Abstract: A polyorganosiloxane containing the units (HR2Si—O1/2) HM units, (Si—O4/2) Q units, (R1Si—O3/2) T units and (R2Si—O2/2) D units in a ratio of from 2:1:0:0 to 6:4:2:2, or (HR2Si—O1/2) HM units, (R1Si—O3/2) T units, (R2Si—O2/2) D units and (R2(R1O)Si—O1/2) in a ratio HM:T:D:alkoxyM of from 1:2:0:0 to 3:4:2:2 is described, where R are identical or different, non-halogenated or halogenated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms per radical, or are OR1, where R1 is a monovalent, unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and in each molecule there are at least 3 Si-bonded hydrogen atoms. The polyorganosiloxanes are particularly useful as crosslinking agents in addition curable elastomer formulations.

Abstract: A barrier assembly. The barrier assembly includes at least one barrier stack having at least one barrier layer and at least one polymer layer. The barrier stack has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 0.005 cc/m2/day at 23° C. and 0% relative humidity, and an oxygen transmission rate of less than 0.005 cc/m2/day at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. The barrier stack also has a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.005 g/m2/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity. A method for making a barrier assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flame retardant blends comprising a polycarbonate portion containing spirobiindane units, at least one addition polymer such as a styrene-acrylonitrile or ABS copolymer, and at least one phosphoryl flame retardant have high temperature stability properties superior to those of similar blends not containing the spirobiindane units. Blends in which the polycarbonate portion contains such units in amounts up to 5 mole percent also have excellent ductility.