Abstract: Alkoxy-functional room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) compositions, curable in the presence of moisture, comprising polymers containing on average at least 1.2 alkoxysilyl chain terminations per molecule, a tetraalkoxytitanium compound containing on average greater than 90 mole percent of the alkoxy groups as tertiary amyloxy groups, a filler, and an alkoxysilane. The addition of these components in amounts to satisfy defined molar ratios provide alkoxy-functional RTV compositions having both improved storage stability and improved green strength upon curing.

Abstract: A composite material having a structure in which negatively charged colloidal silica having an average particle diameter of not greater than 50 nm and remaining substantially in the form of primary particles is attached to the outer surfaces of negatively charged polymer particles. By using this composite material, there can be obtained molded articles wherein colloidal silica is dispersed in a resin while remaining substantially in the form of primary particles.

Abstract: A room temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition including:(A) a diorganopolysiloxane terminated with a hydroxyl group at the both terminal ends and having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of 25 to 1,000,000 cSt,(B) an organosilane having 3 or more hydrolyzable groups per molecule, a partially hydrolyzed and condensed product thereof or a mixture thereof, said hydrolyzable group is a ketoxime group or an alkenyloxy groups, anda thin leaf-like inorganic filler. This can give cured products with good oil resistance, and suitable as FIPG materials for automobiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel vinyl containing organopolysiloxane elastomers which possess excellent low compression set and heat aging characteristics and which can advantageously be formulated into liquid silicone elastomer moldable compositions.

Abstract: A transparent multilayer structure is disclosed such as a flexible self-supporting container for a flowable food product such as fruit juice. The transparent multilayer structure possesses superior barrier properties to oxygen, water vapor and aromatic gases. The multilayer structure may include an exterior layer having a metal oxide deposition laminated to an interior layer through use of an adhesive. In one embodiment, the metal oxide is SiOx where x has a value between 1.5 and 2.2 thereby allowing for a transparent multilayer structure. The metal oxide may be deposited on the exterior layer through a number of various methods. An exemplary method is plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The exterior layer may be composed of a polymer material integrated with a clay mineral between 0.1% and 10% weight of the polymer material. The polymer material may be selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, copolymers of polyethylene terephthalate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A liquid silicone rubber base including (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a reinforcing silica filler, (C) a mixing assistant in the form of a silanol-containing compound, (E) an organohydrogen polysiloxane, (f) a platinum catalyst and optionally, (D) a wetting auxiliary catalyst is prepared by previously mixing 10-120 parts of component (A) with 1-35 parts of component (C) and 0-35 parts of component (D) to form a premix liquid, mixing the premix liquid with 100 parts of component (B) to form a premix power, and kneading the premix powder with the remainder of component (A). By adding a curing agent of organohydrogenpolysiloxane/platinum catalyst to the liquid silicone rubber base, there is obtained a liquid silicone rubber composition having improved fatigue endurance.

Abstract: The present invention provides for microporous ceramic materials having a surface area in excess of 70 m.sup.2 /gm and an open microporous cell structure wherein the micropores have a mean width of less than 20 Angstroms and wherein said microporous structure comprises a volume of greater than about 0.03 cm.sup.3 /gm of the ceramic. The invention also provides for a preceramic composite intermediate composition comprising a mixture of a ceramic precursor and finely divided silicon carbide or silicon nitride, whose pyrolysis product in inert atmosphere or in an ammonia atmosphere at temperatures of up to less than about 1100.degree. C. gives rise to the microporous ceramics of the invention. Also provided is a process for the preparation of the microporous ceramics of the invention involving pyrolysis of the ceramic intermediate under controlled conditions of heating up to temperatures of less than 1100.degree. C. to form a microporous ceramic product.

