Abstract: A photocurable ink for ink-jet printing, including: a photopolymerizable compound; a pigment; and a dispersing agent, wherein the photopolymerizable compound is a radical polymerizable compound; an amine value of the pigment (AMp) is larger than an acid value of the pigment (ACp); and an acid value of the dispersing agent (ACd) is larger than an amine value of the dispersing agent (AMd).

Abstract: Curable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprising an acrylate copolymer, a mono-acrylate oligomer, a multi-acrylate oligomer having from 2 to 5 acrylate functional groups per molecule, and a photoinitiator, the adhesive exhibiting pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics and forms at least a semi-interpenetrating polymer network when cured; wherein the semi-IPN has an average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) greater than about 3000, and the cured adhesive has a peel strength greater than about 40 N/dm. Embodiments of the adhesive compositions, when cured, are optically clear and resistant to heat and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-aqueous composition curable by UV radiation broadly comprising a mixture of two UV curable urethane acrylates. The invention is also directed to a coating process using such composition. One of the urethane acrylates is the reaction product of an isocyanate and a specific OH functional lactone ester (meth)acrylate. The other urethane acrylate is the reaction product of an isocyanate and a specific hydroxy functional (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to radiation-curable ink formulations, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a family of radiation-curable ink formulations specifically for flexographic and screen printing applications. The inventive ink formulations are based on multifunctional acrylate resins formed by the reaction of acrylate monomers and oligomers with ?-keto esters (e.g., acetoacetates), ?-diketones (e.g., 2,4-pentanedione), ?-keto amides (e.g., acetoacetanilide, acetoacetamide), and/or other ?-dicarbonyl compounds that can participate in Michael addition reactions.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: Ink jettable, radiation curable overprint compositions containing at least one radiation curable oligomer/monomer, at least one photoinitiator, and at least one surfactant are disclosed. The overprint compositions are particularly well-suited for protecting ink-based and toner-based images on substrates subjected to abrasives, heat, and/or sunlight since the compositions protect such images from smearing, cracking, and fading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-curable prepolymer. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention is prepared by reacting an isocyanate-capped polyurethane with an ethylenically unsaturated amine or an ethylenically unsaturated monohydroxy compound or a mixture thereof, wherein the isocyanate-capped polyurethane is a copolymerization production of: (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol; (b) at least one branching agent having at least three hydroxy groups; and (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention can find use in economically producing contact lenses which have durable, highly elastic soft contact lenses with desired physical properties. In addition, the present invention provides method for making a radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention and for making a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated optical fiber comprising a glass optical fiber with a single protective coating or a combination of an inner and an outer primary coating applied thereon and optionally with a colored coating subsequently applied thereon wherein the inner primary coating or at least a portion of the single coating is prepared from a radiation curable composition which when cured as a capillary film with a 100W medium pressure mercury lamp has a percentage reacted acrylate unsaturation of at least about 54% after exposure to a dose of about 4.4 mJ/cm2 or wherein the outer primary coating is prepared from a radiation curable composition which when cured as a capillary film with a 100 W medium pressure mercury lamp has a percentage reacted acrylate unsaturation of at least about 56% after exposure to a dose of about 4.4 mJ/cm2. The invention further relates to a radiation curable composition having a high cure speed.

Abstract: UV curable, liquid, oligomeric compositions are prepared from the reaction product of a Michael addition oligomer and an isocyanate capped polybutadiene. The UV curable, liquid, oligomeric compositions can be cured in the presence of fragrances to form articles that are characterized by a controlled release of the fragrance over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a free-radically radiation-curable, solvent-free and printable precursor of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the precursor comprising: (i) 30-75 wt. % of one or more mono(meth)acrylate functional oligomer compounds at least one of said oligomer compounds comprising at least one urethane bond, (ii) 0-15 wt % of one or more poly(meth)acrylate functional oligomer compounds, (iii) 5-45 wt. % of one or more monomer compounds comprising one ethylenically unsaturated group, (iv) 0-5 wt. % of one or more monomer compounds comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups, and (v) an effective amount of one or more free radical photoinitiators, wherein the percentages which are percentages by weight with respect to the mass of the precursor, are selected so that the precursor has a dynamic viscosity at 20° C. and at a shear rate of 100 s?1 of between 300 to 15,000 mPa·s.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a surface protecting film for polycarbonate which is easy to laminate on polycarbonate and remove from the polycarbonate, the peel adhesive strength change to polycarbonate with times is small and there is no adhesive transferring to the backside of the film substrate in the case of storage for a long period or at a high temperature in the roll shape made of the long length tape. There provided a surface protecting film for polycarbonate, wherein a film substrate having Young's modulus of 1 GPa or more and an adhesive layer are comprised, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the adhesive composing of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer being between 40 to 90° C. and the initial 180° peel adhesive strength to polycarbonate being between 10 to 300 mN/25 mm.

