Abstract: A polymer nanocomposite composition, wherein nanoparticles, preferably graphene oxide, are well dispersed within a polymer matrix, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane in one embodiment. Affinity of the nanoparticles to one of the phases of the polymer matrix, preferably a hard segment of the thermoplastic polyurethane, provides enhanced mechanical properties. Processes for preparing the polymer nanocomposite compositions are described. In a preferred embodiment, an extensional dispersing element is included within the screw configuration of an extrusion process.

Abstract: A tubular for fuel delivery including a plurality of first-type layers; and a plurality of second-type layers each disposed between a pair of adjacent first-type layers, wherein the plurality of first-type layers includes at least two first-type layers, wherein the plurality of second-type layers includes at least two second-type layers, and wherein a Melt Flow Index, MFI1, of each of the plurality of first-type layers is different than a Melt Flow Index, MFI2, of each of the plurality of second-type layers, as measured at a same temperature, wherein the tubular for fuel delivery has a resistance to fuel permeation of less than about 15 g/day/m2.

Abstract: A polymer nanocomposite composition, wherein nanoparticles, preferably graphene oxide, are well dispersed within a polymer matrix, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane in one embodiment. Affinity of the nanoparticles to one of the phases of the polymer matrix, preferably a hard segment of the thermoplastic polyurethane, provides enhanced mechanical properties. Processes for preparing the polymer nanocomposite compositions are described. In a preferred embodiment, an extensional dispersing element is included within the screw configuration of an extrusion process.

Abstract: A tubular including a plurality of first-type layers; and a plurality of second-type layers each disposed between a pair of adjacent first-type layers, wherein the plurality of first-type layers includes at least two first-type layers, wherein the plurality of second-type layers includes at least two second-type layers, and wherein a Melt Flow Index, MFI1, of each of the plurality of first-type layers is different than a Melt Flow Index, MFI2, of each of the plurality of second-type layers, as measured at a same temperature. In an embodiment, at least one of the first-type layers and the second-type layers is adapted to provide a barrier against escape of gases, liquids, or a combination thereof from the tubular.

Abstract: An insert for a radiant tube of a furnace including a first section adapted to absorb heat from combustion gases passing through the radiant tube and radiantly transfer the heat to a wall of the radiant tube and a second section for directing heat and gases in the radiant tube toward the first section of the insert and a system including a radiant tube and one or more such inserts. Also, a method of improving heat transfer from a radiant tube of a furnace to the material being heated including supplying an insert as described above and placing the insert into the radiant tube such that the first section corresponds to a portion of the radiant tube that is closest to the material being heated. Also, an insert for a radiant tube of a furnace including a ceramic body and a metal deposited on the surface of the ceramic body.