Abstract: Methods for coating fibers and material to achieve particular properties such as water repellency, oil repellency and self-cleaning, are provided. These properties are achieved by pre-treating the fibers or material and subsequently coating with prepolymers and nanoparticles. The prepolymers are partly substituted with hydrocarbon groups or fluorocarbon groups. The nanoparticles may have surfaces treated with hydrocarbons or fluorocarbons. The prepolymers are fixed and hardened by irradiation with light of a wavelength in the UV or visible regions.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles by dropletization polymerization in the gas phase, which comprises drying the polymeric particles after the polymerization in a fluidized bed, the water-absorbing polymeric particles themselves, hygiene articles comprising these water-absorbing polymeric particles and also apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to low baking temperature ultraviolet (UV) radiation curable or thermally curable powder coating polymer materials and compositions for heat-sensitive and/or flexible substrates. More specifically, such powder coating polymer materials and compositions are based on crystalline or semi-crystalline polymers but when subject to melting and flow-out at low temperatures (60° C.-140° C.) and upon curing in molten state by UV radiation or thermal energy, will give a (highly) flexible coating having either complete amorphous, non-crystalline, low glass transition temperature (Tg) polymeric matrix or low degree of crystallinity, low Tg polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A method for curing polymerizable compositions by irradiating the compositions with a pulsed light that is emitted from an LED. The method of the present invention is especially suitable for curing dental compositions.

Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements, such as ophthalmic elements, including a substrate, a compatiblizing coating that optionally includes a dendritic polymer on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate and a functional organic coating, such as, but not limited to, an alignment coating, a photochromic coating, or an aligned liquid crystal coating, in contact with at least a portion of the compatiblizing coating opposite the substrate. The present invention also relates to compatiblizing coating compositions of dendritic polymers that may be used to form compatiblizing coatings on the surface of an optical element, and methods of making optical elements using the compatiblizing coatings.

Abstract: The present invention is filler composition and a method for applying the filler composition to an engineered hardwood flooring board in order to fill the defects in the veneer layer of the board to provide the desired appearance to the exterior of the board. The filler composition is applied continuously to a veneer layer forming the exterior surface of an engineered hardwood flooring board in a manner such that all defects and cracks in the veneer layer are filled with the filler composition. After application, the excess filler composition is removed from the board such that only the filler composition filling the defects in the veneer layer remains on the board.

Abstract: A two-part curable ink composition set includes an ink composition A which contains at least a photopolymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound and which does not contain a coloring material, and an ink composition B which contains at least a coloring material and a polymerizable compound and which does not contain a photopolymerization initiator, wherein either one or each of the ink composition A and the ink composition B contains a resin emulsion dispersed in the polymerizable compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high refractive index coating compositions containing a functionalized metal oxide nanoparticle and sulfur-containing polymerizable components. The composition can be prepared into optical articles via curing processes.

Abstract: Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound, an adhesion promoter and curing agent which have a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are disclosed. The compositions when cured are flexible bioadhesives which are also disclosed. Non-curable diluents can be included in the compositions. Flexible bioadhesives formed on biological structures and having low peak exotherms upon curing of curable compositions to form the flexible bioadhesives are disclosed. Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound and a curing agent and a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are included in the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for forming an organic layer pattern which is characterized by forming a thin layer by coating a coating solution including a polyimide-based polymer having a heteroaromatic pendant group including a heteroatom in its polyimide major chain, a photoinitiator and a crosslinking agent on a substrate and drying the substrate, and exposing and developing the thin layer, an organic layer pattern prepared by the method, and an organic memory device comprising the pattern. According to example embodiments, a high-resolution micropattern may be formed without undergoing any expensive process, e.g., photoresist, leading to simplification of the preparation process and cost reduction.

Abstract: A radiation image-able coating includes at least one color former, and a radiation curable matrix including an activator and at least one water soluble monomer.

Abstract: An optical element with a polarizer and a support layer is disclosed herein. The polarizer comprises an intrinsic polarizer and the support layer comprises the reaction product of: (a) from 50 to 99 parts by weight of a (meth)acryloyl oligomer having a plurality of pendant, free radically polymerizable functional groups and a Tg of greater than or equal to 20° C., (b) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of a free-radically polymerizable crosslinking agent and/or diluent monomer, and (c) from 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of an initiator. A method of forming the optical element is also disclosed herein. The optical element may be used in optical devices such as projector systems.

Abstract: A method of making a reworkable adhesive including reacting a precursor to a thermally-labile group and a precursor to a UV curable cross-linking monomer; combining the product of the reaction of the precursor to a thermally-labile group and the precursor to a UV curable cross-linking monomer with a photoinitiator, and a filler; and UV curing the combination of the product of the reaction of the precursor to a thermally-labile group and the precursor to a UV curable cross-linking monomer, the photoinitiator and the filler.

