Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): The invention further relates to liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I); compositions further comprising one or more chiral compounds; and polymer networks derived from the polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions. Another embodiment relates to processes for providing compounds of Formula (I).

Abstract: Described is a method for the selective etching of single walled carbon nanotubes with CO2 where nanotubes of small diameters are removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group: H, F, Cl and CH3; n1 and n2 are each independently integers 3 to 20; q and r are each independently integers 0, 1 or 2, with the proviso that q+r is ?1; D is a divalent chiral radical selected from the group: wherein R3 is a C1 to C6 straight or branched chain alkyl group; and each B1 and B2 is a divalent radical independently selected from the group: R4-substituted-1,4-phenyl, wherein R4 is H, —CH3 or —OCH3; 2,6-naphthyl; and 4,4?-biphenyl; with the provisos that when q+r=3, at least one of B1 and B2 is R4-substituted-1,4-phenyl; and when q+r=4, at least two of B1 and B2 are R4-substituted-1,4-phenyl. The invention further relates to liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and polymer networks derived from the polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrochromic materials containing a film-forming polymer with a Tg less than 100° C.; a plasticizer; an electrochromophore; an electron mediator; and a salt. Also disclosed are electrochromic devices using such electrochromic materials that can provide light-filtering, color-modulation, or reflectance-modulation in variable transmittance windows, variable-reflectance mirrors and other dynamic glazing applications.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a reaction product comprising 1-butanol by contacting a reactant comprising ethanol containing a significant amount of water with a decomposed hydrotalcite catalyst. The catalyst may be 1) hydrotalcites which have been thermally decomposed, either partially or fully, to form catalytically active species; 2) combinations of hydrotalcites (optionally containing transition metals) and metal carbonates; and 3) hydrotalcites (optionally containing transition metals) surface-impregnated with a transition metal nitrate, where catalysts 2) and 3) have also been thermally decomposed, either partially or fully, to form catalytically active species. The catalyst, at a selected reaction time, has greater activity when the ethanol contains water as compared to when the ethanol is anhydrous.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for inhibiting the formation of copper oxides on substantially oxide-free copper surfaces by contacting a substantially oxide-free copper surface with a bifunctional ligand that contains both a metal-coordinating group and a tertiary amine group in an aqueous solution of pH about 2 to about 5.5. A thin layer of the bifunctional ligand formed by coordination of the dialkylaminoacetonitrile to the copper surface can be removed by heating under vacuum to regenerate a substantially oxide-free copper surface.

Abstract: Amorphous polymers with chromogenic pendant groups are provided. The amorphous polymers can be used to make elastomeric films and coatings that can be incorporated into laminates and used to make articles such as architectural and vehicular glazing, and in applications such as eyewear, displays and signage.

Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: A method for medical treatment was developed in which microspheres with novel properties are administered in a mammal. The microspheres are made using a novel process that results in microspheres with new combined properties of high density, low fracture, high swell capacity, rapid swell, and deformability following swell. These microspheres may be administered for void filling, tissue bulking, non-vasculature occlusion, body fluid absorption, and delivery of medications.

Abstract: The invention is directed to nanocomposite compositions that contain at least one thermoplastic polyamide and unmodified sepiolite-type clay nanoparticles. It, also, includes articles containing such compositions.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing complexes of 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene with an aromatic diacid where the aromatic diacid is insoluble in water under ambient conditions. An integrated process design starting with nitration of 2,6-dihalotoluene eliminates costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. Handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided for preparing complexes of 2,3,5,6-tetraminotoluene with an aromatic diacid starting with nitration of 2,6-dihalotoluene. The process design eliminates costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. Handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the preparation of 2,6-dihalo-3,5-dinitrotoluene by the nitration of 2,6-dihalotoluene. The direct isolation of highly pure 2,6-dihalo-3,5-dinitrotoluene is accomplished without a water or ice quench, by providing at least one equivalent of SO3 during the reaction, slow crystallization, and isolation of product from a cold crystal slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is an optically transparent laminate film comprising: at least three layers of film, wherein at least two of the at least three layers comprise ionomeric films, and wherein the film can be suitable for use in a photovoltaic cell or in packaging.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative laminated article comprising an image bearing thermoplastic interlayer wherein the image has been printed on the interlayer using an ink jet printing process, wherein the pigment comprises at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of: PY 120; PY 155; PY 128; PY 180; PY 95; PY 93; PV19/PR 202; PR 122; PB 15:4; PB 15:3; and PBI 7. The interlayer material of the present invention can be, for example, PVB, PET, or polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention is photovoltaic (solar) cell module comprising a multilayer laminate ionomer film as an encapsulant layer wherein the laminate has a light transmission of at least 85%, and or a haze of less than 6%, and wherein the laminate has a modulus of less than 15,000 psi.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative interlayer, or a laminate obtained therefrom, wherein the aesthetic qualities can be matched to solid surface materials used in such applications as countertops, for example. The interlayers of the present invention comprise at least one composite filler material obtained from ground solid surface materials.

Abstract: A self-supporting adhesive web 10 having a uniform thickness profile across at least 20% of its width as shown by areas A and B and a wedge-shaped thickness profile in areas C and D. As shown in FIG. 2, a laminate comprises sheets of glass 12 and 14 having sandwiched therebetween adhesive interlayer 16. Interlayer 16 has a uniform thickness profile extending from edge 18 to point 20 and a wedge-shaped thickness profile from point 20 to edge 22.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved polymeric resin composition comprising or consisting essentially of from about 70 wt % to about 79 wt % units derived from ethylene and from about 21 wt % to about 30 wt % units derived from an ?, ?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbons. Resins of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing transparent laminates useful as glazing elements that provide a greater measure of safety than non-laminated glazing elements. Laminates of the present invention have 3% haze or less without the addition of amines.

Abstract: A self-supporting adhesive web 10 having a uniform thickness profile across at least 20% of its width as shown by areas A and B and a wedge-shaped thickness profile in areas C and D. As shown in FIG. 2, a laminate comprises sheets of glass 12 and 14 having sandwiched therebetween adhesive interlayer 16. Interlayer 16 has a uniform thickness profile extending from edge 18 to point 20 and a wedge-shaped thickness profile from point 20 to edge 22.