Methods and computer-readable mediums are provide that, in some embodiments maximize bending of an actuator and, in other embodiments, minimize bending of the actuator. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that acquires a first ratio of a modulus of inertia for a first component to a Young's Modulus for the first component. The method also acquires a second ratio of a modulus of inertia for a second component to a Young's Modulus for the second component. Thereafter, the method provides an actuator (which includes the first component and second component). The actuator has a cross-sectional shape such that the first ratio substantially equal to said second ratio. In various embodiments of the invention, the actuator is spun fibers formed into batting and used as insulation, or may form an active element of a thermostat.

A method for preparing gelatinized pre-oriented filaments and the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments prepared by the method are provided. The method includes feeding a spinning dope into a twin-screw extruder for blending and extruding the spinning dope to obtain a first spinning solution having a non-Newtonian index of 0.1-0.8 and a structural viscosity index of 10-50, feeding the first spinning solution into a spinning box and drawing at a spinneret with a factor of 5-20 to obtain a second spinning solution, and flash cooling and curing the second spinning solution to obtain the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments. Also provided are a method for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers prepared by the method.

A method for preparing gelatinized pre-oriented filaments and the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments prepared by the method are provided. The method includes feeding a spinning dope into a twin-screw extruder for blending and extruding the spinning dope to obtain a first spinning solution having a non-Newtonian index of 0.1-0.8 and a structural viscosity index of 10-50, feeding the first spinning solution into a spinning box and drawing at a spinneret with a factor of 5-20 to obtain a second spinning solution, and flash cooling and curing the second spinning solution to obtain the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments. Also provided are a method for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers prepared by the method.

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.

High strength or load bearing nylon fiber with break tenacity greater than 7.5 g/den and/or a tenacity at 10% elongation of greater than 4.0 g/den as well as yarns, fabrics and articles of manufacture thereof and methods for their production are provided.

The present disclosure relates to a carbon nanotube fiber having improved physical properties and a method for manufacturing the same. The method according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: spinning carbon nanotubes with a purity of 90% by weight or more to obtain a first carbon nanotube fiber; and heat-treating the first carbon nanotube fiber at 500 to 3,000° C. under an inert gas atmosphere to obtain a second carbon nanotube fiber, wherein the second carbon nanotube fiber has a density of 1.0 to 2.5 g/cm.sup.3.

The present disclosure relates to a carbon nanotube fiber having improved physical properties and a method for manufacturing the same. The method according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: spinning carbon nanotubes with a purity of 90% by weight or more to obtain a first carbon nanotube fiber; and heat-treating the first carbon nanotube fiber at 500 to 3,000° C. under an inert gas atmosphere to obtain a second carbon nanotube fiber, wherein the second carbon nanotube fiber has a density of 1.0 to 2.5 g/cm.sup.3.

The invention presented in this document relates to processes for the preparation of a formulation containing poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and aliphatic and/or aromatic polyesters which plasticize it, and its use in monofilaments and films. The presence of polyesters does not remove the biodegradability and composting characteristics of the raw materials used in the formulation. The invention also concerns products that use the formulation.

The invention presented in this document relates to processes for the preparation of a formulation containing poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and aliphatic and/or aromatic polyesters which plasticize it, and its use in monofilaments and films. The presence of polyesters does not remove the biodegradability and composting characteristics of the raw materials used in the formulation. The invention also concerns products that use the formulation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable polyester having shape followability and flexibility by elastic response and being able to suppress deterioration over time due to secondary crystallization. The present invention provides a stretchable polyester which is an aliphatic copolymer polyester containing two or more types of monomer units, wherein the stretchable polyester contains an α-form and an amorphous structure, and a degree of orientation determined by X-ray of the α-form is 50% or greater.