Abstract: A multi-layer heat film having at least three layers is disclosed wherein the film has high optical properties, high stiffness and desirable shrinkage in the cross direction. The inner layer, or layers, comprises at least one stiffening polymer selected from the group consisting of: low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, blends thereof, polypropylene random copolymer, styrene/butadiene copolymer, polystyrene/butadiene copolymer, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and cyclic-olefin copolymer, provided that when more than one inner layer is present, the inner layers can be the same or different.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides silyl esters and silyl diol esters suitable as internal electron donors in procatalysts for polymer production. Disclosed are procatalyst compositions formed from a procatalyst precursor and an internal electron donor that is a silyl ester or a silyl diol ester. The procatalyst compositions can be used with a cocatalyst and optionally an external electron donor and/or an activity limiting agent to form a Ziegler-Nana catalyst composition. The present catalyst compositions exhibit high catalyst activity and form olefin-based polymers with broad molecular weight distribution, favorable flexural modulus, and high isotacticity.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale linear microchannel arrays over surfaces without defined features utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Embodiments of the methods use a multilayer induced ordering approach to align lamellar films to an underlying base film within trenches, and localized heating to anneal the lamellar-phase block copolymer film overlying the trenches and outwardly over the remaining surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymer blends comprising at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and two different poly-olefins which can be homopolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are block copolymers comprising at least a hard block and at least a soft block. In some embodiments, the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer can function as a compatibilizer between the two polyolefins which may not be otherwise compatible. Methods of making the polymer blends and molded articles made from the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: The insulation shield layer of a power cable having a blend of ethylene copolymer, e.g., vinyl acetate, and a Styrenic polymer, e.g., polystyrene. The insulation shield layer is adjacent to a polyolefin insulation layer of the power cable.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a random graft PS-r-PEO copolymer and its use as a neutral wetting layer in the fabrication of sublithographic, nanoscale arrays of elements including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive films that undergo an irreversible change in appearance when the films are heated to a threshold temperature are provided. Also provided are methods for indicating that an object in thermal contact with a temperature-sensitive film has reached a threshold temperature.

Abstract: Labels are permanently attached to a substrate, e.g., a tissue cassette, by use of a staking device. The device comprises a staker assembly and a cassette fixture assembly. The cassette fixture assembly includes a slot and a clamping assembly for securing the cassette within the device. The staker assembly includes a set of probes that are heated and sequentially moved into a position to burn a hole in a label that is provisionally attached to the cassette, and then the substrate is melted and displaced through the hole to form a collar bond that permanently attaches the label to the cassette. The label remains attached to the cassette when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, solvents, etc.

Abstract: A fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics can be made from such fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymerization process for the production of a high melt flow propylene impact copolymer. The process includes contacting an active propylene-based polymer having a melt flow rate greater than about 100 g/10 min with one or more olefins in a polymerization reactor to form the propylene impact copolymer with a melt flow rate greater than about 60 g/10 min. The production of the high melt flow propylene impact copolymer may occur in one or more polymerization reactors, utilizing standard hydrogen concentration, and no visbreaking.

Abstract: A retractable ladder includes telescoping rail sections each having left and right side rail members. Each side rail member has two aligned locking holes. A control device includes a shaft disposed rotatably between the side rail members of one of the rail sections, and two locking units each having a controlled piece fixed to and rotatable along with the shaft, two abutment plates, two locking pins, and two spring members biasing the abutment plates to abut respectively against two opposite sides of the controlled piece. The controlled piece is rotatable between a pushing position to push the locking pins to project outwardly from the locking holes in said one of the rail sections and engage respectively the locking holes in the adjacent rail section, and a non-pushing position, where the locking pins are permitted to extend inwardly so as to disengage from the locking holes in the adjacent rail section.

Abstract: Disclosed are diaryl iodonium compositions with antimicrobial activity and low toxicity to plants and mammals. The present diaryl iodonium compositions include a tri-substituted aryl group and a heteroaryl group which produce substantially no chlorobenzene and/or 1,2-dichlorobenzene when applied to microbes.

Abstract: Shear thickening compositions can function in an energy or communications transmission cable to provide enhanced protection against externally applied forces, e.g., cutting or puncture from a shovel. As a free or bound layer, or when used via impregnation into a substrate used for an internal component or wrap, the shear thickening composition provides protection against mechanical damage that far surpasses conventional technologies. In foamable compositions for cable components, the shear thickening composition provides enhanced integrity of the polymer melt for enhanced foam performance. As a flame retardant component, the shear thickening composition provides an enhanced char formation mechanism for superior flame retardance.

Abstract: Methods for reducing line roughness of spacers and other features utilizing a non-plasma and non-wet etch fluoride processing technology are provided. Embodiments of the methods can be used for spacer or line reduction and/or smoothing the surfaces along the edges of such features through the reaction and subsequent removal of material.

Abstract: Methods for forming memory devices and integrated circuitry, for example, DRAM circuitry, structures and devices resulting from such methods, and systems that incorporate the devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polyolefin elastomeric composition comprising a propylene-based elastomer having at least seventy five weight percent units derived from propylene, the propylene-based elastomer exhibiting a heat of fusion of from 1 to 35 Joules/gram, a weight average molecular weight of from 5400 to 875000 g/mol, and a permanent set of less than 40%; and a homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer having a molecular weight distribution of less than 3.5, a density from 0.885 to 0.915 g/ml, and a heat of fusion of from 65 to 125 Joules/gram, wherein the ratio of the propylene-based elastomer to the homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer is from 97:3 to 80:20, and wherein the composition exhibits a heat of fusion from 2 to 55 Joules/gram, and a 2% secant flexural modulus of less than 69 MPa.