Abstract: Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coated base fabric for an air bag which can ensure sufficient air permeability even when the coating amount of the resin is 20 g/m2 or less. A coated base fabric for an air bag wherein silicone resin is coated at least on one side of the woven fabric constituted from synthetic fiber filaments which is characterized in that the coating amount of the silicone resin is 20 g/m2 or less, film strength and film elongation of the resin are 3 MPa or more and 300% or more, respectively and air permeability of the coated base fabric under the pressure difference of 100 kPa is 0.02 L/cm2/min or less.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a base fabric suitable for the production of a general purpose airbag having a higher airtight performance with reduced air permeability, a high pressure resistance in the boundary portion between the inflating part and the non-inflating part, and a high impact absorption for an occupant, and a base fabric for an airbag of the present invention comprises a woven fabric formed of a multifilament synthetic fiber having a total fineness of 200 to 550 dtex and a single filament fineness of 2.0 to 7.0 dtex, wherein the elongation is, on average of warp and weft, from 5 to 15% and from 15 to 30% under loads of 50 N/cm and 300 N/cm, respectively, and the pullout resistance of the constituent yarn is from 50 to 200 N/cm/cm on average of warp and weft.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is used to control stress in the joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface-waterproof sheet for inorganic boards including multi-use non-woven fabrics and a waterproof coating layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes preparing a multi-use non-woven fabric composed of cellulose fibers, glass fibers and organic fibers; preparing a waterproof coating solution containing a powdery acrylic binder, water, an inorganic filler, a water repellent, a pigment and an antimicrobial agent; and coating the waterproof coating solution on the multi-use non-woven fabric, followed by drying the waterproof coating solution, thereby providing surface-waterproof sheet for inorganic boards for buildings, which has improved adhesion to the inorganic board and economic feasibility.

Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven comprising a plurality of roped fiber bundles having a length axis. The roped fiber bundles comprise a plurality of nanofibers having a median diameter of less than one micrometer, where at least 50% by number of the nanofibers are oriented within 45 degrees of the length axis of the roped fiber bundles. The nanofibers within the same roped fiber bundle are entangled together. The roped fiber bundles are randomly oriented within the nanofiber nonwoven and are entangled with other roped fiber bundles within the nanofiber nonwoven.

Abstract: A hot press cushioning pad 1 has a fiber-rubber composite material layer formed by a woven fabric and a rubber impregnated in the woven fabric. The warp of the woven fabric is a doubled and twisted yarn, and the weft thereof is a texturized yarn made of glass fibers. The fiber-rubber composite material layer has voids inside.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin composite for ballistic protection comprising a plurality of first and second plies wherein the first and second plies further comprise a woven fabric and a polymeric resin. The fabric has a Russell tightness factor of from 0.2 to 0.7 and a cover factor of at least 0.45, The fabric is impregnated with the resin, the resin comprising from 5 to 30 weight percent of the total weight of fabric plus resin. The fabric of each first and second ply comprises regions wherein the fabric is distorted from an orthogonal woven state by a distortion angle of least 30 degrees. The composite may further comprising a third ply having a surface area no greater than 50% of the surface area of a first and second ply. The ratio of the number of first plus second plies to the number of third plies is from 2:1 to 12:1.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a running and hiking shoe 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, snowboard boots, cross country, hiking boots, protective gear and helmets, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: A conformable material for an orthotic device including a plurality of fibers each including a plurality of filaments encapsulated by a first thermoplastic material. A second thermoplastic material is configured to bind the plurality of fibers and form the conformable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface textile structure comprising an arrangement of a plurality of conductive threads or threads exhibiting conductive properties. Insulating sections are arranged between the conductive threads or insulating threads are incorporated into the structure. The structure also comprises an inorganic electroluminescent material and electric connection elements. According to the invention, the electroluminescent material is incorporated into intermediate areas of the structure or is embodied inside the structure in the form of coated threads. The structure is also provided with a coating which is also selective made of a fluorescent material and/or optical brightening agents. The overall arrangement comprises a transparent, elastic, covering protective layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediate material composed of an assembly of overlapping and interlaced tapes, characterized in that at least some of the tapes, preferably all of the tapes, known as veiled tapes, are composed of a series of reinforcing yarns or filaments that extend in a direction parallel to the length of the tape to form a unidirectional sheet that is associated on each of its faces with a nonwoven formed from thermoplastic fibers, said two nonwovens providing said veiled tape with cohesiveness because of their thermoplastic nature, to a production method using said material for producing composite parts, and to the composite parts obtained.

