Abstract: A semipermeable membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semipermeable membrane layer containing an amorphous resin as a main component, and a sheet-like supporting body that supports the semipermeable membrane layer. The supporting body has a porous first supporting layer and a porous second supporting layer laminated on one of surfaces of the first supporting layer. The second supporting layer has a smaller mean flow pore diameter than the first supporting layer. The second supporting layer is impregnated with the semipermeable membrane layer. A ratio of the mean flow pore diameter of the second supporting layer to the mean flow pore diameter of the first supporting layer is preferably 1/1,000 or more and ? or less. The mean flow pore diameter of the first supporting layer is preferably 0.05 ?m or more and 20 ?m or less, and the mean flow pore diameter of the second supporting layer is preferably 0.01 ?m or more and 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A polymer or polymer composite membrane having through-thickness micropores and a method of preparing the same are provided. More particularly, a polymer or polymer composite membrane having a pore structure such that micropores are aligned in a mesh structure in the thickness direction of the polymer or polymer composite membrane due to unidirectional freezing in the thickness direction of a solvent. The membrane has through-thickness micropores, and thus has improved permeability in the thickness direction and superior uniformity in size of the micropores and wall thickness between the micropores. For these reasons, the membrane can be used for a porous membrane substrate, microfiltration membrane, etc.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a conjugated thiophene precursor is described as in the formation of an improved polymer prepared from the conjugated thiophene and an improved capacitor formed from the improved polymer. The improved process includes forming a thiophene mixture comprising thiophene monomer, unconjugated thiophene oligomer, optionally a solvent and heating the thiophene mixture at a temperature of at least 100° C. to no more than the lower of 250° C. or the boiling point of a component of said thiophene mixture with the lowest boiling point temperature.

Abstract: In the present disclosure!, there is disclosed an epoxy resin formulation for the manufacturing of large and thick composite structures, said formulation comprising i) at least one epoxy resin in a weight proportion varying between 50 parts to 70 parts; (ii) at least one hardening agent in a weight proportion varying between 21 phr to 29 phr; (iii) at least one diluent in a weight proportion varying between 10 phr to 40 phr; and (iv) N,N?dimethylaminopropylamine as an accelerator in a weight proportion varying between 0.5 phr to 3.0 phr. The formulation is used in the manufacturing of large and thick composite structures by employing Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a cellulose ester film which satisfies the requirement 0.95<plasticizer content of A surface/plasticizer content of B surface<1.05, provided that A surface represents one surface of the cellulose ester film and B surface represents the other surface, has a high sound velocity of the film and is excellent in light leakage and color unevenness, and a film-forming method of this cellulose ester film. The cellulose ester film of the present invention, which contains a cellulose ester, is characterized by satisfying the requirement 0.95<plasticizer content of A surface/plasticizer content of B surface<1.05, provided that A surface represents one surface of the cellulose ester film and B surface represents the other surface, and having a sound velocity along at least one of a film transport direction and the lateral direction at 23.° C. 55% RH of 2.0-2.7 km/s.

Abstract: A method of preparing a retardation film includes cellulose acetate having an average degree of acetylation of 2.0 to 2.5 and having a moisture content of 1.0 mass % or less, where the retardation film includes a compound having a Van der Waals volume of 450 to 1000 ?3. The retardation film is prepared by a dope preparing step of dissolving cellulose acetate having an average degree of acetylation within the range of 2.0 to 2.5 to prepare a dope; a film product forming step of casting the dope onto a metal belt to form a film product; a film product peeling step of peeling off the film product from the metal belt; a drawing step of drawing the peeled film product; and a drying step at a drying temperature of 140° C. or more.

Abstract: A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip body. The rod-like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion body, and includes natural fibres embedded into a material matrix.

Abstract: Hot melt and pressure-sensitive adhesives may comprise highly-plasticized cellulose esters, e.g., a cellulose ester and a plasticizer, the plasticizer included in an amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight of the cellulose ester. A highly-plasticized cellulose ester adhesive that is non-tacky at room temperature may be utilized by heating an adhesive to yield an adhesive melt, the adhesive comprising a cellulose ester and a plasticizer, the plasticizer included in an amount of about 15% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive; applying the adhesive melt to a first surface; and adhering a second surface to the first surface with the adhesive.

