Abstract: Polymerizable compositions and methods are provided that include an ethylenically unsaturated compound and an arylsulfinate salt. The polymerizable compositions are useful as hardenable dental compositions.

Abstract: Articles and methods for the high-energy desorption/ionization of various compositions are disclosed. Methods of the invention utilize porous substrates, optionally in combination with one or more surface coatings and fillers, to provide enhanced desorption of analytes. Such enhanced desorption is particularly useful in fields of analysis such as mass spectrometry. This enhanced desorption has various utilities. For example, use of the porous substrate may allow desorption to be performed without the use of chemical matrices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental paste, a dental article, methods of making and using the dental paste, and compositions prepared therefrom. In one embodiment, the dental paste includes (a) a filler including porous, non-pyrogenic silica having a silane treated surface and being substantially free of heavy metals and (b) a filler including non-aggregated primary silica particles, with the fillers being dispersed in a hardenable resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to two-component preparations comprising epoxy compounds and a noble metal species, in particular for the preparation of dental compositions. The invention particularly relates to two-component dental compositions which comprise epoxy compounds and are cured by cationic polymerization in the presence of a noble metal species.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanofillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.

Abstract: The invention features integrated membrane assemblies for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The assemblies include two or more flat sheet membrane elements and at least one common manifold connected to the interior regions of the membrane elements.

Abstract: A dental mill blank comprising a resin and a filler, wherein the blank is fabricated such that it passes a Thermal Shock Test. The mill blank is substantially free of cracks and discontinuities. Further, the blank may have superior cuttability and hardness.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions and methods are provided that include an ethylenically unsaturated compound and an arylsulfinate salt. The polymerizable compositions are useful as hardenable dental compositions.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate having first and second major surfaces and a hub that defines an axis of rotation for the substrate, and an unvented channel having a plurality of connected compartments. Methods for using devices of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Amide-functional polymers, and compositions including such polymers, are disclosed. The compositions, which optionally may be hardenable, are useful for treating a surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hardenable (i.e., curable by polymerization, crosslinking, ionic, or other chemical reaction) composition that includes polymerizable urea or thiourea compounds that function as reductants (i.e., reducing agents) in redox polymerization reactions.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions that include: (a) a cationically active functional group; (b) an initiation system capable of initiating cationic polymerization of the cationically active functional group; and (c) a filler composition that includes various radiopacifying fillers in an amount sufficient to render the polymerizable composition radiopaque. Components (a), (b), and (c) are selected such that the polymerizable composition polymerizes to form a polymerized composition having a Barcol hardness, measured using a GYZJ-935 meter, of at least 10 within 30 minutes following initiation of the cationically active functional group at a reaction temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein a devolatilizing reactor is used to make combinatorial libraries of materials. Examples of suitable reactors include continuous high viscosity devolatilizers and continuous devolatilizing kneaders.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanofillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making uncrosslinked foams by polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. The foams may be polymized with photoinitiators, thermal initiators, or redox initiators. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.