Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of beads. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The beads are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the beads may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a functional sheet, to a method for preparing said sheet, to a packaging material and to the use of said packaging material. The functional sheet of the invention comprises a porous polymeric carrier having a porosity of at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, wherein said polymeric carrier comprises one or more functional compounds, which functional compound provides said sheet with at least one function selected from sensing, scavenging and releasing and wherein the polymeric carrier comprises one or more polyolefins and the average pore size of the polymeric carrier is at least 0.11 ?m.

Abstract: The sole of a footwear such as slipper having an outsole. The sole is made of a foam material and outsole area of which is partly laid with a fabric material. The fabric is attached to the outsole layer by a plastic which has been heat pressed to the fabric and the foam material. This provides a strong attachment between the fabric-plastic-foam material.

Abstract: A thermal barrier fabric includes an inner impermeable material layer, an outer impermeable material layer, a spacer material disposed between the inner and outer impermeable material layers, and a reflective layer of material disposed between the spacer and a selected one of the inner impermeable material layer and the outer impermeable material layer. The inner and outer impermeable material layers are bound to each other along portions thereof outboard of the spacer material and the reflective layer of material to define a closed compartment. The compartment is under a vacuum, such that the reflective layer of the fabric reflects thermal energy back toward the source thereof and the vacuum substantially prevents thermal energy transfer through the compartment.

Abstract: A phenolic foam is made by foaming and curing a formable phenolic resin composition that comprises a phenolic resin, a blowing agent, an acid catalyst and an inorganic filler. The blowing agent comprises a blend of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydrocarbon containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms mixed in a ratio of 60/40 to 95/5 parts by weight. The inorganic filler is at least one selected from a metal hydroxide, a metal oxide, a metal carbonate and metal powder. The phenolic foam has a pH of 5 or more and a water uptake less than 1 kg/m2. A phenolic foam with a higher pH value compared with conventional phenolic foam reduces corrosion risk when in contact with metallic materials. The phenolic foam maintains excellent long-term stable thermal insulation performance, low water uptake and fire resistance performance and by using the said blowing agent, does not harm the environment as an ozone or global warming depleting material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing unwanted materials from the surface of fabrics—such as lint, pills, fuzz, and hair—by contacting the fabric with an open-cell foam or an article of manufacturer comprising an open cell foam and a non-soiling and non-staining benefit agents and/or an auxiliary means for trapping material removed by the fabric exfoliation method.

Abstract: A floor covering having a double rollable reinforcement, of the type comprising on the front a calendered sheet of predefined thickness, a first reinforcement, a layer of foam and a second reinforcement, made from polyester material comprising a grid and a non-woven layer on the back, is characterized in that the first reinforcement comprises a single glass grid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a car interior part with a base layer and a fabric layer and a car interior part comprising these layers.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The trim cover assembly has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. The second layer is disposed against the second surface. The second layer inhibits plastic deformation of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lining element, in particular an interior lining and/or covering element, for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure with at least one support layer, in which the air permeability and/or density and/or the mass per unit area of the support layer structure are preset for controlling the acoustic properties, and to a method for producing a lining element, in particular an interior lining element or covering element for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure of at least one support layer with controlled acoustic properties. In particular, the acoustic properties of the lining element are controlled by matching the thickness, and/or the mass per unit area, and/or the air permeability of the lining element in zones, or over the entire surface, to sound emissions which are to be absorbed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered material sheet comprising a stack of fibrous layers and one or more substacks of trauma reducing layers, wherein at least one of the substacks is positioned within the stack. The invention further relates to the use of the material sheet in the manufacture of soft antiballistic articles.

Abstract: A foamed composite armor laminate comprising interleaved combinations of ballistic resistant fabrics, and ceramic and/or metallic plates or sheets in a polymeric foam matrix. The foamed composite armor can be fabricated by inserting polymer powder or sheets between layers of fabric and/or ceramic or metallic sheets to form a laminated structure, heating this laminated structure under pressure to form a consolidated panel, and then foaming the polymeric portion of the consolidated panel in an autoclave or pressure vessel by saturating the polymeric portion with inert gas at elevated temperature, rapidly releasing the pressure and controllably cooling the laminated structure to ambient. Alternatively, pre-foamed panels can be laminated to fabric, ceramic and/or metallic sheets using adhesives or the like. Through proper selection of the various elements of the laminate, i.e.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A padding material, comprising A) one or more layers of an open-cell foam material based on melamine resin with a fire-retardant impregnating material applied, and B) a incombustible or low-flammability covering material, and C) a incombustible, supporting substructure, where the connection between the layers A), B), and C) is the result of force, of interlocking, or of coherent bonding, and also use for furniture, mattresses, mats, and seats in motor vehicles, in rail vehicles, in ships, or in aircraft.

