Abstract: A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier; and wherein upon an impact, the energy absorber unit will absorb, e.g., up to 300 kJ of energy.

Abstract: In various aspects, the invention relates to blended thermoplastic polymer compositions (e.g., polycarbonate or polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer compositions) comprising recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or recycled polystyrene polymer which contain at least one impurity and an acid melt flow stabilizer. The presence of the acid melt flow stabilizer improves the thermal stability of the polymer blend. In various further aspects, blended compositions further comprise a flame retardant. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Processes involving wetting fibers with an aqueous dispersion of micronized thermoplastic powders; processes for producing an aqueous dispersion of micronized thermoplastic powders; processes of chemically surface cross-linking micronized particles; and articles of produced therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a functionally graded polymer material. The methods comprise preparing a melted polymer mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a magnetic filler dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer, molding the melted polymer mixture and applying a magnetic field to a portion of the melted polymer mixture to form a functionally graded polymer material. The resulting functionally graded polymer material has a magnetic filler gradient formed through a thickness of the material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool, comprising: a tool stationary portion comprising a nozzle and a film gate; and a tool movable portion comprising a shut off pin opposite the nozzle and the film gate; wherein the shut off pin prevents polymer melt in the nozzle from leaking into a cavity of the tool after injection of polymer into the tool.

Abstract: A impact resistant polycarbonate composition comprises an elastomer-modified graft copolymer prepared by an emulsion process in which a composition comprising the elastomer-modified graft copolymer is subjected to treatment with acid to adjust the pH to about 3.0 to about 6.8, following by coagulation of the elastomer-modified graft copolymer and admixture with an aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: Different interfacial processes for producing photoactive additives are disclosed. Generally, the photoactive additives are cross-linkable polycarbonate resins formed from a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first linker moiety, a diol chain extender, and an end-capping agent. The resulting additives can be crosslinked with other polymers upon exposure to UV radiation.

Abstract: Photoactive additives are disclosed. The additive is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, one or more linker moieties having functional groups that react with the phenolic groups, a diol chain extender, and an end-capping agent. If desired, a secondary linker moiety can be used. When added to a base polymeric resin, the photoactive additive permits crosslinking when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A process for making ultra-fine particles of a high performance polymer in a yield greater than 90%, which includes dissolving the high performance polymer in an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer to form a solution; emulsifying the solution by combining the solution with water and a surfactant to form an emulsion; transferring the emulsion into a receiving water containing a surfactant to remove the organic solvent and form a slurry; and recovering particles of less than 75 microns in diameter in a yield greater than 90%.

Abstract: A polycarbonate composition comprises an elastomer-modified graft copolymer prepared by an emulsion polymerization process in which an elastomer phase is polymerized or copolymerized in the presence of an electrolyte to obtain latex particles that is then grafted with a monomer mixture comprising a monovinylaromatic monomer.

Abstract: Processes for increasing the chemical resistance of a surface of a formed product are disclosed. The formed product is produced from a polymeric composition comprising a photoactive additive containing photoactive groups derived from a dihydroxybenzophenone. The surface of the formed product is then exposed to ultraviolet light to cause crosslinking of the photoactive additive and produce a crosslinked surface. The crosslinking enhances the chemical resistance of the surface. Various means for controlling the depth of the crosslinking are also discussed.

Abstract: Polymeric blends having improved flame retardance properties and good ductility at low temperatures are disclosed. The blend is formed from (A) a photoactive additive that is a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin containing a photoactive group derived from a dihydroxybenzophenone; and (B) a polymer resin which is different from the photoactive additive. The additive can be a compound, oligomer, or polymer. When exposed to ultraviolet light, crosslinking will occur between the photoactive additive and the polymer resin, enhancing the chemical resistance and flame retardance while maintaining ductility.

Abstract: Photoactive additives are disclosed. The additive includes a benzophenone having at least one substituent that comprises a divalent linker and a linking group, wherein the linking group is a carboxyl group, ester group, or acid halide group. The additive can be a polymer, an oligomer, or a compound. When added to a base polymeric resin, the photoactive additive permits crosslinking upon exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprises: a high heat thermoplastic resin, glass fiber, and a particulate glass filler. The particulate glass filler, prior to forming the composition, has a coating comprising an aminosilane and a urethane groups.

Abstract: A fixture can include a test fixture that holds an object whose electrostatic charge characteristics are to be measured, means for moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object, and means for rubbing a surface of the object. A method for measuring the electrostatic charge characteristics of an object using a test fixture can include: placing the object in the test fixture, moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object and rubbing a surface of the object with the piece of rubbing material for a period of time. The rubbing causes an electrostatic charge to be built up on the surface of the object. The electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be measured and the measured electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforced composition comprising: 55 to 80 wt % of a compatibilized blend of a polyphthalamide and a poly(phenylene ether) wherein said compatibilized blend is formed from a mixture of polyphthalamide and poly(phenylene ether) in a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 7.0:1, and a functionalizing agent in an amount sufficient to effect compatibilization; and 20 to 45 wt % of a nylon glass fiber, wherein the composition contains less than 0.1 wt % of phosphinates and less than 0.1 wt % of impact modifiers and weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A housing system can comprise a plastic cover (12); a plastic base (14) comprising a floor (20) having side walls (22, 24); a first elevation (26); a second elevation (34); a first mounting column (40) located in a transformer end (32) of the plastic base (14) adjacent a major axis first sidewall (22); a second mounting column (42) located in the transformer end (32) of the plastic base (14) adjacent a major axis second sidewall (22); wherein the first and second mounting columns (40,42) have a top surface (44) that protrudes a distance from the floor (20), in the Z direction, in an amount greater than or equal to elevation walls (28,36), wherein the top surface (44) is configured to receive an attachment element (46). The housing system can also comprise a transformer (72), physically attached to the mounting columns; a capacitor (74); a fan (78), and a printed circuit board (80).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing molded polymeric articles exhibiting enhanced flame retardant properties. Also disclosed are molded thermoplastic articles manufactured by the disclosed processes and methods.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of making a heat sink assembly (10) can comprise: forming an heat sink assembly (10) comprising a polymer heat sink (14) around a metal insert (12), the polymer heat sink (14) comprising a thermally conductive polymer material, wherein the heat sink assembly (10) has a contact pressure between the polymer heat sink (14) and the metal insert (12); and increasing the contact pressure. In an embodiment, a method of making a heat sink assembly (10), comprises: heating a mold and subsequently introducing a metal insert to the mold, wherein the metal insert has an insert temperature of 30° C. to 70° C. when it is inserted into the mold; closing the mold; and in less than or equal to 10 seconds of closing the mold, over-molding the metal insert with a thermally conductive polymer material to form a heat sink assembly (10).