Non woven fabrics including at least one nonwoven layer comprising a plurality of fibers comprising a polymeric material having a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than about 40 g/10 min according to ASTM D1238 (2.16 kg at 230° C.) are provided. The plurality of fibers includes (i) one or more ultraviolet radiation protective agents (UVPA), and (ii) one or more inorganic pigments comprising an inert coating thereon.

A photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net for use in citrus fruit production, the net comprising a woven array of parallel and mutually spaced first threads and an array of parallel and mutually spaced second threads, the second threads being inclined to the first threads to define an array of openings between the first and second threads, wherein the first threads are uncolored and composed of a first polymer which is selected from a polymer incorporating a white pigment or dye, a transparent polymer or a translucent polymer, and the second threads are colored red and composed of a second polymer which incorporates a red pigment or dye, the second threads being adapted to transmit, scatter and reflect electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from 640 to 680 nm. Also disclosed is a method of producing citrus fruit using the net.

A composite yarn comprising a continuous multifilament core yarn incorporated in a matrix, is characterized in that the matrix comprises at least one polymer material and at least one reinforcing filler, the reinforcing filler being formed from functionalized particles, said particles having a median size (d.sub.v50) of less than 40 μm.

A process for manufacturing such a composite yarn, comprises at least one step of depositing, by coating or extrusion, a matrix comprising a polymer and a reinforcing filler, onto a core yarn.

A textile surface comprises at least one such composite yarn.

A composite yarn comprising a continuous multifilament core yarn incorporated in a matrix is characterised in that the matrix comprises at least one polymer material and at least one reinforcing filler, the reinforcing filler being formed from functionalized particles, said particles having a median size (d.sub.v5o) of less than 40 μm. A process for manufacturing such a composite yarn, comprises at least one step of depositing, by coating or extrusion, a matrix comprising a polymer and a reinforcing filler, onto a core yarn. A textile surface comprises at least one such composite yarn.

A knitted spacer fabric has a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and linking fibres extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, e.g. cement, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid, e.g. water. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations. The bottom layer has an extension that extends beyond the upper face and is connected to the upper face by elastic connecting fibres that draw the extension towards the other face, thereby at least partly closing the space at the edge of the cloth and preventing the settable material from spilling out. In addition, the packing of the settable material and maximum space between the faces are such that only a predetermined amount of liquid can be accommodated within the space and that amount is matched to the water required to set the cement.

A shielding device for shielding against weather influences that includes a textile sheet material which is stretched two-dimensionally or can be rolled out and which forms a shield against weather influences, in particular, against solar radiation and/or rain. The textile material has warp threads and weft threads connected together in a lattice-like manner so as to form a fabric. A foam layer which has foam pores that are separated from one another by solid foam walls is applied onto the textile sheet material on at least one side of the textile sheet material.

A variety of agricultural spacer fabrics/textiles are provided that protect plants from insect penetration while allowing for light and air penetration, and methods of use. The textiles can be used alone or in conjunction with agents such as insecticides, insect repellants, and fungicides. The agricultural textile can have an outermost fabric layer, an innermost fabric layer, and a plurality of filaments connecting the outermost fabric layer and the innermost fabric layer.

Covers comprising a nonwoven fabric including a plurality of recycled polyester fibers, such as a plurality of staple fibers, is provided. The plurality of recycled polyester fibers may be formed from a post-consumer polyester, a post-industrial waste polyester, or a combination thereof. The covers provide desirable vapor transmission while also providing an improved hydrostatic head. The covers may be provided in a variety of configurations. Methods of forming such covers are also provided.

A thermal camouflage fabric has a first side and a second side and at least the first side of the fabric comprises a printed layer. The printed layer contains at least a first, second, and third color paste in a camouflage pattern. At least a portion of the first, second, and third color pastes are in discrete locations in the printed layer. The first, second, and third color pastes each contain at least one pigment, a plurality of metallic particles, and a binder. The first color paste contains at least about twice the amount by weight of metallic particles than the third color paste and the first color paste contains less pigment by weight than the third color paste.

A weather-resistant fabric is disclosed made from highly texturized multifilament synthetic polymer yarns. The yarns have a relatively large size or denier and are woven in a manner that produces a fabric with wool-like characteristics. The weather-resistant fabric is particularly well suited as an upholstery fabric for outdoor furniture.