Abstract: This invention relates to epoxidized acetals and thioacetals, episulfidized acetals and thioacetals, thermosetting resin compositions based on such epoxidized acetals and thioacetals, episulfidized acetals and thioacetals, reaction products of which are controllably degradable when subjected to appropriate conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses reworkable epoxy compositions suitable for encapsulation of and underfill for electronic components comprising (a) a curable epoxy component which is the reaction product of an epoxidized 1-alkenyl ether or 1-cycloalkenyl ether and a polycarboxylic acid, the reaction product being substantially free of unreacted acid or acid impurities; and (b) a curing agent for the epoxy component, wherein the reaction products of the epoxy composition are reworkable. The cured epoxy compositions of this invention contain thermally labile weak &agr;-alkoxy ester linkages which provide for the reworkable aspect of the invention.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof. When cured, thermosets comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof have thermally and/or chemically labile gem-diester groups interspersed throughout the crosslinked network. Thus, thermosets based on invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof can be easily reworked thermally or chemically by treatment with dilute acidic or basic solutions. Further provided by the present invention are adhesive compositions comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Primers for cyanoacrylate adhesives which are based on compounds having multiple amine groups thereon (“multi-amines”) which have at least three secondary or tertiary amine groups, at least one of which is a tertiary amine group. The multi-amine compounds are characterized by having thereon at least three terminal and/or pendant aliphatic hydrocarbon groups of at least 4 carbon atoms in length. Such primers give substantially improved bond strengths to cyanoacrylate adhesive bonded assemblies comprising a polyolefin substrate such as high density polyethylene, LDPE or polypropylene. The multi-amine may have a cascade, dendrimer, hyperbranched or comb-like structure.

Abstract: A latent fluxing agent comprising a material which liberates phenol or a carboxylic acid containing compound when heated above 140° C. The latent fluxing agent may be incorporated into a thermoset resin, which includes an epoxy resin. The uncured epoxy resin, which includes the epoxy resin, the latent fluxing agent and an epoxy curing agent are useful as an underfill composition in a method for applying a chip die, having one or more solder balls, to a substrate. The method is used to produce an integrated circuit chip that includes a chip die having electrical contacts arranged in a predetermined pattern and capable of providing electrical engagement with a carrier substrate.

Abstract: A method for sealing graphite plates formed from mechanically processed graphite sheets of exfoliated graphite particles is provided. The graphites sheets are infused with a sealant to fill about 90 volume percent of the pores contained in the sheet. Upon curing the sealant, a substantially gas impermeable graphite plate is provides. Such a plate is useful in fuel cell construction.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: wherein R1 is H or methyl, R2 is H or alkyl, R3 is C2-C4 alkylene, n is 0-4, n′ is 1-4, x is one or more, y is one or more, x+y=z, and A is a z-valent organic group linked to the group or groups on the left thereof through a carbon atom and is linked to the group or groups on the right thereof through an ether or ester oxygen atom, or, provided that x and y are both 1, a direct bond.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof. When cured, thermosets comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof have thermally and/or chemically labile gem-diester groups interspersed throughout the crosslinked network. Thus, thermosets based on invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof can be easily reworked thermally or chemically by treatment with dilute acidic or basic solutions. Further provided by the present invention are adhesive compositions comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method for sealing graphite plates formed from mechanically processed graphite sheets of exfoliated graphite particles is provided. The graphites sheets are infused with a sealant to fill about 90 volume percent of the pores contained in the sheet. Upon curing the sealant, a substantially gas impermeable graphite plate is provides. Such a plate is useful in fuel cell construction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to radical-curable adhesive compositions which include a (meth)acrylate component; a thermal resistance-conferring component; and a radical cure-inducing composition. Reaction products of the compositions of this invention exhibit superior resistance of thermal degradation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to radical-curable adhesive compositions which include a (meth)acrylate component; a thermal resistance-conferring component; and a radical cure-inducing composition. Reaction products of the compositions of the compositions of this invention exhibit superior resistance to thermal degradation.

Abstract: Curable compositions include at least one monomer compound having both (meth)acrylic ester functionality and an allylic phenyl ether functional group on the same molecule, the allylic phenyl ether functional group having at least one unsubstituted position on the phenyl ring which is ortho or para to the allylic ether group, and a free radical catalyst system. The composition may also includes a latent thermally activated acid generator. Claisen Rearrangement of radically polymerized polymers produced from the compositions may be induced at temperatures of about 100° C. or more to give crosslinked products of improved thermal resistance.

Abstract: Cationically curable adhesives and sealants with increased viscosities and improved rheological control and good storage stability are prepared using a cationically curable monomer and a thickening polymer which is the alkylation reaction product of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) or poly(2-hydroxystyrene) with a compound RX where R is allyl, methallyl, crotyl or prenyl and X is Cl, Br or I. The cationically curable monomer suitably includes at least one alkenyloxystyrene monomer. Such thickened adhesives are useful as edge sealants for flat panel display devices. A-stage curing of the adhesive with UV irradiation allows for near ambient temperature fixturing of the device assemblies and B-stage thermal curing of the adhesive can be conducted at much lower temperatures than are needed for glass frit sealants. The B-stage cured products have thermal resistance, outgassing and substrate adhesion properties adequate for flat panel display devices.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an ultrasonicated formulation of .alpha.-lipoic acid and an aqueous solution which may also contain other antioxidants and/or metal chelators is disclosed.Also disclosed is a method of ultrasonically preparing pure or mixed micelles of lipid-soluble antioxidants and .alpha.-lipoic acid in aqueous solutions for intravenous delivery to mitigate microvascular dysfunction in hemorrhagic shock and other conditions of acute microvascular injury.

