Abstract: An ion exchange resin membrane or an ion exchange precursor resin membrane having a thickness of 25 microns or less and having an orientation ratio of 1.5 or less; which may be produced by co-extruding an ion exchange precursor resin with an incompatible polymer to form a multilayer film having a layer of the ion exchange precursor resin supported on a layer of the incompatible polymer. The layer of incompatible polymer is then removed from the layer of ion exchange precursor resin to provide the ion exchange precursor resin membrane. The ion exchange precursor resin membrane may be converted to an ion exchange resin membrane by hydrolysis, and subsequent acidification if desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion exchange membrane comprising a film of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer in its acid form; the film having a low in-plane swelling, such that the length and/or width of the film changes by less than 10% when the membrane is exposed to water. Further disclosed is an electrochemical device, such as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, comprising an electrolyte comprising the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for commercial production of bulk functionally graded materials (FGM) with a per-determined axial, radial, and spherical gradient profiles. The process is based on the reiterated deformation of the layers of variable cross-section thicknesses made of different materials. That allows significant savings of time, energy and materials. Metals, ceramics, glasses and polymers in different combinations can be brought together with a continuous or stepwise gradual change from one material to another. The invention can be applied to industrial production of functionally graded materials with different types of gradient profiles, which cannot be produced by the existing technologies and which are sought by many key industries. The mechanical, thermal and optical responses of materials produced by the proposed methods are of considerable interest in optics, optoelectronics, tribology, biomechanics, nanotechnology and high temperature technology.

Abstract: A plastic pencil comprising a writing core, an interlayer coating material placed about the writing core, a porous casing enclosing the interlayer coating material on the writing core and a covering applied to the exterior surface of the porous casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealable, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising a base layer B, a sealable cover layer A, and a non-sealable cover layer C. The invention further relates to a method for producing the film and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A monoaxially oriented film including heat sealable layer including an ethylene-propylene impact copolymer and a metallocene-catalyzed propylene-butene elastomer. The heat sealable layer may include a metallocene-catalyzed ethylene-butene elastomer. The film is oriented at least 4 times in the machine direction and exhibits excellent linear directional tear properties in the machine direction and excellent heat seal performance. This film formulation and orientation is suitable for pouch applications requiring an “easy-tear” linear tear feature and excellent hermetic seal properties, particularly for retort pouches.

Abstract: A layer sequence repeater module for a co-extrusion die includes a cell formed of a plurality of thin annular disks stacked on top of each other in an axial direction of the co-extrusion die. Each disk includes a plurality of openings aligned with openings in the adjacent disks, thus forming multiple inner and outer melt passages. At least one of the layer sequence repeater module includes at least one first cap disk, at least one second cap disk, at least one distribution disk, at least one repeater disk and at least one spreader disk. The layer sequence repeater module may be a separately assembled and individually removable module of the co-extrusion die. Alternatively or additionally, the layer sequence repeater module may be incorporated into a module of the co-extrusion die.

Abstract: Films including at least one layer of a blend of a cyclic olefin copolymer and a hydrocarbon wax are described. Particularly, films including 75.0 wt % to 99.9 wt % of a copolymer of a cyclic olefin monomer and an acyclic olefin and 0.1 wt % to 25.0 wt % of a hydrocarbon wax are described. Methods of making such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent multi-layered film arrangement comprising at least three layers, wherein the film arrangement comprises one layer is made of a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and a polyglycol as plasticizer, said polyglycol having a molecular weight of between 35,000 and 4,000,000, and at least two outer layers, each of said two outer layers being made of PLA.

Abstract: A structure for use in industrial fabrics such as paper machine clothing and engineered fabrics. The structure is a bicomponent extruded elastomeric netting or mesh having a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.

Abstract: A polymer fiber is formed by hydrodynamic spinning. Fluids are forced to flow through a conduit to form a laminar flow comprising three or more layers of generally coaxial fluid flows, at respective flow rates selected to define a cross-section of a tubular middle layer of the fluid flows. The middle layer comprises a cross-linkable polymer precursor. Another layer of the fluid flows comprise a cross-linking agent. The polymer precursor, cross-linking agent and fluids are selected to prevent substantial diffusion of the polymer precursor away from the middle layer, and to allow a portion of the cross-linking agent to diffuse from the another layer into the middle layer to facilitate cross-linking of the polymer precursor in the middle layer to form a tubular polymer layer in a polymer fiber. The polymer layer thus has a cross-section generally corresponding to the cross-section of the middle layer.

