Abstract: A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of a synthetic material such as polymer and the synthetic material is functionalized with molecules having a functional group for attracting mineral particles to the surface in a separation process. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an article comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and an IPN comprising article e.g. obtainable by this method. The method comprises providing a polymer substrate e.g. shaped to provide the desired article and applying it in a reaction chamber, providing at least one monomer for an interpenetrating polymer, exposing said polymer substrate in said reaction chamber to said at least one monomer in the presence of an impregnation solvent comprising CO2 under conditions wherein said CO2 is in its liquid or supercritical state and polymerizing and optionally cross linking said at least one monomer to form an interpenetrating polymer in the presence of a polymerization solvent under conditions wherein at least a part of said at least one monomer is dissolved in said polymerization solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides an antifouling hydrogel comprising an effective amount of antifouling polymer modified with a compound containing catechol functional groups to yield a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one catechol functional end group; and an effective amount of at least one oxidizing reagent, wherein the at least one oxidizing reagent reacts with the modified antifouling polymer to provide a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one oxidized catechol end group, wherein an antifouling hydrogel is provided. Methods of synthesis, methods of use and kits of the antifouling hydrogel are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, a method preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, and an electrochemical device having a separator prepared therefrom, more particularly, a composition for preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, comprising a polyolefin, a first diluent, and a second diluent, wherein an interaction energy between the first diluent and the second diluent is in the range of 2 to 3.5 cal/cm3, a method preparing a separator for an electrochemical device using the composition, and an electrochemical device having a separator prepared therefrom. In accordance with the present invention, the pore size of a polyolefin separator can be suitably controlled into a size desired by a user, and the high-temperature stability and mechanical property of the separator can be remarkably improved, thereby enhancing the life time and stability of an electrochemical device having the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically functionalized submicron graphitic fibril having a diameter or thickness less than 1 ?m, wherein the fibril is free of continuous thermal carbon overcoat, free of continuous hollow core, and free of catalyst. The fibril is obtained by splitting a micron-scaled carbon fiber or graphite fiber along the fiber axis direction. These functionalized graphitic fibrils exhibit exceptionally high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, high elastic modulus, high strength and good interfacial bonding with a matrix resin in a composite. The present invention also provides several products that contain submicron graphitic fibrils: (a) paper, thin-film, mat, and web products; (b) rubber or tire products; (c) energy conversion or storage devices, such as fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors; (d) adhesives, inks, coatings, paints, lubricants, and grease products; (e) heavy metal ion scavenger; (f) absorbent (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actinic ray curable ink composition for inkjet recording, which has a high sensitivity for inhibiting a blocking phenomenon and capability for forming an image, obtained by curing, which exhibits excellent shaping suitability and punching suitability, and which includes: a colorant; a polymerization initiator; a polymerizable monomer; and organic fine particles, the polymerizable monomer containing a monofunctional monomer in an amount of 90% by mass or more with respect to a total mass of the polymerizable monomer, and organic fine particles that are crosslinked.

Abstract: A method for forming a conjugated polymer which is doped by a dopant includes the steps of (a) adding a doping agent comprising a dopant moiety to a solution containing the conjugated polymer or a precursor thereof and, optionally, a second polymer, the dopant moiety being capable of bonding to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer; (b) allowing the dopant moiety to bond to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer to perform doping of the conjugated polymer, wherein the amount of doping agent added in step (a) is less than the amount required to form a fully doped conjugated polymer.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition and method incorporating a hydrocarbon polymer modifier with improved permanence. The composition comprises elastomer, filler and silane-functionalized hydrocarbon polymer modifier (Si-HPM) adapted to couple the Si-HPM to the elastomer, filler or both, wherein the Si-HPM comprises an interpolymer of monomers chosen from piperylenes, cyclic pentadienes, aromatics, limonenes, pinenes, amylenes, and combinations thereof. The method comprises melt processing a mixture to form the elastomeric composition in the shape of an article, wherein the mixture comprises elastomer, Si-HPM, silica, bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent; and curing the elastomeric composition to form the article. Also disclosed are a silylated hydrocarbon polymer modifier coupled with a bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent, and a silica-coupled hydrocarbon polymer modifier coupled to the silica via the bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally reversible hot melt adhesive that is isocyanate-free, moisture independent, crosslinkable and thermally reversible. The thermally reversible hot melt adhesive may be repeatedly heated and cooled without negatively affecting the performance of the adhesive. The thermally reversible composition may also be used as a primer layer. The thermally reversible hot melt adhesive and primer are particularly well suited for end use applications such as packaging, graphic arts, construction, footwear, textiles, general assembly, automotive and consumer goods.

