Material composition, method for making a material composition and a sealing element

Abstract

There is provided a material composition comprising a plurality of metal fibers, a plurality of nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a material component comprising at least a non- hardening substance. The material composition may be formed as a web or nonwoven web. The non-hardening substance may have a viscosity in the range of 1.000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20 degrees Celsius. The non-hardening substance may be a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, or a non-hardening grease. The material component comprising the non-hardening substance may further comprise a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs' scale of no less than 2. The particles may be mixed into the non-hardening substance. There is also provided a method for making a composite nonwoven web.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] MATERIAL COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR MAKING A MATERIAL COMPOSITION AND A SEALING ELEMENT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The disclosure relates to a material composition, and more specifically to a material composition that comprises a blend of metal fibers, nonmetal fibers, and a material component comprising a non-hardening substance. The disclosure also relates to a sealing element and to a material composition comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles.

[0005] The material compositions and the sealing element may be used in pest control to avoid entrance of for example unwanted animals, such as rats and mice.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] US 6919117 B1 discloses a nonwoven fabric and a method for making the same. The composite nonwoven fabric comprises an interengaged mixture of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, where the metal fibers have a rough barbed outer surface with irregular shaped cross-sections that vary along their lengths.

[0008] US 2009 / 0000216 A1 discloses a composite web for pest exclusion. The composite web comprises a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of nonmetal fibers, wherein the metal fibers inter-engage with each other and the nonmetal fibers. The metal fibers include a plurality of barbed projections and a rough barbed outer surface with irregular shaped cross-sections varied along the lengths of the metal fibers. The inter-engaged mixture of metal and nonmetal fibers form a pest deterrence composite.

[0009] US 9867367 discloses a sealing element having an outer flexible layer and an inner core, wherein the outer flexible layer is disposed around the inner core, and wherein the inner core comprises a plurality of metal fibers having barbed projections. The inner core may comprise a nonwoven web of a combination of the metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0010] 03743- PCT Thus, it is known to produce a material composition in the form of a nonwoven fabric or web that comprises a blend of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers. It is also known to use such as fabric or web for pest control to avoid entrance of unwanted animals, such as rats and mice. It also known to use the nonwoven fabric or web as the inner core of a sealing element having a flexible outer layer around the inner core.

[0011] However, it has been found by the present inventor, that the composite nonwoven fabrics or webs comprising a blend of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, which are on the market today, do not give a sufficient protection for avoiding entrance of for example rats and mice.

[0012] Thus, there is a need for an improved composite nonwoven fabric or web, which provides a more efficient protection against entrance of unwanted animals including rats and mice.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved material composition, which has the advantages of the known composite nonwoven fabrics or webs, but which provides a more efficient protection against entrance of unwanted animals including rats and mice.

[0015] This object is achieved in accordance with a first aspect by providing a material composition comprising a plurality of metal fibers, a plurality of nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance.

[0016] It is preferred that the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1 .000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0017] By having an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance as part of the material composition, the non-hardening substance will stick to the teeth of any animal trying to gnaw its way through the fabric. It has been found that rats and mice are very unwilling to proceed gnawing when having such a substance sticking to the teeth, whereby a higher protection against entrance of the rats and mice is obtained.

[0018] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 3.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0019] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 5.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0020] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 8.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0021] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 10.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0022] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 15.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0023] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0024] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0025] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 800.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0026] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 600.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0027] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0028] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 400.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0029] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 300.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0030] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 200.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0031] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 100.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0032] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0033] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0034] It should be understood that the non-hardening substance may include a substance, for which the viscosity may change during time, such as change to a higher viscosity during time, but which substance will never fully harden up. Such a substance should therefore maintain a viscosity within the limits given herein.

[0035] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease.

[0036] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising blown rapeseed oil.

[0037] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising calcium carbonate.

[0038] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising rubber resin and / or pigments.

[0039] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising a synthetic resin.

[0040] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the material composition is a nonwoven web comprising a mixture of the plurality of metal fibers, the plurality of nonmetal fibers, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0041] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 30% and 80% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the nonhardening substance constitutes between about 20% and 70% by weight of the material composition.

[0042] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 40% and 70% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the nonhardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the material composition.

[0043] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 50% and 65% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the nonhardening substance constitutes between about 35% and 50% by weight of the material composition.

[0044] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute more than 50% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes less than 50% by weight of the material composition.

[0045] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the material component comprising a non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least

[0046] 03743- PCT half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

[0047] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0048] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0049] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least part of or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

[0050] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

[0051] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

[0052] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

[0053] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

[0054] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of particles may be composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

[0055] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1% and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0056] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0057] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.

[0058] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.

[0059] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the metal fibers may be composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminium and combinations thereof.

[0060] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers may be between about 40 and 80 microns.

[0061] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the metal fibers have an average diameter, which is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

[0062] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0063] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

[0064] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the metal fibers may be coated with a lubricant.

[0065] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

[0066] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

[0067] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the material component comprising the non-hardening substance may be provided in a number of lanes each filled with the material component.

[0068] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, neighbouring lanes of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance are positioned substantially equidistant from each other.

[0069] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a method for making a composite nonwoven web, comprising:

[0070] (a) blending a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of nonmetal fibers to provide a blend of metal and nonmetal fibers;

[0071] (b) forming, based on the provided blend of metal and nonmetal fibers, a composite fiber web having the metal fibers and nonmetal fibers distributed throughout,

[0072] (c) needle-punching the composite fiber web to interengage the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers to provide a composite nonwoven web, and

[0073] 03743- PCT (d) injecting an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance into the nonwoven web of interengaged fibers.

[0074] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, step (b) comprises a compression process in which the obtained blend of metal and nonmetal fibers is compressed to form a web with a thickness within a predetermined thickness-range.

