Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and a process for the preparation of porous bipolar plates with pore volume density and pore size that can result in high water uptake by the plates while providing the desired resistance against gas permeation. The combination of porogens (pore-forming agents) with specific types of graphite particles and polymer binders provides the desired characteristics. The porous bipolar plates have high electrical conductivity and flexural strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric compositions containing filler particles that are predominantly two-dimensional in shape. The elastomeric compositions exhibit significantly improved thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties as compared with elastomers containing conventional fillers such as natural clay, carbon black, and carbon fiber. In addition, the elastomeric compositions of the invention exhibit improved resistance to solvent-induced swelling and to unwanted permeation of gases such as hydrogen sulfide. The invention also provides a method of forming such elastomeric compositions and methods of using such elastomeric compositions to prepare elastomeric articles with improved resistance to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and a process for the preparation of porous bipolar plates with pore volume density and pore size that can result in high water uptake by the plates while providing the desired resistance against gas permeation. The combination of porogens (pore-forming agents) with specific types of graphite particles and polymer binders provides the desired characteristics. The porous bipolar plates have high electrical conductivity and flexural strength.

Abstract: A packer unit to be used in an annular blowout preventer. The packer unit includes an elastomer body including a compound of a nitrile rubber base polymer having a polymer chain, and a quantity of fluorine atoms attached to the polymer chain. The compound includes between 50 and 60% of the nitrile elastomer, between 25 to 35% carbon black, and the rest includes other materials. The quantity of fluorine atoms comprises short-chain fluorocarbon chain molecules The quantity of fluorine atoms displaces at least an equal quantity of hydrogen atoms from the polymer chain when the elastomer body is fluorinated.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric compositions containing filler particles that are predominantly two-dimensional in shape. The elastomeric compositions exhibit significantly improved thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties as compared with elastomers containing conventional fillers such as natural clay, carbon black, and carbon fiber. In addition, the elastomeric compositions of the invention exhibit improved resistance to solvent-induced swelling and to unwanted permeation of gases such as hydrogen sulfide. The invention also provides a method of forming such elastomeric compositions and methods of using such elastomeric compositions to prepare elastomeric articles with improved resistance to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A packer unit to be used in an annular blowout preventer. The packer unit includes an elastomer body including a compound of a nitrile rubber base polymer having a polymer chain, and a quantity of fluorine atoms attached to the polymer chain. The compound includes between 50 and 60% of the nitrile elastomer, between 25 to 35% carbon black, and the rest includes other materials. The quantity of fluorine atoms comprises short-chain fluorocarbon chain molecules The quantity of fluorine atoms displaces at least an equal quantity of hydrogen atoms from the polymer chain when the elastomer body is fluorinated.