Abstract: The present invention relates to various nano-composites and compositions comprising a cationic mediator and method thereof. The cationic mediator comprises a polymeric group and a cationic unit selected from the group consisting of onium cation and heterocyclic cation. The nano-composites and compositions exhibit improved gas permeability property, strong moisture absorbance, and high electrical conductivity etc.

Abstract: A multi-layer nano-particle composition including a polymer core and at least two additional layers is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can be advantageously incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanoparticles with a controlled architecture of nano-necklace, nano-cylinder, nano-ellipsoid, or nano-sphere. The polymer nanoparticle comprises a core polymerized from multiple-vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, a shell polymerized from alkyl-substituted styrene, and a polystyrene layer between the core and the shell. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the polymer nanoparticles and a rubber article such as a tire manufactured from a formulation comprising the polymer nanoparticles.

Abstract: Onium-modified polymers, such as polyethers and alkylimidazolium-modified polymers are provided. The polymers have desirable properties such as moisture absorbing capability, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission, and enhanced electrical conductivity. A method to prepare the polymers is also provided, in which green solvents such as ionic liquids are utilized as both reaction media and reactants.

Abstract: A combination valve and pump assembly for use as ballasting apparatus in ships includes a cylindrical valve element disposed within an opening in a ballast chamber. The valve element communicates with ambient sea water and is movable toward and away from the ship's outer surface to block and unblock the opening. The valve and pump assembly also comprises pump apparatus, operable with the valve element, and including an impeller rotatably positioned concentrically within the valve element. The invention contemplates simultaneous reciprocatory translation of the valve element and the pump assembly by hydraulic motor apparatus such that opening and closing of the opening by the valve element is effected by the hydraulic apparatus, while a pump motor causes rotation of the impeller when the valve element is displaced from a position where the opening is blocked.

Abstract: Impervious graphite tubes, rings and other chemical processing structures made from impervious graphite can be improved with respect to impact strength, safety, shock resistance, pressure capability and heat transfer capability by partially thermally degrading impervious graphite structures and coating the outer surfaces of the treated graphite structures with a layer of metal at an elevated temperature. Upon cooling, the structure is under compression and has the improved properties. Structures are claimed comprising metal armored, partially thermally degraded impervious graphite.

Abstract: A method of producing improved metal coated glassware and other brittle, non-metallic engineering materials, including items for laboratory and industry, which items are ordinarily brittle and subject to breakage or rupture under relatively low pressures and relatively minor impacts, said method utilizing an anti-bonding film, such as graphite, between the external surface of the glass, and a metal coating, which is generally chemically vapor deposited. The coated products have good impact strength, shock resistance, good heat distribution, good pressure capability, and an extremely high safety factor. Brittle fracture or rupture is a fracture unaccompanied by plastic or permanent deformation. Brittleness is that quality or property of a material that leads to crack propagation without plastic deformation.

Abstract: Improved metal coated glassware and other brittle, non-metallic engineering materials, including items for laboratory and industry, which items are ordinarily brittle and subject to breakage or rupture under relatively low pressures and relatively minor impacts, utilizing an anti-bonding film, such as graphite, between the external surface of the glass, and a metal coating, which is generally chemically vapor deposited. The coated products have good impact strength, shock resistance, good heat distribution, good pressure capability, and an extremely high safety factor. Brittle fracture or rupture is a fracture unaccompanied by plastic or permanent deformation. Brittleness is that quality or property of a material that leads to crack propagation without plastic deformation.

Abstract: Color photographic elements containing silver halide and incorporated color-forming materials are described. These elements contain at least two differentially light-sensitive emulsion layers, the overlying layer being sensitive to the relatively shorter wavelengths and containing at least one yellow dye-forming color coupler which has the unusual ability to inhibit the reaction of competing couplers (such as citrazinic acid, for example) when competing couplers are used in color developing solutions in the conventional manner. Use of these couplers in the overlying (color) layer of multi-layer color photographic elements makes it possible to produce colored images having improved graininess.Couplers having this unusual capability are selected from those having the structures: ##SPC1##Wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Photographic elements are provided which feature a support having coated thereon a first photographic silver halide emulsion layer containing image-forming coupler and development inhibitor-releasing coupler; and, a second silver halide emulsion layer containing photographic image-forming coupler, the second layer having a faster effective speed sensitivity than the first layer. Such elements have high contrast for faint images and an extended latitude of low contrast for bright images.