Abstract: A substrate for artificial leathers which is composed of a united laminate of a nonwoven fabric layer A made of bundles of microfine fibers having an average single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and a cushion layer B made of an elastic polymer sheet. A part of the microfine fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric layer A is allowed to penetrate through the cushion layer B to form a microfine fiber layer C on the outer surface of the cushion layer B. The inner surface of the elastic polymer sheet is undulated with a height difference of 100 ?m or more in a thickness direction. Between the undulated surface of the elastic polymer sheet and the nonwoven fabric layer A, voids having a height of 100 ?m or more in a thickness direction are formed. Using the substrate for artificial leathers, grain-finished artificial leathers which combine a softness without resistance and a stiff hand resembling natural sheep leathers and have bent wrinkles with fullness are produced.

Abstract: A composite structure including a substrate and a fluid in contact with the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a non-woven, a foam, or combinations thereof and is characterized by having a basis weight of 15 to 500 grams per square meter.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure, among others, include moisture-vapor-breathable and liquid-impermissible structures (e.g., pads, cushions, padding, and the like, for the seat, arms, back, etc. of upholstery furniture), and/or upholstery structures (e.g., upholstery furniture) that include moisture-vapor-breathable and liquid-impermissible structure, methods of making moisture-vapor-breathable and liquid-impermissible structures.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a bi-layered carpet underlay. More particularly, the method includes bonding a layer of non-woven fibers and a layer of re-bonded foam particles together to form the bi-layered carpet underlay. The layers of the carpet underlay can be bonded together with the use of adhesives, by heating a surface of one or both layers to a soft bondable state for lamination between the layers, by applying a film having adhesive surfaces between the layers, or by other suitable bonding means. The bi-layered carpet underlay combines the soft cushioning resilience of foam with the high durability bridging ability of fiber to provide a carpet underlay that maintains its height or thickness and firmness, while imparting softness and cushioning effects over an extended period of wear.

Abstract: Materials in the form of foam sheet comprising destructured or complexed starch expanded as a contiguous phase, having a density lying between 20 and 150 kg/m3, cell dimensions in the range lying between 25 and 700 ?m and with a cell distribution such that 80% of them have a dimension lying between 20 and 400 ?m in the absence of stretching.

Abstract: Multilayer microporous films comprise first and second microporous film layers. The first film layer has a first maximum pore size and the second film layer has a second maximum pore size different from the first maximum pore size. In a more specific embodiment, the multilayer microporous films comprise coextruded first, second and third microporous film layers. One of the first, second and third film layers has a maximum pore size smaller than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film or larger than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film, and the one layer does not have an unconstrained surface in the multilayer film. Methods for producing multilayer microporous films provide a first film layer having a maximum pore size upon stretching which is different from that of a second film layer upon stretching.

Abstract: A multiplanar, conductive gasket material having a foam core, a conductive web layer comprising a blended mixture of conductive fibers and nonconductive fibers, and a plurality of blended mixture fibers interspersed through the foam core. The blended mixture fibers are heat set within the gasket material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamable resol type phenolic resin forming material comprising a liquid resol type phenolic resin, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, an additive and an acid curing agent, said additive containing a nitrogen-containing bridged cyclic compound and said foam stabilizer containing a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and a phenolic resin foam product obtained by foaming and curing this forming material.

Abstract: An insulation package comprising a layer of material having a cellular structure disposed between a first layer of high-strength polymeric fabric and a second layer of high-strength polymeric fabric. The insulation provides protection for critical fluid systems, such as fuel, hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, thermal, and mechanical systems from high-energy projectiles such as fragments from the disintegration of high-speed turbines and engines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an automobile interior material or construction sheet with excellent processability, and its product made therefrom. More particularly, a method comprises by carding short fibers wherein short fibers are mixed with polypropylene fibers and polyethylene fibers in a mixing ratio of 3 to 7:7 to 3, on one side or both sides of a foamed layer produced by foaming any one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene chips, polyethylene chips, polyurethane chips, and expanded polystyrene chips; setting the short fibers with a shape of a truss in the foamed layer by interlacing the short fibers through a needle punching process; and thermally forming the short fiber layer(s) on the foamed layer by heating the portions of the short fibers exposed on the outside the foamed layer to 120 to 250° C. and pressing thereby melting, cooling and hardening the fused portions of the short fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an abrasive cleaning item, comprising abrasive particles and a foaming agent which may or may not be microencapsulated particles distributed throughout a body of non-woven tri-dimensional fiber. The item, which may have any geometric configuration, offers the user the advantage of being able to have a cleaning product which, during a period of time similar or shorter than the useful life of the non-woven web laminated to the polyurethane foam, the foaming agent is diluted by its aqueous extraction and produces the foam effect or, otherwise, the microcapsules are slowly released by the mechanical effect of the cleaning.

