Abstract: Sensing elements, sensor systems and methods for determining the concentration of oxygen and oxygen-related analytes in a medium are provided. The sensing element comprises a solid polymeric matrix material that is permeable to oxygen or an oxygen related analyte and an indicator that is covalently bonded to the solid polymeric matrix material. The indicator is a luminescent platinum group metal polyaromatic chelate complex capable of having its luminescence quenched by the presence of oxygen. The polyaromatic complex comprises three ligands, at least one of which is a bidentate diphenylphenanthroline. The polyaromatic complex is distributed substantially homogenously throughout the matrix material and is covalently bonded to the matrix material via a linker arm. The linker arm is attached to a phenyl group of a diphenylphenanthroline ligand and to the backbone of the polymeric matrix material.

Abstract: An adhesive/sealant which is curable by radiation exposure composition having at least one of adhesive and sealant properties and comprising a radiation polymerizable vinyl material, a polymerization initiator for radiation polymerization of the vinyl material, a thermosetting epoxy-containing material and a heat-activatable hardener for the epoxy-containing material.

Abstract: A metallized film comprises an opaque, continuous layer of metal on an aliphatic polyurethane substrate. The polyurethane substrate displays a glass transition temperature of about 25° to 110° C. and a melting temperature greater than or equal to 200° C. Decorative articles can be made with the metallized film.

Abstract: Accelerators that can be useful for an energy polymerizable composition comprising a cationically curable material; energy polymerizable compositions comprising at least one cationically curable material and an initiation system therefor, the initiation system comprising at least one organometallic complex salt and at least one accelerator; and a method for curing the compositions. The cured compositions can provide useful articles. The invention also provides compositions of matter comprising an organometallic complex salt and at least one compound selected from the Class 1 through Class 4 compounds disclosed herein.

Abstract: A novel polymodal asymmetric elastomeric block copolymer and a pressure sensitive adhesive, tape and adhesive backed article made therefrom, such as a polymer foam article having a substantially smooth surface prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.

Abstract: A pollution control device has a metal housing, a solid pollution control device disposed within the metal housing, and a mounting mat disposed between the pollution control element and the housing for positioning the pollution control element and for absorbing mechanical and thermal shock. The mounting mat includes a layer of intumescent material having at least one insert formed of a resilient, flexible, fibrous non-intumescent material. The insert is positioned along at least a portion of at least one lateral edge of the mounting mat to prevent erosion of the intumescent material and to provide a seal between the pollution control element and the housing.

Abstract: A multi-layered article comprising a first layer of a thermoset polyurethane. A second layer of a polymeric composition is bonded to the first layer. The polyurethane has available isocyanate groups prior to the application of the second layer. The second layer is applied onto the first layer in a pre-polymeric or polymeric state wherein the material has carboxyl groups and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: A low density, ready-to-serve frosting is provided that can be stored for extended periods of time with little or no separation of the aqueous and shortening phases and with minimal volume changes. The frosting is stabilized by the formation of an aqueous phase gel rather than by manipulation of the composition of the shortening phase. The aqueous phase gel comprises water and maltodextrin, water and inulin, or water and a mixture of maltodextrin and inulin.

Abstract: An adhesive-backed article having a compliant film with a pressure sensitive adhesive bonded to one surface of the film. The pressure sensitive adhesive includes a microstructured surface opposite the compliant film. The microstructured surface defines channels in the adhesive. The channels create pathways for the egress of fluids. Upon application onto a substrate, the channels and structures wet out to render the microstructured surface substantially undetectable when viewed from the exposed surface of the article.