Abstract: A crosslinked polysiloxane dispersion comprising a siloxane polymer, polymer mixture, or polymer/solvent mixture, capable of crosslinking via condensation, addition or free radical reactions, and having a viscosity of greater than 5000 mPa.s but less than 500,000 mPa.s, if required, 0.1 to 10 weight parts of a crosslinking agent, and, if required, depending on the nature of the catalyst and silicon cure system, 0.000001 to 10 weight parts of a catalyst, 0.5 to 10 weight parts of a surfactant or surfactant mixture, and 0.5 to 25 weight parts water per 100 weight parts siloxane polymer. Optionally, adhesion promoters, pigments, reinforcing or non-reinforcing fillers, silicone resins, stabilizers, freeze/thaw additives, etc. may also be added to the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sprayable coating composition having improved water resistance, improved mar resistance and generally improved physical properties, and a method of using such a coating. The sprayable coating composition comprises a resin system comprising from about 30 to about 96 weight percent of a resin component, from about 1 to about 30 weight percent of a multifunctional acrylate component, and from about 1 to about 15 weight percent of a monofunctional acrylate component; and a catalyst component. The resin system is blended with the catalyst component, either internally or externally of a spray nozzle, and the resultant sprayable coating composition is sprayed onto a substrate. The resulting cured coating provides a surface which is water resistant, is mar resistant, and has generally improved physical properties.

Abstract: A curable organopolysiloxane composition is disclosed, comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least two monovalent aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups bonded to the silicon atoms per molecule, (B) an organopolyhydrogensiloxane having at least three hydrogen atoms bonded to the silicon atoms per molecule in such an amount that the number of the hydrogen atoms bonded to the silicon atoms falls within a range of from 0.25 to 8 per monovalent aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon group in component (A), (C) a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum and platinum compounds in an amount of from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latex comprising water and a layered material intercalated with a polymer. The invention also relates to a nanocomposite material comprising a layered material intercalated with a polymer. The latex can be produced by forming a dispersion of layered material in water, adding surfactant, polymerizable monomer or monomers, and a polymerization initiator to the mixture and then polymerizing the monomer to form a latex. The latex can also be formed from preformed polymers. Composite materials formed from latexes produced by either method have improved mechanical properties and reduced air permeability.

Abstract: In an RTV organopolysiloxane composition comprising a hydroxy-terminated diorganopolysiloxane and an organic silicon compound having at least three hydrolyzable groups, there is blended calcium carbonate which has been treated with 1-2.5% by weight of an agent having a melting or softening point of at least 100.degree. C. or a saturated fatty acid having at least 21 carbon atoms. The composition is adhesive to even surface treated aluminum plates and maintain a firm bond under water immersion and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A curable composition which contains an alkenyl group containing polyorganosiloxane, an organosilicon compound having two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms, a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, and a glass frit, which is suitable, upon cure, for use as a firewall sealant.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a heat curable composition having both of an excellent storage stability and low-temperature curability. The heat curable composition of this invention comprises (A) a polyisocyanate compound and an urethane prepolymer having a terminal active isocyanate group which is prepared by reacting a polyol component with an excess amount of a polyisocyanate compound, which are used each alone or in a combination threof; and (B) a fine particles-coated amine which is prepared by coating an active amino group on the surface of a solid amine having a melting point of .gtoreq.50.degree. C. and a mean particle size of .ltoreq.20 .mu.m with fine particles having a mean particle size of .ltoreq.2 .mu.m in a ratio of the solid amine/the fine particles of 1/0.001 to 0.5 by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel vinyl containing organopolysiloxane elastomers which possess excellent low compression set and heat aging characteristics and which can advantageously be formulated into liquid silicone elastomer moldable compositions.

Abstract: A coated sand composition for light-alloy casting includes refractory particles blended with phenol resin, bromide and adsorbent which adsorbs decomposition product gas from the bromide.

Abstract: A platinum curing organosiloxane composition having improved hysteresis characteristics when cured. The composition requires the presence of a diorganovinylsiloxy terminated polydiorganosiloxane having a viscosity within a range of about 20 Pa.multidot.s to 200 Pa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and containing essentially no ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals bonded to non-terminal silicon atoms and a diorganovinylsiloxy terminated polydiorganosiloxane having a viscosity within a range of about 0.1 Pa.multidot.s to 200 Pa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C., where from 1 to 5 percent of the non-terminal repeating units of the siloxane comprise a vinyl radical. In addition, the present composition comprises 10 to 30 weight percent of a reinforcing silica filler that has been treated with hexamethyldisilazane and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-divinyldisilazane, and an organohydrogensiloxane resin crosslinker comprising greater than 5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule.

