Abstract: A Silicon carbide-silicon matrix composite having improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures in dry or water-containing environments is provided. A method is given for sealing matrix cracks in situ in melt infiltrated silicon carbide-silicon matrix composites. The composite cracks are sealed by the addition of various additives, such as boron compounds, into the melt infiltrated silicon carbide-silicon matrix.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fired ceramic article, a green product, and a fired ceramic article, all for use as a core in the investment casting of directionally solidified eutectic and superalloy material. A ceramic slurry is prepared of alumina, aluminum and a solution of a polymerizable binder in a liquid. The slurry is extruded under low pressure into a closed cavity to form a gelled green product which is subsequently heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, wherein the oxygen reacts with the aluminum in the green product to form alumina which advantageously causes an increase in volume of the green product which counters the shrinkage effects of heating.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a metal from Groups 8-10 of the Periodic Table having an atomic number of at least 44, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; at least one carboxylic acid amide such as N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide; and a cocatalyst which is a compound of one or more metals including copper, titanium, zinc, lead, cerium and manganese.

Abstract: An inventory management system automatically monitors inventory amounts, provides information concerning inventory, and decides if an order for replacement inventory should be placed. The system includes a storage for inventory, an indicator for monitoring and reporting the level of current inventory, and a controller for receiving information from different inventory suppliers and for integrating such information with information on current inventory amounts and estimated future use to decide if an order for replacing inventory should be made. An order is placed automatically to a supplier and the progress for the delivery of replacement inventory is automatically monitored. A method using this system for managing inventory includes the steps of automatic gathering information about the current inventory and deciding whether and when replacement inventory should be ordered.

Abstract: A method of preparing cellular pellets from a prepolymer comprising a blowing agent, the method comprising the steps of: a) extruding the prepolymer through a die, the die maintained at conditions such that the blowing agent remains in the condensed phase in the prepolymer prior to emerging from the die, and b) upon emergence of the prepolymer through the die, substantially simultaneously cooling the prepolymer by contacting the prepolymer with a cooling agent and cutting the prepolymer; the conditions outside the die being maintained such that the blowing agent vaporizes in the prepolymer to form pores.

Abstract: A curable masking material for protecting a passage hole in a metal-based substrate is formed of an extrudable resin composition. The resin composition is thermally stable at elevated temperatures, and does not serve as an adhesion site for any coatings which are applied over the masking material. In addition, the resin composition has non-Newtonian flow characteristics and is adapted to form a protrusion extending from the passage hole upon extrusion to fill the passage hole.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate formed of a superalloy, a silicon-based ceramic material and a thermally stable silicon diffusion barrier layer. The thermally stable diffusion barrier layer is intermediate to the substrate and ceramic material and prevents diffusion of silicon or carbon into the substrate. The diffusion barrier coating is any coating that is thermally stable and that prevents diffusion of silicon or carbon across a ceramic material:superalloy interface. In a method of forming an article, a superalloy substrate is formed, a thermally stable diffusion barrier layer is applied onto the substrate and a silicon-based ceramic material is supported by the barrier layer coated substrate. The diffusion barrier layer substantially prevents diffusion of silicon from the ceramic material into the superalloy substrate.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates containing such structural units as birefringence-reducing or “soft block” units are prepared by conducting a reaction, such as melt polymerization or equilibration, between a precursor polycarbonate and a monomer, polycarbonate oligomer or high molecular weight polycarbonate which is a source of other structural units. The crystallinity of the resulting precursor copolycarbonate or one of the reagents employed in its preparation is enhanced and the precursor copolycarbonate is subjected to solid state polymerization.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible back waist feature; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible back waist feature provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. The extensible back waist feature has a hip panel, a central waistband panel, and a pair of side panels. The force/extension characteristics of each panel is designed to provide such improved fit and containment.

Abstract: A stray field electrode (1) includes a base material (2) and a conductive filler material (3). The base material is preferably an insulating material, such as a silicone elastomer film. The conductive filler material is preferably a metal, such as silver particles dispersed in the silicone elastomer film. A set of stray field electrodes (16, 17, 18) may be used to determine the presence of water in a material (8), such as electrical generator insulation (14), by comparing a phase angle for the electric field (19, 20) between the electrodes with a predetermined phase angle for a dry material (8).

