Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing block copolymers, either by the sequential addition of monomers, or using a “one-pot” method. The invention also relates to novel methods for producing polyesters by ring opening lactides and/or lactones and by copolymerising anhydrides and epoxides.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer, and a superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby. A superabsorbent polymer prepared by the preparation method exhibits minimized deterioration of physical properties after being pulverized, and thus basic absorbance performance is excellent and an excellent liquid permeability and absorbance rate can be exhibited.

Abstract: A gas hydrate hydrogel inhibitor comprising at least one polymer hydrogel particle having from 50 to 100% hydrogel content, the at least one polymer hydrogel particle including an inhibitor selected from the group consisting of: at least one thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, at least one kinetic hydrate inhibitor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, creep resistant, lubricious, tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, or the PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition including a resin phase and 10% to 55%, especially 25% to 45% of glass fibers by weight of the composition is disclosed. The resin phase includes a polysiloxane block copolymer including polydimethylsiloxane blocks and polycarbonate blocks derived from bisphenol A. The resin phase further includes a polycarbonate and has between 2.0 wt % and 10 wt % by weight of siloxane. The thermoplastic composition has (i) a notched Izod impact strength of at least 150 Joules per meter measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D256, (ii) a tensile strength greater than 95 MPa as determined by ASTM D638, (iii) a tensile modulus greater than 10,900 MPa as determined by ASTM D638 and (iv) an unnotched Izod impact strength greater than 775 Joules per meter measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D256.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon fiber composite material containing carbon fibers coated with amorphous carbon, and a matrix resin. According to the present invention, a high-strength carbon fiber composite material can be provided.

Abstract: One purpose of the present invention is to provide an epoxy resin composition which is for obtaining a fiber-reinforced composite material that combines heat resistance with tensile strength on a high level. The other purpose is to provide: a fiber-reinforced composite material obtained using this epoxy resin composition; and a molded article and a pressure vessel both containing the fiber-reinforced composite material. The present invention has the following configuration in order to achieve the above purposes. Namely, the epoxy resin composition includes the constituent element [A]: An epoxy resin including an aromatic ring and having a functionality of 2 or higher and the following constituent element [B]: An amine-based hardener or an acid anhydride-based hardener, and is characterized in that a cured object obtained by curing the epoxy resin composition has a rubber-state modulus of 10 MPa or less when evaluated for dynamic viscoelasticity and the cured object has a glass transition temperature of 95° C.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable film comprising a polyester based copolymer is provided.

Abstract: The application relates to an expandable polymeric composition with an enhanced processability, which comprises a polymeric base, an expanding agent, and an additive with a plasticizing effect; said polymeric composition being characterized in that: the molecular mass at the maximum peak Mp of (i) ranges from 130 kDa to 190 kDa and the centrifugal average molecular mass Mz of (i) ranges from 430 kDa to 900 kDa, the difference in the glass-transition temperature (DTg) measured between a vinyl aromatic polymer having a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of (i) and composition of the vinyl aromatic fraction alone of (i), and a polymeric composition consisting of (i) and (iii), ranges from 1° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: A porous film includes at least one porous polyimide film that includes a polyimide resin, an organic amine compound and a resin other than a polyimide resin, and that does not include a polar aprotic solvent, wherein a content of the organic amine compound is 0.001% by weight or higher with respect to a total weight of the porous polyimide film.

Abstract: A formulation includes a polymeric material, a nucleating agent, a blowing, and a surface active agent. The formulation can be used to form a container.

