Abstract: The disclosure relates to a polymer membrane comprising a curable composition that includes: (a) a sulfonated hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (SSBC); (b) hydroxyl group containing compound; (c) at least one cross-linking agent comprising an epoxy-based compound; and (d) optionally, a radical scavenger. The SSBC consists of at least one block “S” and at least one block “SS,” each independently composed of vinyl aromatic units, and at least one block “R,” composed on hydrogenated diene units. The block “SS” has a degree of sulfonation of at least 10 mol %. The SSBC has an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of at least 0.5 meq/g. Upon curing, the polymer membrane demonstrates improved proton conductivity and durability.

Abstract: An air-cooling system includes an evaporator adapted to cool an air and a reservoir for storing a liquid and providing the liquid to the evaporator. The air-cooling system also includes a pressure reducer system fluidly coupled to the evaporator and adapted to create a relatively low pressure inside the evaporator to facilitate a conversion of the liquid flowing through the evaporator into vapors. The pressure reducer system includes a liquid ejector having an inlet portion adapted to receive the liquid from the reservoir, a throat portion arranged downstream of the inlet portion and fluidly coupled to the evaporator and an outlet portion disposed downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase a pressure inside the liquid ejector. The pressure reducer system also includes a pump fluidly connected to the liquid ejector and the reservoir to supply the liquid from the reservoir to the liquid ejector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a functionalized styrenic block copolymers (SSBC) in the form of a lithiated-sulfonated hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (SO3Li-SBC). The composition is obtained by sulfonation of SBC precursor followed by neutralization of the ionic block of the sulfonated block copolymer (SSBC) by Li+ ion, modifying characteristics for use as a separator in energy storage device. The separator has high ionic conductivity, a high dimensional stability/low thermal contraction and good mechanical stability, more particularly a high elongation at break.

Abstract: Compositions including a filler, an emissivity agent, a crosslinking facilitator, and a metal silicate binder are disclosed. The compositions can be curable at ambient conditions. Methods of coating overhead conductor and power transmission line accessories with such coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioning (AC) system is provided, employing a sulfonated copolymer (SC) layer as a selectively permeable and ion exchanging membrane. The sulfonated block copolymer has an IEC greater than 0.5 meq/g. In embodiments, the sulfonated block copolymer is used to form the membrane itself, or bonded/coated onto a membrane or a foam. In embodiments, the AC employs a membrane electrode assembly, i.e., using electric field across a membrane in a dehumidifier to transport moisture generating a dry air stream, along with an evaporative cooler for latent heat removal via evaporation induced cooling of the dry air stream from the dehumidifier. The system operates as a closed loop wherein the room air after cooling is recycled or loop back to the dehumidifying membrane electrode assembly to generate dry air for the evaporative cooler, generating conditioned air.

Abstract: An electrode binder for use with rechargeable batteries is disclosed. In embodiments, the electrode binder comprises a styrenic block copolymer (SBC) for use with an electrode active material, such as Si, Si alloys, Si compounds, Si composites, carbon black, or graphite in an amount of at least 20 wt. %. The SBC can be unsaturated (USBC) or hydrogenated (HSBC), or functionalized, wherein functionality includes maleation, epoxidation, silanation, carboxylic acid/salt, quaternary ammonium salt, sulfonation and others. In embodiments, the electrode binder is selected from isoprene rubber (IR), silicone-containing block copolymer, and an electronically conductive block copolymer containing a block that is unhydrogenated CHD (cyclohexadiene) block.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a quaternized styrenic block copolymer (QSBC) and a cross-linked QSBC (xQSBC). The QSBC comprises at least one block copolymer selected from a triblock copolymer, a tetrablock copolymer, a pentablock copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The block copolymer contains at least one block A or A?, each independently derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and a block B derived from a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene monomer. At least one polymerized vinyl aromatic unit in the block A and/or A? comprises a quaternary ammonium group. The xQSBC shows high ion conductivity, improved dimensional stability, and balanced mechanical properties. The QSBC has applications in anion exchange membranes (AEMs), fuel cell, electrolyzer, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a film layer for use in flexible metal clad laminates. The film layer comprises a thermosetting composition comprising: a copolymer of (a) a diisoalkenylarene (DIAEA) and (b) a divinylarene (DVA) containing a mixture of m-divinylarene and p-divinylarene, in a mole ratio of (a) to (b) of 15:1 to 1:15; a second polymer; a filler and optional additives. Flexible metal clad laminates made with the film further comprises a metal foil bonded to the surface of the film. The thermosetting composition containing the DIAEA-DVA copolymer provides improved thermal stability at high temperature, excellent processability, and electrical properties, e.g., Dk and Df.

