Abstract: Polymeric articles, including membranes, with surfaces having a desired chemical functionality are created by surface segregation of a branched component blended with a compatible, matrix base component, the branched component having the desired chemical functionality. In particular, hydrophilic surfaces are created via surface segregation of a branched hydrophilic copolymer blended into a polymer matrix. The use of branched molecular architecture provides a thermodynamic mechanism for the segregation of the hydrophilic species to the surface and a means for achieving a high surface coverage of the hydrophilic moiety. The branched hydrophilic copolymer can be defined by a random copolymer including two or more methacrylate or acrylate monomers, at least one of which features a short hydrophilic side chain, such as a polyethylene glycol side chain. The branched hydrophilic copolymer is compatible, and well-entangled, with the acrylate polymer matrix.

Abstract: Polymeric articles, including membranes, with surfaces having a desired chemical functionality are created by surface segregation of a branched component blended with a compatible, matrix base component, the branched component having the desired chemical functionality. In particular, hydrophilic surfaces are created via surface segregation of a branched hydrophilic copolymer blended into a polymer matrix. The use of branched molecular architecture provides a thermodynamic mechanism for the segregation of the hydrophilic species to the surface and a means for achieving a high surface coverage of the hydrophilic moiety. The branched hydrophilic copolymer can be defined by a random copolymer including two or more methacrylate or acrylate monomers, at least one of which features a short hydrophilic side chain, such as a polyethylene glycol side chain. The branched hydrophilic copolymer is compatible, and well-entangled, with the acrylate polymer matrix.

Abstract: Polymeric articles, including membranes, with surfaces having a desired chemical functionality are created by surface segregation of a branched component blended with a compatible, matrix base component, the branched component having the desired chemical functionality. In particular, hydrophilic surfaces are created via surface segregation of a branched hydrophilic copolymer blended into a polymer matrix. The use of branched molecular architecture provides a thermodynamic mechanism for the segregation of the hydrophilic species to the surface and a means for achieving a high surface coverage of the hydrophilic moiety. The branched hydrophilic copolymer can be defined by a random copolymer including two or more methacrylate or acrylate monomers, at least one of which features a short hydrophilic side chain, such as a polyethylene glycol side chain. The branched hydrophilic copolymer is compatible, and well-entangled, with the acrylate polymer matrix.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the permeability of polymer film materials such as used in super-insulation powder-filled evacuated panels (PEPs) reduce the time required for testing from several years to weeks or months. The method involves substitution of a solid non-outgassing body having a free volume of between 0% and 25% of its total volume for the usual powder in the PEP to control the free volume of the "body-filled panel". Pressure versus time data for the test piece permit extrapolation to obtain long term performance of the candidate materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing a series of multi-compartment packages formed from a single web of pliable film material. The machine folds the web along one of its side edges to form a pocket or two-ply margin. The web is then passed through a tube former which bends the web across its width until a continuous tube is formed with the two-ply margin to the inside and overlapped by the opposing side edge of the web. The apparatus then seals the tube with a single composite seal across the overlapped portion of the tube, which is of three-ply thickness. Next, the apparatus positions differing substances in each compartment. Then, the apparatus sequentially gathers the filled tubular member at two positions along its length, seals the gathered portions by clinching pairs of closure clips therearound, and severs the film material between the clips in each pair thereof to form the package.