Abstract: Described is a mono-axially oriented polyolefin film including a core or base layer containing a plurality of voids formed by a cavitating agent, wherein the film is oriented at least 4 times in the machine direction, and exhibits excellent tear resistance in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A flexible material for thermal and acoustical insulation comprising an expanded polymer (blend) based on at least one elastomer, wherein expansion is achieved by decomposition of a mixture of at least two chemical blowing agents, comprising the exothermic chemical blowing agent 4,4?-Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (OBSH) and at least one endothermic blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a porous polyvinyl acetal object and a nonwoven polyvinyl acetal fabric each capable of exhibiting significantly high shock absorption. Provided is a porous polyvinyl acetal object having a large number of cells, including: a polyvinyl acetal; and a plasticizer, the porous object having an open cell ratio of 10% or higher, the porous object in the form of a sample with a size of 10 cm in length, 10 cm in width, and 4 mm in thickness having a coefficient of rebound (rebounding height/drop height) of 0.1 or lower in measurement of a rebounding height of a ½-inch SUS ball in conformity with JIS B 1501 dropped from a given drop height to the center of the sample placed on an iron plate with a size of 10 cm or more in length, 10 cm or more in width, and 1 cm in thickness.

Abstract: A foamed, opacifying element is useful as a light-blocking article, and includes a substrate; an opacifying layer disposed on the substrate, and a functional composition disposed over the opacifying layer. The functional composition comprises a tinting material comprising one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or a combination thereof to provide a desired tint or colorant to the entire foamed, opacifying element.

Abstract: Foamed, opacifying elements are prepared using a foamable aqueous composition containing porous particles and an opacifying colorant. This composition is aerated, disposed onto a substrate, and dried. The dry foamed composition is densified, and cured in either order. At some point after the drying feature, a functional composition is disposed onto either the dry foamed composition or the opacifying layer, and dried. This functional composition has either or both of: (i) inorganic or organic spacer particles having a mode particle size of 1 to 100 ?m, and which inorganic or organic spacer particles resist melt flow at a pressure of up to and including 100 psi (689.5 kPa) and a temperature of up to and including 220° C.; and (iii) a tinting material comprising a pigment, dye, or a combination thereof. The (i) inorganic or organic spacer particles and the (iii) tinting material are different materials.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to methods of recycling epoxy polymers using organic salts as catalysts in an aqueous solution. Epoxy polymers and their composites are widely used in many fields such as coatings, adhesives, wind blades, automobiles, aeronautic vehicles, and sporting goods. However, the management of thermoset composite wastes is becoming a public concern as the out of service thermoset products build up. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the depleting of landfill sites, it is of great importance to develop an economically viable and environmentally-friendly recycling technology of thermoset materials that is suitable to industrial scale-up production. As such, there is a clear and present need for a novel solution that is environmentally friendly and scalable in the market.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a polyester resin composition for reflective materials which gives a reflective material having a high reflectance. The polyester resin composition for reflective materials comprises: a polyester resin (A) comprising an alicyclic dicarboxylic acid ingredient unit (a1) and an aliphatic diol ingredient unit (b1); and a white pigment (B). The amount of the alicyclic dicarboxylic acid ingredient unit (a1) is 50 mol % or more of the amount of all the dicarboxylic acid ingredient units (a) in the polyester resin (A), and the amount of the aliphatic diol ingredient unit (b1) is 50 mol % or more of the amount of all the diol ingredient units (b) in the polyester resin (A). The alicyclic dicarboxylic acid ingredient unit (a1) comprises the cis and trans forms of cis-trans isomers, the proportion of the cis form determined by NMR being 20 mol % or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasticizer composition, a resin composition including the same, and a method of preparing the same, the plasticizer comprising an ester-based material including di(2-ethylhexyl)isophthalate and epoxidized oil, and having a weight ratio of the di(2-ethylhexyl)isophthalate and the epoxidized oil is 60:40 to 10:90.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate resin composition characterized by containing 73 to 94.5 mass % of a polycarbonate resin (A), 5 to 25 mass % of a phosphorus-based flame retardant (B), and 0.1 to 2 mass % of a fluoropolymer (C), and by having a flow value of 1×0.01 to 10×0.01 cm3/sec at 280° C. The present invention also provides a sheet and a film using the polycarbonate resin composition.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizing polymeric filler material includes a particle that is surface modified to include a hydroxyphenyl-benzotriazole (HPB) derivative functionality.

