Abstract: Expandable microspheres formed by suspension polymerization using a shot growth method are provided. The microspheres are formed of a continuous, gas impermeable shell surrounding a blowing agent. The shell includes a first polymer layer formed from primary monomers and a second layer that includes a chemically reactive monomer or a high Tg monomer. To form the microspheres, the primary monomers are polymerized in a reaction vessel to an approximate 90% polymerization, at which time a secondary monomer that is either a monomer having a Tg of at least 85° C. or a chemically reactive monomer, is added to the reaction vessel to drive the polymerization reaction to completion. The outer layer thus contains either a larger amount of the high Tg monomer or a chemically reactive monomer that possesses the ability to covalently bond a cationic species. The microspheres may be used in papermaking processes to increase the paper bulk.

Abstract: Expandable microspheres formed by suspension polymerization using a shot growth method are provided. The microspheres are formed of a continuous, gas impermeable shell surrounding a blowing agent. The shell includes a first polymer layer formed from primary monomers and a second layer that includes a chemically reactive monomer or a high Tg monomer. To form the microspheres, the primary monomers are polymerized in a reaction vessel to an approximate 90% polymerization, at which time a secondary monomer that is either a monomer having a Tg of at least 85° C. or a chemically reactive monomer, is added to the reaction vessel to drive the polymerization reaction to completion. The outer layer thus contains either a larger amount of the high Tg monomer or a chemically reactive monomer that possesses the ability to covalently bond a cationic species. The microspheres may be used in papermaking processes to increase the paper bulk.

Abstract: Expandable microspheres formed by suspension polymerization using a shot growth method are provided. The microspheres are formed of a continuous, gas impermeable shell surrounding a blowing agent. The shell includes a first polymer layer formed from primary monomers and a second layer that includes a chemically reactive monomer or a high Tg monomer. To form the microspheres, the primary monomers are polymerized in a reaction vessel to an approximate 90% polymerization, at which time a secondary monomer that is either a monomer having a Tg of at least 85° C. or a chemically reactive monomer, is added to the reaction vessel to drive the polymerization reaction to completion. The outer layer thus contains either a larger amount of the high Tg monomer or a chemically reactive monomer that possesses the ability to covalently bond a cationic species. The microspheres may be used in papermaking processes to increase the paper bulk.

Abstract: A method and composition for making hybrid nanoparticles and use of such nanoparticles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material (PCM) and a metal layer encapsulating the phase change material. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material, a polymer layer encapsulating the phase change material, and an outer metal layer encapsulating the polymer layer. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise an inner core of a PCM encapsulated by a polymer shell containing embedded nanoparticles that have a high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Expandable microspheres formed by suspension polymerization using a shot growth method are provided. The microspheres are formed of a continuous, gas impermeable shell surrounding a blowing agent. The shell includes a first polymer layer formed from primary monomers and a second layer that includes a chemically reactive monomer or a high Tg monomer. To form the microspheres, the primary monomers are polymerized in a reaction vessel to an approximate 90% polymerization, at which time a secondary monomer that is either a monomer having a Tg of at least 85° C. or a chemically reactive monomer, is added to the reaction vessel to drive the polymerization reaction to completion. The outer layer thus contains either a larger amount of the high Tg monomer or a chemically reactive monomer that possesses the ability to covalently bond a cationic species. The microspheres may be used in papermaking processes to increase the paper bulk.

Abstract: A method and composition for making hybrid nanoparticles and use of such nanoparticles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material (PCM) and a metal layer encapsulating the phase change material. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material, a polymer layer encapsulating the phase change material, and an outer metal layer encapsulating the polymer layer. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise an inner core of a PCM encapsulated by a polymer shell containing embedded nanoparticles that have a high thermal conductivity.