Abstract: Tuftable nonwoven fabric compositions and methods for their preparation are provided. Fabric compositions may include a nonwoven web of continuous filaments, and an emulsion latex binder composition having an emulsion latex and a crosslinker. Exemplary techniques for constructing a nonwoven composition include forming continuous filaments of thermoplastic polymer, placing the filaments on a moving belt to form a nonwoven web, and treating the web with an emulsion latex binder composition having an emulsion latex and a crosslinker.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of a film or sheet or a laminate of the film or sheet with nonwoven facing layer(s). The film or sheet is a blended compound of selectively hydrogenated thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin, and polyolefin and/or polystyrene, that has superior tensile strength and a good balance of good elasticity, low stiffness and good adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers and nonwovens made from plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin, a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer and a slip agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite building board construction. The board includes a set gypsum core and a fibrous mat that is pre-coated with a cementitious layer. A thermoplastic coating is then applied over the cementitious layer. Additives can be added to one or more of the layers to provide enhanced performance characteristics. Also discloses are various manufacturing techniques for applying a hot melt thermoplastic coating to cementitious layer.

Abstract: A thermal insulation product includes an infrared radiation absorbing and scattering material dispersed on fibers forming a porous structure. The infrared absorbing and scattering material can include borate compounds, carbonate compounds, and alumina compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite stiffener materials in the form of a nonwoven sheet of fabric comprising one or more multi-component fibers, wherein at least one component of the one or more multi-component fibers is a thermoplastic material, and each thermoplastic material within a multi-component fiber having two or more thermoplastic materials has a different melting point, prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) entangling the fibers to form a fabric, (b) heating the fabric to a temperature sufficient to melt at least one thermoplastic material of a multi-component fiber without permanent structural impairment of other fiber components, and (c) reducing the thickness of the heated fabric to form a non-woven sheet of fabric. One feature of the invention is the elimination of saturating non woven material in the formation of the composite material.

Abstract: A fabric includes a synthetic leather and a substrate containing Lyocell. The substrate backs and adheres to the synthetic leather. A method for producing a fabric includes providing a substrate containing Lyocell and adhering a synthetic leather to the substrate containing Lyocell. The synthetic leather may be formed of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a novel combination of properties and to methods for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: Non-woven mat including basalt and amorphous refractory ceramic fibers, bio-soluble ceramic fibers, and/or heat-treated silica fibers. Embodiments of the non-woven mat surprisingly have a Resiliency Value after three thermal cycles from 25° C. to 700° C./400° C. of the Real Condition Fixture Test at least 1.1 times greater than the Resiliency Value of a comparable non-woven mat consisting of any individual type of fibers of the non-woven mat. The non-woven mats are useful, for example, in pollution control devices and other thermal insulation applications.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition comprising: A) 20-95 wt % of a propylene homo-polymer or a crystalline co-polymer of propylene with ethylene and/or an alpha-olefin having 4-10 carbon atoms, containing 85 wt % or more of propylene, having an isotactic index equal to or higher than 80; B) 5-80 wt % of a copolymer of butene-1 with ethylene and/or an alpha-olefin having 3-10 carbon atoms having: a content of butene-1 derived units of 80 wt % wt or more, molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of less than 3 flexural modulus of 60 MPa or less. Fibres and spun bond (woven non woven), disposable sanitary items (e.g. diapers) thereof.

Abstract: A thermo-bonded non-woven fibrous wipe material is described, in which at least some of the fibres are regenerated plant-protein fibres. Also described is a method of making such a thermo-bonded fibrous non-woven wipe material, comprising the steps of forming a non-woven web of fibres, the web containing heat-sensitive material, and applying heat to the web to melt the heat-sensitive material and thereby cause fibres in the web to be bonded together; wherein at least some of the fibres are regenerated plant-protein fibres. The regenerated plant-protein fibres may comprise soybean protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are electret materials with outstanding thermal and charge stability. The electret materials comprise a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and one or more compounds selected from the aromatic trisamides. The aromatic trisamides are for example of the formula The melt blends are subjected to an electret treatment, for example a corona treatment. The electret materials are for example nonwoven polyolefin webs and are employed as filter materials, wipes, absorbent materials, filter masks, acoustic materials, printing substrates, measuring devices or contactless switches. The present electret materials may also comprise a further additive selected from the hindered amine light stabilizers and the hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters.

