A surface-mineralized substrate having an enhanced functional capability, for example, enhanced antibacterial activity, a method of making the surface-mineralized substrate, and an article of manufacture, for example, packaging for fresh produce, comprising or formed from or of the surface-mineralized substrate.

The present disclosure provides an aerogel-containing composition including an aerogel, a water-soluble binder, a foaming agent, and a mixture of water and a polar organic solvent as a solvent, and an insulation blanket prepared using the same. In the aerogel-containing composition, the aerogel is uniformly dispersed in the composition, and when preparing a blanket, an insulation blanket having low thermal conductivity and flexibility of low density is prepared without concern of shrinkage of the substrate for a blanket and detachment of the aerogel during a drying process.

The invention relates to a polymeric fibre derived from a copolymer of polyacrylonitrile and a comonomer. The fibre comprises a metal ion and/or silicon at from about 1 to about 15 wt %. A process for making the fibre is also described.

The invention relates to a polymeric fibre derived from a copolymer of polyacrylonitrile and a comonomer. The fibre comprises a metal ion and/or silicon at from about 1 to about 15 wt %. A process for making the fibre is also described.

The present disclosure provides a high temperature, flame resistant and flexible coating composition based on alkali silicate and fluoropolymers. The coating can be used to bond a surface of a non-woven mat and seal the edges. The coating composition can be applied using a coating method on the surface and the edges of, for example, an inorganic fiber based non-woven mat.

The present disclosure provides a high temperature, flame resistant and flexible coating composition based on alkali silicate and fluoropolymers. The coating can be used to bond a surface of a non-woven mat and seal the edges. The coating composition can be applied using a coating method on the surface and the edges of, for example, an inorganic fiber based non-woven mat.

Described herein is an antiviral face mask and methods of use thereof to inactivate a virus in contact with the face mask. The face mask may include a fibrous material with silicon nitride powder impregnated therein and a layer surrounding the fibrous material. In some embodiments, silicon nitride is present in the fibrous material at a concentration of about 30 wt. % to about 50 wt. %.

The invention relates to antimicrobial and/or antiviral fabric compositions comprising ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium hypophosphite, or a mixture thereof. The ascorbic acid may be covalently attached to at least one cellulosic portion of the fabric composition. The invention also relates to methods for preparing such fabric compositions.

A solid particulate reactive sorbent for decontaminating toxic chemical and biological agents and its method of making. The reactive sorbent comprising a plurality of aggregates formed from linked hydrophilic nanoparticles and individual nanoparticles that bind at least one detoxifier, such that the sorbent absorbs the agents, allowing the detoxifier to oxidize and decontaminate the agents for removal. More preferably, the hydrophilic nanoparticles comprise fumed silica and the detoxifier comprises hydrogen peroxide.

An article of apparel and method of making the article of apparel for a wearer is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the article of apparel comprises a fabric defining a first, inner surface facing the wearer, and a second, outer surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of compression areas are formed along the inner fabric surface, each compression area comprising compressed yarns. A sealing agent effective to reduce the air permeability of the fabric is applied to each compression area. The sealing agent secures the yarns in a compressed state.