Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for automated tuning of multimode inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS). In certain embodiments, a ‘single click’ optimization method is provided for a multi-mode ICP-MS system that automates tuning of the system in one or more modes selected from among the multiple modes, e.g., a vented cell mode, a reaction cell mode (e.g., dynamic reaction cell mode), and a collision cell mode (e.g., kinetic energy discrimination mode). Workflows and computational routines, including a dynamic range optimization technique, are presented that provide faster, more efficient, and more accurate tuning.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil-soluble lubricating oil additive composition, suitable for use as a dispersant viscosity index improver in lubricating oils; prepared by the process which comprises reacting a hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) between about 7,000 and about 500,000 wherein the polymer backbone has been functionalized with an ethylenically unsaturated acylating agent and a hydroxyl-linked polycyclic fused ring component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil-soluble lubricating oil additive composition, suitable for use as a dispersant viscosity index improver in lubricating oils; prepared by the process which comprises reacting a hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) between about 7,000 and about 500,000 wherein the polymer backbone has been functionalized with an ethylenically unsaturated acylating agent and an aryloxy-alkylene amine.

Abstract: Polymer compositions for use as viscosity modifiers comprising at least two ethylene-based copolymer components are provided. The polymer composition comprises (a) a first ethylene-?-olefin copolymer and (b) a second ethylene-?-olefin copolymer. The first ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (a) has an ethylene content from about 60 to about 80 wt % and the second ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (b) has an ethylene content of less than about 60 wt %. The first ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (a) has a Melt Flow Rate Ratio (MFRR), defined as the ratio of the MFR measured at 230° C./21.6 kg and at 230° C./2.16 kg, of greater than 30 and optionally also has a Melt Flow Rate (MFR) of at least about 1.5 g/10 min, measured by ASTM D 1238 condition L (230° C./2.16 kg). The present disclosure is also directed to lubricant compositions comprising a lubricating basestock and a polymer composition of the present disclosure and is further directed to reducing gelation in the lubricant compositions.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine the predisposition of a polymer to form network or gel in a lubricating oil which comprises obtaining a composition of a polymer in a diluent, measuring the shear stress as a function of shear rate, determining the yield stress using the Herschel-Bulkley equation and assessing the yield stress. A method is also provided to determine the predisposition of a polymer to form network or gel in a lubricating oil which comprises obtaining a composition of a polymer in a diluent, determining at least one of (i) the storage modulus G? and loss modulus G? of the composition by subjecting the composition to sinusoidal (oscillating) stress or strain of certain amplitude and frequency, (ii) the phase lag (angle) of the response strain or stress ?, or (iii) the tangent (tan) ?, and (c) assessing at least one of the G?, G?, ?, or tan(?) determined.

Abstract: Methods for making multifunctional nanomaterial-containing composites that include the incorporation of nanomaterials into such composites in at least one of two manners: 1) in a solution of dispersed nanomaterials for coating onto a substrate; and 2) by dispersing nanomaterials in a matrix material, such as epoxy, applied to a single substrate layer or sandwiched between adjacent layers in a multiple layer composite. According to such methods, a high loading of nanomaterials may be incorporated into the composites without any deterioration in processing or handling properties.

Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.