Abstract: Flame retardant compositions are disclosed which comprise (a) at least one particulate material which expands on the application of heat and (b) at least one particulate nano-filler, together with at least one polymer and/or at least one curable monomer or oligomer. The compositions may also contain certain silicon-based materials. Flame-retardant compositions comprising polyorganosiloxanes containing one or more functional groups selected from amino, hydroxyl, methacrylic, acrylic and epoxy groups, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes of organoboranes with amino functional organosilicon compounds which are effective polymerisation initiators for radically polymerisable systems, especially acrylate or methacrylate adhesives. The complexes are partcularly useful in the preparation of adhesives for bonding low surface energy plastics based on, for example, polyolefins and polyfluoroolefins.

Abstract: A fast curable non-isocyanate-based polyurethane- and polyurethane-epoxy network nanocomposite polymeric compositions are derived upon crosslinking a mixture comprising of natural or modified nano-clay [ionic phyllosilicate] with platelet thickness in the scale of A (˜1 nm) and aspect ratio (length/thickness) higher than 10 (nm)] preferably natural or modified montmorillonite with either a monomer(s) or oligomer(s) bearing at least one cyclocarbonate group or a mixture of the latter with an epoxy resin, with a hardener, which is a monomer or oligomer or mixtures therefrom, bearing primary and/or secondary amino groups. The use of the nanoclays reduces the gel time and increases the adhesion of the cured polyurethane and polyurethane/epoxy hybrid and also reduces its water absorption.

Abstract: Flame retardant compositions are disclosed which comprise (a) at least one particulate material which expands on the application of heat and (b) at least one particulate nano-filler, together with at least one polymer and/or at least one curable monomer or oligomer. The compositions may also contain certain silicon-based materials. Flame-retardant compositions comprising polyorganosiloxanes containing one or more functional groups selected form amino, hydroxyl, methacrylic, acrylic and epoxy groups, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel photoresist materials, which can be photolithographically processed in biocompatible conditions are presented in this invention. Suitable lithographic scheme for the use of these and analogous resists for biomolecule layer patterning on solid substrates are also described. The processes described enable micropatterning of more than two different proteins on solid substrates without denaturation of the proteins. The preferred resist materials are based on (meth)acrylate copolymers that contain at least one acid cleavable ester group and at least one hydrophilic group such as an alcoholic or a carboxylic group.