Abstract: The present teachings include a flow coating solution, a fuser member and an image forming apparatus. The fuser member includes a substrate and flow coating solution applied onto the substrate. The outer layer includes a flow coating solution including a fluoroelastomer, a nucleophilic crosslinking agent and a non-functional polydimethylsiloxane having the formula: wherein n is from 100 to 20,000. The flow coating solution includes an effective solvent selected from the group consisting of N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to polymer-graphene nanocomposites and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for producing polymer-graphene nanocomposites using master batches comprising graphene and a polymer or polymer precursor. The resulting polymer-graphene nanocomposites comprise a high degree of exfoliation and dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to polymer-graphene nanocomposites and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for producing polymer-graphene nanocomposites using master batches comprising graphene and a polymer or polymer precursor. The resulting polymer-graphene nanocomposites comprise a high degree of exfoliation and dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to active particles, including core-shell particles, having low burst, controllable, sustained release which are useful for coating seeds. The active particles can also be used in sprayable and dry formulations for treating soil or plants. The particulate coating can also contain inert organic or inorganic material. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the active particles. The methods include: adding additional material to core particles to form a shell, removing active ingredient from a core surface to create an active-depleted shell, and crosslinking the outer layers of a core to form a shell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering release materials, for example drugs and other bioactive materials. Crystalline polymeric systems, referred to as CYC carriers, are associated with the release materials, through chemical bonding or through physical association. The crystallinity of the CYC carriers results from the presence of crystallizable side chains, for example long chain n-alkyl moieties, which results in relatively low and sharp melting temperatures. One class of CYC carriers, referred to as CYSC polymers, have a majority of the crystallizable side chains pendant from the polymer backbone. Another class of CYC carriers referred to as ECC polymers, have a majority of the crystallizable side chains attached to terminal units of the polymer backbone. The ECC polymers can for example be obtained by modification of PLGA polymers. The CYC carriers in another class of non-polymeric.

Abstract: The invention relates to active particles, including core-shell particles, having low burst, controllable, sustained release which are useful for coating seeds. The active particles can also be used in sprayable and dry formulations for treating soil or plants. The particulate coating can also contain inert organic or inorganic material. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the active particles. The methods include: adding additional material to core particles to form a shell, removing active ingredient from a core surface to create an active-depleted shell, and crosslinking the outer layers of a core to form a shell.

Abstract: Compositions for delivering release materials, for example drugs, agricultural materials, other bioactive materials, cosmetic materials, organic or inorganic compounds which take part in or catalyse a chemical reaction, a fragrance-emitting material for a vaporizer, or a lubricating material. The release material is associated with a crystalline carrier. The carrier may be a crystalline polymer containing a plurality of crystalline groups or a crystalline monomer which contains a single crystalline group, the crystalline group preferably comprising a straight chain polymethylene radical containing at least 16 carbon atoms. Some of the carriers are obtained by modifying hyaluronic acid, collagen, gelatin, a polysaccharide, a carbohydrate or cyclodextran. The release material may contain a similar crystalline group, for example may be an active compound which has been modified to introduce a crystalline group.

Abstract: Thickeners for oil-containing compositions, particularly cosmetic and personal care compositions, are side chain crystalline polymers which are uniformly dispersed as a crystallized solid in the oil.

Abstract: A new vigor test is used to select seeds which, after appropriate polymeric coating, will perform well under adverse planting and growing conditions. For example, suitably coated hybrid corn seeds can be planted earlier than seeds now available, while still obtaining comparable or better yields. Particularly good results are obtained when seeds are coated with compositions comprising a side chain crystalline polymer and an amorphous polymer.

Abstract: Thickeners for oil-containing compositions, particularly cosmetic and personal care compositions, are side chain crystalline polymers which are uniformly dispersed as a crystallized solid in the oil.

Abstract: Novel modifying agents contain a sharply-melting crystalline polymer ingredient, preferably a side chain crystalline (SCC) ingredient, and an active chemical ingredient. Such modifying agents, especially when in the form of particles, can be placed in contact with a matrix, will not modify the matrix below the crystalline melting point Tp, but will rapidly modify the matrix above Tp. The active chemical ingredient can react with the matrix, catalyze a reaction of the matrix, or inhibit a reaction of the matrix. Particularly useful compositions are polymer precursors which are storage-stable at low temperatures but which are rapidly converted to crosslinked resins when heated to temperatures above Tp, optionally in the presence of light.

