Abstract: A fiber that can exhibit both excellent antistatic properties and high water repellency, and a high bulk nonwoven fabric with a good texture that exhibits high water repellency. More specifically, a highly water repellent fiber that is a conjugate fiber having a plurality of thermoplastic resins as the primary component thereof and having a fiber treatment agent comprising at least Component (A) and Component (B) below deposited thereon at 0.1 to 1.0 wt % in relation to the weight of the fiber, with Component (A) accounting for 75 to 97 wt % and Component (B) accounting for 25 to 3 wt % of the fiber treatment agent: Component (A): polysiloxane Component (B): alkane sulfonate metal salt.

Abstract: Provided are polymer-aerogel composite coatings, devices and articles including polymer-aerogel composite coatings, and methods for preparing the polymer-aerogel composite. The exemplary article can include a surface, wherein the surface includes at least one region and a polymer-aerogel composite coating disposed over the at least one region, wherein the polymer-aerogel composite coating has a water contact angle of at least about 140° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The polymer-aerogel composite coating can include a polymer and an ultra high water content catalyzed polysilicate aerogel, the polysilicate aerogel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates to render them hydrophobic includes penetrating the substrate with a halosilane vapor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hydrophobization of a fabric surface comprising providing a stream of a substantially anhydrous gas, passing said gas over or through a substantially anhydrous liquid of an alkylsilane, preferably a fluorinated alkylsilane to provide an alkylsilane, preferably a fluorinated alkylsilane vapor and bringing said vapor in contact with the fabric surface, thereby allowing the optionally fluorinated alkylsilane to bind covalently to the fabric surfaced. The present invention further relates to a fabric comprising a superhydrophobic surface finish prepared by a method of the invention and to a device for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A curable siloxane composition, cured material prepared therefrom, manufactured article prepared therewith, methods of making, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of ingredients (A) and (B): (A) a curable amount of a reactive group-functional siloxane, which has on average per molecule at least one curing-reactive group; and (B) an effective amount of an isocyanate or an isocyanate donor agent. The isocyanate has an average of at least one —N?C?O moiety per molecule thereof. The isocyanate donor agent produces an isocyanate when the isocyanate donor agent is exposed to a triggering condition.

Abstract: A barrier of open pore mesh provided with a superhydrophobic coating to prevent wetting when exposed to an aqueous liquid. The disclosed barrier could be a mesh screen or a liquid pervious membrane. The barrier is useful in a filter media containment to permit egress of gas, usually air, from the containment even when subjected to an aqueous liquid containing environment.

Abstract: A method for rendering a substrate hydrophobic includes treating the substrate with an acyloxysilane. The treatment includes impregnating the substrate with an acyloxysilane and thereafter curing (hydrolyzing and condensing the acyloxysilane) to form a silicone resin. The method is particularly useful for rendering paper hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric having soil resistance and no oil stains after wiping and a manufacturing method thereof. The fabric of the present invention comprises an underlayer and a soil-resistant protection film, which can effectively prevent oil corrosion, penetration, and permeation of the surface of the fabric, thus resulting in no oil stains after wiping. The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises the steps of dyeing, setting, performing an underlayer surface treatment to form an underlayer on a surface of the fabric, and performing a soil resistance processing treatment to form a soil-resistant protection film on the surface of the underlayer.

Abstract: An inorganic fine particle layer containing inorganic fine particles and a binder component is formed on a surface of a substrate by chemical bonding. The inorganic fine particles are coated with silane monomer each having an unsaturated bond. The content of the binder component is in the range of 0.1% by mass to 40% by mass to the content of the inorganic fine particles.

Abstract: A composition for imparting surface properties to substrates comprising a polymer of at least one polyurethane having at least one urea linkage prepared by: (i) reacting (a) at least one diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, having isocyanate groups, and (b) at least one fluorinated compound selected from the formula (I): Rf1-L-X??(I) wherein Rf1 is a monovalent, partially or fully fluorinated, linear or branched, alkyl radical having 2 to 100 carbon atoms; optionally interrupted by 1 to 50 oxygen atoms; wherein the ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms is at least 2:1 and no oxygen atoms are bonded to each other; L is a bond or a linear or branched divalent linking group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, said linking group optionally interrupted by 1 to about 4 hetero-radicals selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NR1—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, and —N(R1)C(O)— wherein R1 is H or C1 to C6 alkyl, and said linking group optionally substituted with CH2Cl; X is an isocyanate-reactive group selec

Abstract: Provided are superhydrophobic coatings, devices and articles including superhydrophobic coatings, and methods for preparing the superhydrophobic coatings. The exemplary superhydrophobic device can include a substrate component and one or more superhydrophobic coatings disposed over the substrate component, wherein at least one of the one or more superhydrophobic coatings has a water contact angle of at least about 150° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The one or more superhydrophobic coatings can include an ultra high water content acid catalyzed polysilicate gel, the polysilicate gel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores.