Abstract: A high strength specialty paper comprising at least one nonwoven web layer is provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of cellulosic fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the cellulosic fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived.

Abstract: There is provided an inorganic fiber formed article in which the thickness and the surface density can be easily controlled and which has excellent workability and handleability and prevents the deterioration of the work environment when the inorganic fiber formed article is processed for applications, e.g., a heat insulator or a mat. The inorganic fiber formed article includes a mat-like aggregate of inorganic fibers, the inorganic fiber formed article being subjected to needling treatment. The needling density of a surface of the mat exceeds 50 punches/cm2. One or more of requirements (1) to (3) described below is satisfied. (1) The ratio of the number NA of fiber bundles to the number NB of fiber bundles, i.e., NA/NB, is 0.5 or less, the fiber bundles extending in the thickness direction and being observed in regions with a predetermined width W of section A in the longitudinal direction and section B in the transverse direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the preparation of woven fabrics suitable for use in manufacturing vehicle airbags. Such fabrics are woven from a plurality of polymeric, e.g., polyamide, warp and weft tapes which have preferably been slitted, preferably in the machine direction, from a thermoplastic polymer film, and preferably from such a film which has been drawn at least in the machine direction. The resulting fabrics exhibit both the relatively low basis weight, stiffness and small packing volume typical of nylon films, and the relatively high tear strength and high damage tolerance of yarn-based woven airbag fabrics.

Abstract: A versatile binder comprising at least one or more sulfopolyesters is provided. These sulfopolyester binders can enhance the dry tensile strength, wet tensile strength, tear force, and burst strength of the nonwoven articles in which they are incorporated. Additionally, the water permeability of these binders can be modified as desired by blending different types of sulfopolyesters to produce the binder. Therefore, the binder can be used in a wide array of nonwoven end products and can be modified accordingly based on the desired properties sought in the nonwoven products.

Abstract: A paperboard and a cardboard comprising at least one nonwoven web layer are provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of second fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the second fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. The nonwoven web layer comprises at least 1 weight percent of the first fibers, at least 10 weight percent of the second fibers, and at least 1 weight percent of the binder. The paperboard and cardboard can incorporate a large amount of post consumer recycled fibers and still exhibit high strength and durability. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived.

Abstract: A ballistic impact resistant composite comprising a glass fiber and a resin, where the glass fiber consists essentially of fiber having a diameter of less than 9 microns, is provided. The ballistic impact resistant article or composite comprising fiber less than 9 micron yields a higher V50 value at the same areal density, or the same V50 value at a lower areal density, than an impact resistant article or composite comprising fiber of greater than 9 micron.

Abstract: A coated airbag base fabric made of a textile fabric that has an excellent air-barrier property, high heat resistance, improved mountability and compactness and excellent adhesion to a resin film is characterized in that at least one side of the textile fabric is coated with resin, at least part of the single yarns of the fabric are surrounded by the resin, and at least part of the single yarns of the fabric are not surrounded by the resin. An airbag is characterized by using such a coated airbag base fabric. A method for manufacturing the coated airbag base fabric is characterized by applying a resin solution having a viscosity of from 5 to 20 Pa·s (5,000 to 20,000 cP) to the textile fabric using a knife coater with a sharp-edged coating knife at the contact pressure between the coating knife and the fabric of from 1 to 15 N/cm.

