Abstract: A dimensionally stable and growth controlled inflatable member formed by adding a multifunctional agent to a soft polymer to form a compound, extruding an inflatable member from the compound, and crosslinking the compound. The inflatable member is configured to be formed-in-place with a body lumen. Preferably, the inflatable member is blown to a working diameter prior to use and then heated to the glass transition temperature of the polymer to shrink the diameter of the blown inflatable member back to about the nominal diameter of the tubing. In another embodiment, the invention is a dimensionally stable and growth controlled inflatable member comprising longitudinal zones of crosslinked material symmetrically spaced about the circumference of the inflatable member and a uniform working diameter. Preferably, there are three or more longitudinal zones that run the working length of the inflatable member.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheter balloons, stent covers and vascular grafts formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The devices are formed from polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The balloons expand compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such balloons, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheter balloons, stent covers and vascular grafts formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The devices are formed from polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The balloons expand compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such balloons, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheter balloons, stent covers and vascular grafts formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The devices are formed from polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The balloons expand compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such balloons, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: A catheter and/or balloon for a medical catheter is formed from a blend of polymeric components, including a first crystalline polymeric component and a second softening polymeric component. The polymeric material can also include a third compatibilizing agent to facilitate blending the first two polymeric components together. The first polymeric component can be a polyester or a polyamide, and the second polymeric component can be a polyolefin, or an ethylene copolymer. The third polymeric component is preferably an ethylene copolymer containing a reactive group that forms a covalent bond with the first polymeric component. The polymeric material forming the balloon or catheter also can include a catalyst to catalyze a reaction between the compatibilizing ethylene copolymer and the second polymer component.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition in which a particulate conductive filler is dispsered in a polymeric component which is a mixture of an essentially amorphous thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. In preferred compositions, the amorphous thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin are substantially mutually soluble. In order to improve the thermal stability of the composition on exposure to successive thermal cycles, it is preferred that the composition be cured by heating the uncured mixture of amorphous thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and particulate conductive filler at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute to the cure temperature.

Abstract: A composition which contains 35 to 85% by weight of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (FEP), 10 to 60% by weight of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropropylvinyl ether (PFA), and 5 to 60% by weight of melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The composition is particularly suitable for use as an insulating material on a substrate such as a resistive element in a conductive polymer heating cable. The composition has good physical properties, low creep, and low secondary crystallization, and exhibits little stress-cracking when exposed to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition in which a particulate conductive filler is dispersed in a polymeric component which is a mixture of an essentially amorphous thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. In preferred compositions, the amorphous thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin are substantially mutually soluble. In order to improve the thermal stability of the composition on exposure to successive thermal cycles, it is preferred that the composition be cured by heating the uncured mixture of amorphous thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and particulate conductive filler at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute to the cure temperature.

Abstract: Partially grafted flexible thermoplastic compositions formed by melt blending under high shear, a thermoplastic material having available graft sites, said thermoplastic material being at least one continuous phase of the composition, an ethylene copolymer containing an unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid, and a polymeric grafting agent having reactive groups capable of reacting with the mono-carboxylic acid in the ethylene copolymer and with the available graft sites in the thermoplastic material. These compositions have use in a wide range of molding, coating and adhesive applications, including various automotive applications, wire and cable coating applications and high temperature adhesive applications.

Abstract: Partially grafted flexible thermoplastic compositions formed by melt blending under high shear, a thermoplastic material which does not contain available graft sites, said thermoplastic material being at least one continuous phase of the composition, an ethylene copolymer containing an unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid, and a polymeric grafting agent having reactive groups capable of reacting with the mono-carboxylic acid in the ethylene copolymer and with the available graft sites in the thermoplastic material.