[0075] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the method further comprises a step (cc) prior to step (d) of cutting the material composition into several composite nonwoven webs having a width within a predetermined range of width.

[0076] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the injection of the amount of a material component includes injecting the material component into a number of lanes each filled with the material.

[0077] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, neighbouring lanes of injected material component are positioned substantially equidistant from each other.

[0078] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the nonwoven web.

[0079] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes between about 50% and 65% by weight of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 35% and 50% by weight of the nonwoven web.

[0080] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes more than 50 wt. % of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes less than 50 wt. % of the nonwoven web.

[0081] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the material component comprising the non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

[0082] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0083] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0084] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, at least part of or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

[0085] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

[0086] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, n at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

[0087] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

[0088] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

[0089] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

[0090] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1 % and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0091] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0092] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.

[0093] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.

[0094] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the metal fibers may be composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminum and combinations thereof.

[0095] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers is between about 40 and 80 microns.

[0096] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the metal fibers have an average diameter that is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

[0097] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0098] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

[0099] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the metal fibers may be coated with a lubricant.

[0100] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1 .000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0101] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1 .000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0102] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 3.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0103] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 5.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0104] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 8.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0105] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 10.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0106] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 15.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0107] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0108] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0109] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 800.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0110] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 600.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0111] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0112] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 400.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0113] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 300.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0114] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 200.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0115] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 100.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0116] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease.

[0117] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising blown rapeseed oil.

[0118] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising calcium carbonate.

[0119] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising rubber resin and / or pigments.

[0120] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising a synthetic resin.

[0121] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

[0122] In a possible implementation form of the method of the first aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

[0123] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sealing element having an outer flexible layer and an inner core comprising a material composition, which material composition is selected from any one of the embodiments of the material composition of the first aspect, wherein the inner core is substantially surrounded by at least a portion of the outer flexible layer.

[0124] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a material comprising a natural polymer material such as rubber and / or a synthetic polymer material such as synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic material or a polyvinyl chloride, PVC, material.

[0125] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a material comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPV, type material, or a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, type material.

[0126] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a polymer material selected from the range of SantopreneTM materials, such as SantopreneTM 201-73.

[0127] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the outer flexible layer has a thickness in the range of 2 to 5 mm, and wherein the inner core has a thickness in the range of 15 to 30 mm and a maximum width in the range of 50 to 150 mm.

[0128] According to a third aspect, there is provided a material composition comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

[0129] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material composition, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material composition.

[0130] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material composition, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material composition.

[0131] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, at least part of or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

[0132] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

[0133] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

[0134] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

[0135] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

[0136] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the plurality of particles may be composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

[0137] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1 .000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0138] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0139] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 3.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0140] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 5.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0141] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 8.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0142] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 10.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0143] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 15.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0144] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0145] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0146] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 800.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0147] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 600.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0148] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0149] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 400.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0150] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 300.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0151] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 200.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0152] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 100.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0153] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance may be selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease.

[0154] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising blown rapeseed oil.

[0155] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising calcium carbonate.

[0156] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising rubber resin and / or pigments.

[0157] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising a synthetic resin.

[0158] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

[0159] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

[0160] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a sealing element having an outer flexible layer and an inner core comprising a plurality of metal fibers, wherein the inner core is substantially surrounded by at least a portion of the flexible layer, and wherein a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer and the inner core, or wherein a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is part of the inner core comprising the plurality of fibers.

[0161] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1.000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0162] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0163] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 3.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0164] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 5.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0165] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 8.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0166] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 10.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0167] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not lower than 15.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0168] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1 .500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0169] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 1 .000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0170] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 800.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0171] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 600.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0172] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0173] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 400.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0174] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 300.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0175] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 200.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0176] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance has a viscosity not higher than 100.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0177] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance is selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a nonhardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease.

[0178] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising blown rapeseed oil.

[0179] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising calcium carbonate.

[0180] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising rubber resin and / or pigments.

[0181] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance is a sealant or sealing compound comprising a synthetic resin.

[0182] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer and the inner core, and wherein a material component comprising at least a nonhardening substance is part of the inner core comprising the plurality of fibers.

[0183] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the outer flexible layer and the inner core each extends along a longitudinal axis and each has substantially the same length.

[0184] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the inner core further comprises a plurality of nonmetal fibers.

[0185] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the inner core comprises a nonwoven web of a combination of the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers.

[0186] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers are inter engaged with each other by a needle punching process.

[0187] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the material component comprising the non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no smaller than 100 micron.

[0188] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the plurality of particles are mixed into the non-hardening substance.

[0189] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0190] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

[0191] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, at least part of or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

[0192] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

[0193] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

[0194] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

[0195] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the plurality of particles may be composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

[0196] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1 % and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0197] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0198] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.

[0199] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the nonmetal fibers may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.

[0200] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the metal fibers have an average diameter, which is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

[0201] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0202] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

[0203] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the metal fibers may be composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminium and combinations thereof.

[0204] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers is between about 40 and 80 microns.

[0205] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the metal fibers may be coated with a lubricant.

[0206] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

[0207] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the non-hardening substance may be composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

[0208] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a material comprising a natural polymer material such as rubber and / or a synthetic polymer material such as synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic material or a polyvinyl chloride, PVC, material.

[0209] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a material comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPV, type material, or a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, type material.

[0210] 03743- PCT In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the outer flexible layer may be composed of a polymer material selected from the range of Santoprene™ materials, such as Santoprene™ 201-73.

[0211] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the outer flexible layer has a thickness in the range of 2 to 5 mm, and wherein the inner core has a thickness in the range of 15 to 30 mm and a maximum width in the range of 50 to 150 mm.

