Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of randomly oriented discrete fibers and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the web, and methods of making and using same. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of multi-component fibers having at least a first region exhibiting a first melting temperature and a second region exhibiting a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In other embodiments, the discrete fibers include a first population of monocomponent thermoplastic fibers having a first melting temperature, and a second population of monocomponent fibers having a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the fibers.

Abstract: For a protective garment, such as a protective coat for a firefighter, a composite structure comprises an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the outer shell, a moisture absorber, which absorber may incorporate a superabsorbent polymer, within the moisture barrier, and an innermost layer within the moisture barrier, wherein the innermost layer is hydrophobic but is moisture-pervious. In one contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from synthetic, hydrophobic fibers, which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious and which fibers are surfactant-treated so as to promote their being moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from a sheet of a synthetic, hydrophobic material, which sheet is apertured so as to be moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from natural fibers, which fibers have a hydrophobic finish and which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious.

Abstract: A moisture-tolerant structural panel comprising a gypsum board comprising a set gypsum core sandwiched between and faced with mats of glass fibers, wherein a free surface of one of said mats is coated with a combination of a mineral pigment, an inorganic adhesive binder and a polymer latex adhesive binder applied to said surface as an aqueous coating composition, said aqueous coating composition upon drying and setting, covering said mat to the extent that substantially none of the fibers of said mat protrude from said coating.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a protective garment for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier and an outer shell. The moisture barrier is disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, while the outer shell is disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for providing a non-clumping insulating fabric suitable for use in clothing and bedding comprising: a fiber fill layer comprising a plurality of fibrous insulative elements; an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface for binding material coming in contact with the adhesive surface; wherein each insulative element of the fiber fill layer is bound to the adhesive surface forming a continues layer of secured insulative elements; repeating this layering process to reach a desired insulative value; and wherein the adhesive layer and the fiber fill layer are at least partially enclosed by a cover for preventing the fibrous elements from being dislodged from the adhesive layer and preventing the fibrous elements from being soiled.

Abstract: A moisture-tolerant structural panel comprising a gypsum board comprising a set gypsum core sandwiched between and faced with mats of glass fibers, wherein a free surface of one of said mats is coated with a combination of a mineral pigment, an inorganic adhesive binder and a polymer latex adhesive binder applied to said surface as an aqueous coating composition, said aqueous coating composition upon drying and setting, covering said mat to the extent that substantially none of the fibers of said mat protrude from said coating.

Abstract: A wiper that provides a controlled release anti-microbial agent has a substrate layer to which the anti-microbial agent is adhered. In addition, the wiper will have one or more laminate layers, at least one of which will be absorbent. Various anti-microbial agents such as silver containing additives, calcium hypochlorite, and chlorine dioxide generating compounds may be employed. The substrate layer may be a poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) meltblown web and the laminate layer may be a hydroentangled composite absorbent fabric.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods are taught relating to temperature stabilizing saddle pads, horse blankets, saddle girths, saddle seat cushions, and saddles for protection and increased performance of horses and/or riders, among other similar products. The invention provides for products that stabilize the temperature of the horse and/or the rider by absorbing heat generated by the body of the horse and/or rider when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature appropriate for the product. In this process heat energy is absorbed through phase change, resulting in a constant temperature as long as there is material that has not changed phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible scrubbing material that combines at least two discrete components. One component is a continuous flexible substrate. A second component is a discontinuous abrasive layer affixed to the flexible substrate. The abrasive layer is a set of plates formed from a material different than the continuous flexible substrate. One or two flexible substrates with affixed plates can be combined with an intermediate layer such as sponge or terry cloth. The gaps between plates are relatively large and are generally larger than one-third the largest plate dimension. The flexible substrate can be tightly woven fabric that can be printed with visually attractive colors, patterns and images. The plate material is a printable material that subsequently solidifies, such as epoxy. The inventions include associated methods of use and manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric comprising fiber strands having a coating that is more soluble in a resin matrix material than conventional slashing and/or silane finishes. As a result, the coating does not have to be removed prior to combining the coated fiber strand with a resin matrix material. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites, such as printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method of containment of odor and liquid in an inanimate place is disclosed by disposing in said place, a disposable absorbent structure in the form of sheet, this absorbent structure comprising an odor control means and having a water absorption capacity of at least 0.06 grams per square cm. This method is particularly suitable for kitchen applications like the control of liquid and odor in refrigerators. Suitable layered absorbent structures for use in inanimate places are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of attaching a substantially uniform distribution of particulates to individual exposed surfaces of a matrix of fibrous material. The method includes the following steps: 1) electrically charging a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces to create a substantially uniform distribution of charged sites at the exposed surfaces; 2) applying particulates to the charged matrix of fibrous material so that at least some particulates adhere at the charged sites; and 3) attaching particulates adhering to the fibrous material at charged sites by substantially non-transient bonding. Also disclosed is a fibrous composite structure composed of a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces; and a relatively uniform distribution of particulate material attached to individual exposed surfaces of the fibrous material by substantially non-transient bonding.

Abstract: A structural component which consists of a fiber-reinforced, composite material is provided with a protective coating against erosion. The protective coating includes an adhesion-promoting, intermediate layer on the component, an electrically insulating baked, inorganic lacquer layer for protection against erosion and an electrically conducting covering layer, for protection against lightning strikes. The covering layer consists of a baked and compressed inorganic lacquer and the lacquer of the lacquer layer and of the covering layer is baked on the component below the temperature which causes damage to the structural component or below the softening or decomposition temperature of the component. The protective layer is advantageously used for the external components of propulsion units, such as housings, nose cones or fan blades.