Abstract: This invention provides an economical process for extruding a PLA resin into a low density foam with a high closed cell content. Excellent quality, low density foam is produced easily and reproducibly. The PLA resin in the foam has a weight average molecular weight of at least 500,000 and an intrinsic viscosity of at least 1.4 deciliters/gram.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions including iptycene-based structures and extended iptycene structures. In some embodiments, the compositions may be useful in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, and other devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes using a supercritical fluid-organic solvent system and polymer stereocomplexes prepared by such methods. The method of the present invention involves introducing two types of homopolymers having different stereostructures and a small amount of organic solvent into a reactor, adding a supercritical fluid thereto, followed by applying a specific temperature and pressure to form a polymer stereocomplex having a crystalline structure. According to the method of the present invention, biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes in the form of powder or porous foam having excellent thermal and mechanical stabilities can be prepared in a simple, economical and environmentally-friendly manner in a single process.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: Methods for producing macroscopic quantities of oxidized graphene nanoribbons are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes and reacting the plurality of carbon nanotubes with at least one oxidant to form oxidized graphene nanoribbons. The at least one oxidant is operable to longitudinally open the carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one acid. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one protective agent. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also include methods for producing reduced graphene nanoribbons by reacting oxidized graphene nanoribbons with at least one reducing agent. Oxidized graphene nanoribbons, reduced graphene nanoribbons and compositions and articles derived therefrom are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to composition for grafting fragrance substances, as well as related articles, consumer products, and methods.

Abstract: Novel polyglycerol aldehyde polymers are described. The polymers comprise glycerol monomers connected by ether linkages and have 3 to about 170 aldehyde groups per molecule. The polyglycerol aldehydes may be reacted with various amine-containing polymers to form hydrogel tissue adhesives and sealants that may be useful for medical applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and preventing post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

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: A curable composition is provided. The curable composition has at least one functionalized fluoropolyether and at least one radical curing system. Further provided are fluoroelastomer compositions having a glass transition temperature of less than ?40° C. and shaped articles comprising fluoroelastomers having glass transition temperatures of less than ?40° C. obtained by curing the curable compositions. Also described are methods of making fluoroelastomer compositions having glass transition temperatures of less than ?40° C.

Abstract: A curable resin composition, comprising 100 parts by mass of a (meth)acrylic polymer (A) having, at a terminal thereof, at least one crosslinkable silyl group; 0.1 to 100 parts by mass of a diamine compound (B) having a monovalent or bivalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group that has 8 or more carbon atoms and may be branched and having at least one primary amino group; and 0.1 to 100 parts by mass of a diamine compound (C) having a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group that has 8 or more carbon atoms and may be branched, and having a crosslinkable silyl group and/or a (meth)acryloyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil-extended styrenic block copolymer compositions that include a thermoplastic polymer, such as polystyrene, and a styrenic block copolymer, especially a linear styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer, with a styrene content less than 23 percent by weight, based upon total composition weight. The compositions yield very thin polymeric films with satisfactory physical properties.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an impact copolymer by selecting a continuous phase polymer having a first melt flow rate and selecting a rubber phase polymeric material such that the final melt flow rate of the impact copolymer is within 2 g/10 min of the first melt flow rate. Impact copolymers made from such methods and films and molded articles produced from such impact copolymers are also included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: Included herein are constructional techniques as well as finished goods produced thereby including thermoplastic composite fabric partially or fully bonded in selected locations and unbonded or less completely bonded in others. These multiple-phase or hybrid goods may comprise structural members such as cabling, shelter components, storage or shipping containers, furniture, clothing, protective gear, water craft, or other constructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to highly transparent organofunctional silicone copolymers, being self-dispersible in water without emulsifiers or protective colloid, being obtained by radically initiated solution polymerization of a) one or more ethylenically unsaturated organomonomers, and b) one or more siliconmacromeres, characterized in that c) one or more water soluble comonomeres are copolymerized in an organic solvent or solvent mixture.

Abstract: Methods for preparing polymer-drug conjugates are provided. The disclosed methods involve polymeric reagents comprising a moiety of atoms arranged in a specific order, wherein the moiety is positioned between a water-soluble polymer and a reactive group. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for synthesis of composite materials involving gas phase plasma polymerization to covalently plasma graft an organic molecule onto inorganic particles; covalently binding an organic monomer to the functionalized inorganic particles; and, polymerizing the organic monomers into inorganic/organic hybrid polymer composite materials.

