Abstract: Cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone is electrospun into fibers having diameters of nanometer scale to form a first mat that is capable of absorbing hydrocarbons. A second mat may be formed from a solution of cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone further containing tungsten trioxide. The solution is electrospun onto a copper mesh and then thermally oxidized to create a nanostructure comprising a grid or network of tungsten trioxide crystals and copper oxide crystals. The nanogrid is capable of photocatalyzing the degradation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. The grid may be combined with the first mat to degrade hydrocarbons that the first mat absorbs.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.

Abstract: The invention relates in some aspects to compositions, e.g., wipes, e.g., sanitary wipes, infant wipes, etc., comprising a bamboo fiber and a isolated essential oil, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets comprising an additive and perfume. The additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of wax, oil, and mixtures thereof. The cleaning sheets preferably have at least two regions, where the regions are distinguished by basis weight. In particular, the preferred cleaning sheets comprise one or more high basis weight regions having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 g/m2 and one or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis weight region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the high basis weight region(s). Also disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality, in addition to having multiple basis weights. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a scrim material, which when heated and then cooled, contracts so as to provide a macroscopic three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system with display and operator control unit, and having a data bus and components connected thereto, including at least one display/operator control unit and a computing unit which controls the latter. A graphic user interface, which is based on the HTML/XML page format, is implemented in the at least one display/operator control unit and/or the computing unit.

Abstract: A composite barrier membrane coated on a substrate and membrane is formed by phase inversion technique utilizing a water-insoluble wax and a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a solvent. The barrier membrane coated upon the substrate is used to control transmembrane transport of a liquid and a gas. The substrate can be a starch based food package material, a protein based food package materials, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, or a paper product.

Abstract: A method of adhering rubber to fabric comprising applying a composition comprising an &agr;, &bgr; ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and/or oligomer to a surface of the fabric, joining the rubber and adhesive surface of the fabric, and heating and pressing to vulcanize the rubber and bond the fabric to the rubber. The resultant composites are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a towel desirably including first and second layers having cellulosic fibers and a repellant agent. The first and second layers may substantially sandwich a third layer having cellulosic fibers with higher absorbency than the first and second layers. All three layers may form a single ply.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective glove fabric comprises a base cloth layer, a second stretchable cloth layer overlying the base layer, a third latex layer coated on the base layer and a fourth wax layer over the third latex layer to prevent the latex coating layer from blooming. The method of manufacturing a protective glove with this multi-layer construction includes (1) heating a fabric layer at a first elevated temperature; (2) applying a viscous latex spreading compound over a surface of the fabric layer at a second, lower elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from penetrating the fabric layer but ensuring its adhesion to the fabric layer; (3) applying wax over the latex at least at the first elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from blooming; (4) adhering an opposed surface of the fabric layer to a second fabric layer to form the multi-layer fabric and (5) forming the multi-layer fabric into a glove.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets comprising an additive and perfume. The additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of wax, oil, and mixtures thereof. The cleaning sheets preferably have at least two regions, where the regions are distinguished by basis weight. In particular, the preferred cleaning sheets comprise one or more high basis weight regions having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 g/m2 and one or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis weight region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the high basis weight region(s). Also disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality, in addition to having multiple basis weights. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a scrim material, which when heated and then cooled, contracts so as to provide a macroscopic three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A functional material which fades in color with the volatilization of volatile agents such as fragrant agents, deodorant agents, antibacterial agents, etc. so that a user can visually check the end of the effect of such agents. A volatile agent and an oil-soluble dye having a dissolving proportion of 0.0001-1% are carried on a porous carrier undyeable with, i.e. low in affinity for the oil-soluble dye. The content of the oil-soluble dye is 0.1-100 .mu.g per square centimeter of the effective surface area of the porous carrier.

Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening, said closure comprising at least one resilient mass of fibers selected from synthetic fibers, natural fibers and mixtures thereof, said at least one resilient mass of fibers having a density in the range of 0.15 to 2.00 g/cm.sup.3 and having one of an interlocked structure, an associated structure and a combination thereof, and wherein the closure is sized and has a density to enable the closure to be sealingly inserted into the opening of said container.