Abstract: Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Abstract: Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a polymer; and a superheated fluid; where at least a portion of the polymer and the superheated fluid co-exist in a single phase. Disclosed herein is a method comprising exposing a polymer to a superheated fluid; swelling at least a portion of the polymer with the superheated fluid so that the polymer and the superheated fluid co-exist in a single phase; and changing pressure or temperature within the single phase to change a property in the polymer.

Abstract: Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a polymer; and a superheated fluid; where at least a portion of the polymer and the superheated fluid co-exist in a single phase. Disclosed herein is a method comprising exposing a polymer to a superheated fluid; swelling at least a portion of the polymer with the superheated fluid so that the polymer and the superheated fluid co-exist in a single phase; and changing pressure or temperature within the single phase to change a property in the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising masticating a molten polymer; where the polymer is semicrystalline polymer prior to melting; where the masticating polymer is conducted at an elevated temperature of Tm?15K to Tm+90K; where Tm is the crystalline melting point of the polymer; masticating the molten polymer while it is cooled from the elevated temperature to a temperature of Ta; where Ta is a temperature that is greater than Tc?10K, where Tc is the crystallization temperature of the polymer; and masticating the polymer at the temperature of Ta for a time period of 0.1 to 50 minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising masticating a molten polymer; where the polymer is semicrystalline polymer prior to melting; where the masticating polymer is conducted at an elevated temperature of Tm?15K to Tm+90K; where Tm is the crystalline melting point of the polymer; masticating the molten polymer while it is cooled from the elevated temperature to a temperature of Ta; where Ta is a temperature that is greater than Tc?10K, where Tc is the crystallization temperature of the polymer; and masticating the polymer at the temperature of Ta for a time period of 0.1 to 50 minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.