Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion among two or more of transparent conducting oxides, electrically conductive grid materials, and dielectric barrier layers. As a consequence, these strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. When the barrier is formed and then the grid is applied to vias in the barrier, the structure has improved moisture barrier resistance as compared to where the barrier is formed over or around the grid. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. This allows the collection grids to be at least partially exposed above the dielectric barrier, making it easy to make electronic connection to the devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing a very low viscosity cellulose ether having little or no discoloration and cellulose ether products resulting therefrom. The method includes contacting a cellulose ether with an oxidizing agent and an acid to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated and neutralized. The method includes adding a second oxidizing agent to the mixture and forming a very low viscosity cellulose ether having a viscosity from 1.2 cP to less than 2 cP. The very low viscosity ether may also have an APHA color value of 1 to 100.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to cellulose ether compositions for film-forming coating applications. A coating composition is provided which contains an aqueous solution of either a very low viscosity cellulose ether or a low-hydroxypropyl cellulose ether, the coating composition having low color, The low viscosity of the cellulose ether component enables the coating composition to contain a high concentration of cellulose ether. Provision of these high concentration cellulose ether coating solutions improves production efficiency by reducing the time required to coat a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an impact modified composition comprising ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are characterized by an average block index, ABI, which is greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.3. In addition or alternatively, the block ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer is characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (“TREF”), wherein the fraction has a block index greater than about 0.3 and up to about 1.0 and the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene polymer component and a high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene polymer component coupled with a polysulfonyl azide. Preferably, the LMW polyethylene component and the HMW polyethylene component co-crystallize in the composition such that it exhibits a single or substantially single peak in a lamella thickness distribution (LTD) curve. The ethylene polymer for the LMW and the HMW polyethylene components can be either homopolymer or ethylene copolymer. Preferably, both components are an ethylene copolymer of the same, or different, composition (that is, with the same or different comonomers). A method of making a pipe that includes selecting a polymer composition having a substantially single peak in the LTD curve is described. Compositions comprising a chromium-catalyzed ethylene polymer, coupled with a polysulfonyl azide are also described herein.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer suitable for use in shrinkage film applications, and articles made therefrom. The ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer according to the present invention has a CDBI of less than 60%, and comprises at least two fractions in crossfractionation of the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer, eluting from 85° C. to 90° C. and from 90° C. to 95° C., comprising a weight fraction ratio of >0.68 and a molecular weight homogeneity index of greater than 0.65; wherein the weight fraction ratio is the ratio of the weight of polymer in each fraction divided by the weight of polymer eluting between 95° C. and 100° C. and the molecular weight homogeneity index is the ratio of the weight average molecular weight of the polymer in the fraction divided by the weight average molecular weight of the polymer eluting between 95° C. and 100° C., and wherein the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density in the range of 0.920 to 0.940 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible, halogen-free, flame retardant composition. The composition includes from about 25 wt % to about 95 wt % of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of an olefin block copolymer (OBC); and from about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % of a flame retardant. The flame retardant is selected from resorcinol bis(diphenyl 5 phosphate) (RDP), bis diphenyl phosphate (BDP), bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BPADP), aluminum trihydrate (ATH), a nitrogen/phosphorus-based halogen-free flame retardant, epoxidized novolac resin, and combinations thereof. The composition requires no compatibilizer for the TPU and OBC. The composition finds application in wire and cable structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition. The polymeric composition includes: (A) a propylene-based polymer; (B) an ethylene/a-olefin polymer; (C) a block composite comprising: i) a propylene-based crystalline polymer; ii) an ethylene/a-olefin polymer; and iii) a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and an ethylene/a-olefin block. The polymeric composition provides improved heat seals when formed into film, film layer, or flexible containers such as retort pouch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block copolymer comprising a first segment and a second segment that are covalently bonded to each other and that are chemically different from each other; where the first segment has a first surface free energy and where the second segment has a second surface free energy; and an additive copolymer; where the additive copolymer comprises a surface free energy reducing moiety where the surface free energy reducing moiety has a lower surface free energy than that of the first segment and the second segment; the additive copolymer further comprising one or more moieties having an affinity to the block copolymer; where the surface free energy reducing moiety is chemically different from the first segment and from the second segment; where the additive copolymer is not water miscible; and where the additive copolymer is not covalently bonded with the block copolymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition comprising: a) a polypropylene; b) a polyolefin elastomer; and c) a block composite. The polyolefin elastomer has an I10/I2 from greater than 7.5 to 15.0. The composition may optionally include a filler.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polycyanates of the formula: where R, m, Q, p and Z are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of curing said polycyanates and methods of using said polycyanates to provide high Tg thermoset products.