Abstract: A film having first segments and second segments arranged across the film's width direction is disclosed. The first and second segments are separated from each other by polymer interfaces. The first segments include a first polymeric composition and the second segments include a second polymeric composition. At least some of the second segments are layered second segments having first and second layers in the film's thickness direction, and one of the first or second layers includes a third polymeric composition different from the second polymeric composition. An extrusion die useful for making the film and a method for making the film using the extrusion die are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film for forming medical solution pouches that help prevent or reduce the presence of bubbles or foam in the solution after heat sterilization. In particular, the present invention provides a multilayer film for forming medical solution pouches that are capable of passing the bubble test as set forth in the Chinese State Drug Package Container Material Standard No. YBB00112005. In particular, the present invention provides a multilayer film in which polyamide 612 or calcium stearate component has been incorporated as an anti-foaming agent. The presence of polyamide 612 or calcium stearate in one or more layers of the film helps prevent the formation of foam in the solution after heat sterilization.

Abstract: Coextruded films provide cross directional zoned multiple components side-by-side to one another. Systems and methods relate to coextruding such films. During coextrusion, a first polymer conjoins with a second polymer while a temperature differential is maintained between the first and second polymers. This temperature differential is selected to reduce a difference between the viscosities of the first and second polymers making the viscosity of the first polymer close enough to the viscosity of the second polymer to avoid separation upon coextrusion. Further, the films may form a layer in subsequent lamination to other material layers.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers used in multiple layer glass panels, and specifically the present invention is in the field of various performance enhancing agents for polymer interlayers and methods of effectively incorporating such performance enhancing agents into interlayers.

Abstract: The invention describes a flexible tubular article for transport of volatile hydrocarbons comprising: (a) an inner layer of a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer or a polyvinylidene difluoride copolymer; (b) an intermediate thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer extruded in tubular form over the inner PVDF layer, and (c) a polyvinyl chloride polymer extruded in tubular form over the outside surface of the intermediate layer and being coextensive therewith. The tubular articles of the invention have a maximum permeation rating of 15 g/m2/day under SAE J1737 test conditions.

Abstract: A multilayer structure, comprising: a layer of a resin composition (A); a layer of a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (B); and a layer of polyolefin (C) arranged on one side or both sides of those layers, wherein the resin composition (A) contains polyolefin (D), a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (E) and a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (F1) and/or an acid-modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (F2), the copolymer (E) has a mass ratio [E/(F1+F2)] of from 0.05 to 30, the polyolefin (D) has the copolymer (E) having an average particle diameter of from 0.1 to 1.8 ?m dispersed in a matrix thereof, the layers of (A) and of (C) have thicknesses of from 50 to 1000 ?m, and from 25 to 1000 ?m, respectively, which enables provision of a multilayer structure having good gas barrier properties after retort processing and a good appearance.

Abstract: A method of feeding a composite molten resin capable of easily forming a multi-kind-multi-layer preform. An apparatus for feeding the composite molten resin has a nozzle portion which includes an outer discharge port in which an outermost annular flow path through which a main layer-forming molten resin flows, meets an outer annular flow path through which a sub-layer-forming molten resin flows inside of the outermost annular flow path; and an inner discharge port in which a shell layer-forming molten resin annularly flowing inside of the outer conflux path, meets the core layer-forming molten resin flowing inside the shell layer; the outer discharge port and the inner discharge port being arranged in this order from the downstream toward the upstream in a direction in which the molten resins flow; wherein provision is made of a shaft-like opening/closing valve for opening and closing the inner discharge port, and a gear pump for intermittently discharging the sub-layer-forming molten resin.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers coated with an olefin block copolymer containing resin, the olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C. and laminates comprising polymeric tapes embedded in a resin of olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C.

Abstract: A pipe is described having a wall defining a bore, the wall is formed from at least two layers comprising: a structural core layer; an outer layer which is statically dissipative; and wherein the outer layer is also fire retardant.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are described herein. The Processes generally include contacting a polyolefin with a polylactic acid in the presence of at least 800 ppm of a radical initiator under extrusion conditions to produce a polyolefin-polylactic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A method for making a ladder rail includes the steps of using a central reinforcement to carry structural resin and maintain distribution of structural resin through an impregnation process, wherein the central reinforcement is fed to a curing die at a rate of greater than 5 ft/min. There is the step of forming the rail.