Abstract: Provided are method of generating a fiber from a globular protein such as albumin. Also provided are albumin fibers and fabrics and methods of using same for bonding a damaged tissue or for ex vivo or in vivo formation of a tissue.

Abstract: A process for preparing polymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, by contacting propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8 ?-olefins and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have an aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide fibers, a clothing fabric, and underwear which can maintain excellent cool contact feeling, texture, and pleasant feeling and can suppress fiber yellowing and reddening in distribution process or during in use. The present invention provides fibers containing a thermoplastic elastomer, an acidic compound, and a phosphorus antioxidant, wherein the acidic compound is a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer or an acid anhydride and the acidic compound is contained in an amount of 0.1 parts by weight or more per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling pore size in a porous material comprising the steps of: providing a porous material comprising a plurality of interconnected auxetic fibres; and applying a tensile or compressive load to the porous material so as to vary the pore size of the porous material in order to produce a desired effect.

Abstract: A sealant is arranged in a meshlike manner between a composite layer and a barrier layer in a water-tight membrane that includes a barrier layer and a composite layer. In the case of a leak in the barrier layer, the network of sealant between the composite layer and the barrier layer prevents the barrier layer from being affected. As a result, the size of the areas affected by penetrating water is limited. The damage by the penetrating water is thus limited to a smaller area, and the point of damage can thus be more easily localized.

Abstract: Soil-free living roof and wall systems comprising a living layer of Bryophytes, Lichen, And Vascular Epiphytes (BLAVE) on the surface of a thin, light-weight, flexible, fire-resistant mat of mineral wool having a density in the range of about 6-12 lbs/cu ft and thickness in the range of about ?? to about ¾?. Mats are provided in modular units on the order of 2?×4?; no irrigation or growth medium is used. The mats are adhered to a roof or wall with adhesive or mastic, or may be secured with fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, modular units include flexible mineral wool mats over a base sheet of non-woven plastic fibers, on the order of from 2-4 mm thick, and a wide-mesh plastic netting over the BLAVE layer, sewn through to the base layer. Methods of mat module manufacture, innoculant mix production, installation and cultivation/propagation of BLAVE are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber for detecting a target, a method of preparing the fiber for detecting the target, a method of detecting the target in a sample, a fiber complex including the fiber for detecting the target, and a kit including the fiber for detecting the target. The fiber may include a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle, wherein the target material and the metal nanoparticle are fixed to the polymer. The method of preparing a fiber may include preparing a composition that includes a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle and spinning the composition to prepare the fiber.

Abstract: A method of making an ion triggerable cationic polymer by solution copolymerizing one or more vinyl-functional cationic monomers, one or more water insoluble or hydrophobic vinyl monomers with alkyl side chains up to 4 carbons long, and, optionally, a minor amount of one or more vinyl monomers with linear or branched alkyl groups longer than 4 carbons, alkyl hydroxy, polyoxyalkylene, or other functional groups. The solution polymerization is accomplished by free radical polymerization in a mixture of an organic solvent such as acetone and water. After polymerization is complete, the organic solvent is preferably removed by a continuous process. The continuous process is preferably performed using a plate evaporator system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers and nonwovens made from plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin, a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer and a slip agent.

Abstract: A deformable structure for automotive interior components includes a substrate and a cushion element. The cushion element is disposed over the substrate. The cushion element includes a fiber section which has cellulosic fibers. The deformable structure also includes a cover disposed over the cushion element. A vehicle seat and trim laminate incorporating the deformable structure is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from an aliphatic polyester polymer which has sufficient tear strength and is biodegradable. Biodegradable nonwoven webs of the present are prepared from a polymer blend having from about 65% by weight to about 99% by weight of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and from about 1% by weight to about 35% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a lower melting point than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer, a polymer having a lower molecular weight than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, the nonwoven webs of the present invention have a tear strength greater than the tear strength of a nonwoven web prepared from the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer alone.

