Abstract: A composition useful as a restorative material includes a curable matrix with whiskers which preferably have a silicon dioxide containing coating thereon that are then silanized and may also include optional particulate filler of the type which may release fluorides. The polymeric matrix bonds more tightly to the whiskers due to the coating of silicon dioxide on the surface of the whiskers and the coaction between said silicon dioxide and the silane compound. Particles adhered to the whisker also enhance the mechanical properties by virtue of the whisker's surface being thereby roughened. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dental restorative compositions of the composite resin/glass ionomer hybrid type and resins used in the compositions. The compositions contain an aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin, a finely divided ion-leachable fluoroaluminosilicate glass filler, a polymerization initiator system, and may contain other components. The aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin has at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group such as a (meth)acrylate group. The compositions have improved mechanical strength, improved wear resistance, and sustained long-term fluoride release.

Abstract: A powder coating composition, suitable for providing a coating having certain appearance or performance attributes, which includes composite particles that are agglomerates of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles such that the composite particles are air-fluidizable and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray without causing the individual particles in the composite particles to break down under the mechanical and/or electrostatic forces associated with their application to a substrate.

Abstract: A process for compounding polymer dispersions, which comprises circulating the polymer dispersion from a vessel (7) having a stirring device (6) through a line (3) having a mixing device (2) by means of a pump (4) which is located in the line (3), and, before the entry of the circulated polymer dispersion into the mixing device (2), metering at least one solution or dispersion of at least one compounding material from at least one stock container (5) via a supply line (9) into the circulated polymer dispersion.

Abstract: A process and a high pressure apparatus are disclosed which are useful in preparing magnetic dispersions and other dispersions of hard, non-compliant particulates. The apparatus can be monitored for clogs and wear and allows for relatively quick and inexpensive replacement of orifices. The apparatus includes a high pressure pump and a series of impingement chambers comprising an input manifold where the process stream is split into two or more streams and an output manifold where the streams are recombined after passing through restrictive orifices configured in such a manner that the streams impinge on each other at high velocities. The orifices in each succeeding impingement zone are the same size or smaller than the orifices in the preceding impingement zone, and the orifices in the final impingement zone must be smaller than the orifices in the first impingement zone.

Abstract: Rubber compositions for automotive tire treads are made up of a selected class of base rubbers and a selected class of synthetic plasticizers in specified amounts. The plasticizer is derived from esterification of a diglycerin or an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric alcohol with a selected class of higher fatty acids. Gripping performance is maintained for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition which comprises dynamically cross-linking an olefine copolymer rubber and an olefine plastic using a twin-screw extruder, said process being characterized in that said twin-screw extruder comprises one or more kneading zones within a dynamically cross-linking area and the first kneading zone among said zones comprises a screw with forward kneading disks having a minimum thickness (T.sub.min) of less than 13 mm per disk. Said method enables production of a thermoplastic elastomer composition of good quality regardless of the scale of production.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: Method, composition and structure are provided for tooth restorations comprising a urethane polymer having a crystalline polymer phase distributed in a noncrystalline polymer phase by virtue of differential reactivity of the urethane forming reagents.

Abstract: A tooth-surface treatment agent for use with dental glass ionomer cement comprises (a) a polymer of an .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated carboxylic acid having a specific molecular weight, (b) a compound containing one or more of the elements selected from the group of aluminum, iron, tin, and calcium, and (c) water. This agent ensures the dissolution and removal of the smear layer, and improves and stabilizes the bonding strength of the glass ionomer cement to tooth structure. Also, the agent has a milder effect than the effects had by phosphoric acid, and has an action on reducing irritation to the dental pulp and is harmless thereto because it enables the smear plugs to remain in dentinal tubules.

