Abstract: Disclosed are films obtained from blends of ethylene copolymers with organic acid salt-modified potassium ionomeric copolymers. The films of the present invention can be welded using RF energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer film or sheet, which comprises at least one vapor barrier layer and at least one vapor transmission-adjusting layer wherein the vapor transmission-adjusting layer comprises a neutralized acid copolymer or ionomer thereof, an organic acid, and optionally other polymers, having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10. The vapor barrier layer comprises ethylene polymer, propylene polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, polyester, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, PVC, or combinations of two or more thereof. The film is useful as a variable vapor barrier for moisture control of buildings. Also disclosed are articles comprising the multilayer film.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising virus in a formulation comprising a polyhydroxy hydrocarbon buffered to maintain a pH in a range from about 7 to about 8.5 at a temperature in the range from about 20° C. to 27° C. Methods for concentrating and purifying virus preparations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is provided, comprising (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic resin; (d) a cation source; and (e) optionally, a filler. Also provided are one-, two- and three-piece golf balls, and multi-layered golf balls comprising the composition of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising ionomeric copolymers blended with organic acids or salts thereof that have a unique combination of high stiffness and resilience. Articles of manufacture according the invention include, without limitation, footwear structural components (e.g., heel counters, toe puffs, and soles), golf club components, and industrial applications (e.g., materials such as caulking materials, sealants, modifiers for cement and asphalt, coatings, packaging films, molded parts, and resilient foams for sporting goods).

Abstract: A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.

Abstract: Disclosed are rigid or semi-rigid multilayer structures that provide high oxygen permeability values comprising metallocene polyethylene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or highly neutralized blends of ethylene acid copolymers, organic acid salts and optionally one or more ethylene-containing polymers or silicon-containing polymers. Such structures have improved oxygen permeability and are useful in packaging food products such as case ready meat, fish, sausage, fresh produce, and the like that require breathable packages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable vapor barrier for moisture control of buildings comprising or formed from a material having a moisture permeance of less than 0.1 perms (grains/h·ft2·inches of Hg) at less than 50% average humidity, such as from 10 to 50% or 20 to 40%; and a moisture permeance greater than 4, or greater than 10 perms at greater than 60% average humidity, such as from 60 to 90%, or 70 to 80%. Also disclosed are articles comprising the variable vapor barrier and methods of their use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a neutralized acid copolymer or ionomer thereof, an organic acid, and optionally other polymers, having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10. The composition is useful as a variable vapor barrier for moisture control of buildings. Also disclosed are articles comprising the variable vapor composition and methods of their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer precursor dispersion for use in making a polymer that is a solid at room temperature and further relates to a method of making same where the dispersion comprises a polymer precursor comprising an addition monomer, a condensation monomer, a prepolymer, or a polymer modifier and 0.01 to 50 weight percent of a micropulp having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic compositions comprising partially or fully neutralized carboxylic acid-based ionomers modified with rosin or rosin derivatives and, optionally, organic acids and salts thereof. Methods of preparing the thermoplastic compositions are also provided. The thermoplastic compositions exhibit higher hardness and stiffness than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are golf balls, sporting equipment, and other non-sport articles comprising said thermoplastic compositions and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: Moisture and gas permeable ionomeric films are described. The films described herein are obtained from blends of ionomers with an organic acid salt in the amount of at least about 5 wt %, and have MVTR greater than films obtained from conventional ionomers. Particularly preferred are the potassium salts of stearic, oleic, isostearic, and isooleic acids. Films comprising a liquid-absorbent ionomer film layer and an impermeable layer are provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer precursor dispersion for use in making a polymer that is a solid at room temperature and further relates to a method of making same where the dispersion comprises a polymer precursor comprising an addition monomer, a condensation monomer, a prepolymer, or a polymer modifier and 0.01 to 50 weight percent of a micropulp having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: An electronic lock incorporating one or more shape memory metal wire segment as its electromechanical transducer. An electronic control circuit injects electrical current into the shape memory metal wire, causing it to heat up and contract. A gate is positioned by the action of the shape memory metal wire(s) to either allow or block the movement of a locking bolt that affect locking or unlocking. Millions of operational cycles are achieved by limiting the stretching of the shape memory metal wire at low temperature to small percentages of its total length. The design lends itself to miniaturization, with commensurate reduction in power consumption, that is useful to the evolution of future electronic locks.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of removing a particle from a metal plug on a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a slurry onto the metal layer and polishing the metal layer. A solution comprising hydrogen peroxide is introduced onto the metal plug and at least one particle is removed from the metal plug.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer precursor dispersion for use in making a polymer that is a solid at room temperature and further relates to a method of making same where the dispersion comprises a polymer precursor comprising an addition monomer, a condensation monomer, a prepolymer, or a polymer modifier and 0.01 to 50 weight percent of a micropulp having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers.