Abstract: Described is provided a composition of matter that includes a layer having a metal coated non-woven polymer fiber mesh. The metal coated non-woven polymer fiber mesh has pores of a size of from about 1 micron to about 50 microns, and a fluoropolymer dispersed on and throughout the metal coated non-woven polymer fiber mesh. A method of manufacturing is also provided.

Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A second solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive fibers. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network, said conductive fibers, or both. A fourth phase can be present, which fourth phase is comprised one or more conductive species or one or more non conductive species embedded in said first solid phase.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, multicomponent fiber are provided, which comprise (a) a polymeric core that comprises a core-forming polymer and (b) a polymeric sheath that comprises a sheath-forming polymer that is different than the core-forming polymer. Examples of core-forming polymers include, for instance, crosslinked polysiloxanes and thermoplastic polymers, among others. Examples of sheath-forming polymers include, for instance, solvent-soluble polymers, degradable polymers and hydrogel-forming polymers, among others. Other aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of forming such multicomponent fibers. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the multicomponent fibers are formed using coaxial electrospinning techniques. Still other aspects of the present invention pertain to meshes and other articles that are formed using the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Method and extrusion die (1030) for producing a three-dimensional polymeric strand netting, wherein a plurality of the polymeric strands (1070a, 1070b, 1070c) are periodically joined together in a regular pattern at bond regions throughout the array, wherein a majority of the polymeric strands (1070a, 1070b, 1070c) are periodically bonded to at least two (three, four, five, six, or more) adjacent polymeric strands, and wherein no polymeric strands are continuously bonded to a polymeric strand. Three-dimensional polymeric strand netting described herein have a variety of uses, including wound care, tapes, filtration, absorbent articles, pest control articles, geotextile applications, water/vapor management in clothing, reinforcement for nonwoven articles, self bulking articles, floor coverings, grip supports, athletic articles, and pattern coated adhesives.

Abstract: Netting (1101) comprising an array of polymeric strands (1102,1104), wherein the polymeric strands are periodically joined together at bond regions throughout the array, and wherein at least a plurality (i.e., at least two) of the polymeric strands have a core (1114) of a first polymeric material and a sheath (1103) of a second, different polymeric material. Nettings described herein have a variety of uses, including wound care, tapes, filtration, absorbent articles, pest control articles, geotextile applications, water/vapor management in clothing, reinforcement for nonwoven articles, self bulking articles, floor coverings, grip supports, athletic articles, and pattern coated adhesives.

Abstract: An open mesh material includes filaments (1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 15, 16) that intersect one another. At least some of the filaments are composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at points of intersection. The material may be a non-woven fabric that contains at least two layers of weft filaments (1, 2, 11, 12) that may be bordered on one or both sides by a layer of warp filaments (3,4, 15, 16). When compared to other open mesh materials, the open mesh material disclosed herein has a superior combination of some or all of high strength, light weight, high dimensional stability, and openness. Also disclosed herein are articles can be made at least in part from the material including L-seam bags (20), form fill and seal (FFS) bags (1020), and multi-substrate bags (2,020). Methods of making those bags also are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-woven industrial absorbent with at least one dual-layer outer scrim. The absorbent includes a core made of cellulose material and bicomponent fibers and has first and second surfaces. A scrim is bonded to at least one of the surfaces. The scrim includes a first layer, the function of which is to adhere to the core, and a second layer, whose function is to provide enhanced grip. The product may be made by processing cellulose to a suitable size, optionally applying a liquid fire-retardant to the cellulose, drying and mixing the cellulose with a thermoplastic bonding agent, and depositing the material onto a belt to produce a web. Subsequent processing of the web softens or melts the bonding agent, thereby adhering it to other web material and giving the web strength and integrity. The one or more scrims or an optional netting provide additional strength or particular surface characteristics.

Abstract: A toughening agent for use in making composites comprises an epoxy curing agent and a thermoplastic. Compositions, composites that comprise the toughening agent and associated methods of making and using the toughening agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter medium for liquid filtration of fine texture exhibiting high strength when wetted with water, which filter medium is comprised of a wet-laid nonwoven fabric. There is provided a filter medium for liquid filtration comprised of a wet-laid nonwoven fabric, characterized in that through blending of 0.5 to 40 wt. % of unbeaten natural fibers, it exhibits a very fine texture, a lowering ratio, calculated from bursting strength in ordinary state and bursting strength when wetted with water, of 30% or below, and a bursting strength, had when wetted with water, of 300 kPa or greater.

Abstract: A seal comprising a high temperature silicone adhesive sealant layer; a first non-ceramic layer mounted to the silicone adhesive sealant layer; a first expanded metal layer mounted to the first non-ceramic layer; a first silicone cloth layer mounted to the first expanded metal layer; a metal reinforcement layer mounted to the first silicone cloth layer to provide structural integrity without the use of ceramic materials; a second expanded metal layer mounted to the metal reinforcement layer; a second non-ceramic layer mounted to the second expanded metal layer; a turbine mesh layer mounted to the second non-ceramic layer; a second silicone cloth layer mounted to the turbine mesh layer; a sealing castable applied over the second silicone cloth layer to provide a covering; and, a high temperature bonding adhesive disposed between each layer following the first non-ceramic layer to bind the layers together.

Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive carbon fibers. A second solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a netting comprising an interconnected network including a plurality of coextruded strands integrally joined, the coextruded strands having a first layer including a first thermoplastic composition and a second layer bonded to the first thermoplastic layer and including a second thermoplastic composition. The netting also includes a third layer bonded to the second layer and spaced apart from the first layer. The third layer includes a third thermoplastic composition. The netting has a friction angle ranging from 10 degrees to 40 degrees.

Abstract: A method for making a reinforcement material comprises providing at least one strand of carbon fibers. A polyolefin coating is applied. A coating comprising an inner layer of a first polyolefin material and an outer layer of a second polyolefin material may be coextruded on the at least one strand. The first polyolefin material has a substantially lower viscosity than the second polyolefin material at an extrusion temperature of the coextruding step. Alternatively, polyolefin fibers may be core sheath spun on the strands to coat the strands, and the coated strands of carbon fibers formed into a woven or knit fabric or a non-woven mesh for a reinforcing a material.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensionally curved fiber composite material component having a predefined flexural member profile cross section with at least one web area and at least one adjacent flange area, includes providing a flat base fiber laid scrim and disposing a unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape with 0 degree fibers on a partial area of the fiber laid scrim and fixed by sewing so as to provide a flat prefabricated fiber laid scrim strip having a flange area including the unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape and a web strip area free of the fiber laid scrim. The prefabricated scrim tape is draped to a desired contour and is sewn onto a support material so as to provide a stabilized three-dimensionally curved first sub-fiber laid scrim preform adapted to the fiber composite material structural component to be produced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an isotropic pitch-based carbon fiber spun yarn fabric includes the following steps of: obtaining composite yarn by winding a water-soluble polymer fiber around a surface of isotropic pitch-based carbon fiber spun yarn; obtaining a composite yarn fabric by weaving the composite yarn; and obtaining the isotropic pitch-based carbon fiber spun yarn fabric by dissolving and removing the water-soluble polymer fiber from the composite yarn fabric.

Abstract: A halogen-free flame retardant plastic composition, for coating a substrate, comprising an acrylic resin and an intumescent agent. It is in the form of plastisol, and comprises therefore a plasticizing medium wherein the acrylic resin and the intumescent agent are dispersed, said plastisol being formulated such that, in combination: the viscosity remains not more than 6000 mPa's, measured with a Brookfiled RVT viscometer at 20 revolutions per minute, its rheological behaviour is pseudo-plastic and Newtonian.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft and flexible surgical soft tissue mesh comprising polyethylene yarns, wherein the polyethylene yarns have a tensile strength of more than 1.0 Gpa and consist of a polyethylene with a relative viscosity of more than 5 dl/g. A further aspect of the invention is a method of producing a soft and flexible surgical soft tissue mesh comprising polyethylene yarns, wherein yarns are applied that comprise filaments made by: a) spinning at least one filament from a solution of polyethylene with a relative viscosity of more than 5 dl/g in a solvent; b) cooling the filament obtained to form a gel filament; c) removing at least partly the solvent from the gel filament; and d) drawing the filament in at least one drawing step before, during or after removing solvent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming nanofibers from a spinning melt utilizing a high speed rotating distribution disc. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable melt spun fibers comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and a polylactic acid polymer or copolymer are disclosed. A preferred configuration of the present invention is directed to environmentally degradable fibers comprising a sheath/core structure where the core comprises a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and the sheath comprises a polymer or copolymer of polylactic acid. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The conductive fabric is fabricated by preparing a base fibrous fabric substrate having the form of a woven, non-woven, or mesh sheet, forming a first layer formed on the fibrous fabric substrate in accordance with an electroless plating process, the first layer being made of copper, and forming a second layer as an externally exposed layer, on the first layer continuously, the second layer being made of gold or platinum.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing preform materials for impact-resistant composite materials suitable for liquid molding. An interlayer comprising a spunbonded, spunlaced, or mesh fabric is introduced between non-crimped layers of unidirectional reinforcing fibers to produce a preform for use in liquid-molding processes to produce composite materials. Interlayer material remains as a separate phase from matrix resin after infusion, and curing of the preform provides increased impact resistance by increasing the amount of energy required to propagate localized fractures due to impact. Constructions having the interlayer materials melt-bonded to the reinforcing fibers demonstrate improved mechanical preformance through improved fiber alignment compared to other fabrication and preforming methods.