Abstract: A self-adhesive permeable membrane sheet (1), for use in a building structure, includes a continuous layer of a permeable pressure sensitive adhesive (8) attached to one surface of a permeable membrane sheet (2,4,6). Methods for using the permeable membrane sheet (1) in construction are also provided.

Abstract: A cushion element for a vehicle seat or headrest comprises a non-woven layer and a fiber composite material. An insert material is arranged between the non-woven layer and the fiber composite material, and has different compression properties than the fiber composite material. The fiber composite material forms together with the insert material and the non-woven layer a one-piece material composite.

Abstract: Fine fibers comprising aliphatic polyester and a viscosity modifier. The fine fibers are preferably made by a Blown microfiber process.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to develop a polypropylene nonwoven fabric which is excellent in both of initial hydrophilicity and long-lasting hydrophilicity, that is, which is excellent in initial hydrophilicity that the nonwoven fabric exhibits hydrophilicity in a short time after it is produced and long-lasting hydrophilicity that the nonwoven fabric recovers hydrophilicity in a short time even if it is subjected to heat treatment. The present invention provides fibers of a propylene copolymer composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a propylene/?-olefin random copolymer having a melting point (Tm) of 125 to 155° C. and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a nonionic surface active agent comprising an alkylene oxide adduct of an aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, may comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the article. Preferably, the nanofibers are produced in a melt film fibrillation process. The articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fibres and filaments with polypropylene having a broad polydispersity index. The present invention also relates to high elongation nonwoven prepared from such fibres and filaments. It further relates to films and laminates prepared from high elongation nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer.

Abstract: Provided is a planar paper for an adhesive tape, and an adhesive tape utilizing such planar paper as a backing, which has an elongation sufficient to allow the adhesive tape to be favorably adhered to an adherend surface without being accompanied by any lift and separation, but with consistently conforming to the curved surfaces and/or the rough surfaces; which is capable of providing a clear painting line left in a portion of a painted layer required in automobiles; which is capable of being easily cut by hand without requiring any tool as a blade; and which is also excellent in handleability. The planar paper comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-series fiber having a fiber breaking temperature in water of 92 to 125° C., a tenacity of 0.5 to 3.5 cN/dtex at 10% elongation, and a breaking elongation of 17 to 60%.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprises: a first layer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and a layer of asphalt applied over the first layer of HDPE. A second layer of HDPE sheeting is applied over the layer of asphalt. A method of creating a composite barrier to chemical vapors is also disclosed which comprises applying a base layer comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE); applying an asphalt layer over the base layer; and applying a top layer comprising HDPE over the asphalt layer.

Abstract: An electronic element includes a substrate, and a transparent conductive layer. The substrate includes a surface. The transparent conductive layer is formed on a surface of the substrate. The transparent conductive layer includes at least one carbon nanotube layer. Carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer are adhered together by the van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: Glass-fiber composites are described that include a substrate containing glass fibers and particles in contact with the glass fiber substrate. The particles may include an alkali-metal containing compound. In addition, batteries are described with an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The cathode may include alkali-metal containing nanoparticles in contact with glass fibers. Also describe are methods of making a glass-fiber composite. The methods may include the steps of forming a wet laid non-woven glass fiber substrate, and contacting alkali-metal containing particles on the substrate.

