Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bearing and seal assemblies comprising a composite structure which includes a substrate and a layer disposed on the substrate. The layer disposed on the substrate includes a polyimide matrix and a filler dispersed within the polyimide matrix. The filler can be a thermoplastic polymer, such as PTFE, and/or an organic filler. The bearing assembly can exhibit a synergistic improvement in wear resistance and coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an adhesive layer, bearing including the adhesive layer, and methods of forming. The adhesive layer can include a mixture of a first polymer, a second polymer, and a third polymer, wherein the third polymer is a modified fluoropolymer of the second polymer. In a particular embodiment, a weight ratio of a weight content of the second polymer to a weight content of the third polymer in the mixture can be at least 12:1. In another particular embodiment, the adhesive layer can have a normalized peel strength of at least 4.8 N/in/microns.

Abstract: A component for a bearing including a substrate having opposite major surfaces spaced apart by a thickness of the substrate, and a plurality of channels extending along the first surface, at least two of the plurality of channels extending in parallel with each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of channels is adapted to receive and secure a polymeric material to the substrate. A method of forming a bearing including providing a substrate having a opposite major surfaces spaced apart by a thickness, forming channels in the substrate, the channels each having a depth extending from the first major surface toward the second major surface, applying a polymeric material to at least a portion of the first major surface, wherein a portion of the polymeric material occupies at least a portion of at least one of the channels, and curing the polymeric material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bearing and seal assemblies comprising a composite structure which includes a substrate and a layer disposed on the substrate. The layer disposed on the substrate includes a polyimide matrix and a filler dispersed within the polyimide matrix. The filler can be a thermoplastic polymer, such as PTFE, and/or an organic filler. The bearing assembly can exhibit a synergistic improvement in wear resistance and coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which utilize a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique implemented for the measurements of vapor transmission rate. In one embodiment, the vapor content to be measured is contained within an optical cavity. Light is then injected into the cavity up to a threshold level and the decay time of the injected light is measured. When the wavelength of the injected light is resonant with an absorption feature of the vapor the decay time increases linearly as a function of vapor content. In this manner, vapor content causes a longer decay time and thus the amount of vapor passing through the film (film permeation rate) can be determined in real-time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of branched fluoropolymers having long chain branches and little or no gels, by a process involving polymerization at high temperatures using persulfates and optionally multifunctional initiators. The invention also relates to gel-free, branched polymers with strain hardening produced by the process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which utilize a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique implemented for the measurements of vapor transmission rate. In one embodiment, the vapor content to be measured is contained within an optical cavity. Light is then injected into the cavity up to a threshold level and the delay time of the injected light is measured. When the wavelength of the injected light is resonant with an absorption feature of the vapor the decay time increases linearly as a function of vapor content. In this manner, vapor content causes a longer delay time and thus the amount of vapor passing through the film (film permeation rate) can be determined in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolymer process aids having a carboxylic anhydride or acid functionality and a hydrophobic functionality. The copolymer process aid can be used in the exfoliation of a nanoclay, where it can be made in situ; and can also serve as a compatibilizer for exfoliated nanoclays with a polymer matrix, including with impact modified polymer matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolymer process aids having a carboxylic anhydride or acid functionality and a hydrophobic functionality. The copolymer process aid can be used in the exfoliation of a nanoclay, where it can be made in situ; and can also serve as a compatibilizer for exfoliated nanoclays with a polymer matrix, including with impact modified polymer matrices.

Abstract: Ionized irradiation can be used to improve the properties of fluoropolymers. In particular, elasticity, strain hardening, and melt strength of a fluoropolymer can be increased by LIP to an order of magnitude by exposure to controlled amounts of radiation; while polymer foams may be thermoformed and crosslinked by irradiation to provide a solvent resistance polymer foams having wide range of densities with good mechanical integrity at elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of branched fluoropolymers having long chain branches and little or no gels, by a process involving polymerization at high temperatures using persulfates and optionally multifunctional initiators. The invention also relates to gel-free, branched polymers with strain hardening produced by the process.

Abstract: Ionized irradiation can be used to improve the properties of fluoropolymers.

Abstract: Multi-phase blends of VDF-based polymers are provided which are useful in a variety of applications such as wire and cable, pipe and liner applications, and rotational molding.

Abstract: Multi-phase blends of VDF-based polymers are provided which are useful in a variety of applications such as wire and cable, pipe and liner applications, and rotational molding.