Abstract: A lithographic ink composition that comprises a colorant having absorbency wavelength cutoffs of about 300 nm or longer, acrylate-functional materials, and a photoinitiator that absorbs at a wavelength of 300 nm or longer is formulated with a mileage of from about 1.1 to about 1.3 grams per square meter or to reach a desired print density at 2 microns or less print layer thickness. The lithographic ink cures faster and can be printed at a faster rate, particularly when curing is to be done with an excimer light source.

Abstract: Anti-glare film including anti-glare layer. The anti-glare film is obtained by coating or casting a liquid compositions containing a polymer, a curable resin precursor, and a solvent on a transparent plastic film, evaporating the solvent, forming a phase separation structure by spinodal decomposition, and curing the curable resin precursor by irradiation with light. The disclosed anti-glare film prevents reflection of surrounding scenery and dazzle in a display surface.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover encasing the core, at least one coating layer encasing the cover, and at least one indicia layer immediate adjacent to the coating layer is provided. At least one of the indicia and coating layers comprises at least one two-part, reactive composition comprising at least one radiation-curable iso(thio)cyanate and at least one isocyanate-reactive chemical.

Abstract: A radiation-curable adhesive composition comprising at least one tackifier resin and at least one radiation-curable composition is provided wherein the tackifier resin comprises monomer repeating units from at least one aromatic monomer and at least one acrylate monomer. Processes to produce the radiation-curable adhesive composition as well as articles comprising the radiation-curable adhesive compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally friendly, substantially all solids coating compositions which are curable using ultraviolet and visible radiation. In addition, the disclosed coating compositions are suitable for coating flexible objects and/or objects having angular features, such as, but not limited to, flexible metal objects with angular features. In addition, methods are disclosed for coating surfaces, or at least a portion of the surfaces, and curing of the coated surface to obtain partially or fully cured coated surfaces. Furthermore, articles of manufacture incorporating fully cured coated surfaces are disclosed, including, for example leaf springs. Also disclosed are methods, processes, production lines, articles of manufacture, and factories which incorporate these environmentally friendly, substantially all solids coating compositions curable using ultraviolet and visible radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation-curable coating formulations specifically for plastic substrates. The present invention specifically relates to resinous Michael addition products of ?-dicarbonyl compounds and Lewis-functional multifunctional acrylate esters. The present invention further relates to methods of fabricating and using the inventive compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid curable resin composition capable of forming a ribbon matrix material which can be completely removed from a coloring layer when separating the optical fiber ribbon. A liquid curable resin composition comprising: (1) 30–80 wt. % of a urethane (meth)acrylate produced by reacting (A) a polyol compound, (B) a polyisocyanate compound, and (C) a (meth)acrylate compound containing a hydroxyl group, (2) 0.01–10 wt % of 2-methly-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholino-propan-1-one, and (3) 10–70 wt. % of a polymerizable diluent comprising a polymerizable monofunctional vinyl monomer which is copolymerizable with the component (1), wherein a two-layer film, which is obtained by applying the composition to a cured film of a UV-curable resin comprising the compound shown by the above formula (1) and curing the composition, has a T-peel strength of about 1.8 g/cm or less.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as base coats and varnishes, preferably for use in combination with electrostatic of set inks printed onto plastics substrates, particularly polycarbonate compact discs. They contain a photopolymerisable material, a photoinitiator, an inorganic transfer agent and heavy metal salt, preferably a metallic carboxylate. They have a good shelf life and good adhesion after hardening with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally friendly, substantially all solids coating compositions which are curable using ultraviolet and visible radiation. In addition, the disclosed coating compositions are suitable for coating thermally sensitive objects and/or rusted surfaces. In addition, methods are disclosed for coating surfaces, or at least a portion of the surfaces, and curing of the coated surface to obtain partially or fully cured coated surfaces are also disclosed. Furthermore, articles of manufacture incorporating fully cured coated surfaces are disclosed, including, for example gas tanks such as, barbeque propane tanks. Also disclosed are methods, processes, production lines, articles of manufacture, and factories which incorporate these environmentally friendly, substantially all solids coating compositions curable using ultraviolet and visible radiation.

