Abstract: Sulfonated polyethersulfones and polymer compositions comprising sulfonated polyethersulfones and at least one inorganic heteropolyacid are useful as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. The polyethersulfones include structural units derived from at least one biphenol monomer and a monomer of formula I wherein X is O, S or NR1; Y is N or CR5; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl, or R3 and R4, taken together, form a 5- or 6-membered substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic ring; R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl; and L is a direct bond or a divalent aromatic linker containing 6-12 carbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formable thermoplastic multi-layer laminate comprising an outer layer comprising a polymer comprising resorcinol arylate polyester chain members, a middle layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, an inner-tie layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer comprising a carbonate polymer and an acrylonitrile-styrene graft copolymer comprising at least one of an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate graft copolymer (ASA) or an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene graft copolymer (ABS), the middle layer being between the outer layer and the inner-tie layer and being in contact with both the outer layer and the inner-tie layer. Also disclosed are a formed multi-layer laminate and an article comprising the multi-layer laminate bonded to a substrate. A method of making the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A global network of systems of personal and business information management comprises a plurality of servers, each server having at least a local database and a local search engine, and a plurality of users' equipment that are accessible to the Internet and thus connectable with at least one of the servers. Each of the databases contains at least some of personal data and information of individuals who are located within a particular geographic area or sign on with a particular server. The servers have at least one uniform search interface one of said servers functions as a master server, and the web card servers communicate with each other through predetermined protocols to connect with the other servers.

Abstract: Novel polyethersulfone compositions have been discovered which incorporate structural subunits derived from sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfones, dihydroxy terphenyls, and/or bis(hydroxyphenyl)pyridines. The sulfonated polyethersulfones show promise as materials for use in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells owing to their high proton conductivities (0.02-0.07 S/cm at 20° C. and 100 percent humidity). In addition, a novel unsulfonated thermoplastic polyethersulfone comprising structural subunits derived from a non-sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfone bis4-fluorophenyl)sulfone and 4,4?-dihydroxyphenyl-2,6-pyridine (CAS No. 171820-16-9) is disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane is provided, which may include a microporous base membrane; and a cross-linkable coating disposed on a surface of the membrane. The coating may include polyvinyl nucleophilic polymer and a urethane or a blocked isocyanate. The coating may be cross-linked. Also provided is a method of making the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to monomers comprising superacidic functional groups. The superacidic functional groups comprise fluorinated sulfonate moieties. Monomers provided by the present invention include dihydroxy aromatic compounds, aromatic diamines, aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic diacarboxylic acid esters, aromatic dithiols, and monomers comprising mixed functionalities, for example monomers comprising an aromatic amine group and an aromatic hydroxyl group. The monomers provided by the present invention are useful in the preparation of novel polymers comprising superacidic functional groups, materials useful in membrane applications. The superacidic functional groups present in the polymer compositions impart excellent proton conductivities. In one embodiment, the present invention provides monomers which may be used to prepare polymers useful as materials for polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to polymers derived from monomers having aromatic superacidic functional groups. The superacidic functional groups comprise fluorinated sulfonate moieties. Polymers provided by the present invention include polyethers, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyestercarbonates, polyetherketones, and polyethersulfones among others. The polymers provided by the present invention include block and random copolymers. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a polyetherketone-polyethersulfone block copolymer comprising superacidic functional groups. Polymers comprising superacidic functional groups are useful materials in membrane applications. The superacidic functional groups present in the new polymer compositions impart excellent proton conductivities. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polymers useful as materials for polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymer suitable for use as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells comprise sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks and polyethersulfone blocks. The sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks comprise structural units of formula I wherein R1 is C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, allyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, halo, or cyano; Ar1 and Ar2 are each independently C6-C20 aromatic radicals, or Ar1 and Ar2, taken together with an intervening carbon atom, form a bicyclic C6-C20 aromatic radical or a tricyclic C6-C20 aromatic radical; M is H, a metal cation, a non-metallic inorganic cation, an organic cation or a mixture thereof; and a is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4.

