Abstract: A method for forming a polyimide-carbon nanotube composite film on a substrate is provided. The method comprises: suspending carbon nanotubes in a solution comprising a poly(amic acid) and a suitable solvent; casting the solution onto a substrate to form a layer on the substrate; and heating the layer to convert the poly(amic acid) into a polyimide to form the polyimide-carbon nanotube composite film. A polyimide-carbon nanotube composite film and an electronic device comprising the polyimide-carbon nanotube composite film are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article that has been obtained by the melt-process recycling of one or more multi-layer articles, where the multi-layer articles are composed of at least one melt-processible polyvinylidene fluoride layer. The composition of the invention is a compatible blend of the different layers from the multi-layer articles. The other layers of the multi-layer articles are also melt-processible, and include one or more layers chosen from: a) a melt-processible fluoropolymer of a different composition, b) a non-fluoropolymer, and c) a barrier layer. The composition is useful for forming an article in a melt-process operation. The composition may be used by itself, may be blended with other virgin or recycled materials, or may be used at low levels with melt-processible polymers as a process aid.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing fluoroelastomers having a fluorine content between 62% and 74% by weight vulcanized by ionic systems, preferably selected from bisphenol A and bisphenol AF, i.e. 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, the process including a step of heating the vulcanized fluoroelastomers in the presence of a hydrolysis composition having one or more chemical selected from water, water soluble alcohols, water soluble glycols and mixtures thereof, at a temperature from 350° C. to 430° C. Fluoroelastomers obtainable by this process and their use for the preparation of compounds and vulcanized compositions are also described.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article that has been obtained by the melt-process recycling of one or more multi-layer articles, where the multi-layer articles are composed of at least one melt-processible polyvinylidene fluoride layer. The composition of the invention is a compatible blend of the different layers from the multi-layer articles. The other layers of the multi-layer articles are also melt-processible, and include one or more layers chosen from: a) a melt-processible fluoropolymer of a different composition, b) a non-fluoropolymer, and c) a barrier layer. The composition is useful for forming an article in a melt-process operation. The composition may be used by itself, may be blended with other virgin or recycled materials, or may be used at low levels with melt-processible polymers as a process aid.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and a fluorescent compound, wherein the fluorescent compound has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The fluorescent compound will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound. If the plastic part was processed without exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound, then any fluorescent compound within the plastic part will cause the plastic part to fluoresce in response to exposure to black light. A suitable fluorescent compound may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: [Problem]To provide a method for producing a polyol-crosslinking, crosslinked fluororubber product which exhibits low tack properties and significantly increased rubber hardness. [Means for Solving the problem] The method comprises pressurizing, heating, and vulcanizing a fluororubber composition to mold a vulcanized product; the fluororubber composition comprising a polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber, a crosslinking accelerator including a quarternary phosphonium salt or a quarternary ammonium salt, and a polyol crosslinking agent, the weight ratio X of the crosslinking accelerator to the polyol crosslinking agent (crosslinking accelerator/polyol crosslinking agent) being from 0.90 to 3.00 for a quarternary phosphonium salt, and being from 0.4 to 0.6 for a quarternary ammonium salt; applying a treatment solution containing the polyol crosslinking agent and the crosslinking accelerator dissohttp://reedman/Manuals/Text_Manual/Section_03.htm - 3.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene resin molded article obtained by fusing PTFE by heating a tetrafluoroethylene resin by heating, and then executing a gradual cooling or a cooling including a holding at a temperature equal to or higher than 313° C. and lower than 321° C. for 10 minutes or longer, and having, when heated to 365° C., then cooled to 245° C. with a rate of ?1° C./min, and then heated to 365° C. with a rate of 10° C./min, a heat of fusion which, within a range from 296 to 343° C., is equal to or larger than 32 J/g and less than 47.8 J/g, a porous article obtained by expanding the molded article, and a composite article, a filter, an impact deformation absorber and a sealing material utilizing the molded article or the porous article.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a fluorine-containing polymer and 2 to 30 parts by weight of an unsaturated compound containing at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group and a carboxyl group, wherein the fluorine-containing polymer has been graft-modified with the polar group-containing unsaturated compound by irradiation of ionizing radiation, a production process thereof, and formed products such as a heat-shrinkable tube equipped with a layer composed of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: There is provided a curable composition comprising: a) fluoropolyethers having a molecular weight of from about 400 g/mole up to about 20,000 g/mole and containing moieties selected from (—(CF2)4O—), (—(CF2)2O—), (—CF2O—) or combinations thereof and further containing at least one nitrile group at a terminal position or at a position that is adjacent to the terminal position; and b) one or more curing agents selected from non-fluorinated compounds containing one or more functional group linked to a common residue, said residue containing at least three carbon atoms wherein the functional groups are selected from primary amines, secondary amines and functional groups that generate primary or secondary amines upon heat treatment, wherein the composition can be cured by generating groups having a triazine structure. Also provided are cured composition, methods of making cured compositions, articles made by curing the cured compositions and methods of making articles using the curable composition.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer and a perfluoropolyether compound. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for preparing a plastic containing feedstream for conversion to valuable carbon-containing products such as synthetic crude oil. In some systems and methods, the plastic material is prepared from carpet scrap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for production of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, which is superior in productivity compared to conventional processes and can reduce the cost of production. Also disclosed is a process for production of a PTFE seal tape. The processes comprise the following steps (i) to (iii): (i) applying a force to a PTFE particle suspension comprising PTFE particles, a surfactant and water (a dispersion medium) so that the particles can come close to each other or contact with each other, thereby forming a PTFE-containing solid material having the water and the surfactant included therein; (ii) shaping the solid material into a sheet-like form; and (iii) reducing the water content in the sheet-like solid material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for production of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, which is superior in productivity compared to conventional processes and can reduce the cost of production. Also disclosed is a process for production of a PTFE seal tape. The processes comprise the following steps (i) to (iii): (i) applying a force to a PTFE particle suspension comprising PTFE particles, a surfactant and water (a dispersion medium) so that the particles can come close to each other or contact with each other, thereby forming a PTFE-containing solid material having the water and the surfactant included therein; (ii) shaping the solid material into a sheet-like form; and (iii) reducing the water content in the sheet-like solid material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to produce a semi-crystalline fluoro-polymer film. A semi-crystalline fluoro-polymer material is used. The material is compressed to produce the film. During compression, the material is maintained at a temperature below the melting point of the material. The compression step can be cycled to allow cooling of the material between compression stages. Alternative methods are provided for compressing the material with a co-extrusion substrate, extruding the material and utilizing mandrel expansion for the material.