Abstract: A method to purify a polymer is disclosed. The method is part of a manufacturing process wherein a virgin polymer is produced from a polymerization process employing at least a monomer or a comonomer as a feedstock. The monomer or the comonomer is selected from the group consisting of organic polar monomers, inorganic monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated dienes, and mixtures thereof. In the method, the polymer in solid, liquid or molten state is brought into contact with a fluid solvent or an extraction fluid in a supercritical state or near supercritical state. The contact is at controlled temperature and pressure, allowing the fluid solvent to diffuse into the polymer and extract the impurities intended to remove. The method can be used to remove at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 50% of the target impurity from the polymer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a curable polymer composition comprising (i) a copolymer of a diisoalkenylarene (DIAEA) and a divinylarene (DVA), and (ii) at least one anti-scorching agent. The copolymer has a solubility in a hydrocarbon solvent at 25° C. for a period of less than 4 hours of at least 10 wt. %, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 50 to 300° C., and a Gel Content of less than 5 wt. %. The curable polymer composition is cured at a temperature of greater than 140° C. to obtain a cured polymer composition having a Gel Content in a hydrocarbon solvent of >90%, and low Dk and Df values. The curable polymer composition does not cross-link or has minimal premature cross-linking in steps such as processing, storage, etc., and can be used in copper clad lamination applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a thermosetting composition comprising a copolymer of (a) a diisoalkenylarene (DIAEA), and (b) a divinylarene (DVA) comprising m-DVB, p-DVB, m-EVB, p-EVB, and mixtures thereof. A mole ratio of DIAEA to DVA is from 15:1 to 1:15. The thermosetting composition after curing at a temperature of ?120° C. is characterized as having: a Gel Content of >90%, a Dk of <2.6 and Df of <0.002, both measured at 10 GHz, according to ASTM D2520. The thermosetting composition provides improved thermal stability at high temperature and excellent processability when used electronic applications as metal-clad laminates and build-up films.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte composition is disclosed comprising (a) a polyionic multiblock polymer (PILSBC) comprising a styrenic block copolymer (SBC) precursor having at least a quaternary ammonium salt; (b) a cross-linking agent comprising a compound having at least two amino groups; (c) a lithium salt; and (d) an ionic liquid. The SBC precursor comprises at least a block D derived from a substituted vinyl aromatic monomer; a block A derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer; and optionally a block B derived from a conjugated diene monomer. The polyelectrolyte composition has a mol ratio of the ionic liquid to the quaternary ammonium salt of 0.1:1-1:1. The polyelectrolyte composition provides improved ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties, and can be used in batteries, e.g., a Li-ion battery.

Abstract: An air-cooling system includes an evaporator adapted to cool an air and a reservoir for storing a liquid and providing the liquid to the evaporator. The air-cooling system also includes a pressure reducer system fluidly coupled to the evaporator and adapted to create a relatively low pressure inside the evaporator to facilitate a conversion of the liquid flowing through the evaporator into vapors. The pressure reducer system includes a liquid ejector having an inlet portion adapted to receive the liquid from the reservoir, a throat portion arranged downstream of the inlet portion and fluidly coupled to the evaporator and an outlet portion disposed downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase a pressure inside the liquid ejector. The pressure reducer system also includes a pump fluidly connected to the liquid ejector and the reservoir to supply the liquid from the reservoir to the liquid ejector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hydrogenated styrene-based multiblock copolymer composition, having selectively quaternized midblock, for forming anion-exchange membranes (AEMs). The quaternized hydrogenated styrene-based multiblock copolymer is characterized as having a high glass transition temperature from the hydrophobic end-blocks, low vinyl (rubber) content, and quaternized mid-block. AEMs made from the composition have improved thermal and dimensional stability in electrolyzer operations.

