Abstract: A micro-encapsulated pepper-mustard composition which comprises positioning pepper and mustard mixtures within a cluster of surfactant molecules, i.e. micelles, dispersed in water. This micro-encapsulation process involves first forming the micelles in water by exceeding the given critical micelle concentration for either one, two, or three different surfactant types. The active ingredient, pepper and mustard, is then added to this mixture and subsequently emulsified into small liquid drops in order to facilitate swelling of the micelles by way of migration or diffusion of the active ingredient molecules through the water phase and into the micelles. The resulting encapsulated pepper and mustard is effectively stabilized by the surfactant molecules, and the resulting stabilized micro-encapsulated dispersion will not undergo phase separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colored pigment comprising a plurality of metallic or mica flakes with a plurality of polymer encapsulated pigment particles adhered to the individual flakes. The colored pigments are useful for imparting color and metallic luster to surface coatings.

Abstract: The invention encompasses topical sunblock formulae for shielding skin from ultraviolet radiation, and a composite sunblocking component thereof. The sunblocking component of the formula includes an effective amount of a plurality of particles having diameters in the range of about 0.01-100 microns, each particle including a matrix and a UV-attenuating compound incorporated into the matrix. The composite sunblocking component may include a particle that is colored or transparent, depending upon the matrix, UV-attenuating compound and the particle size. The sunblocking component is dispersible in water and thus in water-based dermatological carriers. The formula includes these particles dispersed within a dermatologically acceptable liquid carrier in at least an amount sufficient to shield substantially all of the skin over which the formula is applied from hazardous effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Monodisperse latexes of at least 2-30 microns particle size are prepared from an emulsion recipe comprising a monodisperse seed latex polymer on the order of 2 microns or less particle size, a polymerizable monomer, an initiator, at least one inhibitor, and a water-soluble polymeric emulsifier of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.7 molecular weight. Optional ingredients are crosslinking monomer, oil-soluble inhibitor if the mixture is to be stored before polymerization, and one or more additional emulsifiers selected from a water-soluble comonomer or polymer of 0.3.times.10.sup.3 -5.times.10.sup.3 molecular weight and a non-polymeric anionic emulsifier. Additional particle size growth and monodisperse latex yield are realized by polymerization in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: Process characterized by dissolving a dye in a solution of organic solvent and an epoxy type polymer, which requires a curing agent in order to create a resultant nanosphere that will crosslink through the action of the curing agent, and not simply as the result of a solvent removal which defined each nanosphere. The dye may be in concentration range of 1% to 50% by weight of solvent, and the organic solvent must have limited solubility in water, typically less than 20%. An initial intermolecular mixing step dissolves dye and epoxy resin within a solvent so as to make a homogeneous solvent/polymer/dye intermediate mixture, that then is dispersed as nanoparticles in water, and thereafter crosslinked. Surfactants may be used to assist in dispersing the dye/polymer/solvent solution into the water continuous phase.

Abstract: A process for producing particles for use in electrophoretic displays, wherein a heavy, solid pigment preferred for its high contrast or refractive index properties is coated with a polymer starting material. The process significantly reduces the specific density of the resultant particle, and creates particles with smooth polymer surfaces that can be chosen for stability in a given electrophoretic carrier fluid, and possess acceptable electrophoretic characteristics.

Abstract: Monodisperse latexes of at least 2-30 microns particle size are prepared from an emulsion recipe comprising a monodisperse seed latex polymer on the order of 2 microns or less particle size, a polymerizable monomer, an initiator, at least one inhibitor, and a water-soluble polymeric emulsifer of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.7 molecular weight. Optional ingredients are cross-linking monomer, oil-soluble inhibitor if the mixture is to be stored before polymerization, and one or more additional emulsifiers selected from a water-soluble comonomer or polymer of 0.3.times.10.sup.3 -5.times.10.sup.3 molecular weight and a non-polymeric anionic emulsifier. Additional particle size growth and monodisperse latex yield are realized by polymerization in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: Improvements in stylographic technical writing pens, particularly through a venting channel design which provides for a pressure balancing, or equalization, between an ultimate ink reservoir pressure and the total pressure at the writing tip; as writing depletes ink within the reservoir. Particularly, a venting channel, extending from the reservoir to ambient air, has the size of its cross-sectional shape vary as a function of the distance from its communication with the reservoir, with the variation calculated to offset gravitational forces attendant to a moving ink meniscus inside the vent channel. The balancing of total pressures also provides a constant ink flow through the writing tip when writing since the total pressure at the tip is maintained constant by the vent channel configuration.

Abstract: A process for modifying colorants which comprise an active ingredient of solid primary particles in the submicron range by an encapsulation with polymer starting materials that are not substantially altered during the process. Writing fluids, textile colorants and cosmetic inks are disclosed wherein the intrinsic physical qualities of a solid active material are modified to create a stable aqueous dispersion with performance and rheology characteristic of the polymer, and not of the active ingredient.

Abstract: Monodisperse latexes having a particle size in the range of 2 to 40 microns are prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization in microgravity. A reaction mixture containing smaller monodisperse latex seed particles, predetermined amounts of monomer, emulsifier, initiator, inhibitor and water is placed in a microgravity environment, and polymerization is initiated by heating. The reaction is allowed to continue until the seed particles grow to a predetermined size, and the resulting enlarged particles are then recovered. A plurality of particle-growing steps can be used to reach larger sizes within the stated range, with enlarged particles from the previous steps being used as seed particles for the succeeding steps. Microgravity enables preparation of particles in the stated size range by avoiding gravity-related problems of creaming and settling, and flocculation induced by mechanical shear that have precluded their preparation in a normal gravity environment.