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for the oxidation of aromatic substrates in the presence of oxygen, a catalyst, a proton source, and a non-gaseous reductant. In a preferred embodiment, benzene is oxidized to phenol in the presence of oxygen, a vanadyl catalyst, trifluoroacetic acid as a proton source, and ferrocene as a reductant. The method is economical, safe, and amenable to commercial scale-up.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing polycarbonates, which utilizes polycondensation catalysts of the formula Ax+MF6−x, wherein A is an alkali metal or alkaline earth cation; M is a transition metal of group IVA or VA, or M is a p-block metal of group IIIB, IVB or VB; and x is 1, 2, or 3. We have found that this new class of catalysts provide excellent polymerization rates for the preparation of Bisphenol A polycarbonate from the melt polymerization of diphenyl carbonate and Bisphenol A. Moreover, the catalysts of the invention were found to be very selective in substantially reducing the level of branching side reaction, i.e., formation of Fries product, normally associated with the melt polycarbonate process.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing polycarbonates, which utilizes polycondensation catalysts which are compounds or complexes of Ruthenium (II) and (III). Preferred catalysts are compounds of the formula [Ru(aryl)3]2+2X−, where X is a counterion. We have found that this new class of catalysts provides excellent polymerization rates for the preparation of Bisphenol A polycarbonate from the melt polymerization of diphenyl carbonate and Bisphenol A.

Abstract: A current limiter device comprises at least two electrodes; an interlocked-array electrically conductive composite material disposed between the electrodes; interfaces disposed between the electrodes; an inhomogeneous distribution of resistance at the interfaces whereby, during a high current event, adiabatic resistive heating at the interfaces causes rapid thermal expansion and vaporization and physical separation at the interfaces; and means for exerting compressive pressure on the electrically conducting composite material. The interlocked-array electrically conductive composite material comprises an interlocked-array of spaced apart discrete regions of at least one insulating flexible material and at least one electrically conductive composite material. A method for forming the interlocked-array electrically conductive composite material structure is also set forth by the invention.

Abstract: A method of removing silicone oils from waste water generated by a silicones manufacturing plant including the step of centrifuging the waste water to concentrate silicone oil contaminated solids while removing the silicone oils. The silicone oil contaminated solids are then dried in a continuously mixed sludge dryer to remove more silicone oils from the sludge to form a sludge product which comprises at least 10% water and a low silicone oil concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preparation of polycarbonate by the melt process comprising reacting a diphenol and a diarylcarbonate in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a catalytically effective amount of an alkali and/or alkali earth metal salt of a non volatile acid and a base.

Abstract: A tampon is provided with a permeable or soluble barrier layer interposed between an absorbent core and an overwrap, allowing substantially complete, uniform wetting to be obtained even under light flow conditions. The barrier prevents immediate flow of fluid into the core, allowing time for fluid to be carried by the overwrap around the outer surface of the tampon, prior to being drawn into the absorbent core.

Abstract: Compatible polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends are prepared without the need for compatibilizing compounds such as citric acid or maleic anhydride. The preparation method includes melt blending of the constituents, with other materials such as impact modifiers and fillers optionally being present, at an apparatus temperature maintained no lower than about 295° C. and a pressure maintained below about 200 torr. Blending is preferably by extrusion, with filler and optionally a portion of the polyamide being introduced downstream.

Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article having a pair of first flaps and a pair of second flaps with fasteners, such as adhesive fasteners thereon, is disclosed. The absorbent article is wrapped by a wrapper for individually packaging the absorbent article. The wrapper comprises a main wrapper sheet and a flap fastener cover. Adhesive fasteners of the first and second flaps are releasably covered by the flap fastener cover which is joined to a part of the main wrapper sheet. The flap fastener cover protects the fasteners located on the first and second flaps of the absorbent article. The main wrapper sheet overlays one major surface of the absorbent article and by folding the article and sealing the wrapper in that folded orientation, an individually packaged disposable absorbent article is provided.

Abstract: Bromide source such as alkali metal bromide, alkaline earth metal bromide, or onium bromide, present as part of a catalyst mixture in an organic oxidative carbonylation mixture further comprising diaryl carbonate and a hydroxyaromatic compound, is often at least partially converted to organic bromide such as bromophenols. The bromide source can be recycled after reaction through treatment with an aqueous acidic bromide solution such as hydrogen bromide, preferably after removal of a major proportion of hydroxyaromatic compound such as phenol.