Abstract: Reactive monomers containing the trifluorovinyloxy group may be copolymerized to form polymers useful as membranes, especially polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells. The monomers have the formula ((CF2CFO(R1)p)nArX2 wherein Ar is a trivalent, tetravalent or pentavalent, substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic or heteroaromatic, monocyclic or polycyclic group having from 5 to 50 carbon atoms; X is OH, SH, NR2aR2b, F or Br; p is 0 or 1; n is 1, 2 or 3; R1 is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl and R2a and R2b are independently H, C1-C8 alkyl or C1-C8 perfluoroalkyl.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymer suitable for use as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells comprise sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks and polyethersulfone blocks. The sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks comprise structural units of formula the polyethersulfone blocks comprising structural units of formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, allyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, halo, or cyano; Z and Z1 are independently a direct bond or O, S, (CH2)r, (CF2)r, C(CH3)2, C(CF3)2, or a combination thereof; M is H, a metal cation, a non-metallic inorganic cation, an organic cation or a mixture thereof a is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; b, c and d are independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; m and n are independently 0 or 1; and r is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymers that may be used as membranes for fuel cells include sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks and lightly sulfonated polyethersulfone blocks. The sulfonated polyaryletherketone blocks include structural units of formula and the lightly sulfonated polyethersulfone blocks include structural units of formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, allyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, halo, or cyano; Z, Z1 and Z2 are independently a direct bond or O, S, (CH2)r, (CF2)r, C(CH3)2, C(CF3)2, or a combination thereof; M is H, a metal cation, a non-metallic inorganic cation, an organic cation or a mixture thereof; a and e are independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; b, c, d, and f are independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; m, n and p are independently 0 or 1; and r is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: Sulfonated polyimides that include structural units derived from a monomer of formula I are useful as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells.

Abstract: Processes for controlled sulfonation of a polyaryletherketone comprise reacting a monomer of formula VIII with a monomer of formula IX to form a polyaryletherketone; and sulfonating the polyaryletherketone to form a sulfonated polyaryletherketone comprising structural units of formula IV wherein R1 is halogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, or C3-C15 aryl; a is an integer from 0 to 4; Y is F, Cl, Br or a mixture thereof; m is 0 or 1; and Q is H, a metal cation, a non-metallic inorganic cation, an organic cation or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Sulfonated polyethersulfones and polymer compositions comprising sulfonated polyethersulfones and at least one inorganic heteropolyacid are useful as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells.

Abstract: A membrane is provided, which may include a microporous base membrane; and a cross-linkable coating disposed on a surface of the membrane. The coating may include polyvinyl nucleophilic polymer and a urethane or a blocked isocyanate. The coating may be cross-linked. Also provided is a method of making the membrane.

Abstract: A method of preparing block copolyestercarbonates wherein al one dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic diacid chloride are reacted under interfacial conditions to give a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate. The dihydroxy-substituted aromatic compound is used in about 10 mole to about 125 mole percent excess relative to the diacid chloride. Enhanced control of hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate molecular weight is achieved by limiting the amount of water present to provide a final salt level of greater than 30 percent. The final salt level is a theoretical value but is readily calculable. The hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate is then converted to a block copolyestercarbonate by reaction with a carbonate precursor such as phosgene.

Abstract: Novel polyethersulfone compositions have been discovered which incorporate structural subunits derived from sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfones, dihydroxy terphenyls, and/or bis(hydroxyphenyl)pyridines. The sulfonated polyethersulfones show promise as materials for use in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells owing to their high proton conductivities (0.02-0.07 S/cm at 20° C. and 100 percent humidity). In addition, a novel unsulfonated thermoplastic polyethersulfone comprising structural subunits derived from a non-sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfone bis4-fluorophenyl)sulfone and 4,4?-dihydroxyphenyl-2,6-pyridine (CAS No. 171820-16-9) is disclosed.

Abstract: The color stability of a multilayer article comprising a top layer and and a substrate layer is enhanced by the addition of at least one unstable yellow colorant and optionally, at least one stable chromatic colorant to the top layer. The substrate layer includes a scattering white pigment and optionally, at least one stable chromatic colorant. Methods for making the aforementioned multilayer article are also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: A silver multilayered film comprises at least one intermediate layer comprising a polymeric resin; a colorant composition and a flake composition, wherein the normal to the individual flakes are oriented at an average angle of about 0 to about 75 degrees with a normal to the multilayered film, and wherein the intermediate layer is located between a first layer and an second layer and further wherein the multilayered film has a lightness greater than or equal to about 60 and a change in lightness as a function of viewing angle of greater than or equal to about 40.

Abstract: Method, system and computer product for formulating a bi-directional color match. In this disclosure, a computing unit obtains spectral measurements of a target bi-directional color. The computing unit uses a bi-directional color formulation tool determine a combination of pigments, dyes and platelet-shaped pigments that generates spectral measurements that match the spectral measurements of the target bi-directional color.