A method for processing textile fibers is provided. The method comprises: adding a plurality of raw materials for processing textile fibers into a plurality of kettles; preparing supercritical carbon dioxide; obtaining one or more natural plant dyes and one or more natural plant extracts from the plurality of raw materials, and dissolving the one or more natural plant dyes and the one or more natural plant extracts in the supercritical carbon dioxide; dyeing and functionally modifying the textile fibers simultaneously by using the supercritical carbon dioxide carrying a mixture of the one or more natural plant dyes and the one or more natural plant extracts; performing a post-process to recycle the supercritical carbon dioxide; and performing a cleaning process to clean the one or more natural plant dyes and one or more natural plant extracts.

Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Methods are directed to the use of a supercritical fluid for performing a dyeing of a material such that dye from a first material is used to dye a second material. A supercritical fluid is passed through a first material in a pressurized vessel. The supercritical fluid transports the dye from the first material to at least a second material causing a dye profile of the second material to change as a result of dye from the first material perfusing the second material.

Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.

Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Methods are directed to the use of a supercritical fluid for performing a dyeing of a material such that dye from a first material is used to dye a second material. A supercritical fluid is passed through a first material in a pressurized vessel. The supercritical fluid transports the dye from the first material to at least a second material causing a dye profile of the second material to change as a result of dye from the first material perfusing the second material.

An injecting assembly includes a nozzle that is formed with a mixture channel, a mixture opening communicating with the mixture channel, a shaper channel, and a shaper opening communicating with the shaper channel. A mixture of a precursor and a supercritical fluid (SCF) passes through the mixture channel. Waves of the mixture are periodically injected toward a surface of a substrate at the mixture opening. A stream of a shaping fluid flows through the shaper channel and is injected toward the substrate at the shaper opening. The stream of the shaping fluid confines the waves of the mixture. Molecules of the precursor penetrate into the substrate by impact of the wave fronts reaching the surface of the substrate. The molecules of the precursor can react with molecules of a material of the substrate to improve surface properties of the substrate.

Methods are directed to the use of a supercritical fluid for finishing a target material with a finishing material. One or more variables selected from temperature, pressure, flow rate, and time are manipulated to increase efficiencies in the finishing process. As temperature or pressure are decreased causing a change in the density of a supercritical fluid carbon dioxide, which in turn causes a precipitation of dissolved material finish with the carbon dioxide, other variables are maintained above threshold values to increase the uptake of the material finish by the target material. This improvement reduces time by limiting cleaning processes of the system, saves materials used in the cleaning process, and saves energy used to achieve cycles of the process, in aspects.

Methods are directed to the use of a supercritical fluid for finishing a target material with a finishing material. One or more variables selected from temperature, pressure, flow rate, and time are manipulated to increase efficiencies in the finishing process. As temperature or pressure are decreased causing a change in the density of a supercritical fluid carbon dioxide, which in turn causes a precipitation of dissolved material finish with the carbon dioxide, other variables are maintained above threshold values to increase the uptake of the material finish by the target material. This improvement reduces time by limiting cleaning processes of the system, saves materials used in the cleaning process, and saves energy used to achieve cycles of the process, in aspects.

The present invention relates to a low-dust, high insulation aerogel blanket and a method for producing the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing a low-dust, high insulation aerogel blanket, wherein a plate type Mg(OH).sub.2.MgO.SiO.sub.2 powder is added to a silica sol, thereby being capable of reducing the generation of dust with excellent flame retardancy and thermal conductivity, and an aerogel blanket produced thereby.