Abstract: The printing ink of the present invention is characterized by containing a photo-curable high polymer precursor, and a photopolymerization initiator, and containing 3 to 8 parts by weight of inorganic fine particles having a mean particle size of 0.1 ?m or less to 100 parts by weight of the high polymer precursor. Moreover, the printing ink of the present invention is characterized by having a viscosity at a shear rate of 5 (l/s) of 8 to 75 (Pa·s), a viscosity at a shear rate of 20 (l/s) of 3 to 25 (Pa·s), and a thixotropic index value of 1.5 to 3.5. As a result of using this printing ink, letters, figures, symbols, graphics, etc., having a thickness of 0.2 mm or more can be printed rapidly without affecting the printed base material.

Abstract: Self-coating or self-layering lacquer systems from at least two different resins, oligomers, or polymers, which are emulsifiable or dispersible in water, have different surface tensions, and form self-layering phases. After the application, the phases separate into the components of the formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low viscosity polymer polyols and to a process for the preparation of these low viscosity polymer polyols. These polymer polyols comprise the free-radical polymerization product of (A) a base polyol, (B) a pre-formed stabilizer, and (C) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of (D) at least one free-radical polymerization initiator, and (E) at least one polymer control agent. The total amount of polymer control agent present in the polymer polyols of the present invention ranges from greater than about 5.0% up to about 20% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the polymer polyol.

Abstract: To provide a UV-curable resin composition useful for forming optical parts such as optical lenses. A radiation-curable resin composition for optical parts, comprising (A) 5–70 wt % of urethane (meth)acrylate, (B) 0.1–70 wt % of benzyl (meth)acrylate, and (C) 10–70 wt % of an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound other than the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition, which is the ultraviolet radiation (UV) cured reaction product of a polyester-polyether-based urethane acrylate, one or more acrylate monomers, and a UV photosensitizer. The polyester-polyether-based urethane acrylate is the reaction product of between about 50 and 90 wt-% of a polyester diol having a molecular weight ranging from about 500 to 3200; between about 10 and 50 wt-% of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight ranging from about 1000 to 6000; between about 1 and 5 wt-% of a hydroxy-functional acrylate; and a polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A coating composition that can be cured by actinic or ionizing radiation is disclosed. The coating composition is made up of at least one polysiloxane compound one polysiloxane compound having the following structure (I) or (II): wherein: m has a value of at least 2; m? ranges from 0 to 75; n ranges from 0 to 75; n? ranges from 0 to 75; each R, which may be identical or different, is selected from H, OH, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent siloxane group, and mixtures of any of the foregoing; and —Ra comprises the following structure (III): —R3—X ??(III) wherein —R3 is selected from an alkylene group, an oxyalkylene group, an alkylene aryl group, an alkenylene group, an oxyalkenylene group, and an alkenylene aryl group; and X represents a group comprising at least 2 carbamyl alkyl(meth)acrylate groups or 2 carbamyl alkyl epoxy groups.

Abstract: Hyperbranched polyurethanes are used for the preparation of printing inks and of printing varnishes. Printing inks and printing varnishes contain the hyperbranched polyurethanes as binders.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally friendly, substantially all solids coating compositions which are curable using ultra violet and visible radiation. In addition, methods for coating surfaces, or at least a portion of the surfaces, and curing of the coated surface to obtain partially or fully cured coated surfaces are also disclosed. Furthermore, articles of manufacture incorporating fully cured coated surfaces are disclosed, in particular motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts or accessories.

