Abstract: A method for bulk manufacture of a microporous sheet material from polyolefin fibers, where an average pore size in the material is controlled by calendering the material through low-energy rollers at a suitable temperature, pressure and speed. The material is useful to selectively pass or reject certain substances, and may be combined in a resilient, tube-shaped configuration to form a self-regenerating drug-delivering vascular stent that reduces inflammation at the stent site to prevent restenosis.

Abstract: An air freshening article, such as a deodorizing urinal screen, includes a body that is formed from a fragranced plastic that includes a plastic loaded with a fragrance material. The fragrance material is included in an amount of at least 15% by weight of the fragranced plastic. A method of producing a deodorizing urinal screen includes a fragrance loading stage in which a plastic is loaded with a fragrance material to produce a fragranced plastic. The fragranced plastic includes at least 15 wt % fragrance material. In a molding stage subsequent to the fragrance loading stage, the fragranced plastic is molded into the urinal screen.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative and a resin composition having good thermoplasticity, strength, and elongation at break and therefore suited to molding processing are provided. The cellulose derivative is derived by replacing at least part of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose with a hydrocarbon group and an aliphatic or aromatic oxycarbonyl group.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid body having depressed portions on its surface is provided. The method includes: using a solution which includes a solvent A, a solvent B, a solvent C, and a polymer compound, where the solvent B is a hydrophobic solvent, the solvent A is a hydrophilic solvent having a boiling point not lower than the boiling point of the solvent B, and the solvent C is a non-hydrophobic solvent having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the solvent B, and the contents of the solvent A, solvent B, and solvent C satisfy specific conditions; and solidifying the solution while forming depressed portions on the surface of the solution by condensation during the process of evaporating the solvents included in the solution.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for introducing a helical formation (11) into a flexible tubular material (12). The material (12) is supported together with a surrounding helical former (13) so as to deform the material (12) to have a helical indentation (11) corresponding to the shape of the former (13). The material (12) is then set in that configuration and the former (13) is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze, and comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: A free-standing film comprising a cured organopolysiloxane resin obtained by conducting a cross-linking reaction between (A) an organopolysiloxane resin represented by the following average siloxane unit formula: [R1aR23-aSiO1/2]v[R3SiO3/2]w (1) or [R1aR23-aSiO1/2]x[R3SiO3/2]y[SiO4/2]z (2) (where R1 designates univalent hydrocarbon groups of one or more than one type selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and univalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; R2 designate alkenyl groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R3 designates alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or univalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; at least 50 mole % of R3 groups being phenyl groups; “a” is 0, 1, or 2; 0.8?w<1.0 and v+w=1; 0<x<0.4, 0.5<y<1, 0<z<0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic film or a composite film, and the film obtained by such method. The film has barrier properties and is made at least of a biodegradable basic plastic material and a second plastic material having barrier properties. The film is useful in particular for packaging sensitive goods.

Abstract: A swellable packer including a tubular member and a swellable element. The tubular member is disposable on a mandrel configured to be deployed into a wellbore. The swellable element is disposed around the tubular member, and has segments of different cross link densities, with the segments configured to provide a varying cross link density in the swelleable element along a thickness of the swellable element, an azimuth of the swellable element, or both.

Abstract: A method for compression molding of poly(arylene ether) powder comprises introducing a powder comprising unheated poly(arylene ether) powder to compaction equipment comprising a compression mold and subjecting the powder in the compression mold to a pressure sufficient to produce an article having a density greater than the unheated poly(arylene ether) powder wherein the pressure is applied at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the poly(arylene ether) powder.

Abstract: A pressing bag comprising silicone rubber sheets and uncured silicone members for covering a prepreg placed on a molding die to cure the prepreg in an evacuated state, the pressing bag being integrally molded in a shape in agreement with the molding die.