Abstract: A photo-crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprises a polyolefin, a source of functionality receptive to crosslinking by UV radiation, a cationic photoinitiator and optionally includes a free-radical photoinitiator, a crosslinking accelerator or sensitizer, and other additives such as compatibilizers, inorganic fillers, nanofillers, glass, polymeric and ceramic microspheres, glass fibres, flame retardants, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, foaming agents and pigments. A method for manufacturing a UV-crosslinked polyolefin article comprises forming an article by extruding, moulding or otherwise forming the UV-crosslinkable polyolefin composition and subjecting the article to UV radiation on-line with the extrusion, moulding or other forming operation.

Abstract: A method for curing polymerizable compositions by irradiating the compositions with light that is emitted from an LED. The method of the present invention is especially preferred for curing dental compositions.

Abstract: A photocurable composition, including (a) a photocurable monomer, e.g. a cationically curable monomer and/or a radically curable monomer; (b) reactive particles comprising a crosslinked elastomeric core, e.g. made of polysiloxane material, and a shell of reactive groups on an outer surface of the core, wherein the reactive groups comprise epoxy groups, ethylenically unsaturated groups, or hydroxy groups; and (c) an appropriate photoinitiator, e.g. a radical photoinitiator; and a cationic photoinitiator. A method of making a 3-D object from such a composition and a 3-D object made by the method are also provided. The cured composition generally has a smooth surface. The use of the reactive particles makes the composition more stable and the particles do not readily separate out.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluoropolymer comprising a plurality of pendent groups terminating in —CF2SO3X, —CF2SO2F, or combinations thereof, where X is selected from a group consisting of H+ and a monovalent cation, and at least one —CF2Y end group, where Y is selected from a group consisting of a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a nitrile group, and an —SO3X group.

Abstract: Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.

Abstract: Polymer particles are irradiated with radiation from a high energy source to increase the water or other fluid absorbency of the particles. Products manufactured using the activated particles include protective undergarments, bandages, kitty litter, and spill clean up materials.

Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polymer is provided as well as the polymer so made, the method comprising the steps of: providing a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer, typically a perfluorinated fluoropolymer, comprising pendent groups which include a group according to the formula —SO2X, where X is F, Cl, Br, OH, or —O?M+, where M+ is a monovalent cation, and exposing said fluoropolymer to electron beam radiation so as to result in the formation of crosslinks. Typically, the method according to the present invention additionally comprises the step of: forming said fluoropolymer into a membrane, typically having a thickness of 90 microns or less, more typically 60 microns or less, and most typically 30 microns or less.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining crosslinked polymers, particularly fluorinated polymers having pendent sulfonic acid groups, by crosslinking through pendent groups which include a sulfonyl chloride group (—SO2Cl). The sulfonyl chloride group may be removed by application of electromagnetic radiation, typically in the ultraviolet band, or a radical initiator, leaving behind a radical which readily binds covalently to other polymer strands or to crosslinking agents to form crosslinks. Typically, the polymer is made by providing a polymer comprising pendent groups which include a group according to the formula —SO2F and converting at least a portion of the —SO2F groups to —SO2Cl. After crosslinking, the remaining —SO2F groups may be converted to sulfonic acid groups, yielding a crosslinked polymer electrolyte. Such crosslinked polymer electrolytes may be used to make polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM's) that may be used in electrolytic cells such as fuel cells.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fluorinated polymer of adequate molecular weight with excellent transparency in a wavelength range from visible to near infrared, and to also provide a method of producing such a polymer. The present invention provides a fluorinated polymer comprising a structure represented by a formula (1) as a structural unit, as well as a method of producing this polymer using a corresponding tetrafluoroxylylenediamine or a tetrafluoroxylylene glycol as a raw material.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously monitoring a photopolymerization reaction in real time by optical pyrometry includes a housing having a chamber; a sample mount that may be disposed within the chamber; a light source for supplying light to induce a photopolymerization reaction in a monomer sample disposed on the sample mount; and an optical pyrometer that may be attached to the housing for measuring temperature of the monomer sample. The temperature of the sample with respect to time is used to monitor progress of the reaction. Another apparatus for monitoring a photopolymerization reaction combines optical pyrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a sample mount disposed in a beam of an infrared spectrometer a light source for supplying light to induce a photopolymerization reaction in a monomer sample disposed on the sample mount and an optical pyrometer for measuring temperature of the monomer sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, typically in the form of a membrane for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane in an electrolytic cell such as a fuel cell, by trimerization of nitrile groups contained on groups pendant from the polymer. The resulting polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a highly fluorinated polymer comprising: a perfluorinated backbone, first pendent groups which comprise sulfonic acid groups, and crosslinks comprising trivalent groups according to the formula: The first pendent groups are typically according to the formula: —R1—SO3H, where R1 is a branched or unbranched perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroether group comprising 1–15 carbon atoms and 0–4 oxygen atoms, most typically —O—CF2—CF2—CF2—CF2—SO3H or —O—CF2—CF(CF3)—O—CF2—CF2—SO3H.

Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.

Abstract: A method of making a reflective film includes the steps of: (a) preparing a cholesteric mixture that includes a cholesteric liquid crystal material and at least one type of polymerizable compound; (b) forming a cholesteric mixture layer in which the cholesteric liquid crystal material forms a helical structure, having continuously changing helical pitches, approximately along a normal to the layer; and (c) exposing the cholesteric mixture layer to an actinic ray at a temperature, at which the cholesteric mixture exhibits a cholesteric phase, thereby polymerizing the at least one type of polymerizable compound. In this method, a Tni point of the cholesteric mixture increases by performing the step (c).

Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.

Abstract: Anionic polymerization initiators useful in the preparation of polymers having a protected amine functional group. The amine functionality includes a first protecting group, which can be aralkyl, methyl, allyl or tertiary alkyl group. The other of the amine protecting groups can be the same as the first protecting group. Alternatively, the second protecting group can be different from the first protecting group, in which case it is selected to have differential stability to agents used to remove the aralkyl, methyl, allyl or tertiary alkyl protecting group.

Abstract: A latent material having various controlled shrinkage tensions and patterns and a method of making the same. The materials include polymer materials that are capable of absorbing microwave energy. Different degrees of shrinkage of the material may be controlled to create different tensions in the material. Additionally, various stereo and three-dimensional patterns may be generated on the material. These materials may be used in the formation of personal care articles. The materials are made by incorporating a polymer material onto the film, wherein the polymer material is capable of turning microwave energy into heat. Upon exposure to microwave radiation, the heat will cause the latent material to shrink. The use of different types and amounts of polymer materials will result in a latent material having different tensions and patterns.

Abstract: An in situ polymer microstructure formation method. The monomer mixture is polymerized in a solvent/precipitant through exposure to ionizing radiation in the absence any chemical mediators. If an exposure mask is employed to block out certain regions of the radiation cross section, then a patterned microstructure is formed. The polymerization mechanism is based on the so-called free-radical retrograde-precipitation polymerization process, in which polymerization occurs while the system is phase separating above the lower critical solution temperature. This method was extended to produce a crosslinked line grid-pattern of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), which has been known to have thermoreversible properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waveguide, a method of manufacture therefore, and an optical communications system including an optical device comprising the waveguide. The waveguide may comprise a substrate, a planar waveguide core located over the substrate and a cladding layer located adjacent the planar waveguide core, the cladding layer comprising a silsesquioxane oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel photosensitive compound having an azido group suitable for exposure to light of a short wavelength; a photosensitive resin containing the photosensitive compound; and a photosensitive composition containing the photosensitive compound or photosensitive resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light curing of composite materials in which the radiation required to initiate the curing is delivered via one or more lossy fiber optics. The fiber optics are made lossy by methods such as bending the fiber, weaving the fiber into a mat to create periodic micro-bends, tailoring the thickness of the fiber cladding to allow evanescent wave transmission, or simply removing the cladding at intervals along the fiber. Distribution of the light through out the composite material results in dramatic power and time reductions over traditional light curing methods. Unlike thermal curing of composite materials, there is no need for an auto-clave and hence no limit on the size of the part that may be created. Additional benefits include the possibility of curing at operational temperature and so avoiding thermal stresses.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric optical materials that can be cured in air and have low optical loss in both the C-band and the L-band of the telecommunications spectrum. The polymeric materials are made by the free radical polymerization of an at least difunctional thiol compound with an at least difunctional ethylenically unsaturated compound wherein at least one of the thiol compound and the ethylenically unsaturated compound is at least partially halogenated. The compositions of this invention may be used to fabricate planar optical waveguides with low loss and low birefringence.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting moulds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these moulds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers by crosslinking them, especially before irradiation sterilization. In particular, this invention presents the use of chemically crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in in vivo implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire retardant wooden components and a method of manufacturing a fire retardant-treated wooden component, such as a slat. The method includes the step of pressure treating a piece of lumber with a fire retardant solution; drying the pressure treated piece of lumber to a moisture content of 15-23%; cutting the piece of lumber into wooden components of the desired dimensions; applying a coat of lacquer thinner base to the wooden components; drying the base thinner coat; applying a UV cured sealant coating on the dried base coat; drying the sealant coat; applying a UV cured polyurethane top coat on the sealant coated wooden components; and curing the polymer coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active energy ray-curable polyimide resin composition which comprises a polymerizable polyimide resin (I) having an isocyanurate ring, an alicyclic structure, an imide ring and a (meth)acryloyl group and being capable of patterning with a dilute alkali aqueous solution.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable material is exposed to light to effect curing. A portion of the material is exposed to light in a conventional manner, while at least one other portion of the material is masked from direct exposure to the light by use of a mask (10) having at least one mask segment (11) which either completely or at least partially blocks the light. In this manner, the polymerization stress associated with the cured materials is limited or minimized due to extended molecular relaxation promoted by this controlled or hybrid curing technique. Also according to the invention, different segments (30, 31) of a material to be cured (22) are exposed to different wavelengths of light energy (21) or one such segment (30, 31) is exposed to light energy while another such segment is not.