Abstract: Hot melt and pressure-sensitive adhesives may comprise highly-plasticized cellulose esters, e.g., a cellulose ester and a plasticizer, the plasticizer included in an amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive. A highly-plasticized cellulose ester adhesive may be utilized in a sheet form by disposing the adhesive sheet between a first surface and a second surface; and heating the adhesive sheet so as to adhere the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing colored molded bodies based on the following steps: (a) plasticising a polymeric material and blending the material with one or more dyes to form a molding compound by means of a gelation unit equipped with a metering apparatus for dyes; (b) optionally temporarily storing the molding compound obtained in step (a); (c) charging a molding device with the molding compound; and (d) producing the molded body; wherein the ratio of dye to polymeric material is automatically regulated using a colorimeter and an electronic control, and in step (a) color values are measured at the molding compound located in the gelation unit and transmitted as a signal to the electronic control.

Abstract: A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a drilling fluid having a base fluid and a viscosifier having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that comprises an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; where the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a composition having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, and boron; where the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: A polarizing plate protective film comprising a cellulose ester, and a saccharide ester compound in which all or a part of OH groups in Compound (A) or in Compound (B) are esterified, wherein Compound (A) consists of one of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure, and Compound (B) consists of two to twelve of at least one type of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure which are bonded in Compound (B); wherein the polarizing plate protective film exhibits Ro of 0-10 nm and Rt of ?30 to +20 nm.

Abstract: An optical cellulose acylate film comprising a polymer component which is a cellulose acylate obtained by substituting hydroxyl groups of a cellulose by an acetyl group and an acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms, wherein a substitution degree A of the acetyl group and a substitution degree B of the acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms satisfy the following formulae (I) and (II): 2.0?A+B?3.0 (I), 0<B (II), and the optical cellulose acylate film comprises a retardation-expressing agent which is at least one of a rod-like compound and a discotic compound or an elastic modulus E(MD) in a casting direction and an elastic modulus E(TD) in a casting width direction satisfy the following formulae (III) and (IV): 1,500 MPa?E(MD)?3,400 Mpa (III) and 1,200 MPa?E(TD)?3,400 Mpa (IV).

Abstract: A polymer is swollen in a first tank. The swelling temperature is in the range of ?10 to 50° C. The mixture is cooled in a first cooling vessel to the range of ?100 to ?10° C., and thereafter heated in a heating device to the range of 0 to 57° C. The polymer is cellulose acylate in which a degree of substitution of the acyl group for hydroxyl group is at least 2.87. A film obtained from the cellulose acylate has a negative value of ?Re and a positive value of ?Rth, and |?Rth| is at least 10 nm. ?Re and ?Rth are respective difference of Re and Rth at the measurement thereof with use of wavelengths between 700 nm and 400 nm. The film is used adequately as a birefringence film, a protective film for a polarizing filter in a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for an enteric hard capsule, a method of preparing an enteric hard capsule, and an enteric hard capsule prepared using the method. The aqueous composition for an enteric hard capsule includes an enteric base material, a capsule forming aid, and a neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A coating composition including an unsaturated resin selected from polyesters, alkyds or combinations thereof; an alkoxy (meth)acrylic functional monomer, and a thermoplastic compound containing active hydrogen groups; a curing agent; and a curing promoter such as at least one metal drier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a fiber with an improved breaking elongation. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 77 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, a bifunctional reactant present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.

Abstract: A cellulose-film modifier, having a compound represented by the following Formula (1): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic or aromatic acyl group; R2, R3 and R4 each represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic or aromatic group; and at least one of R2, R3 and R4 represents an aliphatic group bonding via its secondary carbon; a cellulose composition, an optical cellulose film, a polarizing plate-protecting film, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: The invention provides a way of using cellulose triacetate (CTA) made from softwood pulp to make films suitable for use in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It has been surprisingly found that a combination of certain additives in the film casting dope and of metal and sulfur content of the CTA allow a softwood CTA to exhibit peeling characteristics from the casting substrate that are similar to those of lint-based CTA of similar sulfur content. The additives include a combination of acid scavengers and chelating agents.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acetate film including casting a dope containing a cellulose acetate having a total substitution degree of from 2.0 to 2.7 and a solvent on a support, and peeling away the obtained dope film from the support.

Abstract: A coating composition including an unsaturated resin selected from polyesters, alkyds or combinations thereof; an alkoxy(meth)acrylic functional monomer, and a thermoplastic compound containing active hydrogen groups; a curing agent; and a curing promoter such as at least one metal drier.

