Abstract: A reinforced high viscosity rubber composition having improved processability such as reduced mixing cycles contains large sized particles of carbon black. The carbon black has low structure and a low DBP absorption number as well as a low iodine number. The rubber composition is useful in various tire rubber compositions such as those requiring a high viscosity, for example an apex rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire having a portion thereof such as a sidewall component that glows-in-the-dark due to the presence of a phosphorescent layer thereon. The present invention also relates to a tire having, and to a process for incorporating, a phosphorescent decal on the sidewall component. Very small amounts of phosphorescent material are used, resulting in a low cost safety tire.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are prepared from polyols having high secondary hydroxyl content, diisocyanates, chain extenders and catalysts. The resulting polyurethanes have high molecular weight and can be prepared by a one-shot process wherein the reactants and any additional desired components are brought together and reacted simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A polyester polymer includes at least one hydroxyl terminated polyoxetane block containing repeat units derived from polymerizing at least one oxetane monomer having a pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf group wherein said Rf group is partially or fully fluorinated. A preferred process for forming said polymer is by reacting a hydroxyl terminated polyoxetane with a polycarboxylic acid under appropriate conditions to form an ester linkage and then adding and reacting that product with polyester forming reactants. The polyester polymer containing at least one polyoxetane block therein when reacted with an amino resin curative can be used as a coating on a substrate wherein the coating has dry erase properties. The coated substrate can be used as prepared or applied to yet other substrates.

Abstract: Acrylate, or methacrylate, or allylic, functionalized polyfluorooxetanes are disclosed for use in radiation curable coating compositions. These acrylate, or methacrylate, or allylic, functionalized polymers provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils. The partially or fully fluorinated side groups of the fluorooxetanes are believed to be disproportionately present at the interfaces between the coating and the substrate and between the coating and the atmosphere.

Abstract: The polymer of the present invention is derived from cyclic ether monomers, dioxane, dioxalane or trioxane and contains both pendant Rf fluoro groups as well as polar groups. These polymers have good wetting, or flow, or leveling properties. They can be reacted with other monomers, such as in the preparation of polyesters, and can be used in waxes, polishes and coatings.

Abstract: A laminate contains a composite, comprising a high melting point thermoplastic such as polyphenylene or epoxy and high modulus fibers such as carbon or graphite, which is encapsulated with a resin. A primer adheres the encapsulated composite to a rubber material such as a tire tread. Alternatively, an undertread layer adheres the tire tread to the primed encapsulated composite. The laminate can be used as a run flat belt in a tire.

Abstract: A polyester polymer includes at least one hydroxyl terminated polyoxetane block containing repeat units derived from polymerizing at least one oxetane monomer having a pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf group wherein said Rf group is partially or fully fluorinated. A preferred process for forming said polymer is by reacting a hydroxyl terminated polyoxetane with a polycarboxylic acid under appropriate conditions to form an ester linkage and then adding and reacting that product with polyester forming reactants. The polyester polymer containing at least one polyoxetane block therein when reacted with an amino resin curative can be used as a coating on a substrate wherein the coating has dry erase properties. The coated substrate can be used as prepared or applied to yet other substrates.

Abstract: Anionic waterborne polyurethane dispersions are formed in the presence of polyfluorooxetane oligomers, polymers, or copolymers so that the polyfluorooxetanes are incorporated in the polyurethane. Coatings made from such polyurethanes have good low temperature flexibility, good chemical resistance and abrasion resistance, as well as a low coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the anionic water borne polyurethane dispersion can be blended with vinyl ester monomers such as various acrylates and subsequently polymerized by radiation, for example ultraviolet light, to form a comingled blend of at least two different types of polymers.