Abstract: A highly productive, continuous method for the production of room-temperature-curable organopolysiloxane compositions is obtained by continuously feeding 100 parts by weight of a diorganopolysiloxane with a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of 0.1 to 500 Pa.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising (i) a polymerizable monomer, (ii) irregular-shaped inorganic particles (A) having an average particle diameter of from 1 to 9 .mu.m, and containing particles having particle diameters of not smaller than 10 .mu.m in an amount of not larger than 3% by weight, such as silica-zirconia irregular-shaped particles, (iii) spherical inorganic particles (B) having an average particle diameter of from 0.1 to 5 .mu.m, such as spherical silica-zirconia particles; (iv) inorganic fine particles (C) having an average particle diameter of from 0.01 to 0.1 .mu.

Abstract: A water-borne fluoroelastomer coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of a fluoroelastomer polymer; from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight of an amino/polyamino-siloxane curative per 100 parts by weight of the polymer; and, from 0 to about 40 parts by weight of an additive filler, per 100 parts by weight of the polymer, wherein there is sufficient water to provide a coating composition having a solids content of from about 10 to about 80 percent by weight. A method of coating a substrate with the fluoroelastomer coating composition of the present invention is also provided. Cured fluoroelastomer films, cured with amino/polyamino-siloxane curatives are also provided.

Abstract: Method, composition and structure are provided for tooth restorations comprising a urethane polymer having a crystalline polymer phase distributed in a noncrystalline polymer phase by virtue of differential reactivity of the urethane forming reagents.

Abstract: A highly storage-stable room-temperature-curable organopolysiloxane composition that cures to yield a product whose surface resists staining and that does not cause staining of the neighboring regions of the substrate in contact with said cured product. The organopolysiloxane composition is made from a polydiorganosiloxane, an imidazolinyl-functional organosiloxane, a filler, and a crosslinking compound which is a Si-bonded hydrolyzable group-containing organosilane or organosiloxane oligomer.

Abstract: For improved flame retardant finishing and better processability of an epoxy anhydride reaction resin system, the present invention provides a reaction resin system supplemented with phosphinic and/or phosphonic acid anhydride as the hardener component. The phosphorus-containing anhydrides do not deteriorate the hardening characteristics. Molded members manufactured therefrom exhibit adequate flame retardant behavior even with slight proportions of phosphinic or phosphonic acid anhydride given a property profile that is otherwise unmodified.

Abstract: A molding compound composition of the present invention comprises a resin composition, for example, unsaturated polyester, a succinic acid derivative, and a thickening agent such as magnesium oxide, and the moisture content thereof is adjusted in a range of from 0.1 to 0.45 percent by weight. A molding compound comprises the molding compound composition and reinforced fibers such as glass fibers, and the moisture content thereof is adjusted to be in a range of from 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent by weight. As shown in FIG. 1, the molding compound composition has excellent viscosity characteristics since the initial thickening action due to the thickering agent is restrained. Although the viscosity after thickened is lower than that of a conventional composition, the stickiness of the surface of the molding compound composition is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based binder for use in a slurry for investment casting. The binder includes a mixture of a colloidal silica sol and at least one latex polymer. The latex polymer is preferably an acrylic latex or a styrene butadiene polymer (or a combination of these) which reduces the processing time between dips during shell mold making for investment casting. The latex polymer further lowers a critical concentration point or gelation point of the colloidal silica sol. The binder may be used as a primary binder or a backup binder in the shell mold making process. To make the slurry, the binder is combined with at least one refractory powder, preferably a refractory powder selected from the group of: alumino-silicates, fused silica, quartz silica, alumina, zircon, and zirconia.