Abstract: An enhanced substrate for making a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a hydrophobic silane coating of a silane composition intermixed with a silane coupling agent applied to a glass fiber substrate. The silane coupling agent is applied to the surface of the substrate for coupling the substrate to a varnish coating. Applying the silane coupling agent to the surface of the substrate creates surface silanols, which are implicated in conductive anodic filament (CAF) growth. A silane composition, which reacts with the surface silanols, is applied to the surface of the substrate having the silane coupling agent applied thereto to form the hydrophobic silane coating. The surface presented by the hydrophobic silane coating/substrate is hydrophobic and essentially silanol-free. This surface is then dried, and varnish is applied thereto. Then, the substrate, hydrophobic silane coating and varnish are subjected to curing conditions to define the PCB.

Abstract: A composition for coating comprising at least one compound of formula I and optionally at least one compound of formula II RaSi(R1)n(X1)3-n??I RbSi(R2)m(X2)3-m??II wherein Ra is a straight-chain or branched C(1-24) alkyl group, Rb is an aromatic group, such as an optionally substituted carbocyclic and heterocyclic group comprising five-, six- or ten-membered ring systems, which is linked by a single covalent bond or a spacer unit, such as a straight-chain or branched alkyl residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, to the Si-atom, R1 and R2 are independently of each other a lower alkyl group, such as a straight chain and branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X1 and X2 are independently of each other a hydrolysable group, such as a halogen or an alkoxy group and n, m are independently of each other 0 or 1, with the proviso that if n and m are independently of each other 0 or 1, X may represent the same or different groups.

Abstract: A silicone based coating for fabrics utilizing dual nanocomposite fillers providing enhanced mechanical and thermal properties to the silicone base. The first filler includes nanoclusters of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a metal oxide and a second filler of exfoliated clay nanoparticles. The coating is particularly suitable for inflatable fabrics used in several space, military, and consumer applications, including airbags, parachutes, rafts, boat sails, and inflatable shelters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating substrates, such as fibrous materials, are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to impart or maintain a level of oil repellency and/or water repellency in fibrous substrates such as paper-based materials and/or textiles. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can have substantivity to a fibrous material to impart oil repellency and/or water repellency. In several instances, the copolymer can be formulated to be fluorine-free. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hydrophobization of a fabric surface comprising providing a stream of a substantially anhydrous gas, passing said gas over or through a substantially anhydrous liquid of an alkylsilane, preferably a fluorinated alkylsilane to provide an alkylsilane, preferably a fluorinated alkylsilane vapor and bringing said vapor in contact with the fabric surface, thereby allowing the optionally fluorinated alkylsilane to bind covalently to the fabric surfaced. The present invention further relates to a fabric comprising a superhydrophobic surface finish prepared by a method of the invention and to a device for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The treatment of textiles by a fluoropolymer-branched silicone polyether composition is disclosed. The fluoropolymer-branched silicone polyether compositions are prepared by combining a fluoropolymer and a branched silicone polyether. The resulting compositions improve the hand or feel of the fabric without significantly diminishing oil repellency nor the stain release properties associated with fluoropolymers. The branched silicone polyethers can be used alone to improve the feel of fabrics, without diminishing the hydrophilicity of the fabric.

Abstract: A long-lasting water-repellency textile application that uses a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing polyurethane (PU) involves a manufacturing process of NCO-terminated PU prepolymer of PDMS diols and polyisocyanate with a catalyst for forming a moisture-curable PDMS-containing PU oligomer, or becoming an UV-curable PDMS-containing PU oligomer after a chemical reaction takes place. The PU oligomer owns PDMS moiety with water-repellent properties. The moisture- or UV-curable PU with NCO and acrylate end-groups can create cross-linked polymeric networks between fibers of textiles by exposing to the air or UV-radiation. The final cross-linked PDMS-containing PU treated textile demonstrates long-lasting water-repellent properties with an excellent soft hand feel and a breathable feature. Furthermore, the textile water-repellent treatment is cost-effective, and most importantly these two different curing processes could be carried out at ambient temperature without requiring any waste water discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more components that have been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions.

