Abstract: The present invention provides stretchable laminates with a flat appearance on the visible surface. The laminates comprise a textile layer, a functional layer, and a plurality of elastic fibers. The plurality of elastic fibers are in a substantially parallel arrangement and the internal distance between adjacent fibers does not exceed the maximum fiber spacing, which depends on laminate thickness in a stretched state. Also provided are garments and footwear comprising the stretchable laminates and methods of producing the stretchable laminates.

Abstract: A lighter than air vehicle with a hull, a laminate for such hull and a method of production of such laminate A lighter-than-air vehicle comprising a hull of a laminate material with a reinforcing fibre layer, for example Zylon®, and a first, and optionally second, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol film melt-bonded into the fibre layer. A weathering layer protects the fibres against UV degradation.

Abstract: A garment includes a first material layer including a first surface, a second material layer laminated to the first material layer, where the second material layer includes a second surface, and a laminate material disposed in a non-continuous manner between the first and second surfaces of the first and second material layers. An amount of laminate material disposed between the first and second material layers varies at different zones defined along the first surface of the first material layer. The laminate material can be applied via a dot lamination process so as to form an array of laminate dots that varies by one or more of spacing between laminate dots, dimensions of laminate dots and shapes of laminate dots at the different zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite for an acoustic component having at least one carrier layer and an electrospun membrane which is arranged on the at least one carrier layer, wherein the electrospun membrane is formed of superimposed fibers while a pore structure is being designed. The pore structure of the composite is designed such that the composite has a water column of at least 1 m and an air permeability of 5 L/m2*s. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a composite for an acoustic component, in which a carrier layer is provided and on the carrier layer a membrane is designed according to the electrospinning method, wherein the membrane is produced of superimposed fibers with a defined pore structure.

Abstract: Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles, including articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.

Abstract: A flexible non-porous laminate film structure is provided comprising a textile substrate having a fluorinated film laminated thereto, which is laminated at a temperature lower than the softening point of the predominant polymeric component of the fluoropolymer fiber. The resulting product is resistant to delamination.

Abstract: A flame protective fabric structure (1) comprises a fabric (10) being formed with multiple yarns (20), each yarn (20) made of a fiber blend of at least a first fiber component and a second fiber component. The first fiber component comprises flame resistant viscose fibers (22) in an amount of at least 50% of the fiber blend weight and the second fiber component comprises meltable fibers (24) in an amount of at least 10% of the fiber blend weight. The fabric (10) is formed as a woven fabric with a total fractional cover factor of greater than 60% having a capability to withstand a horizontal flame exposure of 10 seconds without hole formation according to ISO 15025/14116_Index III.

Abstract: A laminate includes a first layer of a first fluoropolymer. The laminate can further include a second layer of at least one ply of a fluoropolymer fabric overlying the first layer. The laminate can further include a third layer of a second fluoropolymer overlying the second layer opposite to the first layer. The laminate can have a strain of not more than 50% at a stress of 15 MPa as measured by DIN EN ISO 527 with a sample width of about 1 inch, at a clamp distance of about 50 mm, and a speed of about 50 mm/min. Embodiments of such laminates can find applications, for example, as diaphragm membranes, solenoid valves, conveyor belts, or bearings.

Abstract: A PTFE/fiberglass composite for use as a conveyor belt comprises a fiberglass fabric having oppositely facing surfaces. The fabric has a structure defining a substantially uniform pattern of openings extending from one to the other of its major surfaces, with the average area of the individual openings being at least about 0.20258 mm2. PTFE films are laminated to the major surfaces of the fabric. The laminated films are interconnected by fluroropolymer ties extending through the fabric openings and are adhered to the major surfaces with a peel strength of between about 5-13 pli. The composite has a thickness of less than about 20 mils and a fiberglass content of less than about 25%.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a textile layer and an air permeable, moisture-vapor-transmissive, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane layer attached to said textile layer, the cover having an MVTR rating of at least 4000 g/m2/day.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a material intended for personal protective equipment is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate; wherein all at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them. Furthermore, a protective suit including a material according to the present invention and the use of such a material for the production of personal protective equipment are also described.

Abstract: A fabric having a camouflage appearance in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum with a substantially a single color appearance in the visible (VIS) spectrum is provided. The novel fabric may include at least two synthetic polymer multifilament yarns. The multifilament yarns are selected from 3 types of multifilament yarns: multifilaments comprising carbon black, multifilaments comprising pigments which modify the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments, and multifilaments substantially free of additives capable of modifying the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments. The fabric is dyed to a substantially single color appearance in the visible spectrum. In general, the fabric has a NIR spectrum comprising two reflectance curves having about 10% to about 85% reflectance separated by about 5% reflectance in a range of wavelengths from about 700 to about 860 nanometers (nm).