Abstract: A gel-free silica acrylate curable coating composition made from one or more of soluble salts, soaps, amines, nonionic and anion surfactants, acids or mixtures thereof, and a method for producing these compositions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising poly(butylene terephthalate), a reinforcing component, and a mixed flame retardant containing melamine pyrophosphate and an aromatic phosphate oligomer in selected proportions exhibits improved flame resistance, relatively low melt viscosity for good melt processability, and good physical properties, particularly tensile strength and tensile elongation.

Abstract: An extrudable urea-extended thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is formed from at least one aliphatic diisocyanate, at least one polyester glycol or polyether glycol, and at least one diamine curing agent. At least one second diamine curing agent and/or at least one extrusion processing aid may be included. The polyurethane has high-temperature-resistance and is thus extrudable at high temperatures. The polyurethane is also strong and durable. The polyurethane can be liquid-cast, injection-molded, transfer-molded, sprayed, and extruded without changing either the chemistry or stoichiometry of the polyurethane. The polyurethane may be used for making vehicle air bags or other any application for thermoplastic urethanes which requires increased thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing polypropylene terephthalate with no more than 5 ppm acrolein and no more than 3 ppm allyl alcohol. The method comprises direct esterification of terephthalic acid with 1,3-propanediol in the presence of 30 to 200 ppm titanium in the form of an inorganic esterification catalyst containing at least 50 mol % TiO.sub.2 precipitate, blocking the esterification catalyst after esterification by adding 10 to 100 ppm phosphorus in the form of a phosphorus-oxygen compound, and then performing precondensation and polycondensation in the presence of 100 to 300 ppm antimony in the form of a conventional antimony polycondensation catalyst and optional conventional coloring agent.

Abstract: A water-dispersible organic clay complex in which a quaternary ammonium ion having both an oxypropylene unit and an oxyethylene unit is present in interlamellar space of an expansible phyllosilicate. This complex is excellent in dispersibility in an aqueous medium and generates excellent water resistance of the resulting coated film when used as a rheology control agent for an aqueous coating composition.

Abstract: One-package room-temperature-curable silicone elastomer compositions that do not slump prior to their cure, that provide a suitable processing or working time, that do not crack or fissure during their cure even when deformed by an external force, and that do not yellow during storage or after curing are prepared by mixing (A) the reaction mixture of(a) hydroxyl-terminated diorganopolysiloxane and(b) alkyl-containing oximosilaneor optionally (b) alonewith (B) the reaction mixture of(a) hydroxy-terminated diorganopolysiloxane and(c) vinyl-functional oximosilaneand by thereafter mixing in(C) inorganic filler.

Abstract: Finishing agents comprise the combination of an alkoxysilane surface active agent, a silanol condensing catalyst, and a nonaqueous liquid or solid medium, or the combination of an alkoxysilane surface active agent, an acid catalyst and a liquid or solid medium. In the latter embodiment, it is preferred that at least one of the alkoxysilane surface active agent and the acid catalyst be microencapsuled. The finishing agent permits formation of chemically adsorbed protecting films. Such protecting films are used for substrates of such equipments as electronics products, electric domestic products, automobiles, industrial equipment, mirrors, lenses for glasses and the like. The protecting films have a durability and heat, weather and abrasion resistance, and also water and oil repellent properties.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is attached to a supporting substrate by a plurality of solder connections that extend from the supporting substrate to the semiconductor device and the gap between the supporting substrate and the semiconductor device is filled with a reworkable composition comprising:(a) a thermally reworkable crosslinked resin produced by reacting at least one dienophile having a functionality greater than one and at least one 2,5-dialkyl substituted furan-containing polymer, and(b) at least one filler present in an amount from about 25 to about 75 percent by weight based upon the amount of components (a) and (b). Such a process provides a readily reworkable semiconductor assembly.

Abstract: A biaxially extended polyester film comprising light calcium carbonate particles, spherical silica particles and .gamma.- or .delta.-alumina particles or a mixture thereof treated with a silane coupling agent prepared by the inventive process possesses excellent surface and physical properties.