Abstract: Provided is a biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including a cellulose derivative and surface-treated natural fiber. More particularly, in preparation of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber, a surface of the natural fiber is treated with alkali and/or sized, thereby increasing a density of the natural fiber, and an interfacial adhesion between the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber to improve a mechanical strength of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition. Furthermore, as the cheap natural fiber is used as a reinforcer, the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for optimizing the fragrance of a scented cellulosic.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polarizing plate protective film exhibiting a reduced variation value retardation, which is highly stable against polarizing plate degradation, polarizing plate dimension, and polarizing plate curl. Disclosed is a cellulose ester film possessing cellulose ester, polymer X having a weight average molecular weight of 2000-30000 prepared by copolymerizing ethylenic unsaturated monomer Xa containing no aromatic ring and hydrophilic group within a molecule and ethylenic unsaturated monomer Xb containing no aromatic ring but a hydrophilic group within a molecule, and polymer Y having a weight average molecular weight of 500-3000 prepared by polymerizing ethylenic unsaturated monomer Ya containing no aromatic ring.

Abstract: A polarizing plate includes two transparent supports A and B; and a polarizer sandwiched between the two transparent supports A and B; wherein (i) the transparent support A is a stretched cellulose ester film (a) which contains a non-phosphoric acid ester plasticizer and substantially does not contain a phosphoric acid ester plasticizer, and wherein (ii) the transparent support B is a stretched cellulose ester film (b) which has a retardation value R0 of from 0 nm to 10 nm and a retardation value Rt of from ?30 nm to 20 nm, and the retardation value R0 and the retardation value Rt are defined by the following formulas (I) and (II): Ro=(nx?ny)×d??Formula (I): Rt={(nx+ny)/2?nz}×d.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film comprising at least one compound having a negative birefringence and satisfying 30 nm<Re<100 nm and 80 nm<Rth<300 nm is excellent in the wet heat durability of Re and Rth.

Abstract: A process for producing a cellulose acylate film, the process comprising melt-cast filming a composition comprising a cellulose acylate that has a specific acyl substitution degree, and that has a residual sulfate in an amount equal to or less than a definite amount (in terms of an amount of a sulfur atom), and a a cellulose acylate film produced by the process, a high-quality retardation film, a polarizing plate, an optical compensatory film, an anti-reflective film and an image display device using same.

Abstract: A co-casting of plural dopes is made to form a casting film (80) of a multi-layer structure having a base layer and at least one outer layer overlapping to the base layer. A viscosity of the dope forming the outer layer is at most 35 Pa·s. Just after the formation of the casting film (80), a drying air is fed out almost in parallel to the belt 73 from an outlet 82a directed in the running direction of the belt (73), while a temperature of the drying air is controlled in the range of 70° C. to 130° C. A heater 84 heats the casting film (83) from a rear side of the belt 73 such that the temperature of a rear surface of the casting film (83) may be controlled in the range of 40° C. to 80° C. Thus the production speed can be increased and the produced film is excellent in planarity.

Abstract: A process and method for recycling cigarette butts is disclosed. The process and method involves reacting ground cigarette butts with a solvent and mineral spirits and then shaping and drying the resultant product. Once the processed cigarette butts have hardened or cured the material may be formed into useful objects with no leaching of chemicals upon contact with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparations and uses of cellulose esters with a high degree of substitution of hydroxyl groups (also called high DSOH cellulose esters) as substrates and/or negative C-plate optical compensation films in LCD applications.

Abstract: A low VOC, HAPs free, substantially non-aqueous slurry for use as a rheology modifier in aqueous systems including but not limited to latex paints. The slurry comprises a particulate water-swelling polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, mineral oil carrier liquid, a non-ionic surfactant, a particulate thickening agent, a defoamer, and optionally an amine component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying cellulose ethers. The inventive method is characterised in that a cellulose ether having a humidity content of between 5 and 90% is intensively mixed with between 0.1 and 5 wt. %—in relation to the dry cellulose ether—of an additive or an additive mixture in the form of an aqueous or organic suspension or solution, at temperatures of between 20 and 100° C., and the mixture obtained is then dried.