Abstract: A nanocomposite comprises: a polymer; and a nanofiller disposed in the polymer, the nanofiller comprising a first nanoparticle bonded to a second nanoparticle. A process of making a nanocomposite comprises: combining a silsesquioxane and a nanoparticle; bonding the nanoparticle to the silsesquioxane to make a nanofiller; and dispersing the nanofiller in a polymer to make the nanocomposite.

Abstract: An enhanced prepreg for printed circuit board (PCB) laminates includes a substrate and a resin applied to the substrate. The resin includes a curable polymer and a polymerization initiator polymer having a backbone with a free radical initiator forming segment that breaks apart upon being subjected to heat to generate a plurality of non-volatile initiating species. This resin composition eliminates possible volatile loss of the free radical initiator during all processing steps in the preparation of PCB laminates. The resin may additionally include a cross-linking agent, flame retardant and viscosity modifiers. In one embodiment, a sheet of woven glass fibers is impregnated with the resin and subsequently dried or cured. The glass cloth substrate may include a silane coupling agent to couple the resin to the substrate. In another embodiment, resin coated copper (RCC) is prepared by applying the resin to copper and subsequently curing the resin.

Abstract: A resin composition for vibration damping material for a vibration damping material exhibiting high vibration damping performance in a wider temperature range and a vibration damping material using the same are provided. The resin composition contains 100 parts by weight of a resin component A as a matrix and 5 to 300 parts by weight of a resin component B dispersed in the matrix. The resin component B has two or more cyclic structures selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon group, an aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon group, and a heteroaromatic group, and is in a glassy state at use temperature.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: The disclose provides pressure-sensitive adhesives and adhesive sealants prepared from modified, crosslinked isobutylene copolymers, and tape articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a modified pigment, comprising: reacting, under Mitsunobu conditions: (a) a first reactant comprising a protonated nucleophile having a pKa<15, and (b) a second reactant comprising a hydroxyl-containing organic group, wherein a pigment is attached to either the first or second reactant. The method further comprises forming the modified pigment having attached an organic species comprising the nucleophile bonded to the organic group, with the net elimination of a proton and a hydroxyl. Also disclosed herein are modified pigments, which can have applications in chemical toners, inkjet ink and electrophoretic ink compositions, black matrix materials, color filters, and coatings.

Abstract: A patterned fine particle film structure includes a fine particle layer including fine particles arranged and bound to a surface of a substrate coated with a patterned film including a first film compound having a first functional group. The fine particles are coated with films including a first coupling agent having a first coupling reactive group that undergoes a coupling reaction with the first functional group to form a bond. The fine particle layer is bound by a bond formed through a coupling reaction. In an embodiment, fine particles coated with films of a film compound that reacts with the first coupling reactive group and the fine particles are alternately bound to the substrate.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: In a curable composition that contains at least one polymer having at least one terminal group of the general formula (I)-An-R—SiXYZ (I), at least one cyclic compound that contains at least one structural motif of formula (II) as a constituent of the ring structure; and at least one cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester in which the alkyl residues of the ester groups each, mutually independently, contain 1 to 20 carbon atoms. The curable composition can be used as an adhesive, sealant, and/or coating material. A combination of a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester, in which the alkyl residues of the ester groups each, mutually independently, contain 1 to 20 carbon atoms and a cyclic compound that contains at least one structural motif of the general formula (II) as a constituent of the ring structure, as a plasticizer/curing catalyst system in curable compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: Spherical biodegradable particles have improved flexibility, cause less aggregation among particles, and have improved particle shape-recovering ability after passing through a catheter or the like. The biodegradable particles include a synthetic polymer chemically cross-linked to a polyvalent carboxylic acid, the biodegradable particles having a water content of 20 to 90% in a water-saturated state.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermal insulation sheets fashioned from certain unseparated mixtures of post-consumer plastic articles is disclosed. The mixtures of such articles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and optionally also articles made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). An unseparated mixture of such articles is provided. This mixture is crushed and shredded to form plastic flakes, and these plastic flakes are then homogenized. Homogenization of the flakes can be carried out either by melt-blending them or by further comminution to produce very fine particles of the mixed plastics. The resulting homogenized mixture of plastic types is then compression molded into sheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other aspects, stabilized chromophoric nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are rationally functionalized with a pre-determined number of functional groups. In certain embodiments, the stable chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are modified with a low density of functional groups. In yet other embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are conjugated to one or more molecules. Also provided herein are methods for making rationally functionalized chromophoric nanoparticles.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to printing features from an ink containing a material precursor. In some embodiments, the material includes an electrically active material, such as a semiconductor, a metal, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the material includes a dielectric. The embodiments provide improved printing process conditions that allow for more precise control of the shape, profile and dimensions of a printed line or other feature. The composition(s) and/or method(s) improve control of pinning by increasing the viscosity and mass loading of components in the ink. An exemplary method thus includes printing an ink comprising a material precursor and a solvent in a pattern on the substrate; precipitating the precursor in the pattern to form a pinning line; substantially evaporating the solvent to form a feature of the material precursor defined by the pinning line; and converting the material precursor to the patterned material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing macromolecular species with a modified surface, comprising a step (e) in which macromolecular species (M), initially carrying —OH and/or —SH functions, are brought into contact with: a catalyst (C) carrying at least one conjugated guanidine function; and reactive species (E), comprising reactive groups including: (i) at least one group including an a,b-unsaturated carbonyl group C?C—C?O and/or an a,b-unsaturated thiocarbonyl group C?C—C?S; and/or (ii) at least one heterocyclic group comprising from 3 to 5 ring members, said group being selected from cyclic ethers, cyclic thioethers and aziridine rings; and/or (iii) at least one group selected from isocyanate —N?C?O or thioisocyanate —N?C?S groups, and trivalent groups of formula >C?CZ—, where Z is an electron-withdrawing group. The invention also relates to the macromolecular species with a modified surface that are obtained in this context.

