Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising a polyimide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyimide-polysiloxane copolymer and talc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a current collector plate for use in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The method includes the steps of: (a) molding the current collector plate by injection, compression or any other molding process from a resin/conductive filler composition; (b) measuring the current collector plate's average thickness; (c) measuring the current collector plate's through-plane resistivity; (d) removing a portion of the current collector plate's surface layer by abrasion; and (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) until a desired plate thickness is removed. The desired plate thickness removed is no more than about 10 micrometers, and preferably about 5 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of forming a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) insulation layer over a metallic conductor of a processed product includes the steps of extruding PTFE over a metallic conductor, and heating the PTFE to a temperature substantially below that of the sintering temperature of PTFE to form a sintered PTFE skin over an unsintered PTFE core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of three-dimensional acoustically sound automotive insulation parts. In particular, the process includes mixing a two component polyurethane resin, applying the resin to a substrate, molding the substrate and then trimming and demolding the resin applied substrate.

Abstract: Granulated papermaking sludge is combined with plastic to form composite materials that may be shaped into structural and non-structural articles.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: A tungsten-precursor composite having a polymer matrix and a tungsten precursor therein. The tungsten precursor may be tungsten oxide, ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate or other precursor or combination of tungsten precursors. The polymer may be any of a very wide range of materials or combinations thereof. Binder, secondary fillers or other third components may be added. By means of use of various tungsten precursors, polymers, and third components, the physical, radiological and electrical properties of the finished products may be tailored to achieve desired properties. In addition, the invention teaches that radiation shielding, insulators, and combined radiation shield/insulators may be fashioned from the composite. A wide range of production methods may be employed, including but not limited to liquid resin casting.

Abstract: Electrode compositions can be formed comprising a fibrillatable polymer, a particulate electrical conductor a surfactant and a liquid. Corresponding methods apply shear to fibrillate the polymer, in which the surfactant facilitates the processing such that the resulting electrodes have desirable properties. The shear can be applied in an extrusion process and/or calendering process. These improved processing approaches can be used to form large commercial electrodes with a high degree of thickness uniformity. In some embodiments, the electrode compositions comprise a fibrillatable polymer, a particulate electrical conductor and a non-carbon friction reducing agent within a gas permeable structure. Molding processes can be used for forming the electrodes.

Abstract: A styrene block copolymer is mixed with process mineral oil and includes a small amount of antioxidant which reduces surface stickiness in the finished material upon exposure to air. The material can simulate the touch and feel of human skin for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A thermoplastic folded honeycomb structure and method for the production thereof A strip of material is plastically deformed perpendicular to the plane of the material and folded in the direction of conveyance until the cell walls meet and are joined.

Abstract: A composite separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack and method of manufacture is provided. The composite separator plate is polymeric and includes expanded graphite dispersed throughout the polymeric material. The expanded graphite provides an electrically conductive pathway through the separator plate. The method includes the step of dispersing by mixing or sprinkling the expanded graphite in the polymeric material and compressing the expanded graphite while compression molding the separator plate.

Abstract: The two-pole plate is relatively lightweight and can be manufactured quickly and easily.

Abstract: A casting compound based on a resin which cures by a chemical reaction. The casting compound is suitable for insulation of electric components and contains an epoxy resin component, a silicone-containing component, a filler, and a thermal initiator. This casting compound is processible as a single-component system.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other tubular medical device or component, in which a sheet of polymeric material is wrapped on a mandrel and heated to fuse sections of the wrapped sheet together to form a tube. The mandrel has a metallic core and a jacket on an outer surface of the metallic core, and the wrapped sheet of polymeric material is heated without corroding the metallic core of the mandrel. In a presently preferred embodiment, the sheet is formed of a fluoropolymeric material, and the resulting fluoropolymeric tube forms at least a layer of a catheter balloon.

