The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.

Methods for non-destructive testing of synthetic ropes is described, where the rope in use is subjected to X-ray, terahertz, permanent magnetic field or electromagnetic analysis to determine a pattern, the results of the analysis are compared with a standard pattern determined by the analysis, and the results of the comparison are used in determining whether the rope is fit for use; where the rope comprises at least two types of fibers, the first fiber type has a density which differs from the density of the second fiber type and the second fiber type is of the same polymer material as the first fiber type, but provided with a high-density or low-density material. Ropes suitable for use in this method are also described.

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to structures having a polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, materials, methods of attaching materials, and the like.

A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a core portion of a matrix of a first base polymer and particles dispersed within the matrix, and a shell portion comprising a same or a different base polymer. The consumable filament is configured to be melted and extruded to form roads of a plurality of solidified layers of a three-dimensional part, and where the roads at least partially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the core portion and the shell portion of the consumable filament and retain the particles within the roads of the printed part and do not penetrate the outer surface of the shell portion.

A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a core portion of a matrix of a first base polymer and particles dispersed within the matrix, and a shell portion comprising a same or a different base polymer. The consumable filament is configured to be melted and extruded to form roads of a plurality of solidified layers of a three-dimensional part, and where the roads at least partially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the core portion and the shell portion of the consumable filament and retain the particles within the roads of the printed part and do not penetrate the outer surface of the shell portion.

A composition having at least one first component containing a perfluorinated aliphatic structure in which no more than six fluorine bearing carbons are connected in any single straight chain segment, in addition a group providing binding functionality to a surface to be treated or containing at least one polymerisable double bond or containing at least one cross-linkable group, and in addition a divalent radical containing at least one group capable of forming polar interactions or hydrogen bonds, and at least one second component containing a perfluorinated aliphatic structure in which no more than six fluorine bearing carbons are connected in any single straight chain segment and a moiety containing at least one group providing binding functionality to a surface to be treated or containing at least one polymerisable double bond or containing at least one cross-linkable group.

The present invention relates to a polymer composition, to the use of the composition for producing an electrical device, as well as to a cable surrounded by at least one layer including the polymer composition.

Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.