Abstract: This invention provides a coating composition for use on a food-contact surface of a container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that includes a polymer having one or more segments of Formula I: —O—Ar—Rn—C(O)—O—R1—O—C(O)—Rn—Ar—O— wherein each Ar is independently a divalent aryl group (i.e., an arylene group) or heteroarylene group; R1 is a divalent organic group; each R is independently a divalent organic group; and n is 0 or 1. Containers comprising the polymer and methods of making such containers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition including a first base polymer (A) containing at least a thermoplastic polymer, a second base polymer (B) containing at least a thermoplastic polymer and not having compatibility with the first base polymer (A), and an additive (C) containing at least a substance not having compatibility with any of the first base polymer (A) and the second base polymer (B), the additive (C) being in the form of liquid or slurry at the lower of a pyrolysis temperature of the first base polymer (A) and a pyrolysis temperature of the second base polymer (B). (A), (B) and (C) are phase-separated from each other, and interfaces each located between two of phases of (A), (B) and (C) contacting each other form three-dimensional continuous parallel interfaces.

Abstract: A structural color body is film-like and comprises a front surface layer disposed on a front surface side and a back surface layer disposed on a back surface side, the front surface layer and the back surface layer contain block copolymers and have micro-phase separated structures including lamellar micro domains, each of the micro domains has a wave-like shape having amplitudes in the thickness direction of the structural color body, a maximum value of distances predetermined in the micro domains of the front surface layer is larger than the wavelength in the visible light range, and distances predetermined in the micro domains of the back surface layer are equal to or less than the wavelength in the visible light range.

Abstract: The polymerisation of material contained within and/or added to high temperature reactor produced carbon nanotube fibre wherein the contained material is crosslinked.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of graphene oxide and its use in various applications. The invention provides a method for the preparation of graphene oxide which involves treating a mixture of graphene oxide and impurities with a solution of a base. The impurities in the graphene oxide include oxygen-containing species that are associated with it i.e. bound to the graphene oxide but which are not covalently bonded to the graphene. The graphene oxide of the present invention has improved purity relative to the poorly characterised graphene oxide that is produced by existing methods.

Abstract: A curable perfluoropolyether gel composition is provided. The composition comprises (A) a straight chain fluorine-containing polymer represented by the following formula (1): (B) a polyfluoromonoalkenyl compound containing one alkenyl group per molecule and having a perfluoropolyether structure in its backbone, (C) an organosilicon compound containing at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to the silicon atom per molecule, and (D) a hydrosilylation catalyst. The composition can be produced into a cured product having excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, weatherability, releasability, water repellency, oil repellency, and the like as well as an improved acid resistance.

Abstract: There are provided an ink composition for imprint lithography and roll-printing, which is applied to the formation of a pattern using imprint lithography and roll-printing to play the role of a pattern support, can increase the accuracy of pattern formation by minimizing the occurrence of a swelling phenomenon caused by the ink composition, and can improve yield and the efficiency of the process by increasing the transfer rate of a pattern, and a method of forming a pattern of a display or semiconductor by using the same.