[0212] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the layer of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance has thickness in the range of 0,2 to 2 mm, such as in the range of 0,5 to 1 ,5 mm.

[0213] The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0214] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0215] In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0216] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for producing a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers, nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a substance comprising a non-hardening substance according to an example embodiment;

[0217] Fig. 2 illustrates a system for producing a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers and nonmetal fibers according to an example embodiment;

[0218] Fig. 3 illustrates a system for cutting and rolling a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers and nonmetal fibers according to an example embodiment;

[0219] 03743- PCT Fig. 4 illustrates a roller holding a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers and nonmetal fibers according to an example embodiment;

[0220] Fig. 5 illustrates a system for injecting an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance into the material composition or composite nonwoven web according to an example embodiment;

[0221] Fig. 6 illustrates a web holder for securing the material composition or composite nonwoven web during injecting of an amount of a material component comprising a nonhardening substance according to an example embodiment;

[0222] Fig. 7 shows the web holder of Fig. 6 with the material composition or composite nonwoven web secured in position within the web holder according to an example embodiment;

[0223] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the material composition or composite nonwoven web after injection of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance according to an example embodiment;

[0224] Fig. 9 illustrates a system for supplying a material component comprising a non-hardening substance to the injection system of Fig. 5 according to an example embodiment;

[0225] Figs. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a system for providing a material component comprising a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles according to an example embodiment;

[0226] Fig. 13 shows a roll of a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers, nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a substance comprising a non-hardening substance according to an example embodiment;

[0227] Fig. 14 shows a container for holding a material composition comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles according to an example embodiment;

[0228] 03743- PCT Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing element according to an example embodiment; and

[0229] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the layers of a sealing element before being folded into the sealing element according to an example embodiment.

[0230] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0231] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for producing a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers, nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a substance comprising a non-hardening substance. The system 100 includes a metal fiber container 101 for supplying metal fibers into a mixer 104, a nonmetal fiber container 102 for supplying nonmetal fibers into the mixer 104, a blower 103 arranged for blowing air into the mixer 104. The mixed metal and nonmetal fibers are fed from the mixer 104 into a compression system 105 to compress the mixed fibers, the compressed fibers are then fed into a needle-punch apparatus 106 to inter-engage the mixed fibers to provide a composite web or nonwoven web of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, which web has a thickness substantially within a predetermined thickness range. This web is then fed to a cutting board system 107 to be cut into several composite nonwoven webs having a predetermined width and length. The cut nonwoven webs are then stored on a first roll 108. From the first roll 108, a single cut nonwoven web is un-rolled A and fed B into a web holder 109. An injection apparatus 110 is provided for injection of a material component into the single cut nonwoven web. After injection of the material component, the processed web is rolled up onto a second roll 111. The process of un-rolling, material injection and up-rolling is repeated for a plurality or each of the webs stored on the first roll 108. A pump system 115 is provided for supply of the material component to be injected into the web, where the material component is delivered via a first material container 114, which holds a non-hardening substance or a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles. The non-hardening substance is fed from a first material supply 112 and the plurality of particles is fed from a second material supply 113. It is noted that the introduction of the plurality of particles into the material component for injection is optional.

[0232] 03743- PCT Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a system 200 for producing a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, corresponding to parts of the system 100 in Fig. 1 represented by blocks 101-106.

[0233] Thus, the system 200 includes a metal fiber container 201 for supplying metal fibers into a mixer 204, a nonmetal fiber container 202 for supplying nonmetal fibers into the mixer 204, and a blower 203 arranged for blowing air into the mixer 204. Each of the containers 201 and 202 has a system for controlling the supply of fibers into the mixer 204. The mixer has a stirring device for mixing the incoming fibers, where the mixing process is further assisted by air from the blower 203. A mixture 205 of metal and nonmetal fibers is fed from the mixer 204 onto a first conveyor belt 206 being part of a compression system, which compression system further holds two compression wheels 207a and 207b for compression of the mixed fibers. The compressed fibers 208 are then fed into a needlepunch apparatus 209 having first and second upper punch boards 211a and 211 b with needles and corresponding first and second lower support boards 210a and 210b. The upper punch boards 211a, 211b are moved up and down to punch and inter-engage the mixed fibers to provide a composite web or nonwoven web 212 of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, which web 212 has a thickness substantially equal to a predetermined thickness. This web 212 is then fed to a second conveyor belt 213.

[0234] The web 212 is then transferred to a cutting board system 300, as illustrated in Fig. 3, which cutting board system 300 has a support board 301 , one or more cutting knifes 303, which are moved along a knife support 304, and a first roll system 305. The web 212 is cut into several composite nonwoven webs 302 having a predetermined width and length, and the cut nonwoven webs 302 are then stored as a roll of web parts 306 on the first roll system 305.

[0235] Fig. 4 shows the first roll system 305 holding the composite nonwoven web parts 306 comprising metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

[0236] Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a system 500 for injecting an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance into the composite nonwoven web part 306. The system 500 has a web holder 501 and an injection apparatus 502, where the injection apparatus has a compression head 507 with a number of springs 504 holding an

[0237] 03743- PCT injection head 505 with a number of injection needles 503. The injection head 505 is connected to a pump system 900, see Fig. 9, via supply lines 506 and 905, whereby the pump system 900 delivers the material component to be injected into the web part 306. The injection apparatus 507 is controlled to be moved downwards for the needles 503 to pass into the web, and the pump system 900 is controlled to deliver the needed amount of the material component to be injected. During the injection of the material component, the injection apparatus is controlled to be moved upwards until the material injection is finished, and the injection apparatus may be moved parallel to the web holder for injection of an adjacent part of the web part 306. The injection and movement of the injection apparatus 507 is repeated until the web part 306 in the web holder is fully injected, and a new web part is supplied to the web holder 501 from the first roll system 305.

