A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a method for needling a spiral textile to create a needled preform, the method comprising receiving the spiral textile on a bed plate of a circular needle loom, engaging a positional structure of the spiral textile, rotating the spiral textile around the circular needle loom, depositing a predetermined number of layers of the spiral textile on the bed plate, and needling the spiral textile to create the needled preform. Moreover, the present disclosure also provides, in various embodiments, a method for creating a circular needled preform from a spiral textile, comprising attaching sacrificial fibers to at least one of the weft tow and the plurality of warp tows proximate at least one of the inside diameter and the outside diameter, and engaging the sacrificial fibers with an engagement mechanism on a circular needle loom.

Unique blends of fibers that incorporate synthetic cellulosic fibers to render fabrics made with such blends more durable than fabrics made with natural cellulosic fibers such as cotton. While more durable than cotton, the synthetic cellulosic fibers used in the blends are still inexpensive and comfortable to the wearer. Thus, the benefits of cotton (affordability and comfort) are still attained while a drawback of cottonlow durabilityis avoided. In one embodiment, the fiber blend includes FR modacrylic fibers and synthetic cellulosic fibers, preferably, but not necessarily non-FR lyocell fibers such as TENCEL and TENCEL A100. Other fibers may be added to the blend, including, but not limited to, additional types of inherently FR fibers, anti-static fibers, anti-microbial fibers, stretch fibers, and/or high tenacity fibers. The fiber blends disclosed herein may be used to form various types of FR fabrics. Desired colors may be imparted in a variety of ways and with a variety of dyes to the fabrics disclosed herein. Fabrics having the fibers blends disclosed herein can be used to construct the entirety of, or various portions of, a variety of protective garments for protecting the wearer against electrical arc flash and flames, including, but not limited to, coveralls, jumpsuits, shirts, jackets, vests, and trousers.

The invention concerns a cellulose fiber of the genus Lyocell which is treated with a cross-linking agent, with the cross-linking agent inducing a protection from fibrillation on the fiber and exhibiting the following properties: the protection from fibrillation induced by the cross-linking agent changes if the fiber is stored within a pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, in particular under the influence of moisture and/or heat, within the pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, an optimum value exists at which the stability of the protection from fibrillation induced by the cross-linking agent during storage is highest a suitable range exists around the optimum value in which the stability is reduced by 20% at the most, compared to the stability at the optimum value, within the pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, the suitable range is limited by at least one limiting value at which the stability is reduced by 20% compared to the long-term stability at the optimum value and with a further decrease in stability occurring below and above said value, respectively, and the cross-linking agent has the capability to change the pH value.
The fiber according to the invention is characterized in that the fiber comprises a buffering substance in the suitable range and exhibits a buffer capacity of at least about 12 mmol/kg fiber, preferably from about 15 to about 70 mmol/kg fiber, in the suitable range.

The invention relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane fibers, and process of making the same, where the described fiber has good dyeability, and in some embodiments, good flame retardant properties. Such fibers are made from a composition that includes (a) a thermoplastic polyurethane itself comprising the reaction product of: (i) one or more polyols, (ii) one or more diisocyanates, (iii) one or more chain extenders, (iv) optionally one or more crosslinking agents, and (v) one or more functional modifiers wherein each said functional modifier is a reaction product of an aminodiol and a Bronsted acid.

A soft tissue implant comprises a condensed surgical mesh having a plurality of monofilament biocompatible fibers 12. Condensing of the fibers reduces the void space between adjacent fibers 12 in the mesh and reduces the surface area of the fibers 12 available for contact with tissue. Condensation of the fibers 12 may be achieved by applying mechanical pressure, and/or vacuum, and/or heat to the mesh.

A graphic comprises a textile material comprising one of a woven or knit textile having first and second textile surfaces in an opposing relationship and a retroreflective material having first and second surfaces in an opposing relationship. One of the first and second textile surfaces and one of the first and second surfaces are adhered to one another by a second adhesive.

An exemplary elongated elevator load bearing member includes a plurality of tension elements that extend along a length of the load bearing member. A plurality of weave fibers transverse to the tension elements are woven with the tension elements such that the weave fibers maintain a desired spacing and alignment of the tension elements relative to each other. The weave fibers at least partially cover the tension elements. The weave fibers are exposed and establish an exterior, traction surface of the load bearing member.

Methods for increasing biocidal activity of a substrate are provided. The methods can include attaching one or more ionic compounds to the substrate. The ionic compound can include a cationic moiety and at least one of an N-halamine precursor group or an N-halamine moiety.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials. In one embodiment, a composite material comprises an inorganic ceramic matrix comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first outer surface and generally parallel to the first outer surface. At least one open weave fiber glass fabric is disposed in the inorganic ceramic matrix between the first surface and the second surface. In another embodiment, a composite material comprises a first inorganic ceramic matrix comprising pieces of stone, a second inorganic ceramic matrix attached adjacent to the first inorganic ceramic matrix, and at least one open weave fiber glass fabric disposed in the second inorganic ceramic matrix.