Abstract: A laminated sheet comprising a woven or nonwoven fabric comprising glass fibers fixed by a binder, and a fluororesin film laminated on each other, wherein the binder contains a copolymer (A) having repeating units (a1) based on at least one fluoromonomer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene, and repeating units (a2) based on at least one non-fluoromonomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl ether, a vinyl ester, an isopropenyl ether, an isopropenyl ester, an allyl ether and an allyl ester.

Abstract: A lightweight enclosure is described that has an exterior film surface. The lightweight enclosure comprises a laminate having a porous outer film. The laminate is moisture vapor transmissive and flame resistance (passing CPAI-84), and abrasion resistance on the outer film surface thereby remaining durably liquidproof. The lightweight enclosure may be a single wall tent and is formed from a laminate having sufficient oxygen permeability to sustain life while enclosure openings are closed.

Abstract: A method of shortening cycle time required to compression mold shingle or tile is provided, wherein carrier plates are comprised of a surface material and a base, and receive a thermoplastic material, thereon. The roofing material is applied to the carrier plate and the carrier plate is subjected to induction heating, by which its surface material has its temperature raised, without substantially raising the temperature of the carrier plate base, such that the thermoplastic material applied thereto is kept heated in the compression mold. Cooling of the thermoplastic material is by heat transfer from the carrier plate surface material to the carrier plate base, and with both materials having good heat conduction capability. The carrier plate surface material has a high receptivity to being heated by induction heating relative the carrier plate base. The carrier plates are serially delivered through the process, to the compression mold.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heating component having a composite material coated on a support. The composite material includes a fluorinated or silicone polymer and inductively-heatable particles. Additional aspects of the invention are found in a heating belt having a flexible support coated with a composite material. The composite material includes a polymer material and inductively-heatable particles. Further aspects of the invention are found in a system for heating an article. The system includes a heating belt and a field generator. The heating belt includes a flexible support coated in a composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix and inductively-heatable particles. The field generator induces a field about the heating belt. The inductively-heatable particles heat in the presence of the field.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger compartment air filter device comprising a filtration medium comprising a nonwoven web of electret charged thermoplastic microfibers as a filter layer, said microfibers having an effective fiber diameter of greater than 10 ?m and comprising a thermoplastic resin having a resistivity greater than 1014 ohm·cm and an additive selected from fluorochemical compounds or oligomers, organic triazine compounds or oligomers, hindered amine compounds, aromatic amine compounds, nitrogen containing hindered phenols, metal containing hindered phenols and mixtures thereof; said web having a basis weight less than 60 g/m2; and a gas adsorption layer comprising an adsorbent particle loaded layer and optionally further comprising a support layer and/or a cover layer bonded to said adsorbent layer; the basis weight of adsorbent particles in gas adsorption layer being at least 150 g/m2; wherein the filter layer is upstream from the gas adsorption layer and wherein the filter layer and gas adsorption layer are

Abstract: An article includes a plastic material and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) laminate coupled to the plastic material.

Abstract: An article manufactured in a mould and which comprises a structural composite of plastics layers, the article having a wall defining an internal space for holding contents therein; wherein, the wall is formed from at least two layers of plastics materials; wherein a first of said layers comprises a thermoplastics material and at least a second layer comprises a thermosetting resin and a fibrous layer.

Abstract: Protective laminates are provided that include (a) a layer that is breathable and highly impermeable to chemicals to a degree that is subject to reduction upon flexing of the highly impermeable layer alone; and (b) a breathable non-textile layer attached to the highly impermeable layer, the non-textile layer mitigating the reduction in the impermeability of the highly impermeable layer if the laminate is flexed. The laminates may, for example, be attached to textiles and used in protective fabrics.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heating component having a composite material coated on a support. The composite material includes a fluorinated or silicone polymer and inductively-heatable particles. Additional aspects of the invention are found in a heating belt having a flexible support coated with a composite material. The composite material includes a polymer material and inductively-heatable particles. Further aspects of the invention are found in a system for heating an article. The system includes a heating belt and a field generator. The heating belt includes a flexible support coated in a composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix and inductively-heatable particles. The field generator induces a field about the heating belt. The inductively-heatable particles heat in the presence of the field.

Abstract: To provide a PTFE laminated article having a sufficient adhesive strength and a PTFE backing sheet having a low permeability, in which a specific weight of a PTFE sheet can be maintained high. A specific weight of the PTFE sheet is maintained at 2.175 or more by carrying out thermo-fusing of the PTFE sheet and a film or sheet of heat-meltable resin such as PFA after interposing a layer of PTFE fine particles between them or by carrying out treatment for preventing a rapid temperature lowering after the thermo-fusing without interposing the layer of PTFE fine particles.

