Abstract: A nano-composite article containing a nanofiber layer and a supporting layer. The nanofiber layer has a first outer boundary adjacent the supporting layer, a second outer boundary on the side of the nanofiber layer opposite the supporting layer and an inner boundary located at the mid-point between the first outer boundary and the second outer boundary and parallel to the first outer boundary. The nanofiber layer contains a matrix and a plurality of nanofibers, where at least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The supporting layer contains a thermoplastic polymer. The concentration of nanofibers is substantially uniform in the nanofiber layer from the inner boundary to the first boundary layer.

Abstract: A core/shell nanofiber non-woven containing a plurality of core/shell nanofibers where at least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The core of the nanofiber contains a core polymer and the shell of the nanofiber contains a shell polymer. At least a portion of the core polymer interpenetrates the shell of the nanofiber and at least a portion of the shell polymer interpenetrates the core of the nanofiber. The process for forming a core/shell nanofiber non-woven is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical sorbent article comprising a nonwoven containing a plurality of thermoplastic nanofibers and a textile, where the textile at least partially surrounds the non-woven. Also an oil boom fence containing a nonwoven comprising a plurality of thermoplastic nanofibers, a weight, a buoyancy article, and a fabric. The fabric at least partially surrounds the nonwoven, the weight, and the buoyancy article and the weight and buoyancy article are separated by the nonwoven.

Abstract: A colored polymeric material having improved light fastness is generally provided. The colored polymeric material generally comprises a polymer, a colorant, and natural nanoparticles. The colorant can be a dye, such as an acid dye. In one embodiment, the dye can be susceptible to degradation when exposed to light in the presence of oxygen, such as many azo dyes. The natural nanoparticles can include many natural clays.

Abstract: An acetal-based composition useful as a nucleating, gelling, thickening or clarifying agent is disclosed. The composition may be synthesized or provided in many different forms, including multicarbon diacetals formed from carbohydrates. Once synthesized, the compound may be employed as an additive in a plastic composition, such as (for example) a polypropylene copolymer. One structure of such an acetal-based composition is provided by the formula: wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl-containing groups; and R is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyls, alkyls, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkyls, and alkyl-halides.

Abstract: An acetal-based composition useful as a nucleating, gelling, thickening or clarifying agent is disclosed. The composition may be synthesized or provided in many different forms, including multicarbon diacetals formed from carbohydrates. Once synthesized, the compound may be employed as an additive in a plastic composition, such as (for example) a polypropylene copolymer. Co-additives may also be employed. Several aryl structures may reside upon the hydrocarbon chain backbone. One structure of such an acetal-based composition which happens to have two aryl-containing groups is shown: wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl-containing groups; and R is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyls, alkyls, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkyls, and alkyl-halides.

Abstract: A method for making polymeric reflectors and parabolic reflectors in particular. The reflector is made by forming a series of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) that are progressively thinner with the final polymeric layer (20) being about one millimeter in thickness. The reflector is then coated with a reflective layer (22) by vapor deposition. To make a parabolic reflector, the layers are spun cast at a constant, preselected rate throughout the process, including during the curing of each layer. Layer formation is made in a controlled, particulate-free environment and additives can be used to increase stiffness, decrease weight, and reduce stresses during curing.