[0238] Fig. 6 is an end view of an embodiment of the web holder 501 , showing that the web holder 501 has two side parts 501a and 501 b, both having a width corresponding to the width of the web part 306 to be inserted into the web holder 501. The distance between the two side parts 501a and 501 b corresponds to the thickness of the web part 306, and the length of the two side parts 501a and 501 b corresponds to the length of the cut off web part 306. Each of the side parts 501 a, 501 b holds a number of fastening nails 501 aa and 501 bb, for securing the position of the web 306 during injecting of an amount of the material component. The fastening nails 501 aa, 501 bb are positioned with a distance to each other, which allows the injection needles 503 to be inserted into the web part 306 without hitting the nails 501 aa, 501 bb.

[0239] Fig. 7 shows the web holder 500 of Fig. 6 with the web part 306 secured in position within the two side parts 501a and 501 b.

[0240] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the completed web part, which is now denoted 801 , after injection of the material component into an injection lane 802. The material component is injected via the needles 503.

[0241] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers are processed into a composite web or composite nonwoven web 212 having a thickness of about 20 mm, and the web is then cut into several composite nonwoven web parts 306 having a width of 100 mm and a length of 3000 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the

[0242] 03743- PCT injection head 505 covers 1000 mm of the web part 306, and the injection head 505 has 39 injection needles 503. The distance from middle of one injection needle to the middle of the following injection needle is 25 mm, which is also the distance from middle of one fastening nail 501 aa to the middle of the following fastening nail, and the distance from the middle of one fastening nail 501 aa to the middle of the nearest injection needle is then about 12,5 mm. The injection needles 503 may have a diameter of 5 mm and a length suitable for providing an injection lane 802 having a length of about 90 mm. If the injection lane 802 is fully filled, then with 39 injection lanes per meter of the web part 306, an amount in the range of 6 to 7 cl, centilitre, of the material component comprising a non-hardening substance is injected into one meter of the web part 306 having a thickness of 20 mm, a width of 100 mm, and a length of 3000 mm. However, the injection lane 802 may not be fully filled, and it is preferred that at least 5 cl of the material component comprising a nonhardening substance is injected into one meter of the web part 306 having a thickness of 20 mm, a width of 100 mm, and a length of 3000 mm.

[0243] Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a pump system 900 for supplying a material component comprising a non-hardening substance to the injection system 500 of Fig. 5. The pump system 900 includes a substance container 901 holding the material component to be injected into the web part 306. The pump system 900 has a piston 902, which is fitted to pass into the substance container 901 . The piston 902 is driven by a motor 906, which again is controlled by a control system 909. Rails 907 are provided for steering the up- and downwards movements 908 of the motor 906 and the piston 902. When the motor 906 is controlled to drive the piston 902 downwards into the substance container 901 , the material component is pressed up into a fixed tube part 903, and further into a movable tube arm 904 acting a supply line 905, which is connected to supply line 506 of the injection system 500, whereby the pump system 900 delivers the material component to be injected into the web part 306. According to an embodiment the substance container 901 may have a size for containing an amount of 200 litre of the material component to be injected into the web part 306.

[0244] The present disclosure also relates to a material composition or material component comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles. An embodiment of a system and a process for mixing the non-hardening substance and the particles are illustrated in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. Fig. 10 shows a mixing container 1001 with

[0245] 03743- PCT an output port 1002, a non-hardening substance container 1003 with an output port 1004, and a particle container 1005 with an output port 1006. The desired amount of the nonhardening substance is fed from the non-hardening substance container 1003 into the mixing container 1001 and the desired amount of particles is fed from the particle container 1005 into the mixing container 1001. Fig. 11 shows the mixing container 1001 positioned on a wagon 1101 in contact with a mixing system 1102. The mixing system 1102 has a screw mixer 1105, driven by a motor 1103, and supported by a first mixer support 1104. The first mixer support 1104 is held in an angled position by a second mixer support 1106, and the speed of the motor 1103 is controlled by a mixing controller 1107. Fig. 12 shows the mixing container 1001 positioned to feed the mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles into a container, which may be the substance container 901 , when the mixture is to be used as the material component injected into the web part 306. The mixture of the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles may also be supplied as a material composition to be used alone, in which case the mixture may be fed into a smaller mixture container 1400, see Fig. 14, dimensioned for commercial users.

[0246] Fig. 13 shows a roll 1301 holding a number of finished web parts 801 , where each web part 801 is a material composition or composite nonwoven web comprising metal fibers, nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance.

[0247] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of mixture container 1400 for holding a material composition comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles. The mixture container 1400 has a container wall 1401 , a container bottom 1402, and a removable container lid 1403.

[0248] The present disclosure also relates to a sealing element 1500, where Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sealing element 1500. The sealing element 1500 has an outer flexible layer 1501a and an inner core 1502 comprising a plurality of metal fibers, where the inner core 1502 is surrounded by at least a portion of the flexible layer 1501a. A material component 1503 comprising at least a non-hardening substance may be placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer 1501a and the inner core 1502. However, the material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance may also or alternatively be part of the inner core 1502 comprising the plurality of fibers.

[0249] 03743- PCT The outer flexible layer may have an upper part 1501 b, which is not surrounding the inner core 1502, but which may have an outer metal cap 1504, which can be used as a mounting bracket for fastening the sealing element 1500 to for example a lower edge of a door or a port.

[0250] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the layers of the sealing element 1500 of Fig. 15 before being folded into the sealing element. The inner core 1502 may be a web or nonwoven web holding a plurality of metal fibers, and this web may be coated with a layer 1503 comprising at least a non-hardening substance. The coated web with the inner core 1502 and the material component 1503 may now be placed on the flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b, which layer is then folded together, with the middle part of the layer 1501a surrounding the coated web 1502, 1503, and with the outer parts of the layer 1501b being sealed together for providing a mounting part, which may be provided with the outer metal cap 1504.

