Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polymeric relief structure by a) coating a substrate with a first coating composition comprising one or more radiation-sensitive ingredients, d) locally treating the coated substrate with electromagnetic radiation having a periodic or random radiation-intensity pattern, forming a latent image, e) polymerizing and/or crosslinking the resulting coated substrate to a first coating. This process is improved by applying a second coating composition on top of the first coating composition, said second coating composition comprising either an organic compound (Co) of a monomeric nature and wherein Co is also polymerized during the process, or wherein said second coating comprises a dissolved polymer (Cp). As a result a polymeric relief structure is obtained, where a substrate is coated with a functional, stacked, bi-layer, in which each layer exhibits a specific, and from each other differing function.

Abstract: Characterized in that the polymerization is carried out in a single step in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Preferred chain transfer agents are polyols. The invention also relates to branched polycarbonates that have functional hydroxyl end-groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photo-embossing process for the preparation of a polymeric relief structure comprising the steps of: a) coating a substrate with a coating composition comprising one or more radiation-sensitive ingredients and less than 30 wt % polymeric binder material; b) locally treating the coated substrate with electromagnetic radiation having a periodic, non-periodic or random radiation-intensity pattern, forming a latent image, at a temperature below a transition temperature of the coating composition; and c) polymerizing and/or crosslinking the resulting coated substrate, at a temperature above said transition temperature, wherein the transition temperature is a temperature that defines a transition of the coating composition between a state of high viscosity and low viscosity and wherein the coating composition comprises a compound A comprising at least one radiation curable group and a photoinitiator, the coating composition having a transition temperature between 30° C. and 120° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a conductive polymer composition comprising the steps of A) providing a latex containing a conductive polymer; B) mixing the latex from A with either an aqueous latex of a polymer, or with (a) water-soluble precursor(s) of a polymer; C) removing water from the so obtained mixture; D) heating the product from step C) to a temperature at which the polymer added in step B flows or where the polymer introduced in step B is formed from out of its precursor(s); and E) processing and/or solidifying the product of step D) into a desired form, wherein the amount of conductive polymer is between 0.1 and 10 wt % relative to the total of the total of components in step A and B. In step A optionally carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an aqueous medium are preferably added to the latex containing conductive polymer. In that case the conductive polymer may behave as a conductive polymeric surfactant for the CNTs dispersed in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonate containing a dianhydrohexitol residue, obtainable from a polysaccharide, and a polyol residue, wherein the polycarbonate comprises between 0.2 and 5 mmol hydroxyl groups per gram polymer. The polycarbonate may be branched and comprises functional groups that can react with suitable crosslinkers. The polycarbonate can be used in for example coating compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a (process for preparation of a) carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer, wherein the matrix polymer has both a low molecular weight fraction as well as a high molecular weight fraction, as a result of which the level of conductivity of the resulting composite can be controlled.

Abstract: Compatibilised polyolefin compositions combining the positive properties of their respective components by using an olefinic di- or triblock copolymer as compatibiliser to generate a finely dispersed phase structure in the molten state and to improve adhesion between the blend components in the solid state, while not compromising processability of the polyolefin composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional optical sensor, having at least 2 areas which independently react to different input parameters, the sensor comprising a substrate and a polymeric layer comprising polymerized liquid crystal monomers having an ordered morphology, wherein the color, the reflectivity or the birefringence of the sensor changes due to a change of the morphology, wherein said change of the morphology is caused by physical contact with a chemical agent such as a gas or liquid a change of temperature, or passage of time. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the sensor and for the use of a film comprising a single substrate, a layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure for application in labels for packaging of perishable goods, food, fine chemicals, bio-medical materials.

Abstract: A polarizer including a polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer and a liquid crystal composition arranged on said photo-alignment layer. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer.

