Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming asymmetric membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for applying a polymerizable species to a porous substrate for forming a coated porous substrate. The coated porous substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation source having a peak emission wavelength less than 340 nm to polymerize the polymerizable species forming a polymerized material retained within the porous substrate so that the concentration of polymerized material is greater at the first major surface than at the second major surface.

Abstract: Foam compositions are provided including a polylactic acid polymer; second (e.g., polyvinyl acetate) polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25° C.; and plasticizer. Also described are articles comprising the foam compositions, such as a sheet or hearing protection article. Methods of making and using the foam compositions are further described herein.

Abstract: An article is described such as a tape or sheet, comprising a PLA-based film and a layer of (e.g. pressure sensitive) adhesive disposed on the film. The PLA-based film comprises a semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer; a second polymer such as polyvinyl acetate polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25° C.; and plasticizer. The tape or sheet may further comprises a low adhesion backsize or a release liner. The article can be suitable for various end-uses. In one embodiment, the tape is a paint masking tape. In another embodiment, the tape is a floor marking tape.

Abstract: Articles are described including a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and a first silica layer directly attached to the first major surface of the first microfiltration membrane layer. The first silica layer includes a polymeric binder and acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. A method of making an article is also described, including providing a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and forming a first silica layer on the first major surface.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of thermally insulating particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, wherein the thermally insulating particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermally insulating particles and the polymer (excluding the solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density not greater than 3 g/cm3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, in electronic devices.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of intumescent particles distributed within the polymeric network structure; wherein the intumescent particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the intumescent particles and the polymer (excluding the solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite volumetrically expands at least 2 times its initial volume when exposed to at least one temperature greater than 135° C.; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as fillers, thermally initiated fuses, and fire stop devices.

Abstract: A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of indicator particles distributed within the polymeric network structure; wherein the indicator particles are present in a range from 1 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the indicator particles and the polymer (excluding the solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.05 g/cm3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymer composites that include a thermoplastic polymer, network structure and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material. The polymer composites may be used, for example, as magnetic flux field directional materials. The present invention also relates to methods of making the polymer composites, e.g. polymer composite sheets, of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composite including a thermoplastic polymer, network structure; and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material distributed within the thermoplastic polymer, network structure. The weight fraction of soft, ferromagnetic particulate material may be between 0.80 and 0.98, based on the total weight of the polymer composite and/or the thermoplastic polymer may have a number average molecular weight between 5×104 g/mol to 5×107 g/mol.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a film is described comprising a mixture of semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer; polyvinyl acetate polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) midpoint as measured by differential scanning calorimetry of at least 25° C.; and plasticizer; wherein the film is oriented. In another embodiment, a film is described comprising a mixture comprising semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer, polymer having a midpoint Tg as measured by differential scanning calorimetry of at least 25° C., and plasticizer; wherein the mixture exhibits a single midpoint Tg and the single midpoint Tg ranges from 40° C. to 65° C.; and wherein the film is oriented and the oriented film exhibits a higher midpoint Tg ranging from 40° C. to 65° C. and a lower midpoint Tg ranging from 5 to 25° C.

Abstract: Multilayer articles include a fibrous web and a barrier film directly bonded to the fibrous web; wherein the fibrous web includes fibers that include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof; wherein the synthetic fibers comprise a synthetic thermoplastic polymer selected from an aliphatic polyester, an aromatic polyester, a polyamide, and combinations thereof; and wherein the barrier film includes a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester, a polyvinyl alkanoate polymer having a Tg of no greater than 70 C; and a non-lactide plasticizer having an acid number of no greater than 10 and having a weight average molecular weight of no greater than 5000 g/mol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymer composites that include a thermoplastic polymer, network structure and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material. The polymer composites may be used, for example, as magnetic flux field directional materials. The present invention also relates to methods of making the polymer composites, e.g. polymer composite sheets, of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composite including a thermoplastic polymer, network structure; and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material distributed within the thermoplastic polymer, network structure. The weight fraction of soft, ferromagnetic particulate material may be between 0.80 and 0.98, based on the total weight of the polymer composite and/or the thermoplastic polymer may have a number average molecular weight between 5×104 g/mol to 5×107 g/mol.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming asymmetric membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for applying a polymerizable species to a porous substrate for forming a coated porous substrate. The coated porous substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation source having a peak emission wavelength less than 340 nm to polymerize the polymerizable species forming a polymerized material retained within the porous substrate so that the concentration of polymerized material is greater at the first major surface than at the second major surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming asymmetric membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for applying a polymerizable species to a porous substrate for forming a coated porous substrate. The coated porous substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation source having a peak emission wavelength less than 340 nm to polymerize the polymerizable species forming a polymerized material retained within the porous substrate so that the concentration of polymerized material is greater at the first major surface than at the second major surface.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer; polyvinyl acetate polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25 C; plasticizer; and optionally amorphous polylactic acid polymer. In another embodiment the composition further comprises nucleating agent. Also described are films comprising the composition as well as articles, such as a tape or sheet, comprising the film described herein and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the film.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming asymmetric membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for applying a polymerizable species to a porous substrate for forming a coated porous substrate. The coated porous substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation source having a peak emission wavelength less than 340 nm to polymerize the polymerizable species forming a polymerized material retained within the porous substrate so that the concentration of polymerized material is greater at the first major surface than at the second major surface.

Abstract: Articles are described including a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and a first silica layer directly attached to the first major surface of the first microfiltration membrane layer. The first silica layer includes a polymeric binder and acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. A method of making an article is also described, including providing a first microfiltration membrane layer having a first major surface and a second major surface disposed opposite the first major surface, and forming a first silica layer on the first major surface.

Abstract: A film having first and second segments arranged along the film's width direction. The second segments are more elastic than the first segments. The first segments can include a polymer and a diluent that is miscible with the polymer at a temperature above a melting temperature of the polymer but that phase separates from the polymer at a temperature below a crystallization temperature of the polymer, or the first segments can include at least one of a beta-nucleating agent or thermally induced phase separation caused by a diluent. Laminates and absorbent articles including such films are also disclosed. A method of making the film is also described.

Abstract: A porous membrane that includes a first zone, the first zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a first nucleating agent, the first nucleating agent having a first concentration in the first zone, the first zone having a first average pore size; and a second zone, the second zone including a crystallizable polymer; and a second nucleating agent, the second nucleating agent having a second concentration in the second zone, the second zone having a second average pore size, wherein the crystallizable polymer is the same in the first zone and second zone, wherein the first average pore size is not the same as the second average pore size, wherein the first nucleating agent and the second nucleating agent are the same or different, wherein the first concentration and the second concentration agent are the same or different and with the proviso that the first nucleating agent and the first concentration are not the same as the second nucleating agent and the second concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rewettable asymmetric membranes and methods of forming rewettable asymmetric membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for forming rewettable asymmetric membranes having a copolymer and a polymerized material retained within the porous substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes functional membranes and a method for making a functional membrane. The method includes providing a porous substrate, applying the at least one graftable species to the porous substrate, and treating the coated porous substrate with electron beam radiation to provide a functionalized membrane. The method includes forming a functionalized membrane comprising a gradient of grafted species attached to the porous substrate.