A non-woven material including a base layer and one or more fiber cap layer. In example embodiments, the fiber cap layer can be (1) used as an adhesive layer to bond the base layer to another material, (2) molded in order to create a smooth film surface that reduces ice, mud and snow buildup in the automotive part, (3) molded to increase stability and reduce sagging in the automotive part, or (4) molded into an air flow resistant layer to increase sound absorption properties. The non-woven material can be heat-resistant, flame-resistant, water-resistant, and/or recyclable.

A non-woven material including a base layer and one or more fiber cap layer. In example embodiments, the fiber cap layer can be (1) used as an adhesive layer to bond the base layer to another material, (2) molded in order to create a smooth film surface that reduces ice, mud and snow buildup in the automotive part, (3) molded to increase stability and reduce sagging in the automotive part, or (4) molded into an air flow resistant layer to increase sound absorption properties. The non-woven material can be heat-resistant, flame-resistant, water-resistant, and/or recyclable.

A flexible insulating structure includes a batting and a mixture of aerogel-containing particles and a binder, the aerogel-containing particles impregnating at least one layer of the batting. A method for preparing a flexible insulating structure comprises applying a mixture including aerogel-containing particles and a binder to a batting having one or more batting layers; and drying or allowing the binder to dry, thereby forming the flexible insulating structure.

A flexible insulating structure includes a batting and a mixture of aerogel-containing particles and a binder, the aerogel-containing particles impregnating at least one layer of the batting. A method for preparing a flexible insulating structure comprises applying a mixture including aerogel-containing particles and a binder to a batting having one or more batting layers; and drying or allowing the binder to dry, thereby forming the flexible insulating structure.

Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a plurality of fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and an antishrink additive, preferably in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 12% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. The webs may be used as wipes.

Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a plurality of fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and an antishrink additive, preferably in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 12% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. The webs may be used as wipes.

An apparatus includes a locking portion, a flexible pulling portion, a flexible body, and a plurality of barb features extending laterally from the body. The locking portion is configured to receive the pulling portion. The pulling portion is configured to engage and translate relative to the locking portion after the locking portion has received the pulling portion. The flexible body extends from the locking portion to the pulling portion. The flexible body is configured to form a loop when the pulling portion engages the locking portion. The loop is configured to decrease in size in response to pulling of the pulling portion relative to the locking portion. The barb features are configured to engage a tubular region of tissue and thereby form pleats in the tubular region of tissue.

A method for manufacturing a piece of interior equipment of an automotive vehicle includes: obtaining a first web of fibers on a conveyor, the first web including a first layer of fibers forming a sole, and a second layer of fibers intended to form a velvet; depositing a second web of fibers and obtaining an assembly; needling the assembly; heating the needled assembly to a heating temperature, and obtaining a coating; and thermoforming the coating and a lower portion at a forming temperature in order to obtain the piece. The second web has continuous fibers with a single component having a melting temperature, the assembly further including a binding layer deposited on the sole of the first web, the binding layer in majority including at least one thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature greater than the forming temperature and less than the melting temperature of the single component.

A method for manufacturing a piece of interior equipment of an automotive vehicle includes: obtaining a first web of fibers on a conveyor, the first web including a first layer of fibers forming a sole, and a second layer of fibers intended to form a velvet; depositing a second web of fibers and obtaining an assembly; needling the assembly; heating the needled assembly to a heating temperature, and obtaining a coating; and thermoforming the coating and a lower portion at a forming temperature in order to obtain the piece. The second web has continuous fibers with a single component having a melting temperature, the assembly further including a binding layer deposited on the sole of the first web, the binding layer in majority including at least one thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature greater than the forming temperature and less than the melting temperature of the single component.

A process for recovering a primary polymer concentrate stream is provided. The process comprises routing a second mother liquor stream to a primary concentration zone to remove water from the second mother liquor stream to produce the primary polymer concentrate stream; wherein the primary concentration zone comprises at least one ultrafiltration membrane. A process is also provided to recover sulfopolyester from the primary polymer concentrate stream and to produce articles therefrom.