Abstract: Disclosed are sealant compositions and electrical connectors having excellent low temperature repairability and outstanding sealing ability at both high and low temperatures. The preferred connectors contain a sealant composition comprising an elastomeric thermoplastic polymer and an extender for said polymer, said extender constituting a major proportion by weight of said sealant composition and said polymer constituting a minor proportion by weight of said sealant composition, wherein said composition preferably has a low-temperature wire insertability of at least about 80 mm. Furthermore, the preferred compositions are both slump and spew resistant over the operating temperature range of the connector.

Abstract: An aerosol propellant comprises a methylene-chloride-in-water water/out emulsion comprising water, methylene chloride and a surfactant and a propellant gas soluble in methylene chloride. A puncture sealing and inflating composition for pneumatic tires includes a methylene-chloride-in-water water/out emulsion comprising water, methylene chloride, and a surfactant; a nonflammable propellant gas soluble in methylene chloride; a curable latex emulsion; and a fibrous plugging/matting agent.

Abstract: Finely divided mixtures of 97-10% by weight of at least one amphiphilic polymer whose softening point is above 35.degree. C., and 3-90% by weight of at least one inorganic solid with a particle size not exceeding 500 .mu.m are prepared by heating the two components to a temperature which is above the softening point of the polymer, mixing the components, dispersing the melt and rapidly cooling to a temperature at which virtually no inhomogeneity occurs and, where appropriate, further comminuting the particles at temperatures below 50.degree. C. to a particle size of from 50 .mu.m to 5 mm, and are used as additive to detergents.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising a polymerizable monomer having an acidic group in its molecule and an initiator. The composition has a viscosity in the range of from 100 to 30,000 cP at 37.5.degree. C. and may have additionally contain other polymerizable monomer and/or a filler. The composition is applied to a tooth surface directly or after applying a primer composition. There is also provided the primer composition which comprises a polymerizable monomer having an acidic group and a solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are elastomeric compounds including an elastomer and a silicon-treated carbon black, and optionally including a coupling agent. The elastomeric compound exhibits poorer abrasion resistance, lower hysterisis at high temperature and comparable or increased hysterisis at low temperature compared to an elastomer containing an untreated carbon black. Elastomeric compounds incorporating an elastomer and an oxidized, silicon-treated carbon black are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for preparing elastomers compounded with the treated carbon black.

Abstract: Thermoplastic concentrates comprising inorganic pigments, such as titanium dioxide, treated with a dialkyl sulfosuccinate treating agent, of the formula ROOCCHSO.sub.3 MCH.sub.2 COOR', where R and R' are monovalent alkyl radicals containing from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms and M is a metallic monovalent cation, are disclosed. Such treatment improves the dispersibility of the pigments in thermoplastic resins. The treatment also enables the production of thermoplastic concentrates comprising a high percentage of treated inorganic pigment dispersed in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A composition for the manufacture of a medical implant utilizing a solid polymeric material fashioned from stock or pressure molded from a powder base. A sufficient amount of a carotenoid is doped into powder base or stock solid polymeric material to produce a stable oxidation resistant matrix for use in medical implants, or alternatively doped into a solid, performed bulk polymeric material for use as medical implants.

Abstract: An improvement in a continuous process for making high internal phase emulsions that are typically polymerized to provide microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, especially aqueous body fluids such as urine. The improvement involves recirculating a portion (about 50% or less) of the emulsion withdrawn from the dynamic mixing zone of this continuous process. This increases the uniformity of the emulsion ultimately obtained from this continuous process in terms of having the water droplets homogeneously dispersed in the oil phase. This also improves the stability of the HIPE and expands the temperature range for pouring and curing this HIPE during subsequent emulsion polymerization. The improvement also eliminates the need for a static mixer outside the dynamic mixing zone, and allows for processing where relatively low pressure drops are required across the mixing zone.

Abstract: An improved hydrogel formed from hydrated polymerization products of monomer mixtures containing a major amount of at least one hydrophilic monomer and a strengthening monomer wherein the strengthening monomer is 2-hydroxycyclohexyl methacrylate. Contact lenses made from the hydrogels are also disclosed.