Abstract: The invention concerns a thermoplastic vulcanizate, comprising the following components: a thermoplastic (A); an at least partially vulcanized rubber (B); a plasticizer (C); conventional additives (D); and a surface modifier (E), which migrates uniformly onto the surface of the vulcanizate and forms a continuous, waxlike, solid layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of using external polymeric analytical techniques to predict in-vivo polymeric performance, more particularly, viscoelastic property characterization for performance modeling of biomedical devices that incorporate a polymeric component and are load-bearing during service. Time-Temperature Superposition can be used to accelerate external testing of pertinent properties. Boltzmann's superposition provides a mathematical methodology for determining the time-dependent strain that develops in response to an imposed stress history. The modeling of the present invention provides an opportunity to describe and predict behavior of the device during in-vivo service, as well as it providing a basis for evaluating alternate “candidate” polymers for use in the construction of the device.

Abstract: A coating system for ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. The coating system is formed by a process that includes premixing of the inherently conductive polymer with the anodic metal particles to form an inherently conductive polymer/metal particle complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing lignosulfonic acid-doped polyaniline by oxidatively polymerizing aniline in the presence of transition metal ions selected from the group consisting of Ag(I), Fe(II), and Fe(III) salts. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of transition metals from transition metal salts by exposing transition metal ion containing materials to an aqueous dispersion of lignosulfonic acid-doped polyaniline.

Abstract: A multi-functional concentrate composition which can be utilized to impart a desired color to a polymeric material and improve the processability thereof. The composition comprises at least one pigment, a blowing or foaming agent, and a binder component which at least allows the polymeric material to be processed at lower pressures than would otherwise be necessary for the same composition without the blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising four components (A, B. C, D), notably: a thermoplastic (A); a substantially non-cross-linked polyethylene (B); an at least partially vulcanized rubber (C); a softener (D); as well as standard blend ingredients (E). The above mixture contains between 5 and 20% by weight thermoplastic (A), in relation to the sum of the four components (A, B, C, D). The invention also relates to advantageous material parameters and process steps.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for matching the color of a target sample at a remote location. The system has a first computer that is operative to receive and transmit target spectral data at a first location. A second computer in the system is located at a second location remote from the first computer. The second computer is operative to receive the target spectral data or formula identifier from the first computer. The system includes a database including a plurality of data sets. Each data set has at least spectral data corresponding to standard samples. The system also has software capable of searching the database using the target spectral data as search criteria and returning a match with a data set having standard spectral data that matches the target spectral data. The system optionally has a device that can sense the target spectral data of the target sample and input that target spectral data into the first computer, optionally also non-spectral data and QC capability.

Abstract: Wood surfaces treated to be inkjet receptive media are disclosed, where the wood surface is treated in a manner that can control the spread of an ink droplet reaching the wood surface to provide a superior image graphic. The treatment uses an image fixing agent comprising an aqueous solution of containing an organo-metallic complex of a hydrophobic fatty acid coordinated with a halogenated trivalent chromium. Veneers, plywoods, and particle boards having faces of lesser value woods can be digitally imaged to give the appearance of higher value woods or other customized inkjet images. Environmental and economic considerations benefit from the use of commonly available wood surfaces to simulate exotic and threatened wood species.

Abstract: A method includes steps for forming an intermediate composition. The intermediate composition is to be added to a polymer, or to a polymer precursor, in a process of manufacturing a low permeability container formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The method includes forming an intermediate composition which, if added to the polymer or polymer precursor, will inhibit the permeability of the low permeability container subsequently formed of the polymer or polymer precursor. The forming step includes mixing a solid dispersant with clay to form the intermediate composition as a solid.

Abstract: A process for producing a multicolored coverstock (10, 20, 72) providing at least two thermoplastic or thermoplastic olefin sheets (12, 14, 58). Each of the sheets includes a different color. The process includes directing the sheets into a position where the edges (24, 26) of the sheets overlap. The sheets are laminated together and are laminated to a foam substrate (22, 60) by directing the sheets and the foam substrate through an embossing nip (72). The embossing nip is further operative to impart an embossed surface in the sheets (18). The resulting laminated coverstock may be used in vacuum forming, low pressure molding, and compression molding of interior trim parts of automobiles and other vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which can be utilized to induce foaming of a resin or polymeric material in polymer processing machinery. The composition of the present invention includes a blowing agent which decomposes and evolves gases thereby causing the polymeric material to foam. The compositions of the present invention allow for reductions in part weight, cycle times and injection pressure.

Abstract: A homopolymer or copolymer useful for inhibiting the migration of pigmented inks in porous inkjet receptor media is disclosed. The copolymer is comprised of at least two different hydrophilic monomers, each of whose homopolymers are hydrophilic yet the resulting copolymer from the different hydrophilic monomers is sparingly soluble in water. Methods of making and using such copolymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is reinforced by a thin annular composite band embedded in the crown portion of the tire to enable the tire to resist compressive forces in the tire when in an uninflated condition. The band is formed of a plurality of wound layers of first and second resin coated fiber tows wherein the first tow is formed of fibers twisted at a greater angle than the fibers in the second tow. Layers of the first tow are located adjacent the neutral axis of the band to provide interlaminar shear strength with the tow layers located adjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the band being formed predominately of the second tow to provide a high level circumferential stiffness. The intermediate tow layers are formed of both type of tows to provide a transition zone between the central interlaminar shear strength and the outer circumferential stiffness.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus permits the insertion and removal of an electronic monitoring device from a tire, while securing the electronic monitoring device to the tire so that stress, strain, impact, cyclic fatigue and vibration are minimized. After a rubber patch is vulcanized, the patch is permanently assembled to the innerliner of a vulcanized tire by affixing it to the tire innerliner. An electronic monitoring device, after having been encapsulated in a suitable rigid potting material to form a rigid tag, is fitted with a power source to form a tag assembly in a shape which allows for insertion into a cavity in the patch. The tag is carefully inserted into the cavity housing. The tag assembly is locked into place within the cavity using a suitable removable locking device.

Abstract: An air spring has a piston formed of a high strength plastic material consisting of a main shell and a bottom end sealing plate extending between a pair of concentric inner and outer annular walls. A pair of internal auxiliary reservoirs or subchambers are formed within the piston and are in fluid communication with each other and with the main air chamber formed by a flexible bellows extending between the piston and an end plate. A plurality of radially extending reinforcing ribs extend between the inner and outer annular walls of the shell and a rigid central post. A central planar support surface having an area approximately 20% than that of the piston base area provides a reduced surface area for mounting the piston on a smaller support surface.