A fire-retarding mixture made of an aqueous solution of a base reagent consisting of an ammonium phosphate compound and a carbonaceous component dispersed in the aqueous solution.

A water filtration membrane is provided, capable of removing heavy metal ions, filtering out particulates, filtering out bacteria, as well as removing herbicides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. The membrane is composed of a mat of randomly oriented nanoparticle-coated nanofibers. The nanofibers are covalently bonded to a plurality of substantially uniformly-distributed ceramic nanoparticles embedded in or adhered on the surface of the polymer nanofibers through reactive functional groups. The ceramic nanoparticles have a pattern of deep grooves formed on the nanoparticle surfaces. The bonding of the nanoparticles to the nanofibers is sufficient to retain the nanoparticles on the nanofiber surfaces when water flows through the water filtration membrane. The diameter of the nanofibers is 50-200 nm. The size of the nanoparticles is <40 nm, with a zeta potential of 40 to 45 mV in a dispersion medium. The nanoparticle deep grooves have an average size of approximately 1.2 nm or less.

A water filtration membrane is provided, capable of removing heavy metal ions, filtering out particulates, filtering out bacteria, as well as removing herbicides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. The membrane is composed of a mat of randomly oriented nanoparticle-coated nanofibers. The nanofibers are covalently bonded to a plurality of substantially uniformly-distributed ceramic nanoparticles embedded in or adhered on the surface of the polymer nanofibers through reactive functional groups. The ceramic nanoparticles have a pattern of deep grooves formed on the nanoparticle surfaces. The bonding of the nanoparticles to the nanofibers is sufficient to retain the nanoparticles on the nanofiber surfaces when water flows through the water filtration membrane. The diameter of the nanofibers is 50-200 nm. The size of the nanoparticles is <40 nm, with a zeta potential of 40 to 45 mV in a dispersion medium. The nanoparticle deep grooves have an average size of approximately 1.2 nm or less.

A solid, particulate composition having at least one water-soluble carrier material, at least one fragrance and at least one rheology modifier, wherein the carrier material is a water-containing salt (hydrate) whose water vapor partial pressure at a specific temperature in the range from 30 to 100 C. corresponds to the H.sub.2O partial pressure of the saturated solution of this salt, such that the salt melts at this temperature in its own crystal water. The invention further relates to processes for producing the solid composition, and to a washing or cleaning product including the solid composition. In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of a washing or cleaning product of this kind for cleaning of textiles or hard surfaces, and corresponding methods of cleaning textiles or hard surfaces using a washing or cleaning product of this kind.

A solid, particulate composition having at least one water-soluble carrier material, at least one fragrance and at least one water-miscible organic solvent, wherein the carrier material is a water-containing salt (hydrate) whose water vapor partial pressure at a specific temperature in the range from 30 to 100 C. corresponds to the H.sub.2O partial pressure of the saturated solution of this salt, such that the salt melts at this temperature in its own crystal water. The invention further relates to processes for producing the solid composition, and to a washing or cleaning product including the solid composition. In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of a washing or cleaning product of this kind for cleaning of textiles or hard surfaces, and corresponding methods of cleaning textiles or hard surfaces using a washing or cleaning product of this kind.

A flame retardant composition containing a phosphorous containing ammonium salt, a crosslinker, and water is provided, and its application to yarn or fabric to provide a flame retardant yarn or fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the yarn or fabric is made from a polyurethane elastomer, such as a spandex. A method to prepare the flame retardant composition and apply it to the fiber or yarn is also provided.

A flame retardant composition containing a phosphorous containing ammonium salt, a crosslinker, and water is provided, and its application to yarn or fabric to provide a flame retardant yarn or fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the yarn or fabric is made from a polyurethane elastomer, such as a spandex. A method to prepare the flame retardant composition and apply it to the fiber or yarn is also provided.

Temperature management bedding systems for mattresses and quilt panels generally include a trilayer of active components including a phase change material applied to a top surface of a flexible substrate thereof, a fire retardant layer underlying the flexible substrate including hydrophilic rayon fibers treated with ammonium polyphosphate; and a vertically oriented fiber batting layer underlying the first retardant layer including an elastomeric binder. The temperature management bedding systems provide heat control and mass transfer of moisture from the bedding surface.

Temperature management bedding systems for mattresses and quilt panels generally include a trilayer of active components including a phase change material applied to a top surface of a flexible substrate thereof, a fire retardant layer underlying the flexible substrate including hydrophilic rayon fibers treated with ammonium polyphosphate; and a vertically oriented fiber batting layer underlying the first retardant layer including an elastomeric binder. The temperature management bedding systems provide heat control and mass transfer of moisture from the bedding surface.

Provided is a fibrous product that has excellent anti-allergen and antiviral properties, is capable of maintaining excellent outer appearance, and is less likely to cause color migration. Also provided is a processing agent for producing the fibrous product. The fibrous product of the present invention is characterized in having attached to the surface thereof (a) 1.0 to 3.0 g/m.sup.2 of zirconium phosphate, (b) 0.12 to 0.4 g/m.sup.2 of a homopolymer formed of an aromatic sulfonic acid monomer, and (c) 0.2 to 0.8 g/m.sup.2 of a copolymer including a styrene sulfonate salt. In addition, the processing agent of the present invention is characterized in being an aqueous dispersion that contains the components (a), (b), and (c) in a weight ratio of 1.0 to 3.0:0.12 to 0.4:0.2 to 0.8.