Abstract: A color balancer composition achieves a change in tone or hue on a vehicle painted surface as needed to achieve an acceptable color fade to match an adjacent area. The composition is composed of a clear coat, a toner or colorant, and a reducing agent. The color balancer composition is formed by mixing these three parts. In one implementation, one part of the colorant is blended with about 100 parts of the clear coat, and then the resulting blend is combined at about 4 parts by volume of the reducing agent with one part of the colorant-clear coat mixture. The ratios can be varied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose acylate film having a high modulus of elasticity and a high surface hardness. The cellulose acylate film of the present invention is characterized by containing 1 vol % to 99 vol % of a metal oxide having an average particle size of 1 nm to 400 nm. The metal oxide used here is preferably a metal oxide having a Mohs hardness of at least 7, and specific examples thereof include aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide. This metal oxide may be subjected to a surface treatment. Furthermore, a functional thin film such as a hardcoat layer may be formed on the cellulose acylate film containing the metal oxide.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a transparent support and an optically anisotropic layer. The optically anisotropic layer is formed from liquid crystal molecules and monomers having four or more double bonds. The monomers are polymerized to form a polymer in the optically anisotropic layer.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of carboxylated cellulose esters are disclosed having a low organic solvent content. These dispersions can be prepared using a volatile hydrophilic organic solvent and a coupling organic solvent having a lower volatility, the volatile hydrophilic solvent being substantially stripped off during preparation to obtain a dispersion useful in a variety of coating compositions, providing satisfactory performance in metallic flake control, flow and leveling properties, and defect reduction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ester film comprising a polymer prepared by polymerizing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from vinyl esters, vinyl esters having a functional group, acrylic esters, and acrylic esters having a functional group, wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of not more than 5,000.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light absorbing polymer film, coating, or molded article UV filter elements are described which comprise a polymer phase having molecularly dispersed therein a) a first ultraviolet absorbing dibenzoylmethane compound of formula (I) where R1 through R5 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, or hydroyxl, or further substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkoxy, acyloxy, ester, carboxyl, alkyl thio, aryl thio, alkyl amine, aryl amine, alkyl nitrile, aryl nitrile, arylsulfonyl, or 5-6 member heterocylce ring groups, and b) a second ultraviolet light absorbing compound which absorbs ultraviolet light at a wavelength for which the first compound is deficient at absorbing. In particular embodiments, the second ultraviolet light absorbing compound may comprise a hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine, hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole, formamidine, benzoxazinone, or benzophenone compound.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film formed from a solution of cellulose acylate contains a solvent of the solution at 0.1-0.6 wt. %, and acids at less than 500 ppm. The solvent is composed of at least one of esters and ketones, and further a recycled solvent recycled from the solution. In order to produce the cellulose acylate film, the solution is applied on a dope band moving in a direction, and dried to contain the solvent between 10-80 wt. % to the cellulose acylate. Thus a film-like material is formed from the solution, and peeled from the dope band. Thereafter the film-like material is further dried to form the cellulose acylate film containing the solvent at between 0.1 and 0.6 wt. %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triacetyl cellulose film comprising (a) a triphenyl monophosphate compound and (b) an aromatic polyol-bridged polyphosphate compound. Such a film exhibits a reduced rate of water vapor transmission.

Abstract: A composite barrier membrane coated on a substrate and membrane is formed by phase inversion technique utilizing a water-insoluble wax and a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a solvent. The barrier membrane coated upon the substrate is used to control transmembrane transport of a liquid and a gas. The substrate can be a starch based food package material, a protein based food package materials, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, or a paper product.

Abstract: A molded article molded from a cellulose acetate composition comprising, contained in cellulose acetate, a composite material of a decomposition accelerating agent formed of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of oxygen acid of phosphorus, oxygen acid of sulfur, oxygen acid of nitrogen, a partial ester or hydrogen salt of these oxygen acids, carbonic acid and its hydrogen salt, a sulfonic acid and a carboxylic acid, with a reaction controlling agent formed of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound, a hydroxy compound, an oxygen-containing heterocyclic compound and a sulfur-containing heterocyclic compound.

Abstract: UV-absorbers of the 4-alkoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine type are incorporated in a cellulose triacetate film. Such an UV-cut off film can be used advantageously, amongst others, as protective sheet for a polarizer in a Liquid Crystal Display.

Abstract: A cellulose triacetate film characterized in being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing cotton liter as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 3.5 to 4.5, or being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing wood pulp as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 4.0 to 5.0.