Abstract: A multiple component thermosetting epoxy resin composition comprising (A) at least one cycloaliphatic glycidyl-type epoxy resin without an ester group, (B) at least one curing agent selected from the group aliphatic amine, cycloaliphatic amine, and dicyandiamide, and (C) at least one silanized filler, which, in particular, is suitable for the manufacture of outdoor insulation system articles for electrical engineering by casting, potting, encapsulation, and impregnation processes, wherein said articles exhibit good mechanical, electrical and dielectrical properties, and can be used as insulators, bushings, switchgears and instrument transformers.

Abstract: Fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, and more particularly to fibrous elements that contain a fast wetting surfactant, fibrous structures made therefrom, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: This invention aims to develop a process for fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass by contacting lignocellulosic biomass with treatment liquid in close system at temperature not over 200° C. and pressure of 5 to 20 bars, wherein said treatment liquid comprises water-miscible part that comprising formic acid, alcohol, and water and water-immiscible part that comprising alkyl acetate. The lignocellulosic biomass may be selected from rice straw, bagasse, corncobs, corn stem, palm waste, grass, pineapple shell, bamboo, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a rubber composition that allows for manufacturing a tread rubber that is high in braking performance on a dry surface road and also high in braking performance even on a wet road surface such as a manhole surface that is slipperier than an asphalt road surface. The rubber composition is prepared by compounding a rubber component (A) including a natural rubber by 70 mass % or more, and by further compounding, with the rubber component as 100 parts by mass: (B) at least one kind of thermoplastic resins selected from among C5-based resins, C5- to C9-based resins, C9-based resins, terpene-based resins, terpene-aromatic compound-based resins, rosin-based resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, and alkylphenol-based resins, at 5 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass; and (C) a filler including silica, at 20 parts by mass to 120 parts by mass, in which the filler (C) contains silica by 50 mass % to 100 mass %.

Abstract: A (iso-styrene/trans-butadiene): diene-terminated copolymer is described which includes (i) a polymeric block of styrene-butadiene consisting of a random sequence of butadiene in trans conformation and styrene in isotactic configuration, and (ii) a terminal polymeric block consisting of a sequence of one or more dienic monomers.

Abstract: Provided is a rubber composition having improved initial dry grip performance, durability of dry grip performance, and chipping resistance (elongation at break). The rubber composition includes: a diene polymer; carbon black and/or silica; and a sulfur-containing oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 or more, determined by GPC in chloroform solvent using polystyrene standard oligomers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bimodal polyethylene having a flow ratio FRR ranging between ?30 and ?40, a density ranging between ?949.0 and ?952.0 kg/m3, an MFR190/5 ranging between ?0.1 and ?0.2 g/10 min and comprising from 50 to 54% by weight of an ethylene homopolymer A and from 46-50% by weight of an ethylene-butene copolymer B, where all percentages are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ethylene homopolymer A has a viscosity number ?70 and ?100 cm3/g and a density between ?968 and ?972 kg/m3. The polyethylene is suitable to be applied in the production of pipes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition comprising 90.00 to 99.95 wt % of a polyolefin and 0.05 to 10.00 weight % of an antimicrobial additive based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition wherein the antimicrobial additive comprises a phenolic group and wherein a carrier for the antimicrobial additive is present. The antimicrobial additive may be dispersed through the polyolefin composition. Preferred antimicrobial additives include for example eugenol, isoeugenol, thymol, carvacrol, sesamol, curcumin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid and its ester derivatives (propyl gallate, octyl gallate and dodecyl gallate), ferulic acid, syringic acid, coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid and/or tannic acid.