Abstract: Improvements in increasing the amount of available silver in thermoplastic articles comprising certain silver-containing antimicrobial agents are provided. Such an invention requires the incorporation of a sufficient amount of a carboxylic acid salt within the thermoplastic article simultaneously with the necessary silver-containing antimicrobial agent. Certain carboxylic acid salts are standard acid scavengers for thermoplastic applications; however, the amounts required within this inventive thermoplastic article is well in excess of that commonly added within such articles. Surprisingly, such an excess amount of such standard salts, as well as other non-standard salts, present within the target thermoplastic causes the release of greater amounts of silver to the target article's surface, thereby permitting a greater degree of antimicrobial activity, among other potential benefits for such an increase in surface-available silver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition with improved biodegradability or with an additional useful function (antibacterial properties), while maintaining the mechanical properties of the biodegradable resin. More specifically, the present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin such as a polylactic acid polymer and a mamman digestion product such as a mannooligosaccharide. The present invention further provides various biodegradable products produced by molding this biodegradable resin composition into desired shapes.

Abstract: Dendrimer additives incorporated in thermoplastic resins (such as polycarbonate resins) are effective to alter the surface characteristics of the thermoplastic resin. Such compositions can be injection molded to produce articles in which the dendrimer additive is concentrated at the surface of the article to alter the properties of the resin. By selection of the type of dendrimer additive, the resulting characteristics of the molded article may be controlled.

Abstract: In connection with a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate resin layer, and a cover, the invention provides a mold having a cavity wall defining a spherical cavity, wherein the core is placed in the cavity to define a space for molding the resin layer. The cavity wall is provided with a plurality of radially extending projections, the total cross-sectional area of the projections relative to the cavity wall and the total volume of the projections relative to the space volume are properly controlled.

Abstract: A formed sheet of thermalconductive silicone gel is provided. The formed sheet has (i) a thin film reinforcement layer hardened into rubber only in a surface layer on the upper side, the lower side, or both sides, (ii) a sheet-shaped reinforcement material buried in a surface layer of the upper or the lower side, or (iii) a sheet-shaped reinforcement material buried in a surface layer of the upper side or the lower side of the sheet, and a thin film reinforcement layer hardened into rubber in this surface layer or in a surface layer on both sides of the sheet. The formed sheet of thermalconductive silicone gel has low compressibility, high strength, is easy to handle during the mounting process, and can be reused after its contact compression between a chip and a heat sink has been released.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic articles. The method involves forming a binder resin by combining a polyisocyanate component with a synergist component of a C1 to C4 N-alkyl pyrrolidone, gamma-butyrolactone, or mixtures thereof. A resinated lignocellulosic mixture is formed by combining the binder resin with lignocellulosic particles having a moisture content of from 2 to 15 weight percent. The compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic article is formed by compressing the resinated lignocellulosic mixture.

Abstract: A process for the making a film comprising dissolving a polycarbonate resin in an organic solvent to form a dissolved resin wherein the polycarbonate resin comprises a polycarbonate that exhibits favorable haze; casting a film of the mixture; and removing the solvent is provided in the present invention. The aforementioned polycarbonate film is also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: A particulate silicone based material and method for forming a heat resistant composite is provided. The particulate silicone based material is heated to a temperature between about 200° F. and about 400° F. The particulate silicone based material is cooled until a solid composite is formed. The solid composite is resistant to melting and thermal decomposition when heated to temperatures of at least 3000° F. The particulate silicone based material may be formed by mixing liquid silicone resin with a catalyst and powdered silicone molding compound.

Abstract: A print pad for printing on hard surfaces is made by first forming a mold having a textured surface, then forming the print pad in the mold. The textured surface of the mold is made by first manufacturing a sheet of plastic the surface of which has the desired texture, then using a thermoforming process to shape the plastic into the mold.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell having a structure in which a film electrode composite having gas diffusion electrodes disposed on both surfaces of a solid polymer film and separators having gas channels to feed at least either a fuel gas or an oxidant gas to the electrodes are laminated repeatedly in such a manner that they contact each other, wherein the separators each comprise a carbon resin composite material and an expansion graphite layer, on at least one surface of the material, pits and projections to form the gas channels are formed, and the layer is formed on the surfaces of the material including the pits and the projections.