Abstract: Reusable vacuum bags are provided which include a fabric layer containing reinforcement fibers and a release surface disposed on at least the first side of the fabric layer. The vacuum bag is capable of withstanding multiple mold cycles of the vacuum of less than ambient pressure without significant leakage. In addition, the described vacuum bag can be used in resin transfer molding and standard bagging operations with commercial benefit.

Abstract: To provide a PTFE laminated article having a sufficient adhesive strength and a PTFE backing sheet having a low permeability, in which a specific weight of a PTFE sheet can be maintained high. A specific weight of the PTFE sheet is maintained at 2.175 or more by carrying out thermo-fusing of the PTFE sheet and a film or sheet of heat-meltable resin such as PFA after interposing a layer of PTFE fine particles between them or by carrying out treatment for preventing a rapid temperature lowering after the thermo-fusing without interposing the layer of PTFE fine particles.

Abstract: A cover (200) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object over which the cover is placed. The cover has an inner surface (104) defined by a liquid-permeable layer (202) and an outer surface (102) defined by a liquid-impermeable layer (204). A moisture-absorbing layer (206) is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer. The liquid-permeable layer allows vapor and liquid moisture beneath the cover to be absorbed into the moisture-absorbing layer to reduce the amount of moisture beneath the cover. The liquid-impermeable layer repels environmental liquid moisture, such as rain, sea spray, dew and the like and prevents such moisture from penetrating the cover. A radar-influencing layer (308) and vapor corrosion inhibitors (214) may be included in the cover. A method of protecting an object is also disclosed. The method includes covering a metallic object with cover (200).

Abstract: An article having (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a first composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said first composite disposed adjacent to said first surface of said fabric,wherein the article passes a Newark Flex test after 10,000 cycles. In another embodiment, the invention includes a second composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said second composite disposed adjacent to said second surface of said fabric. The article of the present invention is preferably waterproof, fire retardant, and flexible.

Abstract: A roof membrane and a roof system employing a EPDM membrance which is compatible with a bituminous adhesive. The membrance includes an outer layer of polymeric layer such as EPDM bonded to a polyester protective layer which is in turn bonded to a fleecy material. This can be adhered to a roof deck surface using hot asphalt or bitumen which bonds the fleecy material to the roof deck in turn holding the EPDM in place. The polyester layer prevents the asphaltic material from attacking and dissolving the EPDM with the fleecy material providing good adhesion between the polyester and the EPDM.

Abstract: A unique durable waterproof and moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material is described that includes a microporous film or film/nonwoven laminate, that is held in close proximity to one or more layers of strength enhancing fabrics. The disclosed composite sheet material is uniquely designed for use in outerwear, tents, tarps, covers, containment systems and shelters requiring waterproofness and breathability during extended outdoor exposure to rain and other high humidity environments.

Abstract: The invention discloses a textile laminate (1, 400, 450) with a first layer (5) comprising a waterproof and preferably breathable functional layer (10, 20) and a second layer (30) comprising at least a first component and a second component. The first component is stable to a first temperature and the second component melts at a lower second temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the first component is polyester and the second component may be a thermoplastic such as copolyester, polyamide, copolyamide or polyethylene. The textile laminate (1) is particularly advantageous when two of such laminates (1, 400, 450) have to be joined or fused together. In this case a waterproof seam is created at the seam (500) between the two laminates (1, 400, 500).

Abstract: A three-layer transfer member having a rigid substrate, a conformable intermediate layer and an outer thin fluoropolymer layer wherein the fluoropolymer layer can be tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy, fluorine ethylene propene monomers, polymers thereof, and mixtures thereof, and an image apparatus including the same.

Abstract: A transfix member with a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating having a haloelastomer consisting essentially of monomers selected from the group consisting of halogenated monomers, polyorganosiloxane monomers, and mixtures thereof, and a heating member associated with substrate.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An article having (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a first composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said first composite disposed adjacent to said first surface of said fabric,wherein the article passes a Newark Flex test after 10,000 cycles. In another embodiment, the invention includes a second composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said second composite disposed adjacent to said second surface of said fabric. The article of the present invention is preferably waterproof, fire retardant, and flexible.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for cleaning and removing particles from a surface is disclosed. The sheet includes a particle retention layer including an electret material for collecting and retaining the particles. The sheet also includes an outer layer covering at least a portion of the particle retention layer. The outer layer comprises a low dust retention material and includes a surface having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough.

Abstract: A base cloth for an air bag is obtained by forming a film of a silicone modified thermoplastic polyurethane resin having a polysiloxane segment on a surface of a woven fabric, and the air bag is formed of the base cloth. Since an organic solvent is not used when the resin is prepared, its workability is superior, the resin is safe for the human body. Also, the air bag can be quickly developed in a wide range from an extremely low temperature to a high temperature, and there is no problem of adhesion or sticking. Thus, the air bag having a stable performance and the base cloth for the air bag are provided.