Abstract: Compounds selected from the series consisting of the perylenecarboximide, quinacridone, isoindoline, indigoid, azo, benzodipyrrolone, benzodifuranone, furanofuran, pyrrolo?2,5-b!pyrrole and bianthraquinone chromophores containing at least one grouping of formula ##STR1## wherein each A may be N--CN or O, with the proviso that at least one A must be N--CN, X is --N(R)--, --O-- or --S--, R is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, unsubstituted or halogen- or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-substituted phenyl, benzyl or phenethyl, and m and n are each independently of the other 0 or 1.Depending on the nature of their substituents, these compounds can be used as polymer-soluble dyes or as pigments for coloring high molecular weight organic material. They are distinguished by a surprisingly high solid-state fluorescence.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an anti-glare, anti-static coating (37) applied to a reflective-transmissive surface (39) comprises a thiophene-based, electroconductive polymer and a siliceous material. A composition for reducing glare and for providing an anti-static property when applied to the reflective-transmissive surface (39) also is disclosed, as is a method of applying the coating (37) to an exterior surface (39) of a faceplate panel (27) of a CRT (21).

Abstract: A polyamide film having been drawn at a draw ratio of 2 or more in at least one direction, which comprises a polyamide resin composition comprising from 90 to 99.99% by weight of a polyamide and from 10 to 0.01% by weight of a fluoromica-based mineral with swelling characteristics. The film is excellent in piercing pinhole strength and mechanical strength and heat dimensional stability after a retort treatment.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of materials with a high chemical and mechanical resistance in which for each 100 parts by volume of vinylester resin treated with 0.85-1.47 parts by volume of an accelerant in the form of cobalt naphthenate, there are added at least in two batches 50-900 parts by volume of an inorganic filler constituting previously roasted at a temperature not lower than 470 K disintegrated to a particle size of at least 30 .mu.m phosphogypsum or a composition of phosphogypsum with glass-forming oxides or phosphogypsum with magnetite or phosphogypsum with microsphere, after which on continuous stirring there is added, if necessary, up to 60 parts by volume of styrene and/or up to 0.2 parts by volume of dimethylaniline, and then the whole is polymerized in the presence of know initiators such as organic peroxides. The materials with a high chemical and mechanical resistance constitute polymerized composition of synthetic resin and inorganic fillers, consisting of 7.5-88.

Abstract: Organoclay compositions which comprise the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium compound having one or two alkoxylated chains containing 0-10 moles ethylene oxide and 3-15 moles of propylene or butylene oxide residues are useful thixotropic materials, especially for the preparation of aqueous systems.

Abstract: There is provided a process comprising polymerizing a compound selected from the group consisting of a conjugated diene, a vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, and mixtures thereof in a gas phase fluidized polymerization vessel under polymerization conditions in the presence of at least one anionic initiator, optionally in the presence of an inert particulate material. A novel resin particle produced by the process is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductive silicone rubber composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane containing at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups, (B) reinforcing silica powder having a specific surface area of at least 50 m.sup.2 /g, (C) a conductive agent, (D) a hydrocarbon oil having a heat loss of up to 30% at 200.degree. C./4 hours, and (E) a curing agent. Cured silicone rubber of the composition has a resistance of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.12 .OMEGA. which remains stable for long-term use. The semiconductive silicone rubber composition is appropriate as a semiconductive roll stock for the manufacture of charging rolls, transfer rolls and developing rolls in business machines.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a silicone rubber composition, a liquid polydiorganosiloxane (A), finely powdered silica (B), liquid polyorganosiloxane (C) and water (D) are introduced continuously into the raw material inlet of a biaxial continuous extruding and mixing machine. In the present method the liquid polydiorganosiloxane is introduced into the raw material inlet through the outer lumen of a double lumen tube and the finely powdered silica is introduced into the raw material inlet through the inner lumen of the double lumen tube. As a result, the finely powdered silica can be introduced rapidly without being scattered to the surrounding area and superior mixing of the two substances is achieved.

Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting the layer material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant polymer to sorb or intercalate the polymer between adjacent platelets of the layered material. Sufficient intercalant polymer is sorbed between adjacent platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 50 .ANG. (as measured after water removal to a maximum of 5% by weight water), up to about 100 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 10-45 .ANG., so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated into individual platelets. The intercalated complex is combined with an organic liquid into an unexpectedly viscous carrier material, for delivery of the carrier material, or for delivery of an active compound, e.g., a pharmaceutical, or cosmetic, or lubricant, e.g., food guide lubricants dissolved or dispersed in the carrier material. Alternatively, the intercalated complex can be exfoliated prior to combination with the organic liquid.

Abstract: Glycerol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol (Solketal), glycidol or glycerol carbonate is polymerized into preponderantly linear oligomers at 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. in the presence of anionic clay material, preferably hydrotalcite, as a catalyst.

Abstract: A hardenable composition suitable for flooring and for coating concrete surfaces comprising(a) an acrylic binder comprising a (meth)acrylic ester of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is C.sub.2-6 alkylene, n is 0-3 and R.sub.2 is a radical of an aromatic or alicyclic dicarboxylic acid ester or a dicyclopentenyl radical, n being 0 only when R.sub.2 is a dicyclopentenyl radical, and(b) a component which is one or both (preferably both) of carbon black and a polyfunctional aliphatic or aromatic polyester- or polyether- urethane oligomer. The composition also preferably comprises aggregate such as sand. The compositions have excellent impact resistance and flexural strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which can be used to form tamper-proof coatings on electronic devices. These compositions contain a silica precursor resin and a filler which reacts in an oxidizing atmosphere to liberate heat. Such compositions form coatings which, when oxidized by techniques such as plasma etching, wet etching, or cross-sectioning, liberate heat which causes destruction of the underlying substrate and, thus, inhibits further examination.

Abstract: An aqueous silicone emulsion which crosslinks by a Michael addition reaction, yielding a cured composition upon removal of the water has been prepared. The aqueous silicone emulsion comprises the product formed by mixing an organosiloxane polymer containing at least two Michael acceptor groups per organosiloxane molecule, water, a surfactant and an effective amount of a crosslinker having sufficient reactive hydrogens of a Michael donor per crosslinker molecule. The invention also describes a method for making these silicone emulsions.

Abstract: In a silicone rubber composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane of the organic peroxide curing type or addition reaction curing type, (B) a curing agent, and (C) non-spherical silica fine powder, (D) a mixture of 50-95% by weight of spherical fused silica having a mean particle size of 7-40 .mu.m and 50-5% by weight of spherical fused silica having a mean particle size of 0.1-6.5 .mu.m is blended in an amount of 100-900 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of components (A) and (B) combined. The composition has a low viscosity and high fluidity despite high loading and heat cures into a product having low coefficients of shrinkage and expansion and low water absorption.

Abstract: Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a matrix polymer and exfoliated intercalates formed by contacting a phyllosilicate with a water-insoluble polymer to adsorb or intercalate the polymer between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets. Sufficient water-insoluble polymer is adsorbed between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 10 .ANG. (as measured after water removal), up to about 100 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 30-40 .ANG., so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated, e.g., when mixed with a polymer melt, to provide a matrix polymer/platelet composite (nanocomposite) material--the platelets being exfoliated from the intercalate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based binder for use in a slurry for investment casting. The binder includes a mixture of a colloidal silica sol and at least one latex polymer. The latex polymer is preferably an acrylic latex or a styrene butadiene polymer (or a combination of these) which reduces the processing time between dips during shell mold making for investment casting. The latex polymer further lowers a critical concentration point or gelation point of the colloidal silica sol. The binder may be used as a primary binder or a backup binder in the shell mold making process. To make the slurry, the binder is combined with at least one refractory powder, preferably a refractory powder selected from the group of: alumino-silicates, fused silica, quartz silica, alumina, zircon, and zirconia.