Abstract: A multi-block polyolefin copolymer (MBPC) is disclosed comprising: i) a combination of a semicrystalline polymer block and an amorphous polymer block, or ii) at least two amorphous polymer blocks, or iii) at least two semicrystalline polymer blocks. The semicrystalline polymer blocks A and C are independently derived from 1,3-butadiene monomer with 80 to 97 wt. % of 1,4 addition, based on weight of the polymerized 1,3-butadiene monomer in each block A and C. The amorphous polymer block B is derived from at least one monomer selected from isoprene monomer, 1,3-butadiene monomer with 21 to 85 wt. % incorporation by 1,2 addition, and mixtures thereof. The MBPC can be used as a compatibilizer for compatibilization of blends of two or more polyolefins different from each other. Such polyolefin blends provide improved mechanical properties and processability for producing various articles.

Abstract: A durable coating which reduces ice adhesion and minimizes ice accumulation includes a polymeric binder and a film forming lubricant. The polymeric binder is selected from a fluoropolymer or silicone polymer having one or more reactive groups. The film forming lubricant is a lubricous fluoropolymer or silicone polymer. Methods of applying a durable coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing wound dressing is disclosed. The wound dressing comprises a substrate having a first surface facing at least a portion of a wound or a surgical site and a second surface facing opposite to the first surface. At least one surface of the substrate comprises a sulfonated polymer selected from the group of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, sulfonated block copolymers, sulfonated polyolefins, sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyamides, sulfonated polyesters, sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polyketones, sulfonated poly(arylene ether), and mixtures thereof. The sulfonated polymer is sufficiently or selectively sulfonated to contain from 10-100 mol % sulfonic acid or sulfonate salt functional groups based on the number of monomer units, for killing at least 90% of microbes in less than 120 minutes of coming into contact with the wound dressing.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed. The face mask includes a mask pad adapted to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer and allows a passage of air therethrough to the wearer and restricts a passage of microbes. The mask pad has at least a surface protected by a sulfonated polymeric layer for killing at least 90% microbes within 120 minutes of contact with at least a surface of the face mask. The sulfonated polymeric layer consists essentially of a sulfonated polymer, the sulfonated polymer being selected from the group of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, sulfonated block copolymers, sulfonated polyolefins, sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyamides, sulfonated polyesters, sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polyketones, sulfonated poly(arylene ether), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A dehumidification system for removing water vapors from an air is disclosed. The system includes a dehumidification core defining an air channel and at least one vapor channel separated from the air channel by a membrane to facilitate a removal of moisture from the air flowing through the air channel and is selectively permeable to water and water vapor and impermeable to air. The dehumidification system further includes a water ejector having a throat portion fluidly coupled to the vapor channels and adapted to create a relatively lower pressure of water vapor within the vapor channels than in the air channel The water ejector also includes an outlet portion disposed downstream of the throat portion and configured to increase the pressure of water to facilitate a condensation of the water vapors received from the vapor channels.

Abstract: A frequently-touched surface for use by multiple users includes a surface protected by a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes a self-sterilizing sulfonated polymeric outer layer, sulfonated to a certain % to kill at least 95% microbes within 30 minutes of contact. The self-sterilizing sulfonated polymer layer can be applied to the frequently touched surface by any of coating, lamination, and spraying. The sulfonated polymer in embodiment is selected from perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, sulfonated block copolymers, sulfonated polyolefins, sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyamides, sulfonated polyesters, sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polyketones, sulfonated poly(arylene ether), and mixtures thereof. The sulfonated polymer has a degree of sulfonation of at least 10%.