Abstract: A composite vehicle component that is capable of attenuating RFI waves, and a method for making the same, is provided. The composite vehicle component can, in turn, comprise a composite structure and a conductive mesh attached to the composite structure, such that the conductive mesh, when contacted to ground, can attenuate RFI waves.

Abstract: Monazite or xenotime-based blanket coatings that stiffen ceramic fabrics without causing embrittlement at temperatures of at least as high as 2400° F. are provided. Methods for making the coatings are also provided. The methods comprise the synthesis of high purity, monazite and xenotime powders with the stoichiometric ratio of metal to phosphorous of about 1:1.

Abstract: There is provided a conductive fiber capable of being sewn, woven or knitted, using conventional methods, into a conductive mesh for use with various wearable electronic devices and/or sensors that make direct contact with the skin. The conductive fiber, when combined with a non-slip fiber, facilitates comfortable electrical communication between different electronic devices and the skin.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-porous, breathable membrane of at least polyamide-4,6, with an elongation at rupture of about 250 to about 500% in the longitudinal direction and about 200 to about 500% in the transverse direction. The membrane has a higher heat resistance than a non-porous, breathable membrane made from polyether ester and, if it also contains an antioxidant, passes the oven/watertightness test. If the membrane is produced from a mixture of polyamide-4,6 and about 10 to about 30% by weight polyether amide, the membrane exhibits a surprisingly increased water-vapor permeability. The membrane is usable in the manufacture of thermally protective clothing.

Abstract: A vacuum coated, liquid impermeable, vapor permeable laminate article and a method for making same are disclosed. The laminate may be formed of a netting material which is coated with a thin layer of vapor permeable polymer and subsequently passed over a vacuum forming drum to draw the polymer coating downward into the openings in the netting material. Vacuum coating produces thinned regions in the coating layer which provide greater vapor permeability. In laminates with sufficiently large openings in the netting material, the coating may directly contact a vacuum forming screen resulting in a plurality small indentations or cells within a single thinned region of the liquid impervious coating further increasing vapor permeability.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-porous, breathable membrane of at least polyamide-4,6, with an elongation at rupture of about 250 to about 500% in the longitudinal direction and about 200 to about 500% in the transverse direction. The membrane has a higher heat resistance than a non-porous, breathable membrane made from polyether ester and, if it also contains an antioxidant, passes the oven/watertightness test. If the membrane is produced from a mixture of polyamide-4,6 and about 10 to about 30% by weight polyether amide, the membrane exhibits a surprisingly increased water-vapor permeability. The membrane is usable in the manufacture of thermally protective clothing.

Abstract: There are described a dimensionally stable laminate whose surfaces are formed by spunbonded webs and comprising at least two layers of spunbonded and at least one laid layer of reinforcing yarn, the laid layer or layers each being disposed between two layers of spunbonded and having a thread density of from 0.5 to 3 threads/cm, spunbonded and laid layers having been joined together by needling at about 20-70 stitches/cm2, a process for manufacturing this laminate, and its use for manufacturing roofing sheets and roof sealing sheets.

Abstract: A laminate material and a uniaxially oriented laminate which contains an additive but does not suffer from the trouble caused by the exudation of said additive, and the laminate material comprises an inner layer composed of an orientable resin A containing an additive and coating layers composed of a resin B and being applied onto both surfaces of said inner layer to prevent the additive from exudation and the uniaxially oriented laminate is prepared by uniaxially stretching the above laminate material.

Abstract: A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments.

Abstract: An anisotropic elastic web, particularly an anisotropic elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction and having a thickness of from 20 to 300 microns formed of an extruded blend of a block copolymer elastomer portion and a polyolefin polymer portion blended in a ratio of from 10:1 to 0.4:1, respectively. The elastomer portion generally is a block copolymer elastomer formed of A blocks and B blocks, the A blocks are formed predominately of monoalkenyl arene and the B blocks are formed predominately of conjugated diene. The polyolefin portion is comprised predominately of an inelastic fiber forming polyolefin polymer, copolymer or blend. The anisotropic film layer has a F10 force Ratio (MD to CD) of at least 1.5. This anisotropic elastic web is usable in a variety of garment applications where an elastic is supplied in roll form and requires strength in a machine direction and elastic properties in a cross direction.