Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bonding by molecular adhesion of two substrates to one another during which the surfaces of the substrates are placed in close contact and bonding occurs by propagation of a bonding front between the substrates. The invention includes, prior to bonding, a step of modifying the surface state of one or both of the surfaces of the substrates so as to regulate the propagation speed of the bonding front. The surface can be modified by locally or uniformly heating or roughening the surface(s) of the substrate(s).

Abstract: A method useful for applying labels to a container, the labels having an activatable adhesive coating on a surface thereon, the adhesive is activated by contact with a low viscosity activator solution from an apparatus comprising at least a label pallet that receives a low viscosity activator solution by contact with a spinning roller, the spinning roller receives at least one stream of the low viscosity activator solution delivered or sprayed by a fluid manifold.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adherence of a silicone gel to a substrate using a primer material. The method is particularly useful for adhering a medical prosthesis to a human or animal body.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer fabric that accommodates movement at or adjacent one or more respective surfaces without compromising structural integrity of the or each surface when the polymer fabric is affixed thereon. There is further provided methods of manufacture and application of the polymer fabric. The polymer fabric finds use in applications requiring sealing, containment, protection and insulation.

Abstract: A nanofiber sheet including a nanofiber layer containing a polymeric nanofiber, a surface of nanofiber sheet being adhesive. The nanofiber preferably contains an adhesive component and a water insoluble polymer. The nanofiber sheet preferably has a water soluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water soluble adhesive component and a water insoluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water insoluble polymer laminated to each other. The nanofiber sheet preferably further includes a base layer located on one side of the nanofiber layer and an adhesive layer located on the other side of the nanofiber layer.

Abstract: A method of attaching a nanofiber sheet (10) having a nanofiber layer (11) comprising a polymeric nanofiber and a base layer (12) located on one side of the nanofiber layer (11) to a surface of an object. The method includes bringing a side of the nanofiber layer (11) of the nanofiber sheet (10) into contact with the surface of the object under the condition that a surface of the nanofiber layer (11) or the surface of the object is wet. Preferably, the base layer (12) is releasably laminated to the nanofiber layer (11), and the base layer (12) is removed from the nanofiber sheet (10) that is attached to the surface of the object to transfer the nanofiber layer (10) onto the surface of the object.

Abstract: Described is a polymer film with multiphase film morphology. The polymer film, within a layer, has regions of a first polymer and regions of a second polymer, and is prepared from an aqueous polymer dispersion, comprising the two polymers in dispersed form and a tackifier. The glass transition temperature of the second polymer is greater than that of the first polymer and less than 20° C. The concentration of the tackifier in the polymer film is greater in the regions of the first polymer than in the regions of the second polymer. Described also are polymer dispersions for producing polymer films with multiphase film morphology, and also applications as adhesive, coating or sealant, as for example for producing self-adhesive paper labels.

Abstract: An adhesive impregnated carrier comprising a carrier impregnated with uncured adhesive resin is provided. The carrier material and overall impregnated carrier can be any desired thickness, as further described herein. Also provided is a method of bonding materials together comprising: positioning an uncured adhesive impregnated carrier between materials to be bonded; and curing the adhesive impregnated carrier, wherein the materials are bonded.

Abstract: A method of gumming a web of paper material in a filter tip attachment machine is implemented using a gumming device that comprises a gumming roller and a transfer roller counter-rotating tangentially one to another about horizontal and parallel axes, and creating a trough in which to hold a prescribed quantity of adhesive supplied by a feed circuit, also a drive system by which the rollers are set in rotation on their axes, and a control unit to which both the feed circuit and the drive system are interlocked. The gumming roller revolves tangentially to the web of material at a gumming station, and the method envisages a procedure, triggered in the event of a stoppage affecting the machine, that consists in the steps of suspending delivery of the adhesive, distancing the web of paper material from the gumming roller, and reversing the direction of rotation of the rollers, relative to the direction of rotation during normal operation, in such a way that the trough is emptied gradually of adhesive.

Abstract: A binding fiber having, as at least one first thermoplastic component, a copolyamide which has a relative viscosity of at least 1.50 (measured at 0.5% in m-cresol at 25° C.), a MVR of maximum 20 cm3/10 min at 190° C. and 2.16 kg load, a hydrophobicity of less than 7.2, a melting temperature lower than 105° C. in the water saturated condition and a higher melting temperature in the dry condition. The binding fiber can, on the one hand, be activated with hot steam at approximately ambient pressure during the manufacture of flat materials containing natural fibers, such as paper, cardboard, wood fiber boards, or fiber mats. The finished flat material can, on the other hand, be subjected to higher temperatures, and the copolyamide develops good bonding with respect to the cellulose fibers normally used in the indicated flat materials.