[0251] Metal fibers and nonmetal fibers

[0252] The metal fibers to be used in the material composition or composite nonwoven web of the present disclosure, and which may be supplied to the metal container 201 of Fig. 2, may be produced by shaving a metal member with a succession of serrated blades. In an embodiment, a suitable lubricant, such as an oil type lubricant having a viscosity below 500 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20°C, may be applied to the metal fibers before being blended with the nonmetal fibers. An effective amount of oil generally may be in the range of about 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% oil, more preferably about 0.4 to 0.7 wt.%, based on the total weight of the metal fibers.

[0253] The metal fibers may have an average cross-sectional diameter of between about 25 and 125 microns. Metals used for the metal fibers may include stainless steel, carbon steel such as AISI 1006, copper, brass and other metals and metal alloys that can be shaved into suitable fibers. The metal fibers may be cut into staple lengths using a suitable metal fiber cutting apparatus, such as a rotating knife, to provide metal fibers having a predetermined length ranging between about 10 mm to about 300 mm, such as ranging about 20 mm to about 200 mm, such as ranging from about 20 mm to about 80 mm. In a preferred embodiment the metal used for the metal fibers is SAE 304 stainless steel. The

[0254] 03743- PCT metal fibers may be a blend made of stainless steel of four different grades from medium fine - grade 0, medium - grade 1 , medium coarse - grade 2, and coarse - grade 3.

[0255] The nonmetal fibers to be used in the material composition or composite nonwoven web of the present disclosure, and which may be supplied to the nonmetal container 202 of Fig. 2, may be any synthetic or natural staple fibers conventionally used in the textile industry for making nonwoven fabric material, such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool, olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and the like. The lengths of the nonmetal fibers may range from about 10 mm to about 300 mm, such as ranging from about 20 mm to about 200 mm, such as ranging from about 20 mm to about 80 mm. The nonmetal fibers may be cut to size by conventional means. The grade of the nonmetal fibers may range from about 1 denier to about 120 denier, such from about 2 to 80 denier, or such from about 5 to 60 denier. In general, the metal fibers may have an average cross-sectional diameter that is from 1 to 2-times the cross-sectional diameter of the nonmetal fibers. The metal fibers and nonmetal fibers may have similar average diameters and lengths. In an embodiment, the material composition or composite nonwoven web comprises synthetic polymer fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene fibers, having a grade of about 60 denier and metal fibers having an average cross section of about 60 microns. In a preferred embodiment, two types of nonmetal fibers may be used, which include Recycled Polyester Staple fiber, black, 22 denier, with a length of 64 mm, and 4080 LM-PET (Low Melting Polyester) fiber, white, 10 denier, with a length of 64 mm. It is preferred that nonmetal fibers holds a mix of 80% by weight of the Recycled Polyester Staple fiber, black, 22 denier, and 20% by weight of the 4080 LM-PET fibe, white, 10 denier.

[0256] For the material composition or composite nonwoven web of the present disclosure, the plurality of metal fibers may constitute between about 50 % and 99 % by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers may constitute between about 1 % and 50 % by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers. In an embodiment the plurality of metal fibers may constitute between about 60 % and 85 % by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers may constitute between about 15 % and 40 % by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers. In a preferred embodiment the plurality of metal fibers may constitute 70 % by weight of the total amount of metal

[0257] 03743- PCT fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers may constitute between about 30 % by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers. In cases where a lubricant has been added to the metal fibers, the weight of the lubricant is included in the weight of the metal fibers.

[0258] When the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers have been processed into a composite web or composite nonwoven web 212, see Fig. 2, it is preferred that the web 212 is processed to a thickness of about 20 mm, and that the web is then cut into several composite nonwoven webs or web parts 306 having a width of 100 mm and a length of 3000 mm.

[0259] Non-hardening substance

[0260] It has been found that a more efficient protection against entrance of unwanted animals including rats and mice can be obtained by adding an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance to the material composite webs 306 holding a composition of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers. The non-hardening substance may stick to the teeth of any animal trying to gnaw its way through the fabric. Thus, rats and mice are very unwilling to proceed gnawing when having such a substance sticking to the teeth, whereby a higher protection against entrance of the rats and mice is obtained.

[0261] However, in order to process the final material composition or web 801 , and in order to obtain the wanted improvement, it is important to select a substance having a viscosity, which is neither too low nor too high. If the viscosity is too low, the substance will flow out from the web part 801 , and if the viscosity is too high it is very difficult to inject the substance into the web part 306.

[0262] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-hardening substance should be selected to have a viscosity in the range of 1.000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal second, mPas, at 20°C, or a viscosity in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius. It is within embodiments to select a non-hardening substance having a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1.000.000 mPas at 20°C.

[0263] It is within embodiments to select a non-hardening substance having a viscosity not lower than 3.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not lower than 5.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not lower than 8.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not lower

[0264] 03743- PCT than 10.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, or such as not lower than 15.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0265] It is within embodiments to select a non-hardening substance having a viscosity not higher than 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 800.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 600.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 400.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 300.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 200.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius, such as not higher than 100.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0266] It should be understood that the non-hardening substance may include a substance, for which the viscosity may change during time, such as changing to a higher viscosity during time, but which substance will never fully harden up. Such a substance should therefore maintain a viscosity within the limits given herein.

[0267] A high number of materials fulfilling the requirements for the non-hardening substance to be used for the present disclosure is commercially available. Here, the non-hardening substance may be selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease. It is within an embodiment that non-hardening substance is a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound.