Abstract: A cover (200) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object over which the cover is placed. The cover has an inner surface (104) defined by a liquid-permeable layer (202) and an outer surface (102) defined by a liquid-impermeable layer (204). A moisture-absorbing layer (206) is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer. The liquid-permeable layer allows vapor and liquid moisture beneath the cover to be absorbed into the moisture-absorbing layer to reduce the amount of moisture beneath the cover. The liquid-impermeable layer repels environmental liquid moisture, such as rain, sea spray, dew and the like and prevents such moisture from penetrating the cover. A radar-influencing layer (308) and vapor corrosion inhibitors (214) may be included in the cover. A method of protecting an object is also disclosed. The method includes covering a metallic object with cover (200).

Abstract: The present invention is a luminous fabric and garment that have excellent luminescent properties under conditions of poor lighting, that lose their luminescent properties only slightly due to wear degradation and the like during prolonged use, that have the same color tone and design as regular fabrics and garments during day use, and that possess excellent aesthetic qualities and are free from design limitations.

Abstract: A rubber for a hot press cushioning pad having a value of loss tangent (tan &dgr;) in accordance with dynamic viscoelasticity measurement of at most 0.04, wherein the temperature condition is set at a hot press temperature ranging from 150° C. to 300° C., and the frequency condition is set to a time period of one press cycle ranging from 1 to 2×104 seconds.

Abstract: A laminate is disclosed for high strength, low weight gas enclosure applications such as aerostats or airships. The laminate is formed of at least one woven fabric layer with an aggregate strength greater than 10 grams per denier. The yarns in the fabric have sufficient twist to provide the desired tensile conversion but less than the amount of twist that would produce unsatisfactory flex fatigue. The fabric has a yarn to fabric strength ratio sufficient to impart tear resistance to the fabric, but less than the coarseness ratio at which flex fatigue performance is unsatisfactory, and the fabric has the minimal number of crossing points among the woven yarns that will impart sufficient integrity for the fabric to be manufactured into the laminate. A gas barrier material is then laminated to the fabric layer.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A tubular structure comprising reinforcing fibers impregnated with a thermosetting polymer and a sheet of matrix material filled with an additive suitable for improving tribological and heat conductivity characteristics of the tubular structure. The reinforcing fibers alternate with the matrix material. The tubular structure is formed by winding the reinforcing fiber fabric and the matrix sheet material, wherein the fabric and the matrix sheet material have first and second ends and the first ends are located in the interior of the winding and the second ends are radially outwardly displaced from the first ends.

Abstract: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an intermediate polymer ply over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer and an outer polymer layer. The belt may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or an elastomerimpregnated spun cord layer. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: A liquid and stain-resistant antimicrobial fabric is provided that can withstand the high temperatures required for transfer printing. A coating composition comprising a copolymer composition, an antimicrobial agent and a fluorochemical composition is applied to fabric such as polyester, to produce the coated fabric. The liquid and stain-resistant, antimicrobial, printed fabric retains its natural texture, is durable and easy to handle.

Abstract: Provided is a composite film comprising a continuous phase of para-oriented aromatic polyamide and a phase of low-dielectric resin, said film having a dielectric constant at 1 MHz of not more than 3.2 and a linear thermal expansion coefficient at 200 to 300.degree. C. of within .+-.50.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. The composite film has characteristics such as a low dielectric constant, favorable mechanical strength, homogeneous structure, light weight, and a low linear thermal expansion coefficient, and the film is useful as a base substrate for a flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved protective cover for use in protecting a wearer against liquid contact, even under highly demanding conditions. The invention describes a seam that joins two laminates where the seam provides against leakage and air passage according to tests described in the text.

Abstract: A non-slip, waterproof, water vapor permeable fabric and method of making are described. The fabric is made by obtaining a waterproof, water vapor permeable film and adhering one side of the film to a layer of fabric which may be a stretch fabric. The other side of the film is provided with a discontinuous coating of an elastomer which has an elastic modulus of less than 5.5N/mm.sup.2. The discontinuous coating may take various forms including a pattern of dots or a grid of intersecting lines. The discontinuous coating may optionally project above the surface of the film. The presence of the discontinuous coating of elastomer results in a fabric with a static coefficient of friction of greater than about 1.0 on the discontinuously coated side of the fabric. The film is preferably a porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene film provided with a hydrophilic coating on one surface; the hydrophilic coating may serve as an adhesive for joining the one surface of the film to the layer of fabric.

Abstract: A method for preparing an uncured supported elastomer material includes the steps of: providing a fibrous reinforcement material; providing a layer of uncured elastomer material substantially adjacent to the fibrous reinforcement material; exposing the layer and the fibrous reinforcement to a temperature below a curing temperature and above a flow point of the uncured elastomer material, and a pressure sufficient that the uncured elastomer material flows into the fibrous reinforcement material, so as to provide an uncured supported elastomer material.