Abstract: Coated barrier fabrics are prepared with a two part, cold cure polyoxysiloxane composition and a unique two pass, two cure rate, coating process. Preferably, the coated fabrics have overlayed a second uncoated fabric on the inner surface of the coated substrate. This preferred process realizes a reusable medical barrier fabric with exceptional durability even after undergoing many laundering/autoclaving/drying cycles.

Abstract: A coating composition for air bag fabrics is disclosed, the composition being comprised of liquid silicone rubbers and liquid organic polymers that are chemically reacted to form cross-linked polymer networks with silicone and non-silicone components. By adding liquid organic polymers to liquid silicone rubber compounds as described herein, coatings for air bags that show increased retention of the inflating air have been discovered. Beneficially, the production of these coatings is achieved without the use of organic solvents. An air bag coated with the present formulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having a multiphase fluorochemical, a cationic material, and a sorbant polymer. A printed image is subsequently placed on the coated textile.

Abstract: The invention is an article of headwear that incorporates an adjustment system for accommodating individuals with various head dimensions. The headwear may be formed of a crown and a visor. With respect to the crown, the adjustment system includes a first elastic material, which forms a majority of the crown, and a second elastic material, which is screenprinted or otherwise attached to a flap positioned within the crown. Regarding the visor, the adjustment system resides in a visor board configuration wherein slits are formed to separate various portions of the visor board. The slits permit the portions to move relative to each other, thereby permitting the visor to expand to accommodate stretching of the crown.

Abstract: Treatment of textiles by a fluoropolymer-amino terminated polydiorganosiloxane composition is disclosed. The fluoropolymer-amino terminated polydiorganosiloxane compositions are prepared by combining a fluoropolymer and an amino terminated polydiorganosiloxane. The resulting compositions improve the hand or feel of the fabric without significantly diminishing oil repellency properties associated with fluoropolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic substrates with reduced absorbent capacity having the capability to wick liquids, as well as to methods of manufacturing such cellulosic substrates. The cellulosic substrates provided by the present invention comprise an inside and an outside connected to the inside. The inside comprises cellulosic fibers and has a reduced absorbent capacity, and the outside comprises cellulosic fibers. The outside may have a reduced absorbent capacity and may have an absorbent capacity higher than the inside. The cellulosic substrate is capable of wicking liquid contacting the inside of the substrate to the outside of the substrate.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-blocking roll of roofing membrane employing a combination of silicone rubber sealant, non-woven fiberglass scrim and pressure sensitive adhesive. The method utilizes a process by which silicone rubber sealant is applied to the top surface of the non-woven fiberglass scrim and made to penetrate {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (9/10)} of the way into the thickness of the scrim, thus no silicone rubber sealant reaches the bottom or underside surface of the scrim. To the remaining {fraction (9/10)} to {fraction (1/10)} of the scrim's thickness and to the bottom surface of the scrim is applied pressure sensitive adhesive. This construction results into a self-adherent roofing membrane that can be packaged and transferred in roll form without the need to include an additional release liner sheet or non-blocking material such as talc, mica, or clay powder.

Abstract: A cover tape for winding on a grip of a device comprising an elongated cloth layer and an elastic layer. The cloth layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is made of silicone gel and bonded to the first surface of the cloth layer for enabling the second surface of the cloth layer to be exposed to the outside when spirally winding the cover tape round the grip with the elastic layer adhered to the periphery of the grip.

Abstract: The compositions comprise one or more fluorochemical urethane compounds and one or more silsesquioxane compounds. This fluorochemical urethane compound(s) comprises the reaction product of (a) one or more polyfunctional isocyanate compounds; (b) one or more fluorochemical monofunctional compounds; and optionally (c) one or more hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene compounds; and/or (d) one or more silane compounds.

Abstract: A moist wax-impregnated towelette suitable for polishing a lightly-soiled exterior surface of a vehicle without buffing and without abrading the vehicle surface comprises a low-lint fabric such as melt-blown polypropylene non-woven fabric, impregnated with an aqueous silicone-based car wax emulsion in an amount of about 30 to about 170 grams of emulsion per square meter of fabric. The aqueous silicone-based car wax emulsion contains a isopropanol, a silicone oil, an amino-functional silicone, a cationic emulsifier, a nonionic emulsifier, an anti static agent, a silicone polyether wetting agent and optionally contains a wax such as carnauba wax. The wetting agent provides for even distribution of the aqueous car wax emulsion into the fabric and further promotes the even distribution of the car wax onto the vehicle surface when wiped thereon.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid repellent nonwoven protective material comprising a meltspun microfiber layer and one or more additional nonwoven layers bonded to the meltspun microfiber layer. The meltspun microfiber layer comprises a high melt flow rate olefin polymer (i.e., having a melt flow rate of at least 1500 grams per 10 minutes as measured by ASTM-D-1238-01 at 177° C.), a melt flow modifying agent and a liquid repellency internal additive. The high melt flow rate olefin polymer is substantially prodegradant-free and is present in amounts from about 78 percent by weight to about 94.9 percent by weight. The liquid repellency internal additive, such as a fluorochemical or fluoropolymer, is present in amounts from about 0.1 percent by weight to about 2 percent by weight, and the melt flow modifying agent, such as polymers and copolymers of butene, is present in amounts from about 5 percent by weight to about 20 percent by weight.