Abstract: Provided is a cross-linkable fluororubber composition capable of giving a fluororubber cross-linked molded article that has excellent mechanical strength and low friction properties. The cross-linkable fluororubber composition includes a coagulum obtained by co-coagulating a fluororubber (A) and a fluororesin (B).

Abstract: A static and closed solution casting process comprises the following steps: dissolve a solute in a solvent to prepare a casting solution; place membrane-casting plate on bracket, and adjust the bracket to make the membrane-casting plate horizontal; pour the casting solution into membrane-casting plate such that the casting solution is uniformly spread out in the membrane-casting plate; arrange heating arrangement over the membrane-casting plate; arrange cooling side plate around the membrane-casting plate; arrange cooling bottom plate below the membrane-casting plate; supply cooling liquor to the connected interlayer of the cooling side plate and the cooling bottom plate; enclose the membrane-casting plate, the bracket, the heating arrangement, the cooling side plate and the cooling bottom plate inside an insulated case made by heat insulator; heat the casting solution in the membrane-casting plate by driving the heating arrangement to totally evaporate the solvent in the casting solution; and then continuous

Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene resin comprising polytetrafluoroethylene having a two-dimensional branched structure in the molecule is produced by exposing polytetrafluoroethylene to an ionizing radiation at a dose of no more than 10 kGy.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer [polymer (F)], a polymerisation process for its manufacture, and a molding process using such fluoropolymer [polymer (F)]. The polymerisation process comprises polymerising at least one fluorinated monomer in a polymerization medium, in which the polymerization medium is mixed by means of a stirring system comprising at least two counter-rotating impellers. Surprisingly and advantageously, the polymerization occurs without fouling or deposit formation on the reactor walls, and moreover, occurs with improved homogeneity, without composition, pressure or temperature gradients, thus enabling obtaining homogeneous polymer composition with no risk of local overheating. A polymer (F) obtained from such process has improved morphology (percentage of organized structures, i.e.

Abstract: that are made up of oriented polymer chains are provided. Chains of polymer may be oriented or substantially aligned in one or more directions exhibiting enhanced thermal conductivity along the direction of orientation. Orientation of polymers within sheets may lead to a wide range of thermally relevant applications.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to gasket materials used for attaching and sealing covers to enclosures. More particularly, this disclosure relates to form-in-place gaskets, applied to surfaces of containers for sensitive electronic components. The gaskets include a flexible polymer and a micropowder polyolefin filler.