Abstract: The invention proposes a composite textile material for NRBC applications, comprising a first material capable of providing a physical barrier to the penetration of microorganisms and a second material capable of trapping, by absorption and/or adsorption, said microorganisms stopped by said first material and article of protection made of said material.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Fire-retardant, heat-resistant, smoke-suppressant plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, having incorporated therein an intumescent material are disclosed. The intumescent material comprise and intumescent catalyst selected from the group consisting of salts of phosphoric acid and salts of sulfuric acid; and a carbonific material selected from the group consisting of starches, sugars, sugar alcohols, oils, and plasticizers. The fire-retardant, heat-resistant, smoke-suppressant plastic materials may be in the form of a foamed or non-foamed plastic. Methods of making such plastic materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air-permeable composite fabric is provided. The composite fabric has an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an intermediate vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is selected from adhesive material and an adhesive/membrane combination designed so the composite fabric has a level of air permeability to allow air flow between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and a variable level of water vapor diffusion resistance that decreases as air speed impinging on the composite fabric increases.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable top layer, a liquid impermeable leakproof layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent layer interposed between the layers, wherein the absorbent layer has an odor-controlling member containing (a) 20 to 80% by weight of specific hydrophilic fiber or hydrophilic foam and (b) an odor-controlling agent, the odor-controlling member 9 being composed of a layer made up of a mutually dispersing mixture of component (a) and component (b) or being composed of adjacent layers separately comprising component (a) and component (b).

Abstract: The leather-like sheet of the invention comprises a napped part of ultrafine fibers and a grainy part of nonporous elastic polymer randomly existing in the surface of a substrate prepared by infiltrating a porous polymer elastomer into a three-dimensionally intermingled nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fibers of not more than 0.5 dtex, and this is characterized in that the nonporous elastic polymer is infiltrated into the substrate to a depth thereof of from 5 to 20 ?m from the surface of the substrate. The production method of the invention is for producing a nubuck-type leather-like sheet of good surface abrasion resistance. A grainy part of resin and ultrafine fibers and a part of the ultrafine fibers are mingled on the surface of the substrate, and the sheet has an elegant and three-dimensional appearance like natural leather.

Abstract: A composite building panel that includes a fabric reinforcing sheet between one of the metal skins and the core of the panel. The fabric reinforcing sheet, which is preferably made from aramid fibers improves the impact resistance and penetration resistance of the building panel without substantially increasing weight and without adding fuel content to the panel system.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of forming a nonwoven fabric with microsponges comprising obtaining a nonwoven base comprising fibers having a first side and a second side and having a weight of greater than about 2 oz/yd2, stitching the nonwoven base with a stitching yarn in elongated spaced apart rows of stitches, the rows of stitching having a stitch shape factor greater than 0.54 wherein the stitching yarn has a tenacity greater than 1 gf/denier. Next, a plurality of microsponges is formed by impinging the first side of the stitched nonwoven fabric with a collimated fluid stream with from about 100 to 200 joules per gram while supporting the stitched nonwoven fabric on a supporting member having areas impervious to the collimated fluid and pores in the supporting member which are pervious to the collimated fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamed phenol resin body, which is useful as an oil absorbent, which is an absorbent of oil and hydrophobic liquid and a production method thereof, and relates to a method of producing an oil-absorbable foamed body, which may be simply produced, may absorb large amounts of oil even when used in small amounts, and may be formed into various foam products, such as mats, foam or rolls, depending on the types of spilled oil, in order to facilitate the absorption of oil. The present invention further relates to a foamed body produced using the method, and to a foam product using the foamed body. Accordingly, the oil absorbent of the present invention may be easily produced, and has numerous pores formed therein to facilitate the absorption of oil.

Abstract: The invention provides epoxy resin composition containing, as epoxy resin, the following epoxy resin (a) and epoxy resin (b), solid rubber at a ratio of 1 to 20 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the entire epoxy resins, and an aromatic amine as a curing agent and having a glass transition temperature of 160 to 220° C. in form of a cured material after heat curing at 180° C. for 2 hours: (a) an epoxy resin having oxazolidone rings and (b) a glycidylamine type epoxy resin.