Abstract: A method of very inexpensively and stably producing a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface, which is expected to be applied in a variety of industrial fields. This method forms a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface by using a solution at least containing a solvent A, a solvent B and a polymer compound soluble in solvent B, solvent A being a hydrophilic solvent and solvent B being a hydrophobic solvent, the boiling point of solvent A being equal to or higher than the boiling point of solvent B, and the total mass of solvent B being 50% or more of the total mass of the solvents contained in the solution, then solidifying the solution while forming a depressed portion from condensation on the surface of the solution during a process wherein either one or both of the solvent A and solvent B contained in the solution are evaporating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a conductive structure having high electrical conductivity, and a method for manufacturing a dimensionally accurate separator for a fuel cell having high electrical conductivity. In the present invention, the cavity surface temperature of a mold is kept equal to or higher than the crystal melting temperature (Tm) of composite material until the shaping of the composite material melted in the mold is completed, and after the completion of the shaping process, the cavity surface temperature of the mold is controlled to be equal to or higher than a temperature 20° C. lower than the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the composite material but equal to or lower than a temperature 20° C. higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material to harden the composite material.

Abstract: A light wood-containing material having an average density in the range from 200 to 600 kg/m3, comprising, based in each case on the wood-containing material: A) from 30 to 95% by weight of wood particles; B) from 1 to 15% by weight of a filler having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 100 kg/m3, selected from the group consisting of foamable plastic particles and already foamed plastic particles; C) from 3 to 50% by weight of a binder comprising an aminoplast resin and an organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups and, if appropriate, D) additives.

Abstract: A method of reducing the dimension of an imprint structure on a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having at least one imprint structure thereon, said structure being formed of an inorganic-organic compound comprising an inorganic moiety and a polymer moiety, said polymer moiety having a lower vaporization temperature than the melting point of said inorganic moiety; and (b) selectively removing at least part of the polymer moiety while enabling at least part of the inorganic moiety to form a substantially continuous inorganic phase in said imprint structure, wherein the removal of the at least part of the polymer moiety from the imprint structure reduces the dimension of the imprint structure.

Abstract: An oriented thermoplastic elastomer film having reduced permeability and improved fatigue resistance comprising a dynamically vulcanized polymer blend of (A) a halogenated isobutylene elastomer and (B) polyamide, the film is produced by casting or blowing the above polymer blend under the condition such that a shear rate at a die lip for casting or blowing is regulated to control the molecular arrangement in the film, whereby the planar birefringence (PBR) of the resultant film becomes greater or equal to 0.002 and a production process of the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleating agent for polyethylene terephthalate and injection molding method thereof. The nucleating agent comprises a SiO2 core grafted with bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which accelerates the crystallization of polyethylene terephthalate for injection molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial plastics products which comprise, as the antimicrobially active component, silver orthophosphate or particles of partly reduced silver orthophosphate. The plastics products have a very good antimicrobial efficacy. The production process achieves the effect that the plastics products, in spite of their content of silver orthophosphate or partly reduced silver orthophosphate, are not discolored under the action of light.

Abstract: A package for microelectronic circuits includes a frame made of a high molecular weight plastic material, such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), attached to a flange, or leadframe. The plastic material is injection molded to the flange. Initial polymerization of the plastic material can occur in a liquid state and results in an intermediate material having an initial melting temperature. After the frame is injection molded, the frame is heated and undergoes further (secondary) polymerization, thereby lengthening polymer chains in the plastic material. These longer polymer chains have higher molecular weight, and the resulting final material has a higher melting temperature, than the intermediate material. The resulting ultra-high molecular weight polymer can withstand high temperatures, such as those encountered during soldering. Thus, after the further (secondary) polymerization, a die can be soldered to the flange, without damaging the plastic frame.

Abstract: Present inventions present composites of particles and polymers, as well as methods of making such composite and uses thereof. A low or non-porous composite comprises a plurality of bone particles; and polyurethane components with which the bone particles are combined. Provided composites can be prepared in a one-shot process. Alternatively or additionally, composites can be prepared by compression molding under a high pressure. Before or after implantation, provided composites may be set to form a hardened state of composites that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells.

Abstract: In a method for producing a free-standing solid state layer, a solid state material is provided having at least one surface available for layer formation thereon and a layer of polymer is formed on the available surface. The solid state material and polymer layer are then exposed to a change in local temperature from a first temperature that is no greater than about 300° C. to a second temperature below about room temperature to cause the solid state material to fracture along a plane at a depth in the material, to produce at least one free-standing solid state layer from the solid state material.