Abstract: Anionic waterborne polyurethane dispersions are formed in the presence of polyfluorooxetane oligomers, polymers, or copolymers so that the polyfluorooxetanes are incorporated in the polyurethane. Coatings made from such polyurethanes have good low temperature flexibility, good chemical resistance, stain resistance, and abrasion resistance, as well as a low coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the anionic water borne polyurethane dispersion can be blended with vinyl ester monomers such as various acrylates and subsequently polymerized by radiation, for example ultraviolet light, to form a comingled blend of at least two different types of polymers. Another embodiment relates to a preformed copolymer made by reacting the polyfluorooxetane oligomer, polymer, or copolymer with a polycarboxylic acid such as a dicarboxylic acid and subsequently reacting the same with a polyol intermediate, such as a polymer, or with monomers forming the polyol intermediate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microemulsion compositions which can be utilized as coatings to improve the drying rate, protection, and shine of various surfaces, specifically metallic vehicle surfaces. Polyisobutylene copolymers and derivatives thereof are utilized as a hydrophobe.

Abstract: A co-mingled polyurethane-polyvinyl ester composition can be used as a coating, which has good scratch, mar and solvent resistance. The coating is derived from a waterborne polyurethane solution containing free radically polymerizable monomers such as acrylate, ultraviolet light initiators, and optionally urethane crosslinking agents. A process for forming the co-mingled polyurethane-polyvinyl ester composition comprises drying the waterborne polyurethane containing the polymerizable monomers therein and radiation polymerizing, as by ultraviolet light, the free radically polymerizable monomers on a substrate such as a plastic sheet to form a laminate. Subsequently, the laminate can be utilized to form a coating on a product as by thermoforming, where if urethane crosslinking agents are utilized, the polyurethane will be crosslinked.

Abstract: A substrate having an adherent and stain resistant layer having durability and flexibility, said layer comprising the reaction product of a reactive polyester having free carboxylic acid and/or hydroxyl groups, a hydroxyl terminated polymer including repeat units from an oxetane having pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups (said Rf groups generally being a fluorinated alkyl group) and an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties with dry erase markers. The coated substrate can be used as prepared or applied to other substrates.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions comprising organically modified clays and polyolefins or copolymers containing repeat units derived from olefins have flame retardant or flame resistant properties. Sheets and laminates of the nanocomposite can be utilized wherever flame retardant properties are desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E1) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A1(n)) and/or (A2(n)). Light rays (LS1(n)) and LS2(n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces (27, 28), to which end the at most two recesses (25) of a transparent base body (1) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material (26). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces (27, 28) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E1(n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A1(n)), and the second inputs (E2(n)) are connected to the second outputs (A2(n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E1(n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A2(n)).

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: A polyester polymer including at least one polyoxetane block of repeating units derived from polymerizing at least one oxetane monomer having at least one pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n— Rf group wherein said Rf group is partially or fully fluorinated is described. A preferred process for forming said polymer by reacting the hydroxyl terminated polymer with a polycarboxylic acid under appropriate conditions to form an ester linkage and then adding and reacting that product with polyester forming reactants.

Abstract: Liquid organic phosphites of low volatility, based on pentaerythritol, alkyl alcohols and alkyl phenols, which are essentially phenol-free are disclosed. These phosphites are excellent stabilizers for polymers, especially PVC resins. The phenol-free phosphite stabilizers are compatible with mixed metal stabilizers and give excellent color and processing stability.

Abstract: Composites of high melting point thermoplastics such as polyphenylene sulfide or polyimide and high modulus fibers such as carbon, graphite, or boron can be bonded to rubber using a primer such as a metal primer. The composite desirably has a modulus of elasticity of at least 750,000 psi and can be used as a belt in a no-flat tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, waterproof shower pan liner comprised of a water-insoluble thermoplastic sheet. The shower pan liner includes on at least one surface selected indicia such as product information or plumbing codes at regular intervals. The indicia are embossed into the shower pan liner thereby eliminating the need for a protective top coat. In a process for making the invention, the thermoplastic is heated, calendered, and thereafter embossed with the selected indicia while in a heated condition.