, phenol resins, silanes or peroxides.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flocked article is provided that includes an elastomeric film and a plurality of flock fibers on a flocked surface of the film. The flock fibers are embedded in the film.

Abstract: A textile product with enhanced flame and/or smoke retardant properties and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The textile product is comprised of a textile material having a primary layer or backing with intumescent particles coated, sprayed, sprinkled, or otherwise applied to the upper surface thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the particles may be incorporated into the tufting primary or backing. The intumescent particles may also be complexed with additional agents, such as antimicrobial agents, softening agents, pliability agent, stain resistant agents, waterproofing agents, static resistance agents and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web.

Abstract: Sound absorbing/sound blocking products, including trim products formed from a porous fibrous layer backed by a sound absorbing layer and a sound blocking layer for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous fibrous layer structure including a fibrous layer backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to vacuum to draw air through the fibrous layer backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing and a layer of sound blocking material may be applied to the porous fibrous layer backing to provide improved acoustic properties. An underlayment may further be included to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.

Abstract: Fibrous structure that exhibit a Free Fiber End Count of greater than 100 in the range of free fiber end lengths of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm as determined by the Free Fiber End Test Method, sanitary tissue products employing same and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions useful for maintaining the clean impression of a carpet (that is, its scent and appearance) over an extended time despite occurrences that might damage the carpet surface. The composition, which includes an antimicrobial agent, an enzyme inhibitor, and an odor-reacting compound, can be used by a consumer to remove contaminants from the carpet and to prevent the odor associated with the decomposition of future contamination. Specifically, the composition has been shown effective in neutralizing odors associated with the decomposition of organic materials (such as urine or food spills) by absorbing and/or removing the odor-generating source. A manufacturing treatment composition and methods for using are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion including (A) at least one base polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based co-polymer and a propylene-based co-polymer; (B) at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and at least one filler; wherein the polymeric stabilizing agent is different from the at least one base polymer and is compatible with the at least one base polymer and the at least one filler, and wherein the dispersion has filler in the range of greater than 0 to about 600 parts per hundred parts of a combined amount of the at least one base polymer and the polymeric stabilizing agent is disclosed.

Abstract: A yarn for strands of an artificial turf ground cover, including a tape filament (4) having a core layer (8) and two outer layers (9) of a different material than the core layer (8), each on one of two opposite sides of the core layer. The core layer (8) contains at least polyester or polyolefin material, and the outer layers (9) contain high-density polyethylene. An artificial turf ground cover and a playing field including such a yarn and a method for producing such a yarn are also described. The high-density polyethylene has a relatively small coefficient of friction with the human skin and the yarn has a good shape recovery after deformation in spite of containing HDPE in outer layers.

Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.