Abstract: A packaging film having enhanced barrier, sealability, and flex-crack resistance characteristics and is ideal for use in packaging of food products, such as cheese and meat, to increase shelf life thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press felt for use in the press section of a paper machine. Said felt comprises a nonwoven layer lying on one of its surfaces, the surface of said layer being connected and fixed to the felt by a thermoplastic binding material. According to the invention, the surface of the nonwoven layer is smoothed by the application of pressure from a smooth surface during the cooling of said layer surface from a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the thermoplastic binding material to a temperature below the melting temperature. To manufacture the press felt, an untreated press felt, which contains the nonwoven layer and the thermoplastic binding agent is first produced, the thermoplastic binding agent being distributed in the nonwoven layer in the form of thermoplastic adhesive fibres and/or a thermoplastic adhesive component of bicomponent fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer film coextruded from an aliphatic polycarbonate and polylactic acid-based polymer and a method for producing the same. According to the present invention, a multilayer film having excellent adhesive property can be manufactured even without a separate adhesive layer.

Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: Films including at least one layer of a blend of a cyclic olefin copolymer and a hydrocarbon wax are described. Particularly, films including 75.0 wt % to 99.9 wt % of a copolymer of a cyclic olefin monomer and an acyclic olefin and 0.1 wt % to 25.0 wt % of a hydrocarbon wax are described. Methods of making such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Coextruded films provide cross directional zoned multiple components side-by-side to one another. Systems and methods relate to coextruding such films. During coextrusion, a first polymer conjoins with a second polymer while a temperature differential is maintained between the first and second polymers. This temperature differential is selected to reduce a difference between the viscosities of the first and second polymers making the viscosity of the first polymer close enough to the viscosity of the second polymer to avoid separation upon coextrusion. Further, the films may form a layer in subsequent lamination to other material layers.

Abstract: An image transfer belt is provided for use in digital printing applications which includes a base film layer having perforations therein which are filled with a conductive polymer layer to provide controlled conductivity to the belt. The belt further includes a compliant layer over the conductive polymer layer. The resulting belt exhibits electrical properties suitable for digital image transfer. These properties may be varied according to the desired application.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer structure, comprising: a layer of a resin composition (A); a layer of a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (B) having an ethylene content of from 20 to 65 mol % and having a degree of saponification of vinyl acetate units of 96% or more; and a layer of polyolefin (C) arranged on one side or both sides of those layers, wherein the resin composition (A) contains polyolefin (D), a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (E) having an ethylene content of from 20 to 65 mol % and having a degree of saponification of vinyl acetate units of 96% or more, and a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (F1) having an ethylene content of from 68 to 98 mol % and having a degree of saponification of vinyl acetate units of 20% or more and/or an acid-modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (F2) having an ethylene content of from 68 to 98 mol %, the saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (E) has a mass ratio [E/(F1+F2)] of from 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyethylene microporous film and a method of preparing the same. The polyethylene microporous film, which has a laminated structure comprising B layer/A layer/B layer, prepared by melt-mixing a polyethylene and an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent together at controlled mixing ratios to separately form an A layer and a B layer having different porosities, and then coextruding the A and B layers, thus exhibiting excellent mechanical properties, such as strength and elongation, and high-temperature stability. Therefore, the polyethylene microporous film is suitable for use in a rechargeable battery separator.

Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.

Abstract: A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing preform materials for impact-resistant composite materials suitable for liquid molding. Interlayers formed of nonwoven, continuous fibers, such as spunbonded, spunlaced, or mesh fabric, are introduced between non-crimped layers of unidirectional reinforcing fibers to produce a preform for use in liquid-molding processes to produce a composite member. Curing of the preform provides increased impact resistance by increasing the amount of energy required to propagate localized fractures due to impact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a multilayer polyimide film, uniform in film thickness and rate of dimensional change in the width direction of the film, which has a thermoplastic polyimide layer or the like serving as an adhesive layer. The object is attained by a method for manufacturing a multilayer polyimide film by width-spreading and flow-casting at least two types of polyimide resin solutions or polyimide precursor resin solutions fed into a multilayer coextrusion die including a plurality of flow channels, the method being characterized in that the thickness of each layer of the multilayer film is controlled by adding a solvent to the resin solutions to be fed into at least one of the flow channels and by adjusting, independently of the amounts of the resin solutions to be fed, the amount of the solvent to be added.