Abstract: An ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer composition having a density from 0.935 to 0.955 g/cc; a ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight, Mw/Mn, of from 3 to 10; a z-average molecular weight, Mz, from 200 kg/mol to 500 kg/mol; and a PENT value of greater than 500 hours at 80° C. and 2.4 MPa; wherein when the composition is formed into a monolayer pipe the pipe has a pipe hydrostatic strength of greater than 100 hours at 20° C. and 12.0 MPa. Also provided is a pipe or pipe fitting comprising the ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterophasic propylene copolymer comprising a matrix phase comprising a propylene polymer and a dispersed phase comprising an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer comprising ethylene and at least one C3 to C10 olefin, wherein the propylene polymer has a melt flow index of at least 200 dg/min or at least 150 dg/min as determined by IS01 133:2005 at 230° C. and 2.16 kg, wherein the propylene polymer has an intrinsic viscosity IVPP and the ethylene-?-olefin elastomer has an intrinsic viscosity IVEPR where the ratio of IVEPR/IVPP is 3-7, wherein the copolymer comprises 8-20 wt % or 20-30 wt % of the ethylene-a-olefin elastomer, wherein the ethylene-a-olefin elastomer of the dispersed phase comprises 10-55 wt % of ethylene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin resin, a method for preparing the same, and a vehicle rear bumper beam using the same. The polyolefin resin is characterized by being composed of a thermoplastic resin composite including a polymer base including a polypropylene homopolymer, which has a molecular weight distribution of 2 to 10, and a colorant; and a fiber reinforcing material that is impregnated into the polymer base and has a length of 5 to 20 mm, wherein 10 to 50 wt % of the fiber reinforcing material is included with respect to the polyolefin resin. The method is characterized in that a thermoplastic resin composite is formed by impregnating a molten mixture including a polypropylene homopolymer, which has a molecular weight distribution of 2 to 10, and a colorant with a fiber reinforcing material having a length of 5 to 20 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that includes a polyolefin, hollow glass microspheres, a polar semicrystalline thermoplastic additive, and at least one of an impact modifier or a compatibilizer. Articles made from the composition, a method of making such an article by melt processing the composition, and the use of the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain films comprising polypropylene and poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) have unique aesthetic effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer composition having a semi-homogeneous phase that exhibits excellent electrical, mechanical and thermal properties while satisfying flexibility, bendability and impact resistance. More specifically, disclosed is a polymer composition having a morphology in which a rubber-phase filler of a propylene copolymer is dispersed in a matrix of polypropylene, wherein an elution rate of the rubber-phase filler in a xylene-based solvent is less than 50%, based on the content of the rubber-phase filler such that the rubber-phase filler forms a semi-homogeneous phase with the matrix.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition comprising a heterophasic propylene copolymer and a polar modified ?-polyolefin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eco-friendly polymer composition for an insulation layer of power cables having a morphology in which a second phase substance of polypropylene composite is dispersed in a first phase substance of polypropylene, wherein the polypropylene composite of the second phase substance has a morphology in which an at least partially cured elastomer is dispersed as a filler in a matrix of polypropylene.

Abstract: Provided are thermoplastic polymer composition comprising (a) a polyvinyl halide, and (b) an acrylic copolymer comprising 70 to 100 weight % of a first polymeric stage, based on the total weight of the acrylic copolymer, comprising polymerized units derived from at least 85 weight % of one or more C1-C6 alkyl methacrylate monomers and C1-C3 alkyl acrylate monomers, based on the total weight of monomers in the first polymeric stage, wherein the first polymeric stage has a calculated Tg of 70° C. or less, and wherein the acrylic copolymer has a molecular weight of greater than 1.5×106 g/mol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture, which can be a fiber and or a film. In one aspect, the fiber or the film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and an inorganic filler comprising particles having an average diameter of less than about 20 micrometers. The PVOH has a degree of hydrolysis of greater than about 95% and is present in a range between about 20 wt. % and about 99 wt. % based on the total fiber weight. Methods of making the fibers and films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising, a rubber component selected from the group consisting of a rubber polymer, a synthetic rubber polymer, and combinations thereof; and an alkylphenol resin which is a reaction product of: at least one phenolic monomer selected from the group consisting of phenol, cresol, resorcinol, xylenol, ethyl phenol, alkylresorcinols, and combinations thereof; and at least one alkyl aldehyde having from 5 to 12 carbon atom alkyl groups, is disclosed. The composition can be used to prepare articles of manufacture such as tires, tire treads, tire shoulders, tire sidewalls, rubber belts, and rubber hoses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable composition with enhanced curing time at ambient temperatures, the curable composition including (a) a resin, e.g., 4,4?-isopropylidenediphenol-epichlorohydrin copolymer and (b) one or more curing agents, wherein a ratio of a weight percentage of the resin to a weight percentage of the curing agent or curing agents is from about 12:1 to about 15:1. Also disclosed is a method of curing a cured-in-place liner, wherein the cured-in-place liner contains the above curable composition.