Abstract: To provide a paintwork coating composition that is harmless to the environments and humans and enables a paintwork to be fully coated by the application of only a small quantity of coating composition and also provide a coating cloth that provides a smooth rubbing work in the coating process and can develop a good water-repellent property and a good antifouling property, water dispersion comprising polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropolyether is prepared as the coating composition, and also the coating composition is impregnated in a cloth having a basis weight of (unit representing mass per unit area of fabric, a gram number per square meter) 30-300 g/m2 and a density of 0.02-0.3 g/cm3 under load condition of 1.961 KPa.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a towel desirably including first and second layers having cellulosic fibers and a repellant agent. The first and second layers may substantially sandwich a third layer having cellulosic fibers with higher absorbency than the first and second layers. All three layers may form a single ply.

Abstract: An excellent wet cloth with which, only by wiping the body, not only can stains and dirt attached to an automobile body be removed therefrom, but a glossy film with water repellency can also be formed. The cloth, woven or non-woven, is made from lipophilic fibers and hydrophilic fibers in a content ratio of 80:20 to 50:50 and is impregnated with a wet cloth treating agent which is prepared by dispersing a silicone compound such as dimethylpolysiloxane, trimethyl siloxy silicate or the like; a fluorine compound such as perfluoroalkylpolyether or the like; or a waxy substance such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax or the like in water together with a surfactant, thereby obtaining a wet cloth for cleaning, providing a water repellent finish and polishing of an automobile paint film.

Abstract: A fluorinated polysiloxane having at least one unit of the following general formula (1) and containing at least one aminoalkyl group attached to a silicon atom in a molecule is novel. R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1-20 carbon atoms, R2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group containing at least three fluorine atoms, R3 is an organoxy group: —OR1, and p is 2 to 200. When fibers are treated with the fluorinated polysiloxane, it imparts excellent water and oil repellency and good texture.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having cationic and repellant properties, thereby accepting an image thereon more readily.

Abstract: To provide a paintwork coating composition that is harmless to the environments and humans and enables a paintwork to be fully coated by the application of only a small quantity of coating composition and also provide a coating cloth that provides a smooth rubbing work in the coating process and can develop a good water-repellent property and a good antifouling property, water dispersion comprising polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropolyether is prepared as the coating composition, and also the coating composition is impregnated in a cloth having a basis weight of 30-300 g/m2 and a density of 0.02-0.3 g/cm3 under load condition of 1.961 KPa.

Abstract: A water repellency supply cloth supplying a water-repellent film having excellent persistency by a simple operation of polishing the body of a car or wiping out waterdrops after car washing is provided. A trimethyl siloxi silicate derivative having free hydroxyl groups is added to a dimethylpolysiloxane solution of trimethyl siloxi silicate expressed in the following formula (1) by 10 to 60 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of trimethyl siloxi silicate, and amino modified dimethylpolysiloxane, a surface active agent and/or fine powder is dissolved in an organic solvent or dispersed in water at need, to obtain an agent for treating a water repellency supply cloth according to the present invention. Cloth is impregnated with the agent for treating a water repellency supply cloth to contain a nonvolatile component corresponding to 1.0 to 50.

Abstract: A matrix for use in a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic compounds in a fluid includes a fiber glass mat substrate carrying a photocatalytic material. The fiber glass mat is made of randomly oriented glass fibers that have been substantially filamentized and needled whereby the filaments are interlocked. Adhesion of the photocatalytic material to the substrate is provided without requiring heat cleaning of the fiber glass by controlling the organic content of the fiber glass mat to be less than 1.0 percent by weight as measured by loss on ignition. This is achieved by using sizing compositions that preferably have little or no film forming polymer content.