Abstract: A resin molding product of the present invention is a sandwiched molding product provided with a core layer and a skin layer having at least an electrophotographic toner. Further, it is preferable that the core layer contains an additive resin, which is compatible with a binder resin that is used for the electrophotographic toner and can give an elasticity to the core layer when the additive resin and the binder resin are dissolved with each other. According to the arrangement, it is possible to utilize as a raw material a nonstandard toner, which is produced during a manufacturing process of the electrophotographic toner, but cannot be used as a commercial product, and a discard toner, which has been used in an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method, thereby realizing a resin molding product of a high quality at a low cost, while the resin molding product can improve its impact resistance by use of the additive resin.

Abstract: A consolidated cellulosic article of increased thickness and target face density, as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second dies adapted to move toward on e another with a mat of cellulosic material and a binding agent therebetween. When the dies move together, the mat is compressed under pressure and heat with forms on one of the dies forming identations in the mat. Compression zones of increased density form between the indentations and a first face of the mat. By spacing the forms appropriately, the compression zones overlap, and the face of the resulting consolidated board is provided with substantially uniform density. Since the entire board is not compressed to the same degree, its overall thickness is enchanced while the density of the first face of the mat is increased, and relatively little material is used.

Abstract: Improvements in increasing the amount of available silver in thermoplastic articles comprising certain silver-containing antimicrobial agents are provided. Such an invention requires the incorporation of a sufficient amount of a carboxylic acid salt within the thermoplastic article simultaneously with the necessary silver-containing antimicrobial agent. Certain carboxylic acid salts are standard acid scavengers for thermoplastic applications; however, the amounts required within this inventive thermoplastic article is well in excess of that commonly added within such articles. Surprisingly, such an excess amount of such standard salts, as well as other non-standard salts, present within the target thermoplastic causes the release of greater amounts of silver to the target article's surface, thereby permitting a greater degree of antimicrobial activity, among other potential benefits for such an increase in surface-available silver.

Abstract: A nonslip member in which a large number of nonslip convexes are fixed to an upper surface of a base fabric performing an anchoring action, and the nonslip convexes are made of rubber. By engaging a male mold and a female mold with each other, a large number of small pieces coincident to a shape of through holes of the female mold are punched out from a plate-like material. By pressurizing and heating each small piece between a punching convex and a mounting base while engaging the male mold and the female mold with each other, the small piece is bridged and fixed to the base fabric to serve as a nonslip convex.

Abstract: A cast part, for example, for use as an internal coating of a vehicle. The cast part has a bearing layer, which is compressed and made of natural fibers bound together by a binding agent. A decorative layer is disposed on an upper surface of the bearing layer and on a lower surface of the bearing layer, a sealing layer, on which functional elements are molded in the form of fixing clips and reinforcing ribs is disposed. The case part is made according to a process consisting in compressing a natural fiber matting containing a binding agent into the bearing layer having either a plane surface or a contour and, in a second forming step, shaping the decorative material located in a upper half of a forming tool as well as a thermoplastic material applied to a lower half of the forming tool for forming the sealing layer and the functional element formed therefrom.

Abstract: A process of fabricating an inflatable item includes providing first and second three-dimensional molds, and placing first and second flexible polymer sheets over respective ones of the first and second molds. The polymer sheets are heated until the sheets conformally coat the respective molds. The heated polymer sheets are cooled such that the sheets retain the three-dimensional shapes of the respective molds. Peripheral edges of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet are welded to each other to form a sealed flexible shell having an interior space that can be filled with fluid to inflate the shell such that the shell forms a three-dimensional shape. The sheets may be welded by placing the cooled polymer sheets on respective plates of a welding machine, and moving the plates toward each other until the peripheral edges of the cooled polymer sheets touch each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing close-to-final-shape moldings from pressing compositions, in which reinforcing fibers, fiber bundles, fiber fabrics, fiber mats and/or random fiber agglomerates based on metal, glass, carbon, nitrogen, silicon and/or boron, one or more binders and, if desired, one or more additives or fillers are mixed to give a pressing composition and pressed in a pressing mold under the action of pressure to give a molding, where a curable carbonizable polymer is used as binder. The invention provides for a cold-curing binder to be used and the curing reaction to be initiated by addition of a catalyst, with pressure only being applied after the curing reaction has commenced.

