Abstract: A composition that employs a coupling agent with a fluoropolymer processing aid to address melt-processing issues related to the use of interfering components in melt-processable polymeric binders.

Abstract: A deprotectable polymer, activating agent, and layered silicate are combined and the deprotectable polymer is at least partially deprotected to form a composite. The composite may be combined with a polymeric resin to form a nanocomposite.

Abstract: The sheath and conductor strippers embodiments relate to primarily ergonomic handle assemblies with upper and lower jaw portions perpendicular to the jaw-arms. The elongated handle-members can be straight or pistol grip in configuration. The handle assembly has limiting motion hinges. The handle-members are resiliently urged and have a push-button latch assembly. The hand tools manually engaging jaw portions cut wire, strip insulation, slit sheathing, grasp, and crimp. The cutting blade can be either fixed position or adjustable blade carriage. A utility knife with a blade guard having a friction blade guide another device.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes the steps of: Providing a wiped film evaporator with an internal evaporator chamber maintained under vacuum and having an internal chamber wall maintained at an elevated temperature; introducing solvent-borne particles and organic matrix into the internal chamber; and compounding the solvent-borne particles and the organic matrix in the internal evaporator chamber by forming a thin film against the internal chamber wall, the thin film including organic matrix and particles, and the vacuum conditions and elevated temperature being sufficient to remove solvent from the particles and organic matrix to provide the filled resin. Less than about 10% of the particles in the resulting filled resin are agglomerated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying a polymer by carrying out a thermally-induced reaction in a mixing apparatus having a high shear environment and devolatilization capabilities. Also disclosed are the resulting materials.

Abstract: Flush mount and surface mount sectional electrical box assemblies is provided. In the flush mount electrical box, the male section has a clamping member and a mounting bracket guide. The female section has a clamp guide, a mounting bracket, and a ramp. In the surface mount sectional electrical box assembly the base section fits inside the front section. Wire molding joining the surface mount box with a molding base having an integrally molded combination raceway and a molding cover. A further embodiment provided is a complete electrical box assembly with the clamp members biasing toward the ramps.

Abstract: Compositions comprising surface-modified nanocalcite particles dispersed in a curable resin, and to coatings and fibrous composites incorporating such compositions are described. The surface-modifying agents include a binding group ionically associated with the calcite and a compatiblizing segment, compatible with the curable resin. The surface-modifying agent may also include a reactive group capable of reacting with the curable resin. Methods of preparing nanocalcite composites and coating a fibrous composites prepared from such nanocalcite composites are also described.

Abstract: A method for coating a work piece with resin including applying a controlled volume of liquid resin to the work piece with an applicator and allowing consecutive streams of resin to meld together to form a self leveling surface. The resin can be actively or passively cured. The work piece can be planar or cylindrical.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a host polymer, and A block copolymer comprising a first block and a second block, wherein no block is compatible with the host polymer. In one aspect, the block copolymer is amphiphilic. In another aspect, the block copolymer may comprise a first block and a second block, wherein at least one of the first and second blocks comprises repeating units derived from a monomer having the general formula: (R)2C?C(R)(Rf) wherein Rf is selected from fluorine, a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, and a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group; each R is independently selected from F, H, Cl, Rf, a C1 to C10 alkyl group, and R2A, wherein R2 is a C1 to C10 alkylene group and A is selected from CO2M and SO3M, wherein M is selected from H, an ammonium and organo onium group.

Abstract: Methods of compounding nanoparticles (e.g., surface-modified silica nanoparticles) with a resin (e.g., a curable resin) are described. The methods use continuous wet milling technology and can be used to compound nanoparticles, including highly aggregated and agglomerated surface-modified nanoparticles, into a resin or resin precursor.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock made of particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and solvent. The feedstock is exposed to microwave radiation to heat the feedstock and react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 60 minutes.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.

Abstract: A binder or sizing composition that is provided that demonstrates improved hydrolytic stability of the bond between a SiO containing substrate, such as glass, and a matrix polymer, such as polypropylene, which is especially useful in reinforced plastics. A water-based composition is provided that contains at least one amino-functional coupling agent, and acid or anhydride modified polyolefin, and an epoxy functional compound. This composition is useful as a glass binder or sizing to provide a strong bond between glass and a polymer.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock that includes particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles and solvent. The feedstock is direct through a continuous hydrothermal reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agents to thereby provide functionalized particles. The method of the invention is capable of providing the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly for forming dental products, having a hardenable self-supporting structure with sufficient malleability to be subsequently customized into a second shape and then hardened, and methods.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a host polymer, and A block copolymer comprising a first block and a second block, wherein no block is compatible with the host polymer. In one aspect, the block copolymer is amphiphilic. In another aspect, the block copolymer may comprise a first block and a second block, wherein at least one of the first and second blocks comprises repeating units derived from a monomer having the general formula: (R)2C?C(R)(Rf) wherein Rf is selected from fluorine, a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, and a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group; each R is independently selected from F, H, Cl, Rf, a C1 to C10 alkyl group, and R2A, wherein R2 is a C1 to C10 alkylene group and A is selected from CO2M and SO3M, wherein M is selected from H, an ammonium and organo onium group.

Abstract: Optical adhesives that also diffuse visible light include a blend of an adhesive matrix which is an optical adhesive and a block copolymer. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive and contains either acid or basic functionality. The block copolymer, which may be a diblock copolymer, contains a high Tg block and a functional block, the functionality of the functional block is complimentary to the functionality of the adhesive matrix to form an acid-base interaction. The adhesive may also contain a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly for forming dental products, having a hardenable self-supporting structure with sufficient malleability to be subsequently customized into a second shape and then hardened, and methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer implemented system and method for selecting dimensions of a die is disclosed. The method may include prompting a user to select a coating uniformity required to produce a particular coated product with the die. The user may also be prompted to select a slot height of the die. In some embodiments, the user may specify a value for one or more dimensions of the die. The method may then determine the total indicated run-out (TIR) of the coated product as a function of the dimensions of the die not having a user specified value. In certain embodiments, the method provides a thermal treatment process for reducing the number of finishing (e.g., grinding) cycles needed to produce a desired die flatness. In another embodiment, a computer implemented method for designing a coating die to achieve a desired coating uniformity with a particular coating fluid having a specified rheological characteristic is disclosed.

Abstract: A mixture of layered silicate, block copolymer having at least one block that is compatible with the first layered silicate, and a solvent is sheared while the solvent is removed.