Abstract: Polyolefin woven and nonwoven fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (a) a polyolefin; and (b) at least one compound of the formula (I) R1—(hydrophilic oligomer)??(I) wherein R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl of 22 to 40 carbon atoms and the hydrophilic oligomer is a homo- or co-oligomer consisting of monomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, epichlorhydrin, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylene imine, caprolactone, vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate; and wherein the hydrophilic oligomer consists of between 2 and 10 monomer units, exhibit excellent durable wettability. The fabrics are useful in disposable diapers, training pants, feminine napkins, tampons, incontinence care products, wet and dry wipes, wound dressings, surgical capes, filter medial, battery separators and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to UV protective fabrics, whereupon these fabrics are made of UV protective cellulosic fibers, namely manufactured by the Modal or the Lyocell process. Besides the permanent and inherent protection against UV rays of the named fiber materials and thus fabrics, UV protection is still guaranteed, when the fabrics are wet and stretched. As a result of fiber swelling, the fabric construction becomes denser and as a direct result, UV transmission is significantly reduced compared to the dry and stretched state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial leather containing a non-woven fabric composed of ultra micro fibers and impregnated with an polymeric elastomer, wherein a residual shrinkage ratio of the artificial leather at 30% stretching is 10% or less in a machine direction and is 20% or less in a cross-machine direction. The artificial leather has optimal residual shrinkage ratios, and specifically a residual shrinkage ratio in a machine direction of 10% or less and a residual shrinkage ratio in a cross-machine direction of 20% or less, when the artificial leather is stretched by 30%. As a result, the artificial leather which has stretched during the process for shape-formation can easily contract and restore, and thus avoid creasing even when applied to the products having many curved parts.

Abstract: A textile fabric includes a smooth surface with one or more regions having coating material exhibiting thermal expansion or contraction in response to change in temperature, adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile web material having improved mechanical strength, in particular having resistance to piercing and/or shooting, having a protective function against chemical and/or biological toxins, in particular weapon agents. The textile web material according to the invention comprises a multilayer construction, wherein the layer construction comprises at least one layer resistant to piercing and/or shooting, and at least one adsorption layer based on discrete adsorption particles.

Abstract: A method of producing an entangled sheet of microfine long fibers using long fibers for forming microfine fibers. The method includes a step of forming a long-fiber web made of long fibers for forming microfine fibers, at least one component of the long fibers being a water-soluble, thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol resin; a step of entangling the long-fiber web to form a long-fiber entangled sheet; a step of shrinking the long-fiber entangled sheet to form a long-fiber shrunk sheet; and a step of converting the long fibers for forming microfine fibers in the long-fiber shrunk sheet to microfine long fibers, thereby producing the entangled sheet of microfine long fibers. The step of entangling is conducted so as to allow the long-fiber entangled sheet to have an interlaminar peel strength of 2 kg/2.5 cm or more. The step of shrinking is conducted so as to shrink in an areal shrinkage of 35% or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material including a substrate layer, a knit porous layer intermixed within the substrate material, and a thermoplastic layer disposed upon the porous layer. The porous layer is at least partially disposed within the thermoplastic layer. The present invention also provides a method for forming the composite material including the steps of: providing a substrate layer, providing a porous layer disposed on the substrate layer, providing a thermoplastic layer disposed on the porous layer, applying pressure and vacuum to mechanically interlock the thermoplastic layer with the porous layer; and bonding the porous layer to the substrate layer.

Abstract: A floor mat article for removing and holding dust, mud, dirt, and water and a process for making a floor mat. The matting article can include a lofty nonwoven web of entangled fibers and a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating. The lofty nonwoven web can include organic crimped staple fibers which can be adhesively bonded together by a binder resin to form a three dimensional network of intercommunicated voids constituting at least 75% of the volume. The matting article can have a maximum density of 95 kilograms per cubic meter. The process can include forming a nonwoven web of crimped staple organic fibers; coating the nonwoven web with a binder resin; heat curing the coated nonwoven web; and applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive to a first major surface of the coated nonwoven web.

