Abstract: Devices and methods for electrostatic application of cosmetics are described. In one embodiment, a system for electrostatic deposition of cosmetic material on a surface includes: a housing; a nozzle configured for breaking the cosmetic material into cosmetic particles and for directing the cosmetic particles out of the housing and toward the surface; and a reservoir configured for holding the cosmetic material. The reservoir is connected to the nozzle. The system also includes an airflow conduit configured to provide air to the nozzle; and a nozzle electrode configured proximately to the nozzle. The nozzle electrode is configured to charge the cosmetic particles.

Abstract: An evacuated container assembly suitable for use in connection with blood collection including: (a) a container member formed of a first polymeric material and having a sidewall and one or more openings; (b) a nanocomposite barrier coating disposed on the container member having a thickness of up to about 30 microns and being derived from an aqueous dispersion including (i) a dispersed barrier matrix polymer; and (ii) a substantially exfoliated silicate filler having an aspect ratio of more than 50; and (c) one or more sealing members disposed in the opening(s) operative to hermetically seal the cavity; wherein the cavity is evacuated and maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure and exhibits a draw volume loss lower than that of a like assembly without a nanocomposite barrier film by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: A gas barrier film includes an anionically functionalized matrix resin and a platy mineral filler. The formed film is surface-treated with a multi-valent metal cation crosslinking agent to stabilize the barrier film against performance loss at elevated levels of relative humidity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic container which is substantially impervious to oxygen by creating an oxygen barrier film by providing a base, and creating a dried oxygen barrier on the base, printing ink on the dried oxygen barrier, and disposing an ultraviolet cured outer layer on the ink. Dimensioning the oxygen barrier film to substantially circumscribe at least one of a side wall and a floor of the plastic container. Providing a mold, the mold having a floor and a side wall and a cavity, and placing the oxygen barrier film in the cavity. Injection molding a plastic container within the cavity, the oxygen barrier film, being in facing relationship with the plastic container.

Abstract: The invention relates in one aspect to a post-formulation concentrated nanocomposite dispersion containing an invisible marker dye. The dispersion typically includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium as well. The dispersions form optically transparent barrier films wherein the dye is effective to indicate film thickness on a substrate. Specific embodiments of this invention include a nanocomposite coating formulation designed to provide transparent high barrier coatings at thicknesses from 1 to 10 microns that include a near infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) dye that enables rapid measurement of coating thickness and uniformity. The preferred dye imparts no observable color or appearance change, and thus can also function as an identifier for the coating.

Abstract: Films or other articles having a barrier coating derived from a concentrated nanocomposite dispersion which includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersions are condensed by selectively removing liquid therefrom to provide high solids coating formulations.

Abstract: A multilayer barrier structure includes a plurality of relatively thin nanocomposite layers separated by one or more relatively thick intermediate layers selected from synthetic elastomers or non-elastomeric polymers. The composites exhibit remarkably long breakthrough and lag-times and are useful for packaging or protective apparel.

Abstract: Films or other articles having a barrier coating derived from a concentrated nanocomposite dispersion which includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersions are condensed by selectively removing liquid therefrom to provide high solids coating formulations.

Abstract: A concentrated nanocomposite dispersion which includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersions are condensed by selectively removing liquid therefrom, to provide high solids coating formulations. The concentrated formulations provide coatings which are good barriers to oxygen and other gases.

Abstract: A gas barrier film includes an anionically functionalized matrix resin and a platy mineral filler. The formed film is surface-treated with a multi-valent metal cation crosslinking agent to stabilize the barrier film against performance loss at elevated levels of relative humidity.

Abstract: A method of making a composite barrier coating composition comprising: (a) providing a first aqueous dispersion comprising a dispersed, anionically functionalized matrix resin; (b) providing a second aqueous dispersion comprising a dispersed platy mineral filler; the first and second dispersions optionally including one or more additives selected from the group consisting surfactants, emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, leveling agents and thickeners; (c) adding a multi-valent metal cation crosslinking agent to at least one of said first and second aqueous dispersions; and (d) admixing the first and second aqueous dispersions to form the composite wherein the composite forms a stable aqueous emulsion and the multi-valent metal cation is operative to stabilize a film formed from the composite against gas barrier performance loss at elevated levels of relative humidity.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) a non-elastomeric polymer; (b) an exfoliated layered platelet-like silicate filler which may or may not have been acid or base treated that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. Coated articles and containers, freestanding films and packaging films are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: An aqueous barrier coating composition in the form of a dispersion includes: (a) water; (b) a polyester matrix polymer; (c) a platy to hyperplaty kaolin filler having an average shape factor of at least about 40:1, the composition being further characterized in that: (i) the composition has a solids content of from more than 20 weight percent up to 70 percent by weight; (ii) the composition has a weight ratio of polyester matrix polymer:kaolin filler of from 4:1 to 0.75:1; and (iii) a film formed from the composition exhibits at least 5-fold reduction in oxygen permeability as compared with a like film formed of said polyester matrix polymer. Also disclosed are barrier coatings derived from the compositions as well as packaging composites incorporating a barrier film formed from the compositions.

Abstract: An evacuated container assembly suitable for use in connection with blood collection including: (a) a container member formed of a first polymeric material and having a sidewall and one or more openings; (b) a nanocomposite barrier coating disposed on the container member having a thickness of up to about 30 microns and being derived from an aqueous dispersion including (i) a dispersed barrier matrix polymer; and (ii) a substantially exfoliated silicate filler having an aspect ratio of more than 50; and (c) one or more sealing members disposed in the opening(s) operative to hermetically seal the cavity; wherein the cavity is evacuated and maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure and exhibits a draw volume loss lower than that of a like assembly without a nanocomposite barrier film by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) a non-elastomeric polymer; (b) an exfoliated layered platelet-like silicate filler which may or may not have been acid or base treated that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. Coated articles and containers, freestanding films and packaging films are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) a non-elastomeric substantially polymerized acrylic polymer; (b) an exfoliated layered platelet-like silicate filler which has been acid treated and having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. Coated articles and containers, freestanding films and packaging films are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing such coated products and coating mixtures are also encompassed.

Abstract: A concentrated nanocomposite dispersion which includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersions are condensed by selectively removing liquid therefrom, to provide high solids coating formulations. The concentrated formulations provide coatings which are good barriers to oxygen and other gases.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) a non-elastomeric polymer; (b) an exfoliated layered platelet-like silicate filler which may or may not have been acid or base treated that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. Coated articles and containers, freestanding films and packaging films are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures include (a) a mixture of pre-vulcanized and non-vulcanized elastomeric polymers; (b) an acid or base treated dispersed, substantially exfoliated silicate filler material that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. The coating retains its permeability properties under strain and has a strain to first damage of at least 10% biaxial elongation at 0% RH. Coated articles, free standing films and membranes, which are flexible and elastomeric, are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing of such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures include (a) a non-butyl elastomeric polymer; (b) an acid or base treated dispersed, substantially exfoliated silicate filler material that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. The coating retains its permeability properties under strain and has a strain to first damage of at least 5% biaxial elongation at 0% RH.