Abstract: A multi-layer coating on an outer surface of a substrate includes a first layer applied directly to the outer surface of the substrate. The first layer includes diamond-like carbon (DLC) configured to mitigate metal whisker formation. A second layer is applied on a top surface of the first layer. The second layer is a conformal coating that includes a second material configured to bind to the top surface of the first layer and fill any microfractures that may form in the first layer. Optionally, a third layer is applied on a top surface of the second layer and includes DLC configured to protect the second layer from oxidation and degradation.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating on an outer surface of a substrate includes a first layer applied directly to the outer surface of the substrate. The first layer includes diamond-like carbon (DLC) configured to mitigate metal whisker formation. A second layer is applied on a top surface of the first layer. The second layer is a conformal coating that includes a second material configured to bind to the top surface of the first layer and fill any microfractures that may form in the first layer. Optionally, a third layer is applied on a top surface of the second layer and includes DLC configured to protect the second layer from oxidation and degradation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cultivating plants and artificial plant seeds comprising choplets derived from plantlets grown by tissue culture techniques. Methods comprise production of choplets and artificial seeds comprising choplets which are initiated by the micropropagation of plant tissue source material from plants which may be native or transgenic.

Abstract: The invention is directed to sulfonated aromatic polyesters and methods of making said polymers. These polymers are useful as fibers and other articles. The polymer has a property of increased flame retardancy.

Abstract: New fluorinated ethers of aromatic acids and diesters are disclosed. These compositions can be applied to, e.g., fibers, yarns, carpets, garments, films, molded parts, paper and cardboard, stone, and tile to impart soil, water and oil resistance. By incorporating the fluorinated ethers of aromatic acids, or diesters thereof, into polymer backbones, more lasting soil, water and oil resistance, as well as improved flame retardance, can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to sulfonated aromatic polyesters and methods of making said polymers. These polymers are useful as fibers and other articles. The polymer has a property of increased flame retardancy.

Abstract: Novel silane compositions have been prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with an alcohol or diol having a divalent alkylene or alkylene-ether group. The alcohol or diol has a formula weight less than about 5000. The compositions can be used to modify the surfaces of inorganic oxygen-containing materials, including but not limited to silica, silicates, borosilicates, aluminosilicates, days, and metal oxides. Surface treatment of silica nanoparticles with these compositions improves their improved dispersion in polyester nanocomposites.

Abstract: Polyester nanocomposite compositions contain silica nanoparticles that have been subjected to surface treatment with novel trialkoxysilane compositions. The novel silane compositions are prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with 1,3-propanediol or certain polyether diols. The silica nanoparticles exhibit improved dispersion in the polyester. This leads to haze reduction and improvements in mechanical properties.

Abstract: Provided are films made from copolyesters having improved oil repellency as compared to conventional copolyesters. The copolyesters are derived from certain perfluorinated monomers.

Abstract: A method for making polyester nanocomposite materials by polymerization in the presence of exfoliated fibrous clay nanoparticles includes dispersing the nanoparticles in a mixture of diol, water, and sodium salt before polymerization, thereby improving the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the final nanocomposite. This results in enhanced mechanical properties, such as modulus, in articles made from the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorovinyl ether functionalized aromatic diesters and derivatives thereof. The compounds disclosed have utility as functionalized monomers and comonomers in polyesters, polyamides, and the like. It has been found that incorporation of the monomers into polymers provides improved soil resistance to shaped articles produced from the polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyesters, particularly poly(trimethylene terephthalate), comprising fluorovinylether functionalized aromatic repeat units, and methods to make the polyester polymers. The polymers are useful for imparting soil resistance to polyesters, particularly in the form of fibers, fabrics, and carpets.

Abstract: A method for medical treatment was developed in which microspheres with novel properties are administered in a mammal. The microspheres are made using a novel process that results in microspheres with new combined properties of high density, low fracture, high swell capacity, rapid swell, and deformability following swell. These microspheres may be administered for void filling, tissue bulking, non-vasculature occlusion, body fluid absorption, and delivery of medications.

Abstract: Polyester nanocomposite compositions contain silica nanoparticles that have been subjected to surface treatment with novel trialkoxysilane compositions. The novel silane compositions are prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with 1,3-propanediol or certain polyether diols. The silica nanoparticles exhibit improved dispersion in the polyester. This leads to haze reduction and improvements in mechanical properties.

Abstract: Novel silane compositions have been prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with an alcohol or diol having a divalent alkylene or alkylene-ether group. The alcohol or diol has a formula weight less than about 5000. The compositions can be used to modify the surfaces of inorganic oxygen-containing materials, including but not limited to silica, silicates, borosilicates, aluminosilicates, days, and metal oxides. Surface treatment of silica nanoparticles with these compositions improves their improved dispersion in polyester nanocomposites.

Abstract: Silica nanoparticles that have been subjected to surface treatment with novel silane compositions exhibit improved dispersion in polyester nanocomposites. The novel silane compositions are prepared by reacting a 3-isocyanatopropyl trialkoxysilane with an alcohol or diol having a divalent alkylene or alkylene-ether group, where the alcohol or diol has a formula weight less than about 5000. The surface treatment of the nanoparticles leads to improvements in mechanical properties and haze reduction in polyester nanocomposites containing them.

Abstract: A method for embolization treatment was developed in which microspheres with novel properties are administered in a mammal. The microspheres are made using a novel process that results in microspheres with new combined properties of high density, low fracture, high swell capacity, rapid swell, and deformability following swell. These microspheres form occlusions with high durability, withstanding over 100 mm Hg (13.3 kPa) of pressure.

Abstract: Provided are films made from copolyesters having improved oil repellency as compared to conventional copolyesters. The copolyesters are derived from certain perfluorinated monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyesters, particularly poly(trimethylene terephthalate), comprising fluorovinylether functionalized aromatic repeat units, and methods to make the polyester polymers. The polymers are useful for imparting soil resistance to polyesters, particularly in the form of fibers, fabrics, and carpets.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorovinyl ether functionalized aromatic diesters and derivatives thereof. The compounds disclosed have utility as functionalized monomers and comonomers in polyesters, polyamides, and the like. It has been found that incorporation of the monomers into polymers provides improved soil resistance to shaped articles produced from the polymers.