Abstract: A feedblock including a first packet creator that forms a first packet including a first plurality of polymeric layers, the first plurality of layers including at least four first individual polymeric layers; and a second packet creator that forms a second packet including a second plurality of polymeric layers, the second plurality of layers including at least four second individual polymeric layers, wherein the first and second packet creators are configured such that, for each packet creator, respective individual polymeric layers of the plurality of polymeric layers are formed at approximately the same time. The feedblock may include a packet combiner that receives and combines the first and second primary packets to form a multilayer stream. In some examples, at least one of the first and second primary packets may be spread in the cross-web direction prior to being combined with one another.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers coated with an olefin block copolymer containing resin, the olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C. and laminates comprising polymeric tapes embedded in a resin of olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C.

Abstract: Method of encapsulating optoelectronic components, by embedding the components to be encapsulated between a first transparent polymer layer and a second polymer layer, which is filled with unactivated foaming agent, and then activating the foaming agent, so that the two polymer layers join to one another, in particular weld to one another, and the components are enclosed between the two polymer layers.

Abstract: A metallized laminate film exhibiting improved moisture barrier property as well as maintaining a high bio-polymer content and degradability property is disclosed. The laminate film includes a first core layer of polylactic acid polymer and a second skin layer comprising a polyolefin metal receiving layer. The metal receiving layer or the core layer, or both, may be blended with an amount of polar-modified tie-resin to improve bonding. Alternatively, a discrete tie-resin layer may be interposed between the polyolefin metal receiving layer and the crystalline polylactic acid polymer core layer. The polyolefin metal receiving layer may be discharge-treated on the side opposite the core layer and metallized.

Abstract: In a feed block, a main conduit and sub conduits are formed. High-viscosity dope flows through the main conduit, and low-viscosity dope flows through the sub conduits. Distribution pins are disposed in a joint portion where the sub conduits intersect with the main conduit for controlling the flow volume of the low-viscosity dope. A tapered cutout is formed in the peripheral surface of the distribution pin. The distribution pin is attached in such an orientation that a wider side of the cutout coincides with the lower reaches of a dope flow. Since ledges are formed in both ends of the cutout, the amount of the low-viscosity dope flowing through the cutout is smaller in both widthwise ends than in the middle.

Abstract: A multi-layer roofing membrane is provided including a top sheet including a co-extruded cap and inner layer and a bottom sheet. The use of a co-extrusion die allows for multi-layer sheets that reduce the need for expensive fillers in all but a cap layer of the membrane. A scrim reinforcement layer is optionally embedded in the membrane. When installed on a roof substrate, the membrane can be sealed by heat welding the seams of the membrane sheets or by other means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal laminating film comprising: a base layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film and a thermal laminating layer disposed on the outer surface of the base layer, wherein the said thermal laminating layer comprises 100% by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer containing from 10% to 30% by weight of vinyl acetate units and having melt flow index of 18 to 30 or polyethylene or EAA or a blend of all these.

Abstract: A method for forming a reflective element substrate for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes generally continuously forming an elongated sheet of substrate material and applying a substantially transparent functional film to a surface of the elongated sheet. The substantially transparent functional film is unrolled from a reel or roll of the film and the unrolled film is applied to the surface of the elongated sheet generally continuously as the sheet is formed or extruded or cast. Two or more mirror substrates are formed from the elongated sheet after the film is applied to the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a polymer layer of a flexible unbonded offshore pipe. The process comprises the steps of shaping a polymer material by extrusion into or onto a supporting unit in an extrusion station and cross-linking said extruded polymer material, said polymer material comprising a polyethylene and a peroxide for providing a cross-linking of the polymer material. The peroxide has an activation temperature substantially above the temperature of the polymer material during the extrusion thereof. The cross-linking of the extruded polymer material is carried out by exposing the extruded polymer material to electromagnetic waves, selected from the group consisting of infrared radiation and microwave. The invention also relates to a flexible unbonded offshore pipe comprising such polymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-line coating of a continuously moving substrate, such as a tube or conduit, preferably of the type used for applications such as fire sprinkler piping. The present invention includes a fire sprinkler pipe defining an interior wall surface surrounding an internal pathway. The interior surface is coated with a coating that reduces the degradation of the interior surface and provides a barrier between the interior surface and fluid within the pathway to resist degradation of the interior surface over the life of the tube or conduit.

Abstract: A pet chew may be manufactured by co-extruding multiple compositions to form a layered construction. Separate extruders may be provided to tailor processing conditions to heat and/or shear sensitive compositions, such as nutritional additives, and additives that deter an animal from chewing, the respective extrudates may be combined such that relatively higher levels of additives may be provided as an inner or outer layer.