Abstract: An implantable medical device that employs one or more fibers formed from a polymer composition that contains at least one liquid crystalline polymer is provided. In addition to being highly inert and biocompatible, the rigid rod-like structure of liquid crystalline polymers can allow them to be particularly well suited for implantable devices. Apart from the benefits from the polymer itself, the fibers are formed in such a manner so that they are generally flexible, but yet still possess a sufficient degree of strength so that they can be effectively employed in implantable medical devices.

Abstract: A molded polyethylene component that comprises polyethylene having a melt flow index of about 3.5 g/10 min or greater as measured by ASTM D1238 at 190° C./21.5 kg weight and having an ash content of about 500 ppm or less may be useful biomedical devices, including kits and methods relating thereto.

Abstract: Porous craniomaxillofacial implants may include a plurality of polymeric particles sintered together at a plurality of contact points to form a porous network having pores; and an antioxidant disposed on a surface of at least some of the polymeric particles and/or in the pore of the porous network, so as to stabilize the implants from at least some oxidative damage during storage, transportation, and/or implementation (in vivo and/or ex vivo). Preferably, the polymeric particles include at least one of polyethylene, a polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer, a polyethylene-polybutylene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Generally, solar cell backsheets may include high to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. Advantageously, said backsheets may be single layer structures. Said backsheets may be used in conjunction with photovoltaic devices, photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic arrays, or components thereof. Said backsheets may be formed by methods including compression molding, compression molding then skiving, RAM extrusion, screw extrusion, band sintering, and hybrids thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing a substrate having an adherent, durable, flexible, and stain resistant layer. The layer is formed by applying a composition that includes (i) the reaction product of a polyester and a polyoxetane having at least one carboxylic acid end group and at least one pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf group and (ii) an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises a first substrate, a film, and a second substrate. The film comprises a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an intermediate layer between the first and second outer layers. The first substrate comprises one or more polymers selected from polyurethane and polyester and is adhered to the first outer layer of the film. The second substrate is adhered to the second outer layer of the film. The first outer layer of the film comprises ionomer. The second outer layer of the film comprises one or more polymers selected from a) ionomer, b) polyamide having a melting point of at most about 200° C., c) amorphous polyamide, and d) polyester. The intermediate layer comprises one or more polyamides. The composite structure may be, for example, an automotive headliner assembly.

Abstract: A shrink film includes an internal layer including a styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer. First and second intermediate layers including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 4.0 can be optionally included. Alternatively, a shrink film includes an internal layer including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 4.0; a first and second intermediate layer each including a styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer; and a first and second outer layer each including an olefinic polymer. Film of the invention has a free shrink of from 40% to 80% at 240° F., and an Elmendorf tear of from 70 grams/mil to 300 grams/mil, in at least one of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A shrink film includes an internal layer including a styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer. First and second intermediate layers including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 4.0 can be optionally included. Alternatively, a shrink film includes an internal layer including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 4.0; a first and second intermediate layer each including a styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer; and a first and second outer layer each including an olefinic polymer. Film of the invention has a free shrink of from 40% to 80% at 240° F., and an Elmendorf tear of from 70 grams/mil to 300 grams/mil, in at least one of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method for preparing a substrate having an adherent, durable, flexible, and stain resistant layer. The layer is formed by applying a composition that includes (i) the reaction product of a polyester and a polyoxetane having at least one carboxylic acid end group and at least one pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n-Rf group and (ii) an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A substrate having an adherent and stain resistant layer having durability and flexibility, said layer comprising the reaction product of a reactive polyester having free carboxylic acid and/or hydroxyl groups, a hydroxyl terminated polymer including repeat units from an oxetane having pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups (said Rf groups generally being a fluorinated alkyl group) and an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties with dry erase markers. The coated substrate can be used as prepared or applied to other substrates.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions comprising organically modified clays and polyolefins or copolymers containing repeat units derived from olefins have flame retardant or flame resistant properties. Sheets and laminates of the nanocomposite can be utilized wherever flame retardant properties are desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane. The TPO or TPE adhesive is heated within the apparatus allowing application along the seam between the first and second membranes. The outlet of the nozzle is positioned between the first and second membranes with the TPO or TPE adhesive applied between the overlapping portions of the membranes while pressing the overlapping first and second membranes to hold the overlapping portions together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A substrate having an adherent and stain resistant layer having durability and flexibility, said layer comprising the reaction product of a reactive polyester having free carboxylic acid and/or hydroxyl groups, a hydroxyl terminated polymer including repeat units from an oxetane having pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups (said Rf groups generally being a fluorinated alkyl group) and an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties with dry erase markers. The coated substrate can be used as prepared or applied to other substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively curing a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) material to form a roofing membrane for installation on a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer, the sheet having a field and longitudinal edge areas bordering the field; and then simultaneously shielding at least one edge area of the EPDM sheet and exposing at least the field to a source of radiation to cure at least the field of the EPDM sheet and provide a selectively cured EPDM roofing membrane. Also disclosed is the product formed by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively curing a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) material to form a roofing membrane for installation on a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer, the sheet having a field and longitudinal edge areas bordering the field; and then simultaneously shielding at least one edge area of the EPDM sheet and exposing at least the field to a source of radiation to cure at least the field of the EPDM sheet and provide a selectively cured EPDM roofing membrane. Also disclosed is the product formed by the method of the present invention.