Abstract: A friction material includes a resin and a fibrous base material impregnated with the resin. The fibrous base material has a single ply, and includes a plurality of aramid fibers present in a first amount, a plurality of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers present in a second amount that is less than the first amount, and diatomaceous earth present in a third amount that is greater than the first amount. The fibrous base material is substantially free from activated carbon. A friction member for operatively contacting a lubricated surface includes a substrate and a friction material. The friction material defines a first surface bonded to the substrate and a second surface configured for operatively contacting the lubricated surface.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof. The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fibrous veil and methods of making the same. The fibrous veil includes a base having a plurality of fibers, each of the plurality of fibers having an average diameter ranging from about 7,000 nm to about 9,000 nm. Graphite nano-platelets are attached to at least some of the plurality of fibers without a polymeric binder.

Abstract: A woven fabric (1) made from threads (2) that are formed from plastic at least one their outside surface. At least one surface side (7) of the fabric (1) is partially metallically coated.

Abstract: A woven airbag fabric includes a first type of filament yarn, at least a second type of filament yarn and a silicone-based coating. The first type of filament yarn is chosen from the group of polyolefin filament yarns. The at least a second type of filament yarn is chosen from the group of polyamide and polyester filament yarns.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a prepreg capable of significantly decreasing generation of voids in a glass fiber base material and forming a printed wiring board and a semiconductor having high reliability, a laminate thereof, and a printed wiring board and a semiconductor device using the same. A prepreg comprising a glass fiber base material (A) impregnated with a thermosetting resin composition (B), wherein an inorganic particle having an average particle diameter of 500 nm or less is attached on a glass fiber surface of the glass fiber base material (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an object, curved in one or more directions, from a package of at least one stacked ply containing polymeric fibers by the deforming thereof at elevated temperature, the process comprising imposing on the fibres a tensile stress at a temperature lying between the melting point of the fibers at the imposed tensile stress and 20° C. below the melting point, which tensile stress is high enough for the fibers to be drawn. This process allows objects, curved in one or more directions, to be produced from flat fiber plies without appreciable wrinkling using even fiber plies with low internal and/or mutual deformability and without material being drawn into the die in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to an object, curved in one or more directions, obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing pad and method for making the same. The polishing pad includes a fabric substrate and a second high polymeric elastomer resin. The fabric substrate is formed by a plurality of cross composite fibers. Each composite fiber has a plurality of fine fibers and a first high polymeric elastomer resin, and the first high polymeric elastomer resin discontinuously encloses the fine fibers. The second high polymeric elastomer resin encloses the composite fibers, and the first high polymeric elastomer resin and the second high polymeric elastomer resin have the same functional group. By adjusting the degree of saturation of the first high polymeric elastomer resin and the second high polymeric elastomer resin, the fine fibers will have smaller size and will not be easily entangled. Therefore, a workpiece to be polished will not be scratched and will have excellent surface quality.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric for an airbag, in particular, a fabric for an airbag comprising the polyester fiber, and a method of preparing the same. The fabric for the airbag according to the present invention is prepared by using a polyester fiber having the cross-section thereof in a flat shape, and there are advantages in that the present fabric is thinner than the fabric made of the circular cross-sectional fiber. It is possible to reduce the amount of the coating resin used and to lighten the weight of the product because of the low surface irregularity and the porosity. Also, the present fabric is superior in tensile strength, tearing strength, air permeability, and the folding property in a module system of the airbag apparatus.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon (C/C) composite includes a carbon matrix and a non-woven, carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material. Where woven materials are employed, CNTs are infused on a parent carbon fiber material in a non-woven state. A C/C composite includes a barrier coating on the CNT-infused fiber material. An article is constructed from these (C/C) composites. A method of making a C/C composite includes winding a continuous CNT-infused carbon fiber about a template structure and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite or by dispersing chopped CNT-infused carbon fibers in a carbon matrix precursor to provide a mixture, placing the mixture in a mold, and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite.

