Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object. The device (1) comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating a region of interest (3) of the object with electromagnetic radiation (6), in particular light, and a detection unit (9) for detecting acoustic, in particular ultrasonic, waves generated in the region of interest (3) of the object upon irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation (6), wherein the detection unit (9) is configured to detect the acoustic waves at one or more point-like detection locations, which are located outside of the region of interest (3) of the object. The point-like detection locations can be given by, e.g., focus points (19) of acoustic detection elements (23), point-like detection elements or point-like or pinhole apertures. The invention allows for improved and reliable optoacoustic imaging, in particular in view of dermatology applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to system for optoacoustic imaging, in particular for rasterscan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), and an according method for optoacoustic imaging data processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object. The device (1) comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating a region of interest (3) of the object with electromagnetic radiation (6), in particular light, and a detection unit (9) for detecting acoustic, in particular ultrasonic, waves generated in the region of interest (3) of the object upon irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation (6), wherein the detection unit (9) is configured to detect the acoustic waves at one or more point-like detection locations, which are located outside of the region of interest (3) of the object. The point-like detection locations can be given by, e.g., focus points (19) of acoustic detection elements (23), point-like detection elements or point-like or pinhole apertures. The invention allows for improved and reliable optoacoustic imaging, in particular in view of dermatology applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polystyrene based polymer/layered compound nanocomposite for injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding of articles. The nanocomposite can reduce shrinkage and warpage to the preform during the reheating process compared to neat polystyrene. The incorporation of layered compounds can increase the processability of PS preforms, help improve heating efficiency, and improve bottle mechanical properties. The layered compound can be treated with chemicals or compounds having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene, thus producing a treated layered compound having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polystyrene based polymer/layered compound nanocomposite for injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding of articles. The nanocomposite can reduce shrinkage and warpage to the preform during the reheating process compared to neat polystyrene. The incorporation of layered compounds can increase the processability of PS preforms, help improve heating efficiency, and improve bottle mechanical properties. The layered compound can be treated with chemicals or compounds having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene, thus producing a treated layered compound having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent. The layered compound can also be incorporated into the mixture by compounding a polymer product with the layered compound, or the combination of any of the above three approaches.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: An opaque polymer film is prepared by admixing high crystalline polypropylene with a microvoid causing filler and extruding to form a sheet that is then biaxially stretched to form an opaque film. End uses for these films include soda bottles, candy wrappers and synthetic paper.

Abstract: Polymer articles and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing an ethylene based polymer, blending the ethylene based polymer with a modifier to form modified polyethylene and forming the modified polyethylene into a polymer article, wherein the polymer article exhibits a haze that is at least about 10% less than a polymer article prepared with a similarly modified polyethylene.

Abstract: Preforms for use in injection blow molding processes and such processes are described herein. The preforms can have both a body and a neck wherein the external body diameter of the preform is at most 95% of the external neck diameter. The body comprises internal and external diameters that together form a sidewall, the thickness of which can be greater than 2.0 mm. Also disclosed is a mold for the injection molding of the preform described above.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polystyrene based polymer/layered compound nanocomposite for injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding of articles. The nanocomposite can reduce shrinkage and warpage to the preform during the reheating process compared to neat polystyrene. The incorporation of layered compounds can increase the processability of PS preforms, help improve heating efficiency, and improve bottle mechanical properties. The layered compound can be treated with chemicals or compounds having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene, thus producing a treated layered compound having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent.

Abstract: A monovinylidene aromatic polymer with a melt flow index of at least 7 g/10 min and a Vicat softening temperature of at least 200° F. may be useful for injection molding with reduced cycle time. The monovinylidene aromatic polymer may be general purpose polystyrene or high impact polystyrene. It may include reduced amounts of mineral oil and increased amounts of an additive such as zinc dimethacrylate to optimize its processability and mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: A method comprising preparing a styrenic polymer composition, melting the styrenic polymer composition to form a molten polymer, injecting the molten polymer into a mold cavity to form a preform, heating the preform to produce a heated preform, and expanding the heated preform to form an article. A method comprising substituting a styrenic polymer composition comprising from 0 wt. % to 6.5 wt. % plasticizer and equal to or greater than 2.5 wt. % elastomer for polyethylene terephthalate in an injection stretch blow molding process, wherein the wt. % is based on the total weight of the polymeric composition. A method comprising preparing a preform from a styrenic polymer composition, subjecting the preform to one or more heating elements, and rapidly heating the preform to produce a heated preform.

Abstract: Polymer articles and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing an ethylene based polymer, blending the ethylene based polymer with a modifier to form modified polyethylene and forming the modified polyethylene into a polymer article, wherein the polymer article exhibits a haze that is at least about 10% less than a polymer article prepared with a similarly modified polyethylene.

Abstract: A method of preparing a refrigeration insulation liner comprising forming a multilayer polymeric sheet comprising at least one foam layer and at least one solid layer disposed adjacent to the foam layer, shaping the multilayer polymeric sheet into the liner, wherein the liner is an insulator, wherein the layers of the sheet adhered to each other by melt extrusion, and wherein the liner resists degradation in the event of contact with a refrigerant. A method of preparing a refrigeration device liner comprising coextruding a foamed polystyrene layer between two solid layers of high impact polystyrene to form a sheet, thermoforming the sheet into the liner, and incorporating the liner into the refrigeration device. A method of forming a multilayer polymeric sheet comprising melting a first styrenic polymer composition, melting and foaming a second styrenic polymer composition, and coextruding the first and second styrenic polymer compositions to form a multilayer polymeric sheet.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having a MFR of less than 2 g/10 min. which when formed into a film has an oxygen transmission rate of equal to or greater than 300 cc/100 in2/24 h at 73° F. and 0% relative humidity per ASTM D 3895 and a water vapor transmission rate of equal to or greater than 0.5 g/100 in2/24 hrs at 100° F. and 100% relative humidity per ASTM F 1249. A polymeric film having a 2% secant modulus in the machine direction of 300 MPa to 700 MPa; an oxygen transmission rate of greater than 300 cc/100 in2/24 h at 100° F., a water vapor transmission rate of greater than 0.5 g/100 in2/24 hrs at 100° F. and 100% relative humidity; an Elmendorf tear strength in the MD of from 50 g to 400 g; an Elmendorf tear strength in the transverse direction of from 150 g to 400 g, a dart drop strength of from 200 g to about 500 g, a haze of from 0% to 85% and, gloss at 45° of from 5% to 70%.

Abstract: A film having a seal strength of at least 100 grams force/inch and a seal initiation temperature of less than about 100 ° C. A polymeric composition comprising a metallocene catalyzed random ethylene-propylene copolymer and a propylene/alpha olefin copolymer or ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer. An article comprised of a film having a seal strength of at least 100 grams force/inch and a seal initiation temperature of less than about 100 ° C.