A process for modifying a silicone elastomeric-based surface of a textile article where the coefficient of friction (COF) of the silicone elastomeric-based surface is generally reduced by at least 5% is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the textile article to vacuum ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

An application method of enhancing the water repellence of a textile and/or enhancing a textiles ability to repel water soluble dirt, includes the steps of: a) applying an emulsified liquid composition on a textile, wherein said emulsified liquid composition includes only water, alkylalkoxysilane with said alkyl chain having a length of 10-30 carbons or carbon atoms higher than 12 but equal to or less than 18, at least one emulsifier, surfactant, thickener and/or stabilizer, a water soluble acid catalyst, and unavoidable impurities; b) optionally adding to the composition amino silicones for softness and durability enhancement of the water repellency; c) optionally adjusting the amount of the composition applied on textile; d) drying the treated textile until dry; e) curing the treated textile at a temperature of between 100-200 C.; and f) optionally removing the non-reacted composition residue from the treated textile by washing with water and optionally redrying the treated textile.

An application method of enhancing the water repellence of a textile and/or enhancing a textiles ability to repel water soluble dirt, includes the steps of: a) applying an emulsified liquid composition on a textile, wherein said emulsified liquid composition includes only water, alkylalkoxysilane with said alkyl chain having a length of 10-30 carbons or carbon atoms higher than 12 but equal to or less than 18, at least one emulsifier, surfactant, thickener and/or stabilizer, a water soluble acid catalyst, and unavoidable impurities; b) optionally adding to the composition amino silicones for softness and durability enhancement of the water repellency; c) optionally adjusting the amount of the composition applied on textile; d) drying the treated textile until dry; e) curing the treated textile at a temperature of between 100-200 C.; and f) optionally removing the non-reacted composition residue from the treated textile by washing with water and optionally redrying the treated textile.

A textile fabric having improved properties, variously including surface stability, abrasion resistance, resistance to edge fraying, moisture control, and resistance to fluid penetration is created by introducing a polymeric solution or a plurality of low-melting particles suspended in a liquid into the textile fabric while leaving a plurality of surface fibers exposed and maintaining a textile feel on the surface.

A textile fabric having improved properties, variously including surface stability, abrasion resistance, resistance to edge fraying, moisture control, and resistance to fluid penetration is created by introducing a polymeric solution or a plurality of low-melting particles suspended in a liquid into the textile fabric while leaving a plurality of surface fibers exposed and maintaining a textile feel on the surface.

An insulated nanofiber having a continuous nanofiber collection extending along a longitudinal axis with an outside surface and an inside portion is described. A first material infiltrates the inside portion, where the outside surface of the nanofiber collection is substantially free of the first material. An electrically-insulating second material coats the outside surface of the nanofiber collection. A method of making an insulated nanofiber collection is also disclosed.

According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a fully impregnated thermoplastic prepreg includes a mechanism for moving a fabric or mat and a drying mechanism that removes residual moisture from at least one surface of the fabric or mat. The system also includes a resin application mechanism that applies a reactive resin to the fabric or mat and a press mechanism that presses the coated fabric or mat to ensure that the resin fully saturates the fabric or mat. The system further includes a curing oven through which the coated fabric or mat is moved to polymerize the resin and thereby form a thermoplastic polymer so that upon exiting the oven, the fabric or mat is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer. During at least a portion of the process, humidity in the vicinity of the coated fabric or mat is maintained at substantially zero.

A process for modifying a silicone elastomeric-based surface of an article where the coefficient of friction (COF) of the silicone elastomeric-based surface is generally reduced by at least 5% is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the article to vacuum ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A process for modifying a silicone elastomeric-based surface of a textile article where the coefficient of friction (COF) of the silicone elastomeric-based surface is generally reduced by at least 5% is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the textile article to vacuum ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A process for modifying a silicone elastomeric-based surface of a textile article where the coefficient of friction (COF) of the silicone elastomeric-based surface is generally reduced by at least 5% is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the textile article to vacuum ultraviolet (UV) radiation.