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: A fluorosilicone reaction product of a mercapto functional organopolysiloxane and a fluorine-containing monomer, and methods of preparing the fluorosilicone are disclosed. The fluorosilicone products are suitable for application to substrates such as textiles, particularly fabrics, to impart oil repellent properties to the textile. The fluorosilicone reaction product is prepared from (A) a fluorine-containing monomer of the formula CH2?C(X)COOYRf, and (B) a mercapto functional organopolysiloxane.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric 10 has a first layer 1 containing crimped fibers 11. In the layer 1, the crimped fibers gather in parts to form a large number of fiber clusters 12 that are distributed all over the layer 1. The clusters 12 interconnect to each other to form a network structure in the layer 1. The nonwoven fabric 10 further has another fiber layer as a second layer 2 disposed on a side of the first layer 1. The two layers are partly joined at a large number of joints 3. The second layer 2 protrudes outwardly between the joints 3 to form a large number of protrusions 20.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric which contains pitch-based carbon fibers having a high elongation and a high elastic modulus which are not attained in the prior art and is obtained by improving the tensile elongation of carbon fibers derived from mesophase pitch, a felt obtained from the nonwoven fabric, and production processes therefore. The nonwoven fabric contains pitch-based carbon fibers, wherein the pitch-based carbon fibers have (i) an average fiber diameter (D1) measured by an optical microscope of more than 2 ?m and 20 ?m or less, (ii) a percentage of the degree of fiber diameter distribution (S1) to average fiber diameter (D1) measured by an optical microscope of 3 to 20%, (iii) a tensile elastic modulus of 80 to 300 GPa and (iv) a tensile elongation of 1.4 to 2.5%.

Abstract: The present invention provides binder compositions comprising an ethylenically unsaturated carboxy acid grafted lignin or lignosulfonate component, and an oxazoline-functional group containing polymer or resin component, the two components in a solids weight ratio of from 50:50 to 98:2. As formulated, the compositions may comprise from 40 to 98 wt. % of the acid grafted lignosulfonate, preferably, 50 wt. % or more. Preferably, the binder composition further comprises one or more in situ acid generator compound to insure more rapid cure on heating or pressing. The binder enables the provision of low cost composite materials comprising a majority component derived from natural materials, and having a reasonable wet strength.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging heated fluids onto the surfaces of substrates to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other to form a laminate. Also are disclosed are laminates in which a fibrous web is bonded to a substrate in a surface-bonded manner and/or is bonded in a loft-retaining manner. The substrate may comprise protrusions on the surface of the substrate opposite the surface that is bonded to the fibrous web.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. In some embodiments, the fibers comprise a viscosity modifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: Film tapes comprising a blend of a masterbatch and a propylene-based polymer are provided. The masterbatch comprises a propylene-based elastomer and filler. The propylene-based elastomer has about 50 to about 99 mol % of units derived from propylene, about 1 to about 50 mol % of units derived from C2-C20 comonomer and a peak melting point temperature of 115° C. or less. The propylene-based polymer comprises about 80 to about 100 mol % units derived from propylene and a peak melting point temperature of greater than 115° C. The compositions are suitable to make carpet fiber, carpet yarn, films, film tapes, molded parts and nonwoven fabrics having excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymeric composition having a xanthene or xanthenes-based compound as a plasticizer, a method to modify the thermoplastic polymeric materials to increase their relative plasticity while maintaining good strength or “toughness” characteristics, and various articles of manufacture that can be made using the polymer composition are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorinated acrylate compounds.

Abstract: There is provided a protective media and a method of manufacturing the same. In one aspect, the protective media includes a porous dielectric carrier, an active agent incorporated in the porous dielectric carrier, and an electrostatic charge across at least a portion of the porous dielectric carrier. This innovative media is capable of eradicating microorganisms and/or toxins more efficiently than prior art solutions and can also self sterilize.

Abstract: An insulation material (3) for use in, or when used in, building and/or construction, including a moisture vapour permeable, liquid water and air impermeable, monolithic, dimensionally stable, substrate layer (1) bearing an overlying moisture vapour permeable, liquid water impermeable, low emissivity layer (2) applied as a thin organic coating containing infrared reflective matter. The substrate layer (1) may be laminated to a support layer (5) having a strength which is greater than that of the substrate layer by an intermittent adhesive 4.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a multilayer coextruded film that can be used in combination with uncoated medical grade paper or uncoated Tyvek® to produce a sterile barrier system that delivers desired seal and peel characteristics with no paper tear. The combination can be particularly suitable for medical device packaging where the package is subjected to gas sterilization, such as with ethylene oxide.