Abstract: Shrinkage of cured resins is reduced by mixing the crosslinkable resin with a low profile additive (LPA). The LPA is in the form of particles which comprise an SCC polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The system is cured at a temperature above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), and the system and the LPA are such that at least part of the LPA remains as a separate phase in the curable resin at temperatures below Tp. It is believed that at least part of the crystalline polymer remains as a separate phase in the resin as it cures. Preferably at least part of the crystalline polymer forms a separate phase in the cured polymer after it has cooled.

Abstract: The rheological properties of a crosslinkable resin system are modified by the presence of a side chain crystalline (SCC) polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The polymer dissolves in the curable system at temperatures above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), but when the system is then cooled to a temperature below Tp, at least partially forms a separate phase in the curable system. Below Tp, this separate phase substantially increases the viscosity of the curable system (i.e. makes it thicker than the same system without the crystalline polymer). This is particularly valuable for sheet molding composites (SMCs) in which the increase in viscosity makes the composites less tacky, and for dry film resists (DFRs). Above Tp, the curable system containing the dissolved crystalline polymer has a viscosity which is substantially less than its viscosity below Tp.

Abstract: Shrinkage of cured resins is reduced by mixing the crosslinkable resin with a low profile additive (LPA). The LPA is in the form of particles which comprise an SCC polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The system is cured at a temperature above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), and the system and the LPA are such that at least part of the LPA remains as a separate phase in the curable resin at temperatures below Tp. It is believed that at least part of the crystalline polymer remains as a separate phase in the resin as it cures. Preferably at least part of the crystalline polymer forms a separate phase in the cured polymer after it has cooled.

Abstract: Thickeners for oil-containing compositions, particularly cosmetic and personal care compositions, are side chain crystalline polymers which are uniformly dispersed as a crystallized solid in the oil.

Abstract: Novel modifying agents contain a sharply-melting crystalline polymer ingredient, preferably a side chain crystalline (SCC) ingredient, and an active chemical ingredient. Such modifying agents, especially when in the form of particles, can be placed in contact with a matrix, will not modify the matrix below the crystalline melting point Tp, but will rapidly modify the matrix above Tp. The active chemical ingredient can react with the matrix, catalyze a reaction of the matrix, or inhibit a reaction of the matrix. Particularly useful compositions are polymer precursors which are storage-stable at low temperatures but which are rapidly converted to crosslinked resins when heated to temperatures above Tp, optionally in the presence of light.

Abstract: The rheological properties of a crosslinkable resin system can be substantially improved by the presence of an SCC polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The polymer dissolves in the curable system at temperatures above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), but when the system is then cooled to a temperature below Tp, at least partially forms a separate phase in the curable system. Below Tp, this separate phase substantially increases the viscosity of the curable system (i.e. makes it thicker than the same system without the crystalline polymer). This is particularly valuable for sheet molding composites (SMCs), in which the increase in viscosity makes the composites less tacky, and for dry film resists (DFRs). Above Tp, the curable system containing the dissolved crystalline polymer has a viscosity which is substantially less than its viscosity below Tp.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprise a blend of(A) a thermoplastic polymer selected from copolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene, and thermoplastic vinylidene fluoride polymers; and(B) a thermoplastic elastomer having (i) at least one elastomeric segment comprising (a) vinylidene fluoride, hexa- or pentafluoropropylene, and tetrafluoroethylene repeating units in a mole ratio of 45-90:5-50:0-35 or (b) perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride repeating units in a mole ratio of 15-75:0-85:0-85; and (ii) at least one nonelastomeric segment selected from segments comprising ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene repeating units in a mole ratio of 40-60:60-40, and segments comprising vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene repeating units in a mole ratio of 0-100:0-50:0-100,with the proviso that if the thermoplastic polymer is a vinylidene fluoride polymer, the blend is crosslinked.