Abstract: The invention relates to urethane prepolymers, obtainable by reaction of: (A) 15 to 85 wt.-% of one or more ?,?-terminated poly(meth)acrylate diols, (B) 0 to 30 wt.-% of one or more radically curable, polyhydroxy-functional compounds, (C) 14 to 60 wt.-% of one or more polyisocyanates, (D) 1 to 40 wt.-% of a monofunctional compound, reactive vis-à-vis isocyanate groups, which also contains one or more radically curable grouping, as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring-connecting material comprising from 2 to 75 parts by weight of a polyurethane resin, from 30 to 60 parts by weight of a radical-polymerizable substance and from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a curing agent capable of generating a free radical upon heating, and a process for producing a wiring-connected board by using the wiring-connecting material. The wiring-connecting material of the present invention may preferably further contain a film-forming material and/or conductive particles.

Abstract: An ink composition for ultraviolet curable ink-jet recording including carbon black, a photopolymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of non-metallic phthalocyanine sulfonic acids, metal phthalocyanine sulfonic acids in which the central metal is Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, or Ti, and metal salts thereof, and a polymer dispersant containing a basic functional group. The photopolymerizable compound may dissolve the polymer dispersant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of polyurethane-based technical formed parts, commodity goods and objects, preferably consisting of (meth)acrylate containing isocyanate and hydroxy groups and at least 0.5 mMol/g reactive double bonds that can be determined using a DSC method. In a first step, a mixture of all starting constituents is produced and given a desired form using methods such as casting, pressing, rolling or extruding that are known per se in plastic engineering technology, whereby said mixture simultaneously or subsequently undergoes a non-radically triggered polyaddition reaction (urethane reaction) and a polyurethane substance is created in the form of a flexible, optionally elastic pre-form that can be deformed without any removal of said material. In a second step, the pre-form undergoes preferably mechanical shaping in addition to substantially emission-free hardening by means of radical polymerization of the free double bonds.

Abstract: Mixtures curable thermally and with actinic radiation and containing carbamate and/or allophanate groups, comprising (A) at least one of (A1) low molecular mass compounds, oligomers and polymers containing allophanate groups, carbamate groups, and carbamate and allophanate groups, and (A2) low molecular mass compounds, oligomers and polymers containing allophanate groups, carbamate groups, and carbamate and allophanate groups, and additionally allophanate- and/or carbamate-reactive functional groups, ?which are substantially or entirely free from reactive functional groups which contain at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation, and (C) at least one constituent containing on average per molecule at least one reactive functional group having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; with the proviso that if only (A1) is used, the mixtures further comprise (B) at least one of low molecular mass compounds, oligomers and polymers containing allophanate- and/or c

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-bottle dental bonding composition that provides a bonding layer excellent in bonding strength, independent of the skill of the practitioners, and, more preferably, that releases fluoride ion gradually into oral cavity over an extended period of time. The one-bottle dental bonding composition comprises a radical polymerizable monomer (A) having an acidic group in the molecule, another radical polymerizable monomer (B), a photopolymerization initiator (C) and a water-soluble organic solvent (D), and is substantially free of water.

Abstract: A radiation-curable fiber optic coating composition for an inner primary coating includes a coloring agent, preferably a dye or a dye precursor, compatible with the fiber of the fiber optic and capable of imparting a pre-selected color to the inner primary coating, or another coating. The coloring agent can be a reactive dye. Any of the dyes preferably is stabilized by a stabiliser in the colored coating layer, or, preferably, in a more exterior layer.

Abstract: There are provided a polyalkenyl ether type polyurethane, which is excellent in flexibility, aor the like, and which has in the molecule, a structural unit represented by formula (XXX): (wherein n represents an integer of 2 to 1000, R1 represents substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, and R2, R3 and R4, which are the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, and R1s, R2s, R3s, and R4s, when they are each present two or more in number, may be respectively the same or different), and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultraviolet light curable transparent conductive composition and method for making such a composition that may be used to produce a transparent conductive coating on a suitable substrate. These coatings may be used in such applications as touch screens, membrane switches, TV screens, and VCRs. The disclosed composition does not contain any significant amount of volatile organic solvents that do not become incorporated in the active layer after curing.

Abstract: The meta tetramethylxylenediisocyanate-based polyether urethane acrylate oligomer reduces the viscosities of polymerizable formulations, as compared to other isocyanate-based oligomers, significantly enhances adhesion to certain substrates, and imparts increased elongation-to-break valves to cured products produced therefrom.

