Abstract: A multi-layered dimensionally recoverable tubing system and method for making the same, in which the system has a first layer, a second layer, and a reinforcing structure. The first layer includes at least one crosslinkable polymer. The second layer is disposed adjacent to the first layer and includes a polymer. A reinforcing structure is disposed adjacent to the first layer. One or both of the first layer and second layer are dimensionally recoverable. The first layer is substantially crosslinked, and the second layer is substantially uncrosslinked. To form a reinforced medical device, the system is heated and dimensionally recovered, where the reinforcing structure becomes incorporated in the second layer.

Abstract: A non-halogenated heat-recoverable article which passes the UL Standard for Safety for Extruded Insulating Tubing, UL 224, Fifth Edition, VW-1 flame test is prepared from a composition which contains polyethylene or an ethylene copolymer or a mixture, a hydrated or carbonated inorganic filler, red amorphous phosphorus, and an inorganic filler such as zinc borate. The article has good physical properties as measured by tensile strength and elongation, and good high temperature performance. A particularly useful article is heat-recoverable tubing which has good flame-retardancy as demonstrated by the VW-1 test.

Abstract: A multi-layered dimensionally recoverable tubing system and method for making the same, in which the system has a first layer, a second layer, and a reinforcing structure. The first layer includes at least one crosslinkable polymer. The second layer is disposed adjacent to the first layer and includes a polymer. A reinforcing structure is disposed adjacent to the first layer. One or both of the first layer and second layer are dimensionally recoverable. The first layer is substantially crosslinked, and the second layer is substantially uncrosslinked. To form a reinforced medical device, the system is heated and dimensionally recovered, where the reinforcing structure becomes incorporated in the second layer.

Abstract: A tubing system (or construction) comprising an inner wall composed of a thermo-conductive adhesive composition, wherein the thermo-conductive adhesive composition comprises a thermo-conductor admixed with an adhesive, and the thermo-conductor is at least about 45% of the weight of the thermo-conductive adhesive composition; and an expanded polymeric outer jacket surrounding and in contact with the inner wall, wherein the expanded polymeric outer jacket recovers (i.e., shrinks) at a predetermined temperature, e.g., when heat is applied.

Abstract: A curable polymeric composition which is a liquid at 20° C. and which comprises 25 to 60% by weight of a resin component which comprises an epoxy, 5 to 25% by weight of a curing agent which comprises two components, a first component which is a cycloaliphatic amine or an aromatic amine, and a second component which is a polyamide amine, and 20 to 65% by weight of an inert inorganic filler. The curable composition can be used in a method of protecting a substrate such as a pipe or a pipe joint from corrosion or mechanical damage. In the method, the curable composition is first applied to the substrate, a polymeric covering layer is applied over the curable composition with an innermost layer of a heat-activatable sealant in intimate contact with the curable composition, and the curable composition is then cured. During the curing process, the heat-activatable sealant, e.g. a hot melt adhesive, remains in contact with the curable composition and interacts therewith.

Abstract: A curable polymeric composition which is a liquid at 20° C. and which comprises 25 to 60% by weight of a resin component which comprises an epoxy, 5 to 25% by weight of a curing agent which comprises two components, a first component which is a cycloaliphatic amine or an aromatic amine, and a second component which is a polyamide amine, and 20 to 65% by weight of an inert inorganic filler. The curable composition can be used in a method of protecting a substrate such as a pipe or a pipe joint from corrosion or mechanical damage. In the method, the curable composition is first applied to the substrate, polymeric covering layer is applied over the curable composition with an innermost layer of a heat-activatable sealant in intimate contact with the curable composition, and the curable composition is then cured. During the curing process, the heat-activatable sealant, e.g. a hot melt adhesive, remains in contact with the curable composition and interacts therewith.

Abstract: Novel curable adhesives are solid, substantially free of cross-linking and substantially tack-free at 25.degree. C.; remain substantially uncured when maintained for extended periods at 80.degree. C.; have an initial viscosity of 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.4 poise at 150.degree. C. and cure relatively slowly at 150.degree. C.; and cure rapidly at 200.degree. C. The adhesives preferably contain at least one epoxy resin, particularly an epoxy resin having a softening point of at least 50.degree. C. and an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 200 in combination with an epoxy resin which is liquid at 25.degree. C. or an elastomer or other compatible high molecular weight polymer. The adhesive preferably also contains a high temperature curing agent and preferably also a filler, which may be particulate or fibrous. The novel adhesives are particularly useful in combination with heat-recoverable devices, e.g. devices comprising components made of heat-recoverable metal.

Abstract: An improved method for indicating the temperature to which a heat-deformable polymeric material coated with a thermochromic paint has been heated is disclosed. The improvement comprises the addition to the thermochromic paint of a non-thermochromic compound selected from the group consisting of the sulfates, hydrated sulfates and nitrides of boron, aluminum, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, zinc and phosphorus; the sulfides and hydrated sulfides of boron, aluminum, bismuth and phosphorus; the oxides and hydrated oxides of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus and the salts, organic derivatives and free acids of the oxyanions of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus.

Abstract: An article comprising a polymeric material and coated with a thermochromic paint. The improvement comprises the addition to the thermochromic paint of a non-thermochromic compound selected from the group consisting of the sulfates, hydrated sulfates and nitrides of boron, aluminum, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, zinc and phosphorus; the sulfides and hydrated sulfides of boron, aluminum, bismuth and phoshorus; the oxides and the hydrated oxides of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus and the salts, organic compounds and free acids of the oxyanions of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus.

Abstract: A thermochromic paint, which changes color when heated to a certain temperature, and which is particularly suited for use on plastic substrates which are subject to oxidative degradation is disclosed. The improvement comprises the addition to the thermochromic paint of a non-thermochromic compound selected from the group consisting of the sulfates, hydrated sulfates and nitrides of boron, aluminum, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, zinc and phosphorus; the sulfides and hydrated sulfides of boron, aluminum, bismuth and phosphorus; the oxides and hydrated oxides of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus and the salts, organic compounds and free acids of the oxyanions of boron, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus.