Abstract: A fuel cell separator or water transport plate is formed of graphite, carbon fibers and an inert thermosetting hydrophilic binder. The materials may be in powdered form, and plates, preferably channeled, are formed using heat and pressure. The hydrophilic properties of the plates may be improved by immersion in an oxidizing bath followed by water rinsing. The active materials included in the plate are substantially limited to graphite, carbon fibers and the binder, and no additional hydrophilic coatings, materials or any high temperature processes are involved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to methods and apparatus for the efficient identification of components, formulations and materials produced therefrom. More particularly, the invention relates to automated apparatus and associated methods of utilizing arrays of materials for expeditious screening, testing, identification and optimization of formulations of materials and application parameters that provide novel materials having desired physical characteristics.

Abstract: Water-permeable, pressure-sensitive adhesives and adhesive constructions are characterized by a MVTR of at least 1,900 g/m2/day and low adhesive edge lift, even after 25 kGy gamma irradiation. The copolymers are formed from a plurality of acrylic monomers, preferably butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and optionally N-vinyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: Multilayer PSA label constructions that achieve a good balance of properties, namely, adhesive performance, convertibility, and laser printer performance, and, optionally, good wet-out on plastic substrates and low haze. The multilayer PSA construction comprising a facestock, a multilayer adhesive coating, and a release liner. The adhesive coating is made of a face side adhesive (FSA) layer comprising a first emulsion acrylic PSA, which is in contact with the inner surface of the facestock, and a liner side adhesive (LSA) layer, comprising a second emulsion acrylic PSA different from the first acrylic PSA, which is in contact with the FSA. The adhesive coating has a coat weight of less than about 26 g/m2 and a flow of less than about 50 &mgr;m at room temperature. The construction exhibits a loop tack value of at least about 3.5 N/25 mm at 5° C. on a polyethylene substrate.

Abstract: PSAs and PSA constructions, such as self-adhesive labels, are provided, and exhibit good slittability and reduced adhesive build-up in printers, including laser printers. In one embodiment, a PSA has a storage modulus at 1000 radians/s and 25° C. of about 5×106 dyne/cm2 or higher and a creep at 90° C. of about 125 or less. In one embodiment, the PSA is the polymerization product of a plurality of acrylic and other monomers.

Abstract: Acrylic, self-adhesive postage stamps are provided and include a flexible facestock bearing an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), protected by a release liner. The acrylic PSA is a tackified or inherently tacky polymer formed from a plurality of monomers comprising, based on the total weight of monomeric composition, essentially of (i) 9 to 40% isobornyl acrylate and (ii) 50 to 91% of one or more alkyl acrylates.

Abstract: The invention provides inherently tacky PSAs that exhibit excellent adhesion to paper, corrugated board and low-energy surfaces, and comprise an acrylic emulsion polymer formed from (a) a plurality of monomers comprising, based on the total weight of monomers, (i) 9 to 40% isobornyl acrylate and (ii) 50 to 91% of one or more alkyl acrylates; (b) at least one initiator; and at least one emulsifier. In an alternate embodiment, the polymer is formed by solvent polymerization, without an emulsifier. A method for making such PSAs is also provided. In one embodiment, polymerization initiators are added to a monomer emulsion in a stepped feed.

Abstract: A inherently tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymer is formed by copolymerizing at least one alkyl acrylate in the presence of a positive amount up to 50 percent by weight of the monomers of a polar acrylate monomer which, when homopolymerized, have a glass transition temperature less than 50.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a single ply label for labelling a dry cell battery having an elongate peripheral case defining an axis and opposed ends enclosing a direct current, electrical energy providing core. The label is formed of a transparent, self-supporting, substantially monoaxially oriented, heat shrinkable polymer film backing having an outer surface and an inner surface, a width sufficient for the backing to embrace the battery case and provide, at opposed ends, first and second edges which extend parallel to the axis of the battery and meet in at least abutting relationship, and a length for extending beyond the opposed ends of the battery and lap over onto the opposed third and fourth ends of the battery. An alkali-resistant, electrically non-conductive, opaque, pigmented layer is applied to the inner surface of and supported by the backing. An electrically non-conductive, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is applied over the pigmented layer at least along the first and second edges.

Abstract: A inherently tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymer is formed by copolymerizing at least one alkyl acrylate in the presence of a positive amount up to 50 percent by weight of the monomers of a polar acrylate monomer which, when homopolymerized, have a glass transition temperature less than 50.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive graft copolymer formed of an acrylic backbone comprising at least one alkyl acrylate ester containing from about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl group having pendant therefrom side chains having a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 25,000, a glass transition temperature of greater than about 25.degree. C. and having crosslinkable reactive moieties.