The invention provides systems and methods for forming nanofibers and nanofiber arrays in a continuous and efficient manner, without the use of electrospinning. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods allow for simultaneous pulling and elongation of the nanofibers through the use of two rotating belts.

It is provided that a braid which has high dimensional stability even in long-term high temperature storage and which fluctuates little in physical properties with the lapse of time. And it is provided that fishing lines, nets, ropes, and protective covers, and bulletproof materials using the same. A braid comprising a polyethylene fiber or polyethylene tape which has an intrinsic viscosity [] of not less than 5.0 dL/g and not more than 30 dL/g and contains not less than 90% of ethylene as a repeating unit thereof, wherein a thermal shrinkage percentage is not less than 0.45% and not more than 8% under an environment of 80 C. for 240 hours.

Woven and knit fabrics containing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers and at least one other fiber are provided. The ePTFE fiber may be woven or knit as a single, non-twisted fiber, as part of a multifilament fiber, or may be twisted or braided with another fiber. The ePTFE fiber, whether alone or in combination with a weave fiber(s), may be utilized in either the warp and/or the weft direction. The woven and knit fabrics are concurrently breathable, lightweight, durable, drapable, and fast drying. The ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the woven or knit fabric is flame resistant. In addition, the woven and knit fabrics are quiet, soft, and drapable. Treatments may be provided to the surface of the ePTFE fiber and/or the fabrics to impart one or more desired functionality, such as, for example, oleophobicity, anti-microbial, contamination resistance, or UV stability.

The invention provides a method for producing a 3D item (1) by means of fused deposition modelling, the method comprising: a 3D printing stage comprising layer-wise depositing 3D printable material (201), to provide the 3D item (1) comprising 3D printed material (202), wherein the 3D item comprises layers (322) of 3D printed material, wherein the 3D printable material comprises a thermoplastic material (401) and a photocatalytic material (409) wherein during at least part of the 3D printing stage the method comprises producing pores (423) in the 3D printable material.

A core-shell nanofiber including: a core and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the core comprises Cs.sub.2InCl.sub.5(H.sub.2O) and the shell comprises an electroactive polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE), polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP), and mixtures thereof, methods of preparation thereof, and a triboelectric nanogenerator including the same.