Abstract: A resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation, containing (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a phenolic resin-based curing agent, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) amorphous carbon, wherein the amorphous carbon of the component (D) contains 30 atomic % or more of an SP3 structure and 55 atomic % or less of an SP2 structure.

Abstract: A polycarbonate composition includes the following components in parts by weight: a. 30 to 86 parts of polycarbonate; b. 0.0001 to 1 part of phenols; c. 0.01 to 5 parts of hindered phenol substance; d. 8 to 50 parts of a rubber-modified graft polymer; e. 5 to 25 parts of a fire retardant; and f. 0 to 10 parts of a fire retardant synergist; wherein a sum of parts by weight of the six components a, b, c, d, e and f is 100.

Abstract: Compositions formed from a blend of polycarbonate/siloxane copolymer, polycarbonate, and polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate are disclosed that provide superior performance in terms of notched Izod impact, glass transition temperature (Tg), strength after aging, ability to withstand secondary processing conditions, and in other respects. Such compositions exceed critical-to-quality requirements for use in manufacturing components for electronic communication devices.

Abstract: Provided is a polyphenylene ether flame-retardant resin composition having excellent flame retardance and long-term flame retardance. The flame-retardant resin composition contains: (A) a resin including (A-1) a polyphenylene ether; and (B) a flame retardant. The (A-1) component has a content of 50 mass % or more when the flame-retardant resin composition minus ash content, corresponding to a residue obtained upon burning of the flame-retardant resin composition, is taken to be 100 mass %. A shaped article of 12.6 cm in length, 1.3 cm in width, and 1.6 mm in thickness formed from the flame-retardant resin composition exhibits a rate of change of chloroform-insoluble content of 15 mass % or less through aging in which the shaped article is left for 1,000 hours at 150° C. in an atmospheric air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a halogen-free flame-retardant resin composition, based on the weight parts of organic solids, comprising (A) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of bismaleimide resin, (B) from 30 to 60 parts by weight of benzoxazine resin, (C) from 10 to 40 parts by weight of polyepoxy compound, (D) from 5 to 25 parts by weight of phosphorous-containing flame retardant, and (E) from 1 to 25 parts by weight of curing agent, which is amine curing agent and/or phenolic resin curing agent. The present invention further provides prepregs, laminates, laminates for printed circuits prepared from said resin composition.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive resin composition with which it is possible, even if the precursor polymer is heat-treated at low temperatures, to produce a film or molded article comprising an imide ring-containing polymer having excellent heat resistance, tensile elongation and chemical resistance with a low dielectric constant, or a film or molded article comprising an oxazole ring-containing polymer having excellent heat resistance, tensile elongation and chemical resistance. A method of manufacturing the film or molded article; a method of forming a pattern using the energy-sensitive resin composition; and a permanent film having excellent heat resistance, tensile elongation and chemical resistance.

Abstract: Unique compositions containing organopolysiloxanes having both silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatically unsaturated groups exhibit robust processing characteristics and provide coatings or encapsulations of high transparency which can withstand numerous temperature cycles without failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binder of vegetable origin based on modified tall-oil pitch, modified vegetable resin and optionally oil. Also disclosed are leakproofing membrane compositions, soundproofing membrane compositions, liquid sealing system compositions, asphalt mix coating compositions, asphalt coating compositions, primer compositions, varnish compositions, mastic compositions, adhesive compositions or binder emulsion compositions which comprise said binder. In addition, a method is disclosed for reducing the amount of bitumen of petroleum origin in said compositions.