[0268] In the following are listed a number of sealants or sealing compounds from which a nonhardening substance may be selected:

[0269] Silicone based sealants, which may have viscosities of about 50,000 mPas or higher at 20°C.

[0270] Acrylic based sealants, which may have viscosities of about 600.000 or 700.000 mPas at 20°C. However, silicone based sealants are preferred over Acrylic based sealants.

[0271] Polymer based sealants, including hybrid polymer sealants, such as MS-polymer™ sealants, which may have a viscosity about 5000 mPas to about 50.000 mPas, or even higher.

[0272] Polyurethane based sealants or resins.

[0273] 03743- PCT Butyl rubber based sealants, which may have a viscosity up to about 400.000 mPas, or up to about 1 .000.000 mPas or higher.

[0274] Mastic type sealants.

[0275] Bitumen type sealants, including Dana Lim Tagtaet 543, which is a bitumen based roof tight sealant.

[0276] Non-hardening type adhesives.

[0277] Roof tight sealants, see also Dana Lim Tagtaet 543.

[0278] Rubber resin based sealants.

[0279] Synthetic resins, including Curil® T2, which is a pasty, non-hardening sealing compound based on synthetic resin with a viscosity at 20°C of ca. 30,000 mPas.

[0280] Grease including Silicone based greases.

[0281] The company Dana Lim producers a sealant under the trade name “Falskit”, which is a stable, non-hardening sealing compound based on blown rapeseed oil, calcium carbonate, rubber resin and pigments. This sealing compound may be used in a preferred embodiment. The Curil® T2 sealing compound may be used in an alternative preferred embodiment.

[0282] For the material composition or composite nonwoven web of the present disclosure, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together may constitute between about 30% and 80% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance may constitute between about 20% and 70% by weight of the material composition. In an embodiment, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together may constitute between about 40% and 70% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance may constitute between about 30% and 60% by weight of the material composition. In an embodiment the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 50% and 65% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 35% and 50% by weight of the material composition. It is preferred that the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute more than 50% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes less than 50% by weight of the material composition.

[0283] 03743- PCT Material component comprising a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles

[0284] It has been found that the effect from adding a non-hardening substance, as described above, to the web parts 306 holding a composition of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers can be improved by mixing the non-hardening substance with a plurality of particles having a minimum hardness, before injecting the material component in to the web parts 306, which material component now comprises a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles having a minimum hardness. The inclusion of the particles of a minimum hardness makes it difficult for unwanted animals including rats and mice to gnaw their way through the web 306.

[0285] The non-hardening substance to be used for the material component comprising a nonhardening substance and a plurality of particles may be selected from the examples of non-hardening substances described herein. Several types of particles can be used for mixing with the non-hardening substance, and it is preferred that the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, synthetic diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

[0286] It is noted that polymers have a hardness of 2-4, steel has a hardness of about 5, quartz has a hardness of about 7, and diamonds has the highest hardness of about 10 on the Mohs’ scale.

[0287] For the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles, then at least half of the plurality should have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2. It is preferred that at least half of the particles should a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

[0288] For the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles, then it is within an embodiment that the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component, and that the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component. It is also within an embodiment that the nonhardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 505 by weight of the total

[0289] 03743- PCT amount of the material component, and that the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component.

[0290] For the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles, then it is within an embodiment that at least part of or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or no less than 6. It is also within an embodiment that at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

[0291] It is within an embodiment that at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron. It is also within an embodiment that at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

[0292] In an embodiment a part of or at least half of the plurality of particles are quartz particles, and in another embodiment a part of or at least half of the plurality of particles are synthetic diamonds. In a preferred embodiment the plurality of particles is a mixture of quartz and synthetic diamonds. Here, the plurality of particles may hold about 95% by weight of quartz particles and about 5% by weight of synthetic diamonds. At least half of the quartz particles may have a maximum size of about 1.2 mm to 2 mm, and the synthetic diamonds may be of grit 35 / 40.

[0293] Also when the material component comprising the non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, then it is within an embodiment that the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 30% and 80% by weight of the material composition, and that the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 20% and 70% by weight of the material composition. In an embodiment, the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together may constitute between about 40% and 70% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles may constitute between about 30% and 60% by weight of the material composition. In an embodiment the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 50 and 65 wt. % of the material composition, and the amount of

[0294] 03743- PCT the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 35 and 50 wt. % of the material composition. It is preferred that the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute more than 50 wt. % of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance and the plurality of particles constitutes less than 50 wt. % of the material composition.

[0295] Sealing element

[0296] As described in connection with Fig. 15, the present disclosure also relates to a sealing element 1500. The sealing element 1500 has an outer flexible layer 1501a and an inner core 1502, where the inner core 1502 is surrounded by at least a portion of the flexible layer 1501a.

[0297] The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b may have a thickness in the range of 1 to 30 mm, such as in the range of 2 to 20 mm, such as in the range of 2 to 10 mm, such as in the range of 2 to 5 mm, such as in the range of 2,5 to 4 mm, while it is preferred that the thickness is about 3 mm. The thickness may be substantially constant. The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b may be made of a plastic material or flexible polymer material. The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501b may be made of a material comprising a natural polymer material such as rubber and / or a synthetic polymer material such as synthetic rubber. The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b may be made of a material comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, material, a thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPV, type material or a polyvinyl chloride, PVC, material. The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b may have a shore hardness, Shore A, of not below 40, such as not below 50, such as not below 60, such as not below 65, such as not below 70, such as not below 75, such as in the range of 75-80.

[0298] The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501 b may be made of a polymer material selected from the range of Santoprene™ materials, such as Santoprene™ 201-73. The outer flexible layer 1501a, 1501b may be produced by an extrusion process.