Abstract: A PTFE resin does not require the hot coining method and is more difficult to deform than conventional PTFE resins. A polytetrafluoroethylene molded body is obtained from a crosslinking polytetrafluoroethylene that possesses at least one type of reactive functional group selected from the group that comprises cyano group (—CN), a first functional group and a second functional group. The first functional group is represented by: The second functional group is represented by (where R1 and R2 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, —OR3, —N(R3)2, and —R3, and where R3 is an alkyl group of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms that optionally contains fluorine or hydrogen atoms). The polytetrafluoroethylene substantially does not flow even when heated up to or above its melting point, and is baked after it is compression molded.

Abstract: A seal ring (10) of the present invention seals operating oil hermetically and is attached to an annular seal ring groove (16) provided on an outer circumference of a shaft member (12). The seal ring (10) includes fluororesin, modified fluororesin formed by being irradiated with an ionizing radiation in a range from 1 kGy to 10 MGy inclusive in a state of being heated up to a melting point thereof or higher under an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of 1.33 kPa or less, and synthetic resin having a surface energy ranging from +0 N/cm to 20˜10?5 N/cm inclusive of that of the operating oil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for production of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, which is superior in productivity compared to conventional processes and can reduce the cost of production. Also disclosed is a process for production of a PTFE seal tape. The processes comprise the following steps (i) to (iii): (i) applying a force to a PTFE particle suspension comprising PTFE particles, a surfactant and water (a dispersion medium) so that the particles can come close to each other or contact with each other, thereby forming a PTFE-containing solid material having the water and the surfactant included therein; (ii) shaping the solid material into a sheet-like form; and (iii) reducing the water content in the sheet-like solid material.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell comprises, in one embodiment, a proton exchange membrane (PEM), an anode positioned along one face of the PEM, and a cathode positioned along the other face of the PEM. An electrically-conductive, compressible, spring-like, porous pad for defining a fluid cavity is placed in contact with the outer face of the cathode. The porous pad comprises a mat of carbon fibers bound together with one or more, preferably thermoplastic, resins, the mat having a density of about 0.2-1.5 g/cm3. Cell frames are placed in peripheral contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for peripherally containing fluids present therewithin. Electrically-conductive separators are placed in contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for axially containing fluids present therewithin. A plurality of the cells may be arranged in series in a bipolar configuration without requiring a separate compression pad between cells (for gas pressure differentials up to about 400 psi or greater).

Abstract: A fluoropolymer [polymer (F)], a polymerisation process for its manufacture, and a moulding process using such fluoropolymer [polymer (F)]. The polymerisation process comprises polymerising at least one fluorinated monomer in a polymerization medium, in which the polymerization medium is mixed by means of a stirring system comprising at least two counter-rotating impellers. Surprisingly and advantageously, the polymerization occurs without fouling or deposit formation on the reactor walls, and moreover, occurs with improved homogeneity, without composition, pressure or temperature gradients, thus enabling obtaining homogeneous polymer composition with no risk of local overheating. A polymer (F) obtained from such process has improved morphology (percentage of organized structures, i.e.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene resin molded article obtained by fusing PTFE by heating a tetrafluoroethylene resin by heating, and then executing a gradual cooling or a cooling including a holding at a temperature equal to or higher than 313° C. and lower than 321° C. for 10 minutes or longer, and having, when heated to 365° C., then cooled to 245° C. with a rate of ?1° C./min, and then heated to 365° C. with a rate of 10° C./min, a heat of fusion which, within a range from 296 to 343° C., is equal to or larger than 32 J/g and less than 47.8 J/g, a porous article obtained by expanding the molded article, and a composite article, a filter, an impact deformation absorber and a sealing material utilizing the molded article or the porous article.