Abstract: A process for forming a stent of a polymer material which includes the steps of:

Abstract: A manufacturing method of the copolyester containing 2,6-ethylene naphthalate unit (EN) by using 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (NDA), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and ethylene glycol (EG) to proceed with esterification or by using dimethyl 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate (NDC), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), EG, and transesterification catalyst to proceed with transesterification reaction or by PTA process. While the esterification reaction reaches 85˜98 percent of esterification ratio, NDC, EG, and transesterification catalyst are added to proceed with transesterification reaction. The monomer obtained from previous procedure is added with polymerization catalyst thereafter to proceed with polycondensation reaction to produce copolyester of which the viscosity is increased through solid state polymerization. Then, the copolyester is ejected to be blow-molded so as to produce the one-way bottle which can meet the requirement of pasteurization.

Abstract: Shrinkage of cured resins is reduced by mixing the crosslinkable resin with a low profile additive (LPA). The LPA is in the form of particles which comprise an SCC polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The system is cured at a temperature above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), and the system and the LPA are such that at least part of the LPA remains as a separate phase in the curable resin at temperatures below Tp. It is believed that at least part of the crystalline polymer remains as a separate phase in the resin as it cures. Preferably at least part of the crystalline polymer forms a separate phase in the cured polymer after it has cooled.

Abstract: A system of compression molding a synthetic wood formulation into a commercially useable synthetic wood component is described. Surprising results are achieved when the dry formulation is placed under heat and pressure. Many different components may be made using the present invention, such as by example, wood-like trim components for the housing construction industry.

Abstract: The primary curing step of molding a heat curable silicone rubber composition loaded with a hollow filler of organic resin under such conditions that the hollow filler is not broken, is followed by the secondary curing step of curing the molded rubber under such conditions that the hollow filler is broken, thereby producing a low specific gravity silicone rubber elastomer having improved heat resistance and minimized changes with time of physical properties, without operational problems.

Abstract: A method of making patterned artificial material marble/granite/solid surface material that makes artificial marble/granite/solid surface material with variable patterns by use of polymers. The polymers are combined with filler materials, an accelerating reagent or colorful material to compose basic materials and pattern materials in different colors. Molds with at least one pattern are used for curing of the basic materials and the pattern material to form the patterned artificial material and to make the artificial marble/granite/solid surface material integral.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polyimide of the general formula (1) and a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a fuel cell comprising the steps of: (A) molding a separator having a gas flow channel or a cooling water flow channel by injection molding process having a step of injecting a mixture comprising one or more conductive inorganic materials and one or more resins into a mold; (B) producing an assembly comprising an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte; and (C) combining the separator with the assembly to produce a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball is disclosed. A cover is molded through use of either a thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group or a thermoplastic resin containing a compound having two or more groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. Subsequently, a polyisocyanate compound is caused to permeate into the surface layer of the cover to thereby cause the reaction between the polyisocyanate compound and the group(s) capable of reacting with the isocyanate group. As a result, a modified layer having excellent properties is formed at the surface of the cover formed from thermoplastic resin. In this case, a non-yellowing polyurethane resin is preferably used as the thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is preferably used as the polyisocyanate compound.

Abstract: A method of forming a custom mask (40) includes introducing a deformable material (32) to an impression mask (24) and directing the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24). This forms an impression of the user's face in the deformable material (32) to form the custom mask (40). The impression mask (24) receives the deformable material (32) and directs the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24) in response to pressure applied to the impression mask (24). The deformable material (32) may include a polycaprolactone polymer or an aliphatic polyester. The impression mask (24) may receive the deformable material (32) either before the user's face is brought within the impression mask (24) or while the user's face is within the impression mask (24).

Abstract: Compositions having improved gas/vapor barrier qualities are described. The compositions are composed of a substantially non-polar resin and a lamellar filler, the lamellar filler delaminating under high shear, to increase its aspect ratio. Also described are compositions composed of a non-polar thermoplastic resin filled with platelets of talc having an aspect ratio of at least 5; the platelets have an average aspect ratio of between 16-30 and a CIE whiteness index of at least 40.