Abstract: A method for producing microfine fibers having low resistance to deformation and high elasticity in accordance with the present invention comprises acts of: (a) providing polymer A and polymer B; (b) melting polymer A and polymer B to make a filament; (c) drawing the filament to make a staple fiber; (d) entangling the staple fiber to form a non-woven; (e) impregnating the non-woven with a impregnating agent; and may further have the acts of (f) impregnating the nonwoven with polyurethane; (g) coagulating the non-woven with dimethylformamide (DMF); (h) washing the non-woven with hot water; (i) impregnating the non-woven with a treatment agent; (j) abrading the non-woven to attain a split type mirofine fiber substrate; and (k) bonding a coating to the microfine fiber substrate. Therefore, the method can attain an artificial leather product having low resistance to deformation and high elasticity.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A friction material intended to equip a device for applying friction in a liquid medium, including a fiber mat impregnated with a heat-curable resin. The fiber mat consists of fibers whose length is greater than or equal to 12 mm, and is teased, coated and needled. The friction material features a porosity greater than or equal to 30% by volume and less than or equal to 60% by volume. The friction material includes activated charcoal loads whose specific surface is between 500 m2/g and whose mass content in the friction material is greater than or equal to 5% by weight and less than or equal to 15% by weight.

Abstract: A shape memory composite consisting of an electrospun non-woven fiber mat and an elastomeric resin matrix. The fiber mat is made from a semi-crystalline polymer, poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and serves as the “switching phase” for shape fixing and recovery. The resin matrix, a crosslinked PDMS elastomer, imparts softness as well as entropic elasticity to the material. PCL is first electrospun from a chloroform/DMF solution. The resulting microfiber mat was then immersed in a two-part (base resin and crosslinking agent) mixture of Sylgard 184 with a vacuum applied to infiltrate the fiber mat with the mixture. The infiltrated fiber mat is then removed from the mixture and cured at room temperature for two days.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A fiber blend for yarns and fabrics for use in military, fire-fighting, industrial work wear, and first responder protective clothing to provide multifunctional protection to the wearer, the fiber blend including an aramid fiber blend, wool fibers, and electrostatic dissipative fibers, wherein the aramid fiber blend includes meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers and electrostatic dissipative fibers.

Abstract: A passive electrical article including a dielectric layer having a nonwoven material.

Abstract: A blanket or article of wearing apparel for a subject such as an infant. A fiber optic temperature sensing element is integrated into the fabric by a process such as weaving. The temperature sensing element is a optic fiber having inscribed therein one or more fiber Bragg grating sensors such that a light is introduced into the optic fiber and that light directed onto the subject at a grating interface. A return light signal is received, either by a reflectance mode or a transmission mode, where the return light signal has a wavelength shift indicative of the temperature of the subject by Bragg resonant effect. Higher temperature sensitivity is obtained with a metal material of a high thermal expansion coefficient that is coated around the fiber sensor cladding.

Abstract: A ply includes a fibrous nonwoven web fabric forming a foundational structure, wherein the foundational structure includes fibers forming first pores and is partially filled with particles, wherein the particles at least partially fill the first pores so as to form regions filled with particles, wherein the particles in the filled regions form second pores, and wherein an average diameter of the particles is greater than an average pore size of more than 50% of the second pores.

Abstract: A ply includes a fibrous nonwoven web fabric forming a foundational structure, wherein the foundational structure includes fibers forming first pores and is partially filled with particles, wherein the particles at least partially fill the first pores so as to form regions filled with particles, wherein the particles in the filled regions form second pores such that an average diameter of the particles is greater than an average pore size of more than 50% of the second pores.

Abstract: A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core and a skin layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The skin layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The viscosity of the second polymer is not greater than about 10 percent of the viscosity of the first polymer measured at 170° C.

Abstract: A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core, a first layer and a second layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The first layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second layer is disposed on at least a portion of the first layer and contains a second polymer. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core.