Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and method for changing the conditions of a solution flowing in a serial path. In particular, disclosed herein is a device that includes a chemical reactor, a first system, and a second system that are each serial to one another. Each of the first system and the second system include a mixing chamber, a solvent reservoir, a solvent pump, and one or more detectors. Also disclosed herein is a method for changing the condition of a solution that includes flowing a liquid sample in a path, serially mixing the sample with at least two discrete solvents while it flows through the path, and detecting the condition of the sample after it is mixed with each solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and method for changing the conditions of a solution flowing in a serial path. In particular, disclosed herein is a device that includes a chemical reactor, a first system, and a second system that are each serial to one another. Each of the first system and the second system include a mixing chamber, a solvent reservoir, a solvent pump, and one or more detectors. Also disclosed herein is a method for changing the condition of a solution that includes flowing a liquid sample in a path, serially mixing the sample with at least two discrete solvents while it flows through the path, and detecting the condition of the sample after it is mixed with each solvent.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness during synthesis of polymers and/or colloids, including postpolymerization modifications on natural and synthetic polymers, includes providing a reactor in which the polymers and/or colloids are synthesized; and providing a means of monitoring the stimuli responsiveness of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, the method also includes monitoring the evolution of the characteristics of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness is correlated to the evolution of the properties of the polymers and/or colloids themselves. Also, preferably the conditions of the fluid in the reactor in which the synthesis occurs is determined. The determination can be by detection, choice of materials and temperature conditions, for example, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness during synthesis of polymers and/or colloids, including postpolymerization modifications on natural and synthetic polymers, includes providing a reactor in which the polymers and/or colloids are synthesized; and providing a means of monitoring the stimuli responsiveness of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, the method also includes monitoring the evolution of the characteristics of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness is correlated to the evolution of the properties of the polymers and/or colloids themselves. Also, preferably the conditions of the fluid in the reactor in which the synthesis occurs is determined. The determination can be by detection, choice of materials and temperature conditions, for example, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for monitoring particulates includes a means for correlating measurements of pressure across at least one filter, flow rate of a sample through the filter, or a combination thereof to the properties of particulates in a solution. More particularly, the device can be used for monitoring particulates in a reacting system to provide signals to the user or control input to the reacting system to alter the course of the reaction according to a desired path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic sampling and dilution apparatus for use in a polymer analysis system. The apparatus comprises (a) a primary mixing chamber; (b) a primary pump capable of continuously withdrawing a variable viscosity liquid from a reactor at a selectable, fixed withdrawal rate over a varying viscosity range of about 50 to about 5,000,000 centipoise (cP) for continuously conveying the variable viscosity polymer-containing liquid into the primary mixing chamber; (c) a first dilution pump for continuously delivering a first dilution solvent into the primary mixing chamber at a selectable, fixed flow rate to mix with the variable viscosity liquid in the mixing chamber and thereby form a diluted polymer-containing liquid therein; and (d) a secondary pump for continuously conveying the diluted polymer-containing liquid into a flow-through detector. A polymer analysis system utilizing the automatic sampling and dilution apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously extracting liquid in at least two separate streams from a vessel, continuously diluting and/or conditioning a first stream in one or more stages, producing, as a result of the extraction, dilution and/or conditioning, the first stream consisting of a dispersion of particles to be characterized, and diluting and/or conditioning a second stream, the second stream consisting of soluble components; and subjecting the first and second streams to various characterizing measurements.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness during synthesis of polymers and/or colloids, including postpolymerization modifications on natural and synthetic polymers, includes providing a reactor in which the polymers and/or colloids are synthesized; and providing a means of monitoring the stimuli responsiveness of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, the method also includes monitoring the evolution of the characteristics of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness is correlated to the evolution of the properties of the polymers and/or colloids themselves. Also, preferably the conditions of the fluid in the reactor in which the synthesis occurs is determined. The determination can be by detection, choice of materials and temperature conditions, for example, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously extracting liquid in at least two separate streams from a vessel, continuously diluting and/or conditioning a first stream in one or more stages, producing, as a result of the extraction, dilution and/or conditioning, the first stream consisting of a dispersion of particles to be characterized, and diluting and/or conditioning a second stream, the second stream consisting of soluble components; and subjecting the first and second streams to various characterizing measurements.

Abstract: A method involving the automatic, online dilution of polymer and/or colloid solutions, such that, when the diluted polymer stream flows through suitable detectors, non-equilibrium processes, such as polymerization, degradation and aggregation, can be monitored. The dilution involves a reacting or stock solution of polymer and/or colloid, and at least one solvent. The online dilution technique can also be used to assess the effects of solvent quality and other solutes on polymer/colloid characteristics and reactions, and also permits equilibrium characterization of polymers/colloids by making a single stock solution of the polymer/colloid.

Abstract: A method involving the automatic, online dilution of polymer and/or colloid solutions, such that, when the diluted polymer stream flows through suitable detectors, non-equilibrium processes, such as polymerization, degradation and aggregation, can be monitored. The dilution involves a reacting or stock solution of polymer and/or colloid, and at least one solvent. The online dilution technique can also be used to assess the effects of solvent quality and other solutes on polymer/colloid characteristics and reactions, and also permits equilibrium characterization of polymers/colloids by making a single stock solution of the polymer/colloid.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for simultaneous light scattering includes a plurality of chambers and/or sub-chambers (41) in which light scattering can occur; a light source (20) or light sources for providing light to be scattered to the sub-chambers; light detectors (55, 62) optically coupled to the sub-chambers (41) for detecting scattered light; transmitters (31, 32) for transmitting information from the light detectors to a computer (30) for analysis. A method of performing simultaneous light scattering includes: providing a plurality of sub-chambers (41) in which light scattering can occur; providing light (22) to be scattered to the sub-chambers (41); detecting light scattered in the sub-chambers (41) with light detectors (55, 62); transmitting information from the light detectors (55, 62) to a computer (30) for analysis. Preferably, the information is transmitted to a single computer.

Abstract: A submersible light scattering probe for the absolute characterization of polymer and colloid solutions includes a ring member made of a preferably dark, opaque material, having embedded therein a plurality of optical fibers which can be connected to optical detectors remote from the probe. The ends of the optical fibers are preferably in direct contact with the fluid being tested. Instead of submersing the probe in a fluid, fluid can be caused to flow through the probe, placed in the probe, or placed in a transparent vessel placed in the probe. Individual large scattering particles can also be detected, counted, and characterized at the same time absolutes characterization of the polymer or colloid solution is performed.

Abstract: A fluorocarbon composite is provided for use as liners and particularly for use as wire insulation and in extruded tubing for push-pull cable assemblies. The composite has excellent anti-friction and abrasion-resistant properties and can be utilized in environments requiring operation over a wide range of temperatures and load conditions, including high temperature applications. The composition comprises a mixture of a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a polymer of arylene sulfide, which mixture may also include a filler.