Abstract: Cationically curable adhesives and sealants with increased viscosities and improved rheological control and good storage stability are prepared using a cationically curable monomer and a thickening polymer which is the alkylation reaction product of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) or poly(2-hydroxystyrene) with a compound RX where R is allyl, methallyl, crotyl or prenyl and X is Cl, Br or I. The cationically curable monomer suitably includes at least one alkenyloxystyrene monomer. Such thickened adhesives are useful as edge sealants for flat panel display devices. A-stage curing of the adhesive with UV irradiation allows for near ambient temperature fixturing of the device assemblies and B-stage thermal curing of the adhesive can be conducted at much lower temperatures than are needed for glass frit sealants. The B-stage cured products have thermal resistance, outgassing and substrate adhesion properties adequate for flat panel display devices.

Abstract: Allylic styrene ether compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted allylic or propargyl hydrocarbon group, and R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently H, C.sub.1-6 hydrocarbon or C.sub.1-6 hydrocarbonoxy groups, are prepared in a single pot reaction from relatively low cost materials. The method includes the steps of reacting a 4-acyloxystyrene of the formula ##STR2## where R is an acyl group, with at least one mole of a base which can readily saponify or hydrolyze the phenolic ester bond per mole of acyloxystyrene, and then adding to the reaction mixture an alloylating agent of the formula R.sup.1 X, where R.sup.1 is as previously defined and X is chloride, bromide, iodide, a sulfonic ester or a hydrocarbon sulfate group, to form said allylic styrene ether compound. The method may be employed to prepare mono-styryl functional compounds or di-styryl functional compounds such as 1,4-bis(4'-vinylphenoxy)but-2-ene.

Abstract: A portable shade umbrella comprises a weighted base having a supporting pole secured in it, with the supporting pole having a curved upper section with a downwardly depending stud attached to the outer end of the curved section for supporting a rib assembly and a canopy, each of which includes central apertures penetrated by the stud and secured to the stud with a nut, which stretches the flexible canopy into a traditional umbrella shape. The length of the supporting pole is adjustable. The canopy includes a plurality of insertion pockets about its perimeter for receiving and retaining the outer ends of the curved ribs.

Abstract: A curable thiol-ene composition specially adapted for use as a primary coating on optical fibers comprises a polythiol and a compound having a plurality of norbornene groups thereon, are characterized in that one of either the compound having the plurality of norbornene groups or the polythiol has a backbone of a poly(tetramethylene oxide), or is an oligomer thereof, and the poly(tetramethylene oxide) has a molecular weight of between 250 and 5,000. The formulations are relatively low viscosity liquids at practical application temperatures and cure substantially completely with very low irradiation fluence. The formulations cure in ambient air. There is no need to exclude oxygen or to control humidity. The formulations of the invention can be cured using low intensity UV lamps which do not generate significant amounts of heat. The cured products have excellent low temperature flexibility, good humidity and water absorbtion resistance and good thermal oxidative stability.

Abstract: A polymer dispersed liquid crystal composite prepared from: (1) at least one multifunctional electron-rich alkene that does not undergo appreciable homopolymerization and is selected from the group consisting of (a) vinyl ethers and vinyl sulfides; (b) keteneacetals, ketenethioacetals and methylene oxathiolanes, wherein the carbon of the carbon-carbon double bond not bearing the electron donating group has bonded to it H or a combination of H and a C1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, preferably a methyl group; (c) ortho or para vinyl phenyl ethers or thioethers (also known as styryloxy or styrylthio ether monomers); or (d) bicylic alkenes which have, as a result of their stereoelectronic configuration, unequal .pi.-electron density above and below the plane of the carbon-carbon double bond axis; (2) a multifunctional thiol; (3) a photoinitiator; and (4) liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A curable thiol-ene composition specially adapted for use as a primary coating on optical fibers comprises a polythiol and a compound having a plurality of norbornene groups thereon, are characterized in that one of either the compound having the plurality of norbornene groups or the polythiol has a backbone of a poly(tetramethylene oxide), or is an oligomer thereof, and the poly(tetramethylene oxide) has a molecular weight of between 250 and 5,000. The formulations are relatively low viscosity liquids at practical application temperatures and cure substantially completely with very low irradiation fluence. The formulations cure in ambient air. There is no need to exclude oxygen or to control humidity. The formulations of the invention can be cured using low intensity UV lamps which do not generate significant amounts of heat. The cured products have excellent low temperature flexibility, good humidity and water absorbtion resistance and good thermal oxidative stability.