Abstract: An aqueous effect coating material, comprising (A) at least one water-soluble, -dilutable and/or -dispersible binder, (B) at least one effect pigment, and (C) at least one silicon compound of the general formula I [(E)nL]Si(R1)(R2)(R3)??(I) in which the index and the variables are defined as follows: n is an integer from 1 to 5; E is a reactive functional group; L is an at least divalent, linking, organic group; R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkoxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, alkyl or aryl radical; and R2 and R3 independently of one another are substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkoxy, alkoxy or aryloxy radicals or hydroxyl groups; preparation process, and its use.

Abstract: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings, optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings and methods for making the same are disclosed. The composition comprises a combination of two different radiation curable urethanes, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers.

Abstract: The invention is a radiation curable coating containing an antimicrobial agent, where upon irradiation with UV light, the radiation curable coating rapidly cures to a polymeric coating. The polymeric coating has durable antimicrobial properties, being especially effective at preventing the growth of Staphylococcus aureaus and Kleibsella pneumoniae on wood flooring and furniture. The major components in the radiation curable coating are a urethane acrylic oligomer, a radiation cure package, an antimicrobial agent, a cross-linking agent, and optionally, an additive package. The radiation curable urethane oligomer is a relatively short chain backbone urethane polymer that is end capped with a radiation curable moiety, where the moiety is an acrylic. The cross-linking agent is one or more monomers used to lower the viscosity and promote cross-linking, and include acrylate esters of mono-, di-, tri-, or tetrafunctional alcohols. The radiation cure package contains at least one photoinitiator.

Abstract: Crosslinkable resin compositions that are cured easily by irradiation with active energy beams and particularly cured quickly with ultraviolet ray are provided, which comprises a polymer containing a maleimido group and an ethylenically unsaturated group. The composition may be an aqueous composition. They provide cured films which are excellent in durability, free from coloring and odors, and also excellent in abrasion resistance, adhesion to substrates, surface smoothness, and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyurethane di(meth)acrylates in which a diisocyanate component, a diol component and hydroxy-C2–C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate in the molar ratio x:(x?1):2 are reacted without solvent and without subsequent purification operations, wherein x means any desired value from 2 to 5, wherein 50 to 80 mol % of the diisocyanate component is formed by 1,6-hexane diisocyanate, and 20 to 50 mol % by one or two diisocyanates, each forming at least 10 mol % of the diisocyanate component and being selected from the group consisting of toluylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, trimethylhexane diisocyanate, cyclohexane diisocyanate, cyclohexanedimethylene diisocyanate and tetramethylenexylylene diisocyanate, wherein the mol % of the respective diisocyanates add up to 100 mol %, wherein the diol component comprises no more than four different diols, and 20 to 100 mol % of the diol component is formed by at least one linear alipha

Abstract: The invention relates to coated optical fibers comprising soft primary coatings and to such primary coatings for protecting glass optical fibers having a sufficient high resistance against cavitation. In particular, the primary coatings have a cavitation strength at which a tenth cavitation appears (?10cav) of at least about 1.0 MPa as measured at a deformation rate of 0.20% min?1 and of at least about 1.4 times their storage modulus at 23° C. The coating preferably shows strain hardening in a relative Mooney plot, preferably has a strain energy release rate Go of about 20 J/m2 or more, and preferably has a low volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The invention furthermore provides a method and apparatus for measuring the cavitation strength of a primary coating.

Abstract: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings and optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings are disclosed, as are methods for making the same. The compositions comprise a combination of two different radiation curable urethane oligomers, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers. One of the oligomers has at least three functional groups that can undergo radiation cure, and comprises a lactone modified polyol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable resin composition, cured products thereof, and laminated materials. The curable composition comprises: (A-1) acicular oxide particles, the oxide being an oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, zinc, germanium, indium, tin, antimony, and cerium, (B) a compound having two or more polymerizable unsaturated groups, (C) a photopolymerization initiator is provided. After cure, the composition has excellent scratch resistance. In addition, it may have excellent antistatic characteristics and transparency. In a preferred embodiment the composition also comprises (A-2) particles other than the acicular particles (A-1), being oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, zinc, germanium, indium, tin, antimony, and cerium.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.