Abstract: The invention is a method to make compression molded motor vehicle parts from a charge of composite material with resin and fibers, such as sheet molded compound. The parts have voids, such as holes and gaps, that form in the compression mold under heat and pressure and not in secondary processing steps. The resin in the charge is melts in a reservoir in the mold to form resinous material from the charge. A flow front of resinous material is allowed to flow into a flow path around a restriction corresponding to the shape of the void from the reservoir. The flow front carries sufficient reinforcing fibers into the flow path. At least part of a border for the void forms in the flow path. The configuration is allowed to at least partially set.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: Improved fabricated adhesive microstructures and methods of fabricating adhesive microstructures incorporating deformable materials are provided. The fabricated adhesive microstructures exhibit significantly improved adhesion strengths at least at smooth surfaces such as glass, as compared to known fabricated adhesive microstructures. The adhesion strengths of fabricated microstructures of the invention for a range of smooth glass contact surfaces may be in the range of between about 125 kPa and 220 kPa in air at one atmosphere pressure and in the range of between about 25 kPa and 120 kPa in vacuum. Synthetic elastomers are used in the invention. A method of fabricating new adhesive microstructures having multiple levels of compliance with a surface has been proposed. Methods of fabricating new double-sided adhesive microstructures via moulding have further been proposed.

Abstract: A package for microelectronic circuits includes a frame made of a high molecular weight plastic material, such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), attached to a flange, or leadframe. The plastic material is injection molded to the flange. Initial polymerization of the plastic material can occur in a liquid state and results in an intermediate material having an initial melting temperature. After the frame is injection molded, the frame is heated and undergoes further (secondary) polymerization, thereby lengthening polymer chains in the plastic material. These longer polymer chains have higher molecular weight, and the resulting final material has a higher melting temperature, than the intermediate material. The resulting ultra-high molecular weight polymer can withstand high temperatures, such as those encountered during soldering. Thus, after the further (secondary) polymerization, a die can be soldered to the flange, without damaging the plastic frame.

Abstract: A filter comprises a pad (1) of non-woven fibrous material, the pad having a substantially solid edge (13) of consolidated pad material which has been softened and subsequently hardened. The filter can be manufactured by providing a pad (1) of non-woven fibrous material, treating a peripheral region of the pad so as to form around the pad an edge of consolidated material (13) which has been softened, and subsequently allowing the edge of consolidated material to harden.

Abstract: An antibacterial measure using titanium oxide includes mixing titanium oxide in a resin to form a coating resin, and then coating a key surface with the coating resin. This method requires formation of a coating layer on a resin molding and thus increases the number of the production steps and cost. Furthermore, in the method, a coating film containing an antibacterial agent is scraped off light by little at each time of keying, and thus the film is finally completely removed to lose its antibacterial function. A conceivable measure against this includes directly mixing a resin and an antibacterial agent. However, titanium oxide used as an antibacterial agent degrades a raw material resin. It has recently be thought that photocatalytic apatite as a substitute for titanium oxide also causes chalking, and an antibacterial coating layer has been formed on a surface of a resin molding.

Abstract: A honeycomb containing a thermoplastic material, high modulus fiber and thermoset resin has process steps of fracturing the thermoset resin, bending, molding or forming the honeycomb in a mold or over a form, heating to allow flow of thermoplastic material and cooling of the honeycomb to retain the shape of the mold or form.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a material with a multispectral smoke screening, that is, to mix the composite materials of carbon fiber and graphite, carbon fiber and bamboo-charcoal, carbon fiber and carbon black respectively with epoxy resin to produce an absorbing film which dimensions are 15 cm×15 cm×0.2 cm and can absorbs millimeter-wave (8 mm) and infrared wave (3-5 and 8-12 ?m). The film can be a smoke material of the M56 turbo smoke generator to resist the millimeter-wave and infrared wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin polymer blend comprising at least two dry blended, non-melt processible resin polyimide particulates, wherein the non-melt processible resin polyimide articulates are molded by compression molding.

Abstract: A chopped fiber bundle includes a large number of unidirectionally arranged reinforced fibers. The length of each of the reinforced fibers is in the range of 5 to 100 mm. The chopped fiber bundle has a transition segment in which the number of the reinforced fibers increases toward the central part of the chopped fiber bundle in the aligned direction of the reinforced fibers with both ends in the aligned of the reinforced fibers in the chopped fiber bundle being a starting point. The level of a change in total sectional area of the large number of reinforced fibers is not more than 0.05 mm2 per mm in the aligned direction of the reinforced fibers over the whole area in the longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article in which monofilamentous carbon fibers are contained in a thermoplastic resin in a high content, such fibers having long fiber lengths and being randomly arranged, is provided. Also, a molding material comprising monofilamentous carbon fibers and monofilamentous thermoplastic resin fibers, in which the carbon fibers are contained in a high content, such fibers having long fiber lengths and being randomly arranged, is provided. In addition, a method for producing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article, comprising molding the molding material by compression molding, is provided.