Abstract: The multilayer film comprises a first outer layer which is heat sealable. The first outer layer comprises from 95 to 100 percent (by weight of the first outer layer) of a first polymer, said first polymer being derived from propylene monomer and optionally one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C4-C8 alpha olefins. The first polymer should have a melting point of at least 125 C. The multilayer film further comprises an inner portion adjacent to the first outer layer. The inner portion may be a single layer or may comprise several layers. At least one layer of the inner portion comprises an elastomeric propylene based polymer (“EPBP”). Further at least one layer of the inner portion comprises a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of high pressure low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymers and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Described is an epoxy composition containing: (a) an epoxy resin containing at least one epoxy group, (b) an anhydride hardener, (c) a hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane, and (d) a functional silane having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy-reactive group, an anhydride-reactive group, and an epoxy- and anhydride-reactive group. Also describing a crosslinked epoxy composition and a method for preparing thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a first composition comprising a first block copolymer upon a substrate; where the first block copolymer comprises a first segment and a second segment that are covalently bonded to each other and that are chemically different from each other; where the first segment has a first surface free energy and where the second segment has a second surface free energy; and disposing a second composition comprising an second copolymer upon a free surface of the first block copolymer; where the second copolymer comprises a surface free energy reducing moiety; where the surface free energy reducing moiety has a lower surface free energy than the first surface free energy and the second surface free energy; the second copolymer further comprising one or more moieties having an affinity to the first block copolymer; where the surface free energy reducing moiety is chemically different from the first segment and from the second segment.

Abstract: The invention provides cross-linked polymeric films, laminates, membranes or other polymeric articles, which show rubber like heat resistance (hot set) and dimensional stability above the polymer melting point, while maintaining heat sealing properties. For example, the invention provides a film comprising at least one layer formed from a composition comprising the following components: A) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of the following: i) an ethylene-based polymer, ii) an ethylene/?-olefin/diene interpolymer, and ii) a C4-C10 olefin-based polymer; B) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a propylene/ethylene interpolymer and a propylene/&alpha,- -olefin interpolymer; and wherein the film is crosslinked using radiation and/or chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic device suitable for directly mounting on a structure. The device includes an active portion including a photovoltaic cell assembly having a top surface portion that allows transmission of light energy to a photoactive portion of the photovoltaic device for conversion into electrical energy and a bottom surface having a bottom bonding zone; and an inactive portion immediately adjacent to and connected to the active portion, the inactive portion having a region for receiving a fastener to connect the device to the structure and having on a top surface, a top bonding zone; wherein one of the top and bottom bonding zones comprises a first bonding element and the other comprises a second bonding element, the second bonding element designed to interact with the first bonding element on a vertically overlapped adjacent photovoltaic device to bond the device to such adjacent device or to the structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a method of producing a silylated polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one crosslinkable silyl group and at least one hydroxyl group in each molecule. The method comprises providing a polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one unsaturated group and at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group in each molecule, wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer includes an impurity double metal cyanide complex mixed therein, and wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer has not been treated with a metal-coordinating compound; and adding to the polyoxyalkylene polymer a compound having a hydrogen-silicon bond and a crosslinkable silyl group in each molecule and a hydrosilylation catalyst to thereby carry out a hydrosilylation reaction, wherein the hydrosilyation reaction is performed in an absence of a metal-coordinating compound.

Abstract: Blended polyolefin dispersions, including: (A) a liquid; (B) an olefin-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed olefin-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.1 to 5 microns; and (C) an alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.02 microns to 1 micron. Coatings, froths, foams, toners, and other various uses for the blended dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition. The polymeric composition includes: (A) a propylene/a-olefin interpolymer; (B) an ethylene-based polymer; (C) a block composite comprising: i) a propylene-based crystalline polymer; ii) an ethylene/a-olefin polymer; and iii) a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and an ethylene/a-olefin block. The polymeric composition provides improved heat seals when formed into film, film layer, or flexible containers such as a retort pouch.

Abstract: An ethylene-based polymer, which is a low density polyethylene (LDPE), obtained by free radical polymerization of ethylene, and wherein the LDPE has a GPC parameter “LSP” less than 1.60. An ethylene-based polymer that comprises the following features: a) at least 0.1 amyl groups per 1000 total carbon atoms; b) a melt index of 0.01 to 0.3; c) a z-average molecular weight of Mz (conv.) of greater than 350,000 g/mol and less than 425,000 g/mol; d) a gpcBR value from 1.50 to 2.05, and e) a MWD(conv) [Mw(conv)/Mn(conv)] from 6 to 9. An ethylene-based polymer that comprises the following features: a) at least 0.1 amyl groups per 1000 total carbon atoms; b) a melt viscosity ratio (V0.1/V100), at 190° C., greater than, or equal to, 58; c) a melt viscosity at 0.1 rad/s, 190° C., greater than, or equal to, 40,000 Pa·s, and d) a gpcBR value from 1.50 to 2.25.