[0299] It is within an embodiment of the sealing element 1500, that a material component 1503 may be placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer 1501a and the inner core 1502. The material component 1503 may comprise a non-hardening substance selected from the examples of non-hardening substances described herein. The material

[0300] 03743- PCT component 1503 may also comprise a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles as described herein. The thickness of the layer of the material component 1503 may be in the range of 0,2 to 2 mm, such as in the range of 0,5 to 1 ,5 mm.

[0301] It is also within an embodiment that a material component comprising at least a nonhardening substance is part of the inner core 1502 comprising the plurality of fibers, where the material component may comprise a non-hardening substance selected from any of the examples of non-hardening substances described herein. Also, when a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is part of the inner core 1502, the material component may comprise a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles selected from any of the examples as described herein.

[0302] The inner core 1502, may comprise a plurality of metal fibers, where the type of metal fibers may be selected from any of the examples of metal fibers described herein and produced as described herein. Also, the inner core 1502 may comprise both a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of nonmetal fibers, and the types of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers may be selected from any of the examples of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers described herein and produced as described herein.

[0303] The invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0304] 03743- PCT

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A material composition comprising a plurality of metal fibers, a plurality of nonmetal fibers, and an amount of a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1.000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20 degrees Celsius.

2. A material composition according to claim 1 , wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

3. A material composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1 .000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

4. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the nonhardening substance is selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a nonhardening grease.

5. A material composition according to aby one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the material composition is a nonwoven web comprising a mixture of the plurality of metal fibers, the plurality of nonmetal fibers, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

6. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 30% and 80% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 20% and 70% by weight of the material composition.

7. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 40% and 70% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the material composition.03743- PCT8. A material composition according to aby one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute between about 50% and 65% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 35% and 50% by weight of the material composition.

9. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitute more than 50% by weight of the material composition, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes less than 50% by weight of the material composition.

10. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the material component comprising a non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

11. A material composition according to claim 10, wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

12. A material composition according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.03743- PCT13. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein at least part or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

14. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

15. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 14, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

16. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 15, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

17. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 16, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

18. A material composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 17, wherein the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

19. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 18, wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1 % and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

20. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.03743- PCT21. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 20, wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.

22. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 21 , wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.

23. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 22, wherein the metal fibers are composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminium and combinations thereof.

24. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 23, wherein the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers is between about 40 and 80 microns.

25. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 24, wherein the metal fibers have an average diameter, which is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

26. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 25, wherein the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

27. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 26, wherein the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

28. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 27, wherein the metal fibers are coated with a lubricant.

29. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 28, wherein03743- PCTthe non-hardening substance is composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

30. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 29, wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

31. A material composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 30, wherein the material component comprising the non-hardening substance is provided in a number of lanes each filled with the material component.

32. A material composition according to claim 31 , wherein neighbouring lanes of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance are positioned substantially equidistant from each other.

33. A sealing element having an outer flexible layer and an inner core comprising a material composition according to anyone of the claims 1-32, wherein the inner core is substantially surrounded by at least a portion of the outer flexible layer.

34. A sealing element according to claim 33, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a material comprising a natural polymer material such as rubber and / or a synthetic polymer material such as synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic material or a polyvinyl chloride, PVC, material.

35. A sealing element according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a material comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPV, type material, or a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, type material.

36. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 33 to 35, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a polymer material selected from the range of SantopreneTM materials, such as SantopreneTM 201-73.03743- PCT37. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 33 to 36, wherein the outer flexible layer has a thickness in the range of 2 to 5 mm, and wherein the inner core has a thickness in the range of 15 to 30 mm and a maximum width in the range of 50 to 150 mm.

38. A method for making a composite nonwoven web, comprising:(a) blending a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of nonmetal fibers to provide a blend of metal and nonmetal fibers;(b) forming, based on the provided blend of metal and nonmetal fibers, a composite fiber web having the metal fibers and nonmetal fibers distributed throughout,(c) needle-punching the composite fiber web to interengage the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers to provide a composite nonwoven web, and(d) injecting an amount of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance into the nonwoven web of interengaged fibers.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein step (b) comprises a compression process in which the obtained blend of metal and nonmetal fibers is compressed to form a web with a thickness within a predetermined thickness-range.

40. A method according to claim 38 or 39, further comprising a step (cc) prior to step (d) of cutting the material composition into several composite nonwoven webs having a width within a predetermined range of width.

41. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 40, wherein the injection of the amount of a material component includes injecting the material component into a number of lanes each filled with the material.

42. A method according to claim 41 , wherein neighbouring lanes of injected material component are positioned substantially equidistant from each other.

43. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 42, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the nonwoven web.03743- PCT44. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 43, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes between about 50% and 65% by weight of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 35% and 50% by weight of the nonwoven web.

45. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 44, wherein the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers together constitutes more than 50 wt. % of the nonwoven web, and the amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance constitutes less than 50 wt. % of the nonwoven web.

46. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 45, wherein the material component comprising the non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

47. A method according to 46, wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

48. A method according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

49. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 48, wherein at least part or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.03743- PCT50. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 49, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

51. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 50, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

52. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 51 , wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

53. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 52, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

54. A method according to any one of the claims 46 to 53, wherein the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

55. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 54, wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1 % and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

56. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 55, wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

57. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 56, wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.03743- PCT58. A method to any one of the claims 38 to 57, wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.

59. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 58, wherein the metal fibers are composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminum and combinations thereof.

60. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 59, wherein the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers is between about 40 and 80 microns.

61. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 60, wherein the metal fibers have an average diameter that is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

62. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 61 , wherein the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

63. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 67, wherein the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

64. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 63, wherein the metal fibers are coated with a lubricant.

65. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 64, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1 .000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal-second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

66. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 65, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1 .000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

67. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 66, wherein the non-hardening substance is selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing03743- PCTcompound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a non-hardening grease.

68. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 67, wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

69. A method according to any one of the claims 38 to 68, wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

70. A material composition comprising a mixture of a non-hardening substance and a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no less than 100 micron.

71. A material composition according to claim 70, wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material composition, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material composition.

72. A material composition according to claim 70 or 71 , wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material composition, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material composition.

73. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 72, wherein at least part or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.

74. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 73, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.03743- PCT75. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 74, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

76. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 75, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

77. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 76, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a minimum length or diameter of no less than 200 micron, such as no less than 250 micron.

78. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 77, wherein the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

79. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 78, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1.000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1 .500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

80. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 79, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1.000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

81. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 80, wherein the non-hardening substance is selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a nonhardening grease.

82. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 81 , wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

83. A material composition according to any one of the claims 70 to 81 , wherein03743- PCTthe non-hardening substance is composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

84. A sealing element having an outer flexible layer and an inner core comprising a plurality of metal fibers, wherein the inner core is substantially surrounded by at least a portion of the flexible layer, and wherein a material component comprising at least a nonhardening substance is placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer and the inner core, or wherein a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is part of the inner core comprising the plurality of fibers.

85. A sealing element according to claim 84, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 1 .000 to 2.000.000 milliPascal second, mPas, at 20°C, such as in the range of 10.000 to 1.500.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

86. A sealing element according to claim 84 or 85, wherein the non-hardening substance has a viscosity in the range of 15.000 to 1 .000.000 mPas at 20 degrees Celsius.

87. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the nonhardening substance is selected from the group comprising: a non-hardening sealant or sealing compound, a non-hardening lubricant, a non-hardening adhesive, and a nonhardening grease.

88. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 87, wherein a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is placed between at least part of the outer flexible layer and the inner core, and wherein a material component comprising at least a non-hardening substance is part of the inner core comprising the plurality of fibers.

89. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 88, wherein the outer flexible layer and the inner core each extends along a longitudinal axis and each has substantially the same length.

90. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 89, wherein the inner core further comprises a plurality of nonmetal fibers.03743- PCT91. A sealing element according to claim 90, wherein the inner core comprises a nonwoven web of a combination of the plurality of metal fibers and the plurality of nonmetal fibers.

92. A sealing element according to claim 90 or 91 , wherein the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers are inter engaged with each other by a needle punching process.

93. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 92, wherein the material component comprising the non-hardening substance further comprises a plurality of particles, wherein at least half of the particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 2, and wherein at least half of the particles have a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 5000 micron and a minimum length or diameter of no smaller than 100 micron.

94. A sealing element according to claim 93, wherein the plurality of particles are mixed into the non-hardening substance.

95. A sealing element according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the non-hardening substance constitutes between about 30% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 40% and 70% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

96. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 or 95, wherein the nonhardening substance constitutes between about 40% and 50% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance, and the plurality of particles constitutes between about 50% and 60% by weight of the total amount of the material component comprising the non-hardening substance.

97. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 to 96, wherein at least part or at least half of the plurality of particles have a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 4, such as no less than 5 or 6.03743- PCT98. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 to 97, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 6.

99. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 to 98, wherein at least part of the plurality of particles has a hardness on the Mohs’ scale of no less than 8.

100. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 to 99, wherein at least half of the plurality of particles has a maximum length or diameter of no larger than 4000 micron, such as no larger than 3000 micron.

101. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 93 to 100, wherein the plurality of particles is composed of particles selected from the group consisting of glass, diamonds, quartz, minerals, metals, polymers and combinations thereof.

102. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 101 wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 50% and 99% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 1 % and 50% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

103. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 102, wherein the plurality of metal fibers constitutes between about 60% and 85% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers, and the plurality of nonmetal fibers constitutes between about 15% and 40% by weight of the total amount of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers.

104. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 103, wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, nylon, acetate, acrylic, cotton, wool olefin, amide, polyamide, fiberglass and combinations thereof.

105. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 104, wherein the nonmetal fibers are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and combinations thereof.03743- PCT106. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 105, wherein the metal fibers have an average diameter, which is not more than twice the diameter of the nonmetal fibers.

107. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 106, wherein the average length of the metal fibers and the nonmetal fibers is in the range of 10 to 200 mm, such as in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

108. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 90 to 107, wherein the nonmetal fibers have a grade of in the range of 2 to 80 denier, such as in the range of 5 to 60 denier.

109. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 108, wherein the metal fibers are composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and aluminium and combinations thereof.

110. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 109, wherein the average diameter or thickness of the metal fibers is between about 40 and 80 microns.

111. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 110, wherein the metal fibers are coated with a lubricant.

112. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 111 , wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material which forms an outer membrane upon drying while remaining soft inside.

113. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 111 , wherein the non-hardening substance is composed of a material, which remains soft inside and on the outside upon drying.

114. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 113, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a material comprising a natural polymer material such as03743- PCTrubber and / or a synthetic polymer material such as synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic material or a polyvinyl chloride, PVC, material.

115. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 114, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a material comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPV, type material, or a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, type material.

116. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 115, wherein the outer flexible layer is composed of a polymer material selected from the range of SantopreneTM materials, such as SantopreneTM 201-73.

117. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 116, wherein the outer flexible layer has a thickness in the range of 2 to 5 mm, and wherein the inner core has a thickness in the range of 15 to 30 mm and a maximum width in the range of 50 to 150 mm.

118. A sealing element according to any one of the claims 84 to 117, wherein the layer of a material component comprising a non-hardening substance has thickness in the range of 0,2 to 2 mm, such as in the range of 0,5 to 1 ,5 mm.03743- PCT

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