Abstract: A sliding material sliding material includes: a sliding plane member; a base member made of a material different from that of the sliding plane member; an intermediate member provided between the sliding plane member and the base member and formed with a plurality of spaces; and a joining member for bonding the intermediate member to the base member, in which a portion of the space formed to the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the sliding plane member so that the sliding plane member is bonded to the intermediate member, and a residual portion of the space of the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the joining member so that the base member is bonded to the intermediate member with the joining member therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for making processable rubber compositions containing fluorocarbon elastomers cured by polyol or phenol curative agents include an optional heat treating step before thermoplastic processing. In one aspect, a dynamic vulcanizate of a fluorocarbon elastomer containing an excess of un-reacted polyol curative agent is subject to a pre-molding heat treatment at a temperature of 150° C. or above, but preferably below the thermoplastic processing temperature, for a time sufficient to drive off or decompose at least part of the un-reacted or excess polyol curative agent. After part or all of the curative agent is driven off or decomposed by the heat treatment, the heat treated material may be thereafter processed by thermoplastic techniques to form shaped articles. Advantageously, articles produced by thermoplastic processing of the heat treated dynamic vulcanizates are characterized by a low permeability to gases and vapors.

Abstract: A curable method useful for encapsulating solid state devices includes (A) an epoxy resin; (B) an effective amount of a cure catalyst comprising (B1) a first latent cationic cure catalyst comprising a diaryl iodonium hexafluoroantimonate salt; (B2) a second latent cationic cure catalyst comprising (B2a) a diaryl iodonium cation, and (B2b) an anion selected from perchlorate, imidodisulfurylfluoride anion, unsubstituted and substituted (C1-C12)-hydrocarbylsulfonates, (C2-C12)-perfluoroalkanoates, tetrafluoroborate, unsubstituted and substituted tetra-(C1-C12)-hydrocarbylborates, hexafluorophosphate, hexafluoroarsenate, tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methyl anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methyl anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfuryl)imide anion, and combinations thereof; and (B3) a cure co-catalyst selected from free-radical generating aromatic compounds, peroxy compounds, copper (II) salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids, copper (II) salts of aromatic carboxylic acids, copper (II) acetylacetonate, and combinations

Abstract: Unsintered poly(tetrafluoroethylene) resin feeds are treated with ionizing radiation in an absorbed dose of no more than 1,000 Gy at room temperature in air so that only the melting temperature of the resin feeds is shifted toward the lower end without changing the quantities of heat of fusion and crystallization.

Abstract: A finished PTFE film is produced by first preparing an extruded, dried, unsintered and unexpanded PTFE feed film, and then reducing the thickness of the feed film by more than 20% by passing it with back tension through a roll nip.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method of producing multilayer laminates comprising a polyamide and a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer laminated together and being excellent in interlayer adhesion strength by multilayer coextrusion in an easy and simple manner without need of any additional step or without being limited to some or other particular adhesive material. The present invention is a production method of a multilayer laminate which comprises laminating at least a polyamide (A) and a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer (B) by simultaneous multilayer coextrusion using a coextrusion apparatus to obtain the laminate comprising said polyamide (A) and said fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer (B), said coextrusion apparatus comprising a die and a plurality of extruders for feeding resins to said die, and the temperature of said die being set within the range exceeding 260° C. but not higher than 310° C.

Abstract: A thermoprocessable copolymer of TFE essentially formed by: (a) from 4.5 to 8.5% by weight of perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE); (b) from 0.3 to 1.6% by weight of a perfluorodioxole of formula: wherein: Y=F, ORf, Rf wherein Rf is a perfluoroalkyl having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; X1 and X2, equal to or diferent from each other, are —F or —CF3; (c) TFE, forming the remaining part to 100%.

Abstract: A block-shaped baked molded article having little block deformation amount is obtained in order to reduce a loss of materials until a stable film or sheet can be cut from a block-shaped molded article. After a polytetrafluoroethylene powder is compression-molded to form a preform, the resultant preform is baked while being rotated, thereby to produce a polytetrafluoroethylene molded article.

Abstract: A seal ring seals operating oil hermetically and is attached to an annular seal ring groove provided on an outer circumference of a shaft member. The seal ring comprises fluororesin, metal powder having a hardness equal to or more than that of any of a side surface of the seal ring groove serving as a sliding partner and an inner circumferential surface of a housing engaged relatively rotatable with the outer circumference of the shaft member, and modified fluororesin formed by irradiating an ionizing radiation in a range from 1 kGy to 10 MGy inclusive in a state of being heated up to a melting point thereof or higher under an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of 1.33 kPa or less.