Abstract: A separator material suitable for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a method of producing the same. The separator material exhibiting gas impermeability, strength, dimensional stability during long-term use, and only a small degree of dissolution of organic substances which hinder the cell reaction. The separator material includes a graphite/cured resin molded product produced by binding a graphite powder using a mixed resin prepared by mixing an epoxy resin with a specific epoxy equivalent and a phenolic resin with a specific hydroxyl equivalent at a specific equivalent ratio and adding an imidazole compound without an amino group as a curing accelerator. The graphite/cured resin molded product has, when immersed in hot water at 90° C., a water absorption elongation percentage after 500 hours of immersion of a specific value or less and an amount of ammonium ions dissolved and an amount of TOC dissolved after 50 hours of immersion of specific values or less.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided that has an electrical device encapsulated in a plastic encasement. The encasement includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell has a thickness greater than the outer shell and the inner shell is more flexible than the outer shell. The inner shell is formed from a first resin composition that, when cured, has a tensile elongation at break of greater than 5% and the outer shell is formed from a second resin composition that, when cured, has a tensile elongation at break of less than 5%.

Abstract: A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties, excellent long-term storage stability, and a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, a polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and long-term storage stability, rarely allows endotoxins to enter a treatment liquid, exhibits a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, and a method of producing the same. A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane includes a polysulfone-based resin, a hydrophilic polymer, and a lipophilic antioxidant, the membrane containing the lipophilic antioxidant in an amount of 30 to 76 mg per gram of the membrane, and the total amount of the lipophilic antioxidant present on the surface of the membrane being 4 to 25 mg per gram of the membrane.

Abstract: An article has a curved surface. Disposed upon the curved surface is a plurality of patterns. Each pattern is defined by a plurality of spaced apart features attached to or projected into the curved surface. The plurality of features each have at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry, wherein an average spacing between adjacent features is about 1 nanometer and about 1 millimeter in at least a portion of the curved surface. The plurality of spaced apart features are represented by a periodic function.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a hardener for the epoxy resin, (c) a product of the reaction of a microgel containing carboxylic acid groups and a nitrogen-containing base, and (d) an electrically conducting filler combination comprising, based on the total amount of filler, at least 75% by weight of graphite, are particularly suitable for producing biopolar plates.

Abstract: A plant and a process for producing tyres for vehicle wheels includes the steps of a) building a tyre on a toroidal support in a building line of a production plant; b) moulding and vulcanizing the assembled tyre in a vulcanization line of the production plant; c) transferring by means of a first transfer device the toroidal support and the relevant moulded and vulcanized tyre to a working station including a removing unit for removing the tyre from the respective toroidal support and a cooling unit for cooling the toroidal support; d) removing the moulded and vulcanized tyre from the relevant toroidal support in the removing unit; e) transferring the toroidal support from the removing unit to the cooling unit by means of a second transfer device different from the first transfer device; and f) cooling the toroidal support in the cooling unit.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cells and methods of production thereof, in which a polymer membrane, containing at least one basic polymer membrane, is sandwiched between two flat gas diffusion electrodes each of which is loaded with a dopant, whereby after reaching a mass transport equilibrium for the exchange of the dopant between the gas diffusion electrodes and the polymer membrane, the polymer membrane has a conductivity of at least 0.1 S/m at a temperature of no less than 25° C.

Abstract: A method for making clear and resilient artificial fingernail tips which can be applied to the forward edge of the natural fingernail using a mixture of copolymer pellets which form a plastic phase and terpolymer pellets which form a rubber phase; drying the pellets, melting the pellets, injecting the molten material into a mold to form the desired artificial fingernail tips.

Abstract: A prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles incorporated therein as an abrasive material. The silicone elastomer and perlite particles are processed in a 3-roll mill so that the perlite particles have a predetermined size and are uniformly dispersed throughout the prophylaxis cup. As the prophylaxis cup is used to clean and polish teeth, the prophylaxis cup disintegrates upon contact with the teeth releasing the perlite particles which act as a cleaning and polishing agent between the prophylaxis cup and the teeth.

Abstract: This application describes apparatuses and methods for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Specifically, graft collar and scaffold apparatuses are provided for promoting fixation of musculoskeletal soft tissue to bone. This application provides for graft collars comprising biopolymer mesh and/or polymer-fiber mesh for fixing tendon to bone. In one aspect, the graft collar comprises more than one region, wherein the regions can comprise different materials configured to promote integration of and the regeneration of the interfacial region between tendon and bone. This application also provides for scaffold apparatuses and methods for fixing musculoskeletal soft tissue to bone. The scaffold apparatus is multiphasic, preferably triphasic, and each phase is configured promote growth and proliferation of a different cell and its associated tissue. In one aspect, the scaffold apparatus is triphasic, with phases comprising materials to promote growth and proliferation of fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts.

Abstract: A screed mold method for continuously or periodically molding thermoplastic material into a cushioning element is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of low levels of a desiccant material in a rubber compound, such as for use as a tire tread, that allows for reduced cure times of tires cured under pressure, thereby increasing tire production. The low level of desiccant material reduces the blow point of the rubber compound by substantially eliminating blows earlier in the pressure curing process, thereby allowing for the reduced cure time of the tire under pressure. In one embodiment, low levels of no greater than about 9 phr of desiccant material, which may include generally a metal oxide (e.g. calcium oxide or magnesium oxide), are provided in the rubber compound. The rubber compound including the low levels of desiccant material may be cured, under pressure, at less than 30% of full cure of the rubber compound.

Abstract: A curable epoxy resin composition is provided. The composition includes at least one diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and at least one diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) as epoxy resins, in which the weight ratio of DGEBA:DGEBF is within the range of about 15:85 to 45:55; (ii) an anhydride hardener; (iii) and at least one plasticizer. The composition can additionally include a catalyst, at least one filler material and/or further additives. The dynamic complex viscosity value (?*) of the composition is within the range of 0.1 to 20 Pa·s. The present disclosure also provides a process for making the composition and electrical articles including an electrical insulation system made from the composition.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex, the polyelectrolyte complex comprising an intermolecular blend of a predominantly positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte and being free of salt crystals having a size greater than about 1 micrometer and free of voids having a size greater than about 100 nm, the article having no transverse dimension less than about 10,000 nm.

Abstract: A packaging component, having a wall including a layer for direct contact with a product contained within the packaging, said layer formed of an organic polymer having disposed therein 1) a first material reactive with at least one component of the product contained within the packaging or with a physical or chemical contaminant thereof, and 2) a second component in the form of particles which perturb or emit, naturally or under the influence of an artificial source of excitation, a physical field which is remotely detectable and which confirms that the first material is also present. The reactive substance is typically a substance having a biocidal effect, an organoleptic additive, an oxygen-absorbing agent, an emitter of carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide, a humidity absorber, an antioxidant or a UV filter, and the physically active particles are typically ferromagnetic, x-ray absorbent, an MRI contrast agent, luminescent or thermochromic.

Abstract: An adhesive composition of the present invention contains, as a main composition, a polymer obtained by copolymerizing a monomer composition containing a monomer having a maleimide group, and further contains a thermal polymerization inhibitor. As a result, it is possible to provide an adhesive composition that allows forming an adhesive layer that is excellently dissolved after the adhesive layer has been subjected to a high-temperature process.

Abstract: A process for productive an easy-open can lid made of a resin laminated metal sheet comprising laminating a metal sheet or surface-treated metal sheet on one or both surfaces thereof with a crystalline saturated polyester resin film having a thickness of 10 to 100 ?m, an elongation of at least 150%, a degree of crystallinity of not more than 10%, and a heat of fusion of crystalline of not less than 10 joules/g, to form a laminated metal sheet for an easy-open can, forming by a composite cold-forming method a tear-along grooves of a residual thickness of not more than ½ of the thickness of the material using top and bottom dies of a die radius of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, then heat treating the crystalline saturated polyester resin layer at the portion surrounding the tear-along groove at a temperature of at least the crystallization starting temperature and less than the melting point thereof and, also, an easy-open can lid obtained by the same and a resin laminated metal sheet used for the same.