Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: Polymer blends are provided comprising a glassy thermoplastic polymer having a glass transition temperature above ambient conditions, e.g., normal room temperature and between 0.1 and 4.0 weight percent of a rubbery polymer having a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature conditions, e.g., normal room temperature based on the weight of the blend. The blends can be produced by solution casting or by coagulation from solution followed by flocculation.

Abstract: Polymer blends are provided comprising a glassy thermoplastic polymer having a glass transition temperature above ambient conditions, e.g., normal room temperature and between 0.1 and 4.0 weight percent of a rubbery polymer having a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature conditions, e.g., normal room temperature based on the weight of the blend. The blends can be produced by solution casting or by coagulation from solution followed by flocculation.

Abstract: Block copolymers of ethylene and/or alpha-olefins, in particular propylene, with vinyl aromatic monomers, comprising at least two polymeric blocks, one of which being a polyolefinic block and the other having a stereoregular structure and being formed by vinyl aromatic monomer units.

Abstract: Thermal storage energy powders are formed from polyolefin particles having their surfaces crosslinked in a cold plasma. The crosslinked surfaces have a heat of fusion substantially identical to the uncrosslinked portion of the particles.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage composition is provided comprising a slurry of polyolefin particles in a liquid. The particles have their surfaces crosslinked in a cold plasma so that the crosslinked surfaces have a heat of fusion substantially identical to the uncrosslinked portion of the particles.

Abstract: Fluorinated polymer surfaces are provided by a process in which ultraviolet radiation is used to assist the surface fluorination reaction.

Abstract: Macroscopic divinylbenzene gels are provided having a high concentration of chemically accessible free vinyl groups. The gels are prepared in a mixture of nonpolar and polar solvents and in the presence of a polymerization initiator under conditions to eliminate syneresis.

Abstract: Polymers having a substantially completely fluorinated surface of low surface energy and substantially free of oxygen and having a thickness up to about 200 Angstroms, the remainder of the polymer comprising a non-fluorinated polymer.

Abstract: Fluorinated low energy polymer surfaces are provided by fluorinating a hydrocarbon polymer with ions or radicals of fluorinated species in a cold plasma.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated pet door is disclosed which allows only the owner's pet, such as a cat or dog, to enter. The door is hinged at the top to open in both directions for ingress and egress, but is prevented from opening in the ingress direction by a solenoid-actuated, one-way latch comprised of a plunger against the inside of a flap that is in turn hinged on the inside of the pet door, and held flat against the pet door by springs. A notch in the pet door behind the flap permits the door to swing freely open in the egress direction without the solenoid being energized to withdraw the plunger. A permanent magnet attached to the collar of a pet induces a signal in magnetosensitive devices disposed on the outside of the pet door. That signal is processed to energize the latch solenoid and thereby withdrawing the solenoid plunger from the path of the flap on the pet door to allow the pet to ingress.

Abstract: Homogeneous blends are provided comprising a diblock copolymer of isoprene and butadiene and a homopolymer constituent which is polyisoprene, polybutadiene or mixtures of polyisoprene and polybutadiene.