Abstract: The present invention is a low-temperature-decomposable engineering plastic resin composition prepared by formulating a low-temperature-decomposable engineering plastic with a fluorine-containing resin, wherein said low-temperature-decomposable engineering plastic has a melting point of not higher than 200° C. and a decomposition temperature of not higher than 300° C., and wherein said fluorine-containing resin is a resin comprising a fluorine-containing polymer, said fluorine-containing polymer having a fluorine atom and at least one atom species selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom, said fluorine atom and said at least one atom species being bound to a non-terminal carbon atom constituting a main chain, and said fluorine-containing polymer having substantially no polar functional groups reactive to the low-temperature-decomposable engineering plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric article, such as an elastomeric glove, for example, and a method for making the disclosed elastomeric article. The elastomeric article includes a fluorocarbon graft on the donning surface of the article. In addition, a hydrophilic lubricant including a modified siloxane displaying polar functionality may be applied to the surface of the article. In one embodiment, the modified siloxane may be an amino modified siloxane. The silicone lubricant and the fluorocarbon graft display a synergy, providing an article with improved dry slip characteristics and improved wet slip characteristics. In addition, a fatty alcohol may be applied to the surface of the article, further improving the damp slip characteristics of the article.

Abstract: A wrinkle-free organic film having a high light transmittance and a uniform film thickness is obtained by forming an organic thin film on the surface of a substrate having a contact angle of the surface to water of 90° or higher, followed by peeling the film therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molded fluoropolymer sweep elbows with straight ends while minimizing distortion of the fitting. The invention includes a mold for creating the sweep fittings of the invention. The mold includes a mold cavity block and internal coring. The internal coring includes two symmetrical cores that shut off at a 45° miter. Each of the symmetrical cores is divided into two parts, an outside sweep core and an inside sweep core. The outside sweep core and the inside sweep core are divided on a straight plane running the length of the core. The outside sweep core molds half of the straight lumen and the greater curvature at the outside sweep surface of the bend. The inside sweep core molds the other half of the straight bore and the lesser curvature of the inside or undercut portion of the bend.

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 a resin composition prepared by formulating an engineering plastic with a fluorine-containing polymer wherein said fluorine-containing polymer accounts for 0.005 to 1 mass % of the total of a mass of said engineering plastic and a mass of said fluorine-containing polymer, wherein said fluorine-containing polymer is a perfluoropolymer, and wherein said resin composition is used for extrusion molding or injection molding.

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: A process of compression moulding an article from a polymer powder comprising; a) applying a polymer powder to a mould; b) compacting the polymer powder by the application of a pressure P; c) raising the temperature of the surface of the mould to a value above the melting temperature of the polymer powder; and d) maintaining a temperature TM at the surface of the mould for a period of time tM and then cooling to a temperature below the crystallisation temperature of the polymer; where TM and tM are controlled so as to provide a moulded article comprising a polymer of predetermined maximum reptated molecular weight. The compression moulded articles produced by this process are useful as orthopaedic prostheses, such as components of knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, finger or toe joint replacements.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer materials containing tetrafluoroethylene monomers, such as PTFE, are significantly swollen by supercritical carbon dioxide at high temperatures and pressures. The swollen fluoropolymer is processable by molding, extrusion, and other techniques. In addition, the fluoropolymer may be sintered at significantly lower temperatures compared to a nonswollen fluoropolymer material. The melting temperature of fluorinated polymers containing tetrafluoroethylene and triflouroethylene monomers which are swollen with supercritical carbon dioxide is significantly reduced, thereby permitting manufacturing operations such as extruding and molding to be performed at lower temperatures and with reduced risk of decomposition.

Abstract: A fuser member for fixing toner to a recording medium having a fluoropolymer non-stick topcoat on a compliant silicone rubber baselayer bonded to a metallic insert is provided. The fluoropolymer is adhered to the silicone rubber baselayer using a primer of a blend of silane and a polyamide resin. The primed silicone baselayer is preheated in an infrared oven to remove low molecular weight fractions.

Abstract: A flow-through vacuum degassing unit for degassing a mobile phase in liquid chromatography applications includes a relatively flat self-supporting thin membrane disposed in a compact degassing component, whereby the thin membrane is gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable to selectively degas a mobile phase. The self-supporting thin membrane is disposed on a permeable substrate through which a vacuum is drawn by a connected vacuum source. In a particular embodiment, the self-supporting membrane may be directly cast on the permeable substrate through a solvent-free thermal process.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a mineral oil in a fluoroelastomer composition comprising a fluoroelastomer to improve the flow of said composition during processing to form an article therefrom and/or to improve the release from a mold of a vulcanized article produced from said fluoroelastomer composition. Further provide are a fluoroelastomer composition that includes a mineral oil, a method of making an article therewith and a method of preparing the fluoroelastomer composition.