Abstract: In a low-odor polyethylene blend made from a high-molecular-weight ethylene copolymer obtainable by polymerization in the presence of a Ziegler catalyst and from a low-molecular-weight ethylene homopolymer or ethylene copolymer obtainable by polymerization in the presence of a chromocene catalyst on an oxidic support, the Al content of the high-molecular-weight component is from 5 to 60 mg/kg, the Al content of the low-molecular-weight component is from 0 to 5 mg/kg and the Al content of the blend is from 1 to 55 mg/kg. Processes are described for preparing blends of this type. Their use is described for producing moldings, in particular hollow articles and pipes. Moldings, in particular hollow articles and pipes, are produced from low-odor polyethylene blends.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a polycarbonate solid surface product through utilization of polycarbonate flakes. The polycarbonate flakes offer unique shapes and improved ultra-violet stability to the product. The polycarbonate flakes are also a source of consistent clear particulate and provide for increased mechanical properties in some areas over prior art 100% polyester products. Additional, fire retardant polycarbonate offers fire retardancy in a clear chip unlike opaque ATH filled polyester chips, or UV sensitive polyester that has been halogenated.

Abstract: To provide a thermoplastic polyester resin composition which has a very good durability to alkaline solutions for a long period of time. That is, a thermoplastic polyester resin composition, wherein a thermoplastic polyester resin (A) is compounded with 1-25% by weight (in the total composition) of impact resistance rendering materials (B), 0.1-15% by weight (in the total composition) of a silicone compound and/or a fluorine compound (C), 1-50% by weight (in the total composition) of an inorganic filler (D), and 0.1-10% by weight of at least one polyfunctional compound (E) selected from the group consisting of an epoxy compound, an isocyanate compound and a carboxylic acid dianhydride. A molded article of the present invention has anti-stress properties even in a weld part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel crosslinkable amphiphilic block copolymers of formula wherein the variables are as defined in the claims, a process for their preparation and their use for the manufacture of mouldings. The block copolymers of the invention are especially useful for the manufacture of ophthalmic mouldings such as in particular contact lenses.

Abstract: A process for producing an epoxy resin composition for photosemiconductor element encapsulation which, even when a filler or the like is not contained therein, can have a viscosity necessary for molding and hence be satisfactorily molded to give a cured resin less apt to have defects such as burrs or bubbles. The process, which is for producing an epoxy resin composition for photosemiconductor element encapsulation comprising an epoxy resin, a hardener and a hardening accelerator as constituent ingredients, comprises: a first step of melt-mixing the ingredients together; and a second step of regulating viscosity of the molten mixture obtained in the first step at a given temperature.

Abstract: A decorative film having an excellent decorative effect, excellent three-dimensional curvature emulating properties, three-dimensional curvature formability, long-term weather resistance and stain resistance. The decorative film comprises one or more transparent layers and a decorative metal layer. The transparent layer has an adhered side for being adhered to a substrate. The transparent layer comprises a copolymer of a tetrafluoroethylene, a hexafluoropropylene and a vinylidene fluoride. The decorative metal layer is on the adhered side of the transparent layer. A substrate can be bonded to the metal layer of the decorative film. The substrate can be a complex three-dimensional shaped substrate. The substrate can also be an injection molded substrate. An adhesive can be disposed on the metal layer of the decorative film, and the adhesive layer can be disposed between the metal layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of molding an evenly colored, thermally conductive composition. Thermally conductive filler material is colored and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The step of for coloring the filler material is tailored to the type of thermally conductive filler used and could include, as required, anodizing, spraying or dying of the material before mixing with the base polymer matrix and prior to molding.

Abstract: An electrically conductive, fuel cell fluid flow field plate comprises a first major surface, a second major surface disposed opposite said first major surface, and a plurality of parallel substantially straight channels formed in at least one of the first and second major surfaces. The channels are separated by lands, and at least one of the plurality of channels has an open width less than about 0.75 millimeter. The channels preferably have a length to cross sectional area ratio of between about 2180:1 to about 6200:1. When the fluid flow field plate is used in a fuel cell operating at a current density higher than about 500 mA/cm2, the pressure differential between the inlets and outlets of the oxidant flow field channels is between about 138 millibars and about 400 millibars. Such fluid flow field plates may be formed by embossing or molding.