Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a protective material to the girth weld of pipe. The apparatus is particularly suited for protecting a pipe that, except for the ends adjacent to the weld, is protected by layer of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network of epoxy and polyolefin resins. Using the apparatus and method, the protective material is firmly bonded to both the exposed steel end and the pre-existing protective layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a protective material to the girth weld of pipe. The apparatus is particularly suited for protecting a pipe that, except for the ends adjacent to the weld, is protected by layer of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network of epoxy and polyolefin resins. Using the apparatus and method, the protective material is firmly bonded to both the exposed steel end and the pre-existing protective layer.

Abstract: A pipe system includes first and second pipes having first and second ends welded together forming a girth-weld and a corrosion coating covering the girth-weld. In addition, a flexible sheet is provided to cover the girth-weld. The flexible sheet comprises a first structured layer that mechanically couples to the corrosion coating, where the corrosion coating permeates a substantial portion of the first structured layer. The flexible sheet also includes a second layer comprising a polymer layer adhered to the first layer, the second layer protecting the corrosion coating from mechanical or environmental damage. Alternatively, the protective cover comprises a polymer material and includes a port formed therethrough adapted to receive a delivery mechanism that delivers a corrosion coating to the girth-weld.

Abstract: A pipe includes an outer surface with a polyolefin-based protective coating covering a substantial portion thereof In addition, an end wrap material is disposed on the protective coating proximate to an end of the pipe, where the end wrap material is bondable to a polymer-containing protective material, such as a heat shrink sleeve or cover. The end wrap material can bond a heat shrink cover or sleeve in place over a girth-weld, thus substantially reducing the likelihood of the disbandment or movement of the sleeve from the welded pipe ends over time.

Abstract: A pipe system comprises first and second pipes having first and second ends welded together forming a girth-weld and a heat recoverable polymer material comprising a plurality of holes extending therethrough covering the girth-weld. The heat recoverable polymer material can include a surface having an adhesive coated thereon disposed on the girth-weld. Air trapped underneath the recoverable polymer material can be released through the plurality of holes during shrinking of the heat recoverable polymer material. Also, a portion of the adhesive can flow through the holes during a shrinking of the heat recoverable polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article comprising a thermoplastic polymer film and a discontinuous metallic nanoparticle coating, of an average size less than 100 nm, and the process for preparing the same. The coated film may be further stretched or shrunk to shift the absorbance peak maximum to the desired degree. The coating is formed by depositing a discontinuous layer of metallic nanoparticles by a physical vapor deposition method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler material useful for communication cables, such as electrical cables and optical cables. In one embodiment, (a) from about 50 to 95 percent by weight mineral oil; (b) less than about 10 percent by weight block copolymer selected from the group consisting of styrene-ethylene/butylene, styrene-ethylene/propylene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, and combinations thereof; (c) less than about 35 percent by weight petroleum wax; (d) less than about 20 percent by weight hollow glass microspheres; and (e) less than about 10 percent by weight thixotropic agent selected from the group consisting of clay, colloidal metal oxide, fumed metal oxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include radiation-to-heat converters, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon irradiating, the hardened compositions increase in temperature, which can be useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprises a thermosetting resin and a polyolefin resin that cures to a semi-interpenetrating polymer network and is useful for producing plastic shipping and storage containers. The containers exhibit one or more friction surfaces, and can include fire resistance and other properties derived from property enhancing agents.

Abstract: Described are microfiber-entangled products and methods of producing microfiber-entangled products from microfiber materials or microfiber-forming materials, the microfiber entangled products having various useful product constructions that incorporate microfiber materials and other materials that can be combined by folding, weaving, lapping, twisting, tying, braiding, or otherwise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of toughening and reinforcing brittle matrix materials, and more specifically to the structural fibers made from an oriented film, which enhance the toughness of matrix materials such as concrete, cement, and other cementitious products.

Abstract: A method for joining sections of coated pipe comprises providing two sections of metal pipe, each section of metal pipe having at least a first polymeric coating on its outer surface. The first polymeric coating comprises a first polymer coating selected from the group consisting of a first epoxy/olefin interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) layer, a thermoplastic layer, and a thermosetting layer. The sections of metal pipe are aligned end-to-end and bonded together to form a desired closure. A second polymeric coating comprising a layer of epoxy/olefin semi- or full-IPN is applied to the closure and to any desired additional area of coated pipe to form a seam and to secure the joint. A method for patching a damaged coated pipe using a patch comprising a polyolefin/epoxy semi-or full IPN is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coated article and method therefor comprises a metal substrate comprising a layered coating composition on at least one surface thereof, the coating composition comprising a layer of epoxy on one or more of the surfaces of the substrate. The coating composition further comprises an overcoat layer comprising a combination of polyolefin and epoxy resins, the overcoat layer optionally being free of added epoxy curative. The article can be a pipe, vessel, conduit, rod, profile-shaped article, or tube. A preferred overcoat layer comprises a semi- or full-epoxy/polyolefin interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). In another embodiment, the coated article comprises a polyolefin/epoxy layer that is directly coated on at least one surface of a metal substrate, the polyolefin/epoxy coating being overcoated with a thermoplastic top coating, the coated article being free of added adhesive. The metal article preferably is a pipe, vessel, conduit, rod, profile shaped article or tube.

Abstract: A metallic nanoparticle coated microporous substrate, the process for preparing the same and uses thereof are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metallic nanoparticle coated thermoplastic film and the process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.

Abstract: Described are microfiber articles and methods and intermediates for their production, the microfiber articles being preferably produced from co-extruded multi-layer films, and the articles having a multi-layer construction that allows selection of the different layers to have different properties such that the article can have a desired combination of properties.