A method for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabric layers and films is disclosed. A directional force is applied over a nanotube fabric layer to render the fabric layer into an ordered network of nanotube elements. That is, a network of nanotube elements drawn together along their sidewalls and substantially oriented in a uniform direction. In some embodiments this directional force is applied by rolling a cylindrical element over the fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by passing a rubbing material over the surface of a nanotube fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by running a polishing material over the nanotube fabric layer for a predetermined time. Exemplary rolling, rubbing, and polishing apparatuses are also disclosed.

Provided is an extra-fine fiber sheet including an extra-fine fiber assembly including extra-fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of 500 nm or smaller. The extra-fine fiber sheet includes an extra-fine fiber assembly. The assembly includes a solvent-spinnable polymer (A) having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 as a main component and a polymer (B) having a weight average molecular weight equal to or more than 10 times as large as that of the polymer (A) as an accessory component; and the assembly includes constituent fibers having an average fiber diameter of 10 to 500 nm. The polymer (A) may be a non-conductive polymer, and the polymer (B) may be a thickening polymer.

A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system include a housing coupled to a synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced. A spindle may extend from within the housing, across the inlet, and into the chamber for collecting nanotubes and twisting them into a yarn. A body portion may be positioned at an intake end of the spindle. The body portion may include a pathway for imparting a twisting force onto the flow of nanotubes and guide them into the spindle for collection and twisting into the nanofibrous yarn. Methods and apparatuses for forming nanofibrous are also disclosed.

Provided herein are high performance reinforcing nanostructure additives, high throughput processes for using such additives, and composites comprising such additives. Such nanostructure additives include nanofibers, including nanofiber fragments, of various matrix materials, including metal(s) (e.g., elemental metal(s), metal alloy(s), etc.), metal oxide(s), ceramic(s), metal carbide(s), carbon (e.g., carbon nanocomposites comprising carbon matrix with metal component embedded therein), and/or combinations thereof.

Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article or a substrate comprises at least two unaligned nanotubes extending substantially parallel to the substrate and each contacting end points of the article but each unaligned relative to the other, the nanotubes providing a conductive pathway within a predefined space.

The present invention relates to a multi-layered composite material manufactured by thermocompressing a multi-layered sheet, comprising: a first sheet layer formed from a solution containing nanofibrillated cellulose and a first thermoplastic matrix polymer; and a second sheet layer formed from a solution containing a second thermoplastic matrix polymer. The multi-layered composite material of the present invention has the high strength and high elastic modulus.

The present invention is generally related to a high capacity, high efficiency nonwoven filtration media comprising a gradient pore structure. In particular, the filtration media can comprise thermoplastic synthetic microfibers, fibrillated fibers, staple fibers, and a binder. Furthermore, the filtration media may be produced without the use of glass fibers or microglass fibers. Consequently, the filtration media of the present invention does not cause the same issues as conventional filtration media that comprises glass fibers and/or microglass fibers. Moreover, the filtration media can be used to treat fuel, lubrication fluids, hydraulic fluids, and various other industrial gases.

The present invention is generally related to a high capacity, high efficiency nonwoven filtration media comprising a gradient pore structure. In particular, the filtration media can comprise thermoplastic synthetic microfibers, fibrillated fibers, staple fibers, and a binder. Furthermore, the filtration media may be produced without the use of glass fibers or microglass fibers. A process for making the filtration media is also provided. Consequently, the filtration media of the present invention does not cause the same issues as conventional filtration media that comprises glass fibers and/or microglass fibers. Moreover, the filtration media can be used to treat fuel, lubrication fluids, hydraulic fluids, and various other industrial gases.

The present invention is generally related to a high capacity, high efficiency nonwoven filtration media comprising a gradient pore structure. In particular, the filtration media can comprise thermoplastic synthetic microfibers, fibrillated fibers, staple fibers, and a binder. Furthermore, the filtration media may be produced without the use of glass fibers or microglass fibers. A process for making the filtration media is also provided. Consequently, the filtration media of the present invention does not cause the same issues as conventional filtration media that comprises glass fibers and/or microglass fibers. Moreover, the filtration media can be used to treat fuel, lubrication fluids, hydraulic fluids, and various other industrial gases.

Fabrics are provided that include mono-component staple fibers, a first group of split staple fibers comprising a first polymeric material, and a second group of split staple fibers comprising a second polymeric material that is different than the first polymeric material. The mono-component staple fibers, the first group of split staple fibers, and the second group of split staple fibers are physically entangled together to define a consolidated nonwoven. The fabrics may be physically entangled by hydroentanglement.