Abstract: A flame retardant thermoplastic polymer composition, having a major amount of a thermoplastic polymer and a flame retardant additive comprising a phosphinic acid salt, a zinc salt and a melamine salt, in an amount effective to provide flame retardance to said polymer, and a low Tg glass containing phosphorous, tin and fluorine, in an amount sufficient to reduce the shear viscosity of the composition to less than about 10 Pa·s at a shear rate of about 10,000/sec and a temperature of 280° C., as measured by ASTM D-3835 is provided. Also provided is a flame retardant composition comprising phosphinic acid salt, a zinc salt, a melamine salt and the low Tg glass and a process for forming the flame retardant thermoplastic polymer composition by incorporating the flame retardant composition into the molten polymer.

Abstract: A process for forming a polyurethane dispersion containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles, comprising reacting a POSS with a diisocyanate in the presence of acetone, reacting the resulting compound with a polyol and an ionic compound selected from the group consisting of an acidic diol or sodium sulfonate to form an isocyanate prepolymer chain, extending the isocyanate prepolymer chain by adding a diol, and forming an aqueous dispersion. Also, a polyurethane dispersion or film comprising a homogeneously distributed polyurethane bound POSS prepolymer.

Abstract: Method for making polymer particulates, such as spherical powder and whiskers, by melting a polymer material under conditions to avoid thermal degradation of the polymer material, atomizing the melt using gas jet means in a manner to form atomized droplets, and cooling the droplets to form polymer particulates, which are collected for further processing. Atomization parameters can be controlled to produce polymer particulates with controlled particle shape, particle size, and particle size distribution. For example, atomization parameters can be controlled to produce spherical polymer powders, polymer whiskers, and combinations of spherical powders and whiskers. Atomizing apparatus also is provided for atoomizing polymer and metallic materials.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing polymer powders from solution in a compatible solvent using a new device referred to as a microdroplets on demand generator (MODG). The embodiment of this invention is the MODG apparatus and its relevance as a method to extensive application in materials science and technology. Proof of concept is demonstrated using poly(ethylene) glycol polymer microparticles generated with the MODG and captured in a microparticle levitation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adhering an optically transmissive substrate to a compatible substrate such as plastic or glass and the resulting optical elements. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer, which is optically transmissive and is pre-applied to the optically transmissive substrate, eliminates many handling problems associated with liquid adhesive. Particularly preferred optical elements in accordance with the present invention are optical memory products and optical isolators with dichroic polarizers.

Abstract: Method for making polymer particulates, such as spherical powder and whiskers, by melting a polymer material under conditions to avoid thermal degradation of the polymer material, atomizing the melt using gas jet means in a manner to form atomized droplets, and cooling the droplets to form polymer particulates, which are collected for further processing. Atomization parameters can be controlled to produce polymer particulates with controlled particle shape, particle size, and particle size distribution. For example, atomization parameters can be controlled to produce spherical polymer powders, polymer whiskers, and combinations of spherical powders and whiskers. Atomizing apparatus also is provided for atoomizing polymer and metallic materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of frit pastes suitable for sealing together preformed glass parts, being especially suitable for sealing glass panels to funnels of cathode ray tubes. The pastes comprise a mixture of frit particles, a lacquer, and at least one additive in an amount of 0.0005-2% by weight total of the lacquer. The preferred additives are selected from the group of alkyl organic phosphate esters, a mixed titanium ortho ester complexes, and substituted sorbitols in the polyol acetal family.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous fuel having reduced sulfur dioxide emission upon combustion is provided. The fuel comprises a coagglomerate formed of coke or coal, a novel silica-enhanced sulfur-dioxide sorbent and a bitumen binder.