Abstract: A catalyst system obtainable by the process comprising the steps of contacting an adduct of formula (I) MgT2.yAlQj(OR?)3-j??(I) wherein T is chlorine, bromine, or iodine; R? is a linear or branched C1-C10 alkyl radical; y ranges from 1.00 to 0.05; and j ranges from 0.01 to 3.00; with at least one metallocene compound having titanium as central metal and at least one ligand having a cyclopentadienyl skeleton.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube reinforced polymers include a polymer and carbon nanotubes reinforcing the polymer. The carbon nanotube reinforced polymer exhibits a conductivity percolation threshold of less than 106 ?/cm at a carbon nanotube content of 1.5 wt. % and less. The polymer may be selected from a polyamide or a polystyrene based polymer. In certain embodiments, the carbon nanotube content is between 0.1 to 1.5 wt. %, and the reinforced polymer will have a percolation threshold at a carbon nanotube content of less than 0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric material having an anisotropic shape and comprising multiple cavities, wherein said cavities comprise a functional liquid. The invention also relates to a process of making the polymeric material from an emulsion of a functional liquid with a polymer in solution, in the melt or a polymer precursor which reacts to obtain the polymeric material having cavities filled with functional liquid.

Abstract: Shaped parts of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are made by a process comprising melt processing, wherein a) the UHMWPE has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 1*106 g/mol, b) during the shaping the storage plateau modulus of the UHMWPE (G*) is kept at a value of at most 1.5 MPa, c) whereafter, before the cooling, the G* is raised to its final value. The shaped parts may advantageously be used in medical applications, e.g., as an element of a hip or knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer (2) and a liquid crystal composition (3) arranged on said photo-alignment layer is provided. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer. As the origin for the alignment of the liquid crystal composition is a polarization hologram recorded in a photo-alignment layer, an essentially defect-free pattern can be obtained with this approach.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube reinforced polymers include a polymer and carbon nanotubes reinforcing the polymer. The carbon nanotube reinforced polymer exhibits a conductivity percolation threshold of less than 106 ?/cm at a carbon nanotube content of 1.5 wt. % and less. The polymer may be selected from a polyamide or a polystyrene based polymer. In certain embodiments, the carbon nanotube content is between 0.1 to 1.5 wt. %, and the reinforced polymer will have a percolation threshold at a carbon nanotube content of less than 0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a (process for preparation of a) carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer, wherein the matrix polymer has both a low molecular weight fraction as well as a high molecular weight fraction, as a result of which the level of conductivity of the resulting composite can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) comprising melt processing, wherein a) the UHMWPE has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 1*106 g/mol, b) during the shaping the storage plateau modulus of the UHMWPE (G*) is kept at a value of at most 1.5 MPa, c) whereafter, before the cooling, the G* is raised to its final value. The invention further relates to a shaped part obtainable with the process and the use of the shaped part in a medical application.

Abstract: Process for cross-linking ethylene-?-olefin copolymers comprising the step of combining the copolymer with (a) an initiator capable of generating free radicals and (b) a sulfur-containing co-agent according to formula R—Y—Sx—Y—R. This process results in cross-linked copolymers with improved dynamic properties, tensile strength, delta torque, and/or modulus, without compromising on compression set or aging stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer. The process comprises the following steps: a) contacting carbon nanotubes in an aqueous medium with a water-soluble component, comprising either a water-soluble first polymer or a water-soluble surfactant; b) mixing the resulting product from step A) with either an aqueous latex of a second polymer, or with (a) water-soluble precursor(s) of a second polymer; c) removing water from the so obtained mixture; d) heating the product from step C) to a temperature at which the second polymer flows or where the second polymer is formed from out of its precursor(s); and e) processing and/or solidifying the product of step D) into a desired form. As a result the carbon nanotubes retain essentially their original aspect ratio. As a result, mechanical and conductivity properties are improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to cross-link rubbers comprising the step of combining a rubber with an initiator capable of generating free radicals, a maleimide-type co-agent, and a sulfur donor, wherein said co-agent and said sulfur donor are two different chemicals.