Abstract: Composition curable thermally and with actinic radiation (dual-cure composition) comprising A) at least one constituent containing on average per molecule at least one primary or secondary carbamate group and at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation and preparable by from polyfunctional compounds containing at least two isocyanate-reactive, acid-reactive or epoxide-reactive functional groups and suitable monoisocyanates, monoacids or monoepoxides or from polyisocyanates, polyacids or polyepoxides and suitable compounds which contain an isocyanate-reactive, acid-reactive or epoxide-reactive functional group; and B) at least one constituent containing on average per molecule at least one carbamate-reactive functional group and also, where appropriate, at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; and its use as adhesive, sealing compound and coating material.

Abstract: A process for producing scratch-resistant coatings, encompassing the following steps: applying at least one UV-curable coating composition to at least one surface of an article to be coated, said coating composition comprising at least one polymer and/or oligomer P1 containing on average at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond per molecule, and curing the coating composition by exposure to UV radiation, which comprises conducting the curing of the coating composition under an oxygen-containing protective gas which has an oxygen partial pressure in the range from 0.2 to 18 kPa.

Abstract: An adhesive system for forming reversible adhesive bonds includes at least one polymeric adhesive component comprising at least one of polyurethanes, polyureas, or epoxy resins and at least one additional component that includes a functional group that can be activated by the introduction of energy, such that a chemical reaction with the adhesive component takes place involving a partial breakdown of the adhesive component. Reversible bonding of articles and controlled parting of an adhesive bond between articles can be achieved with the adhesive system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a substrate coated with an adhesive, comprising applying an electron beam modifiable adhesive layer onto a repeatably reusable transfer surface, irradiating the adhesive layer with an electron beam to chemically modify the adhesive layer, and transferring the irradiated adhesive layer to a substrate. Also disclosed is an adhesive coated web, comprising a substrate having at least one component susceptible to electron beam radiation degradation having no electron beam radiation modification and an adhesive layer having an electron beam modified composition and having no chemical, thermal, or ultraviolet crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens, the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms. The metered and controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process, thereby enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a film formation method in which a film containing an acene compound can be formed by a liquid-phase process. A film formation method includes: applying light and/or heat to an acene compound to cause a cycloaddition reaction to produce a cyclized compound which is soluble in a solvent, placing a liquid layer containing the cyclized compound and a solvent which can dissolve the cyclized compound on a substrate, and applying light and/or heat to the liquid layer to produce a solid composed of the acene compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition for the preparation of table-ware, mulching film and package, which comprises: 2-6% by weight of starch; 35-45% by weight of plant powders; 20-30% by weight of calcium carbonate; 2-7% by weight of sorbital; 7-13% by weight of polypropene; 2-5% by weight of polyethylene; 2-6% by weight of coupling agent; 1-2% by weight of defoamer; 2-5% by weight of stearic acid; 2-6% by weight of stearate; 3-6% by weight of glycerine or epoxidized soybean oil; and 60-100 ppm photosensitizer. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, which comprises: treating a plant wastes with a diluent acid, drying and pulverizing, then mixing it with starch, polypropene, and polyethylene, sorbital, defoamer, coupling agent, stearic acid, stearate, glycerine and photosensitizer homogeneously; blending the mixture obtained in a double-screw extruder at a temperature of 160-180 C to obtain the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A blend activatable with actinic radiation and solid at room temperature, comprising (A) at least one crystalline compound containing on average per molecule at least one reactive functional group having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation, and (B) at least one amorphous compound containing on average per molecule at least one reactive functional group having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; process for its preparation, and its use.