Abstract: A textile fabric which has been coated with an elastomer-forming silicone-based composition, comprising an organopolysiloxane polymer having a siloxane backbone being end-blocked with at least two silicon-bonded reactive groups, preferably alkenyl, a cross-linking organosilicon material having at least 3 silicon-bonded reactive groups, preferably SiH, a catalyst, a first reinforcing filler, preferably silica or a silicone resin, and at least 2 parts by weight for every part of the first filler, of a second substantially laminar filler, preferably talc, pyrophillite, vermiculite, smectite or mica. The coated fabric may have among other benefits, a lower friction value and limiting oxygen index. Fabrics are specifically useful for inflatable safety restraints.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface. comprises a composition of at least one coating material which may comprise up to 30% by parts of the total amount of material in the first layer of a silicone resin which provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and overall lower cost than standard silicone airbag coating materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and aging characteristics to prevent degradation of the first layer. Such a second layer (topcoat) is preferably a silicone material. This two-layer system permits excellent strength and aging properties to prevent seam combing at relatively low cost due to the inexpensive basecoat materials and the relatively low amount required for the topcoat.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface, comprises a non-silicone composition of at least one coating material, provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and lower cost than standard silicone materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and aging characteristics to prevent degradation of the first layer. Such a second layer (topcoat) is preferably a silicone material. This two-layer system permits excellent strength and aging properties to prevent seam combing at relatively low cost due to the inexpensive basecoat materials and the relatively low amount required for the topcoat. An airbag fabric coated with this inventive two-layer system is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles useful in cleansing, and particularly wet-like cleansing wipes and toilet tissue. These articles are essentially dry to the touch prior to use, but deliver liquid when subjected to in-use shear and compressive forces. In one aspect, the articles of the present invention comprise a carrier and an emulsion applied to the carrier, the emulsion comprising a continuous external nonpolar phase and an internal polar phase dispersed in the external nonpolar phase, wherein the article is capable of retaining fluid prior to use. In another aspect, the emulsion-treated articles exhibit improved ability to release fluid when subjected to in-use pressures. The articles of the present invention offer a number of significant advantages over prior cleaning products when in the form of wet-like cleansing wipes such as those used for cleaning of hardsurfaces (e.g., floors, countertops, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and the like) and wet-like toilet tissue.

Abstract: A patterned conductive textile is provided by applying a finish to selected parts of a fabric which inhibits the formation of a conductive polymer coating on those areas. A conductive polymer is then oxidatively synthesized onto the remaining areas from an aqueous solution comprising the starting monomer, an oxidizing agent, and, optionally, a doping agent or counterion. The areas with the inhibitor finish remain substantially free of conductive polymer and a pattern of conductive and nonconductive areas is thus produced.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for forming a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients.

Abstract: Free-radically polymerizable release coating compositions containing conductivity enhancers, which are capable of being electrosprayed onto a substrate. The compositions comprise (a) about 100 parts by weight of one or more free-radically polymerizable vinyl monomer(s), (b) from about 0.05 to about 250 parts by weight of one or more polydiorganosiloxane polymer(s) copolymerizable with the vinyl monomer(s), and (c) from about 0.10 to about 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of (a) and (b), of one or more non-volatile conductivity enhancer(s), which are soluble in the monomer(s) and which do not interfere with polymerization, wherein the composition may be electrosprayed.The composition may further comprise from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of one or more initiator(s) based on 100 parts by weight of monomer(s) and polydiorganosiloxane polymer(s).Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least 0.

Abstract: Hygroscopic ceramic materials which are difficult to waterproof with a silane, substituted silane or silazane waterproofing agent, such as an alumina containing, fibrous, flexible and porous, fibrous ceramic insulation used on a reentry space vehicle, are rendered easy to waterproof if the interior, porous surface of the ceramic is first coated with a thin coating of silica. The silica coating is achieved by coating the interior surface of the ceramic with a silica precursor, converting the precursor to silica either in-situ or by oxidative pyrolysis and then applying the waterproofing agent to the silica coated ceramic. The silica precursor comprises almost any suitable silicon containing material such as a silane, silicone, siloxane, silazane and the like applied by solution, vapor deposition and the like. If the waterproofing is removed by, e.g., burning, the silica remains and the ceramic is easily rewaterproofed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for forming a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier comprising at least one polarphobic region, an optional, preferred substrate such as tissue paper web, and an emulsion applied to the carrier. The emulsion comprises a continuous external lipid phase and a dispersed internal polar phase. The continuous lipid phase of the emulsion is sufficiently brittle that it ruptures when subjected to low shear pressures during use to release the dispersed internal phase. Inclusion of the polarphobic region allows the ability to control flow of the internal water phase components following rupture of the emulsion.