Abstract: A method for making polymeric reflectors and parabolic reflectors in particular. The reflector is made by forming a series of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) that are progressively thinner with the final polymeric layer (20) being about one millimeter in thickness. The reflector is then coated with a reflective layer (22) by vapor deposition. To make aparabolic reflector, the layers are spun cast at a constant, preselected rate throughout the process, including during the curing of each layer. Layer formation is made in a controlled, particulate-free environment and additives can be used to increase stiffness, decrease weight, and reduce stresses during curing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aromatic aldehydes containing fluorine, and more particularly, to a formylation process for fluorinated aromatic derivatives through the reaction of fluorinated benzenes with carbon monoxide and aluminum chloride at a relatively low pressure, a low temperature, and in the presence of at most a catalytic amount of an acid (such as aqueous hydrochloric acid) is herein disclosed. The resultant fluorinated benzaldehydes are useful as precursors to the formation of a number of different compounds, such as dyestuffs, flavorings, fragrances, herbicidal compounds, nucleating agents, polymer additives, and the like. The inventive method provides a very cost effective and safe procedure for producing such fluorinated benzaldehydes in very high yields.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aromatic aldehydes containing fluorine, and more particularly, to a formylation process for fluorinated aromatic derivatives through the reaction of fluorinated benzenes with carbon monoxide and aluminum chloride at a relatively low pressure, a low temperature, and in the presence of at most a catalytic amount of an acid (such as aqueous hydrochloric acid) is herein disclosed. The resultant fluorinated benzaldehydes are useful as precursors to the formation of a number of different compounds, such as dyestuffs, flavorings, fragrances, herbicidal compounds, nucleating agents, polymer additives, and the like. The inventive method provides a very cost effective and safe procedure for producing such fluorinated benzaldehydes in very high yields. The particular novel multi-substituted benzaldehydes are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A method for making polymeric reflectors and parabolic reflectors in particular. The reflector is made by forming a series of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) that are progressively thinner with the final polymeric layer (20) being about one millimeter in thickness. The reflector is then coated with a reflective layer (22) by vapor deposition. To make a parabolic reflector, the layers are spun cast at a constant, preselected rate throughout the process, including during the curing of each layer. Layer formation is made in a controlled, particulate-free environment and additives can be used to increase stiffness, decrease weight, and reduce stresses during curing.

Abstract: This invention relates to gelled compositions formed through the introduction of specific solvents to compositions comprising 2,4-O-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol. Such compositions provide excellent gelling for any number of potential applications, particularly where translucent gels are desired. In general, these compositions are formed by introducing heated solvents to the specific monobenzylidene sorbitol present in its solid form. The monobenzylidene sorbitol is preferably added in very low amounts to the target solvents in order to generate the desired gelling effect. A method of producing such gelled compositions is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing specific substituted benzaldehydes through the reaction of substituted benzenes with carbon monoxide and aluminum chloride at a relatively low pressure, at a low temperature, and in the presence of at most a catalytic amount of an acid (preferably aqueous HCl). The resultant substituted benzaldehydes are useful as precursors to the formation of a number of different compounds, such as dyestuffs, flavorings, fragrances, nucleating agents, polymer additives, and the like. The inventive method provides a very cost-effective and safe procedure for producing such substituted benzaldehydes at very high yields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing specific substituted benzaldehydes through the reaction of substituted benzenes with carbon monoxide and aluminum chloride at a relatively low pressure, at a low temperature, and in the presence of at most a catalytic amount of acid (preferably aqueous HCl) and a solvent. The resultant substituted benzaldehydes are useful as precursors to the formation of a number of different compounds, such as dyestuffs, flavorings, fragrances, nucleating agents, polymer additives, and the like. The inventive method provides a very cost-effective and safe procedure for producing such substituted benzaldehydes at very high yields.

Abstract: A process for separating C.sub.60, C.sub.70, and higher fullerenes above C.sub.70 is provided. The process employs a chromatographic column utilizing a functionalized aromatic-containing resin as the stationary phase, an organic solvent as the mobile phase, and a mixture of fullerenes dissolved in the mobile phase.

Abstract: A method of making acetals is provided by condensing an aromatic aldehyde and a polyhydric alcohol having five or more hydroxyl groups in the presence of an acid catalyst, a hydrophobic organic liquid medium and a processing agent selected from dihydric, trihydric and tetrahydric alcohols.

Abstract: A low-cost and facile method of purifying fullerenes to obtain a preparation enriched in a fullerene of selected molecular weight using activated carbon involves adding a fullarena mixture to the top end of a column comprising activated carbon, passing a solvent in which the selected molecular weight fullerene is soluble through the column, and recovering a fraction enriched in the selected molecular weight fullerene from the bottom end of the column. In addition to activated carbon, the column may further comprise silica gel, diatomaceous earth, or other materials which aid in column packing and eluent flow. The invention also provides for preparation of gram quantities of pure C.sub.60 and C.sub.70 fullerenes after a single column pass.

Abstract: A low-cost and facile method of purifying fullerenes to obtain a preparation enriched in a fullerene of selected molecular weight using activated carbon involves adding a fullerene mixture to the top end of a column comprising activated carbon, passing a solvent in which the selected molecular weight fullerene is soluble through the column, and recovering a fraction enriched in the selected molecular weight fullerene from the bottom end of the column. In addition to activated carbon, the column may further comprise silica gel, diatomaceous earth, or other materials which aid in column packing and eluent flow.