Abstract: Provided are multilayer, microporous breathable barrier films and items such as laminates and garments made from such films. The films contain one or more layers of polymers without fillers in combination with at least two or more microporous breathable layers. The unfilled layers provide a barrier that can effectively allow moisture vapor to pass, but retain fluids and challenge materials.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive gasket material by layering at least one conductive web layer having a blended mixture of conductive fibers and low melting point nonconductive fibers onto a foam core, and needlepunching the conductive web layer and the foam core forming a conductive composite gasket material having a plurality of conductive fibers interspersed through the foam core.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable lining structure includes a sheet-like waterproof and breathable foaming cushion layer made of a composition of a predetermined amount of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a predetermined amount of foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), and a fabric lining layer integrally adhered to one side of the cushion layer to form the lining structure. The cushion layer is made by a process including the steps of: (a) palletizing raw materials including the low density polyethylene and the foaming agent such as Azodicarbonamide (ADCA); (b) extruding the palletized raw material to make a solid sheet; (c) cross-linking the solid sheet by an E-beam to form an irradiated matrix; (d) foaming the irradiated matrix into the sheet-like foaming cushion layer.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for alpine, snowboard and hiking includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material and insulated nonwoven layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh included in a moldable foam, or moldable a spacer material and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine boots, snowboard boots, cross country boots, hiking boots, protective gear, helmets, bouldering shoes, paddling apparel and gear along with appropriate variations for each application are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for clothing having little change over time and conventionally known properties of a porous PTFE molded article such as water permeability resistance, air permeability, sealing properties and electric properties, in which durability and water vapor permeability are improved by strengthening adhesion strength with fabric. Specifically, the present invention relates to an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for clothing comprising a dense skin layer and a continuously foamed porous layer, wherein (1) the contact angle of water to the surface of the skin layer is 120 to 140°; and (2) the diffuse reflectance of light of the skin layer is 91 to 94%.

Abstract: A handwear (gloves or mittens) is provided for cleaning, washing, dishwashing, medical treatments, handy works, gardening, construction, etc., comprising: a flexible under-layer placeable over the hand, an over-layer placeable over the under-layer, and attachment means joining the layers. The over-layer comprises functional preferably disposable fragments situated in a finger, palm, or thumb sections thereof. In other embodiments flexible cover-shells are placed over the under-layer. The over-layer or cover-shells are made of at least one: steelwool, sponges, double pads, soap pads, rags, wiping materials, materials including medical ointments, creams, oils, glue, lubrications, special pastes, and polish. The attachment means are provided in one of the forms: Velcro™ strips, mechanical fastening, magnetic fastening, gluing, stitching, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, weaving, fusion, thermal welding, and ultrasound welding, plastic sealing band.

Abstract: An expandable liquid barrier having an expandable layer attached to an adhesive layer is disclosed. The barrier provides constant containment without restricting access or creating a hazard in an area. The barrier is generally low profile like a length of tape until contacted by a liquid. Once in contact with a liquid the barrier expands and provides containment of the liquid. One means for expanding the barrier in the presence of liquid is to provide an expandable fill, such as super absorbent polymer, between the layers. Other means for releasing expanding the barrier include using a water-soluble adhesive to hold a resilient expanding layer and providing contracting section which increases the profile of the barrier. The barrier may be used in combination with a switch to enable reaction to the spill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible sheet having a composite structure for stabilizing coatings, comprising a first layer of fiber material and a second layer of fiber material impregnated by a first and a second impregnating material, respectively, and a body layer set between said first layer and said second layer according to a general sandwich structure, where the body layer consists of a third material. The first and the second impregnating materials and the third material constituting the body layer are polymeric materials presenting a substantial affinity, so that the flexible sheet has a physically heterogeneous and chemically homogeneous structure.

Abstract: A laminate wall structure which can be used as an exterior wall in manufactured housing and site built construction is made up of a low density layer having a density of from about one-half pound to three pounds per cubic foot, a second, reinforcing layer laminated to the low density layer and, optionally, a cellulosic layer laminated to the second, reinforcing layer. The low density layer is preferably a foamed polymer layer, the second, reinforcing layer is a polymer fabric, a biaxially oriented polymeric film or a fiberglass reinforced material and the cellulosic layer can be impregnated with an adhesive and/or resin in order to strengthen the laminate structure. This laminate wall structure has a low weight and yet is strong enough to meet wind zone wall diaphragm requirements for housing construction.