Abstract: A water activated adhesive system is described that is particularly suited for applying non-paper polymeric labels to surfaces which have low moisture permeability. The adhesive system is characterized by a dry non-tacky surface that becomes tacky in less than one second when contacted with a water-based activator. While it is a water activated adhesive, it is also characterized after aging bonded to a substrate by resistance to adhesive failure during 72 hours of immersion in ice/water mixture. The adhesive is beneficial to allow use of existing paper labeling equipment with polymeric labels.

Abstract: Methods are provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers and for making composite structures from these functionalized nanomaterials. The method includes contacting a network of nanoscale fibers with an oxidant to graft at least one epoxide group to at least a portion of the network of nanoscale fibers. A network of functionalized nanoscale fibers or buckypapers may include carbon nanotubes having a mean length of at least 1 mm and having an epoxide group grafted onto the nanotubes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of bonding upper and lower substrates for manufacturing a plastic micro chip comprising the upper substrate, the lower substrate and a sample filling space having a predetermined height for filling a sample between the upper and lower substrates. According to the method, the upper and lower substrates are bonded by introducing an organic solvent between the upper and lower substrates. In addition, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a micro chip using the method and a micro chip manufactured according to the method. According to the invention, it is possible to easily and precisely bond the upper and lower substrates of the plastic micro chip.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating tires so that the tires will have better performance, especially when used for racing. The method disclosed herein is especially suited for use in go kart racing, although the method can be used for other applications in which the adhesion and hardness of tires, after their manufacture is to be altered. The method also includes cleaning steps and formulations. This method involves the selective use of various esters to alter tire characteristics as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to styrenated terpene resin, as well as methods of making an using the same.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for providing a coating (metal-back printing blanket) of a typographic printing roll with a thermo-adhesive plastic sheet comprising the steps of: application of a layer of heat-sealable material on the side of the sheet of plastic material that will come into contact with the metal layer, and thermo-adhesion of the plastic sheet to the metal layer.

Abstract: The adhesion between an underlying composite material and its surface finish is increased by including an adhesion promoting layer at the interface where the uncured composite material and the surface finish meet during the lay up of the uncured composite assembly. The adhesion promoting layer includes a cure accelerating agent for the composite material matrix resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a two-phase polymer combination which is dissoluble in aqueous alkali and comprises a. an alkali-soluble copolymer or terpolymer of an ?,?-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid which possesses carboxyl groups distributed essentially uniformly over the chain of the molecule, as a continuous phase, and b. a copolymer or terpolymer which is insoluble in aqueous alkali and contains epoxy groups along its polymer chain, as a discontinuous finely disperse phase, c. free epoxy groups on the surface of the polymer particles of the discontinuous phase being linked to one another by esterification with some of the carboxyl groups of the polymer of the continuous phase, and the remaining carboxyl groups being present in unchanged form, as an adhesive. The polymer combination, which is not tacky in the dry state, can be made tacky by supplying aqueous moisture to it.

Abstract: Macrocyclic compounds, e.g., ketones, crown ethers, methicones etc., have been found to be effective co-solvents in solvent based adhesives for pipe joining applications. Because of their enhanced solubility with VOC exempt solvents (40 C.F.R. 51.100), the calculated VOC content of the adhesive can be lowered to at least 75% of those established by SCAQMD Rule 116A.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bonding by molecular adhesion of two substrates to one another during which the surfaces of the substrates are placed in close contact and bonding occurs by propagation of a bonding front between the substrates. The invention includes, prior to bonding, a step of modifying the surface state of one or both of the surfaces of the substrates so as to regulate the propagation speed of the bonding front. The surface can be modified by locally or uniformly heating or roughening the surface(s) of the substrate(s).

Abstract: There are provided an adhesion promoting process using a comparatively small amount of an adhesion promoting gas for processing a workpiece, an adhesion promoting device for carrying out the adhesion promoting process, a coating and developing system including the adhesion promoting device, and a storage medium storing a program specifying a set of instructions for carrying out the adhesion promoting process.

Abstract: As an efficient and economical bonding method indispensable for the bonding between dimension-small constituent elements (members, parts) to manufacture a minute (micro) structure, a micromachine, etc. is provided a bonding method using a capillary condensation effect characterized in that in order to bond at least two separated bonding targets (works) at a prescribed joint point, the bonding targets are disposed under an atmosphere comprising a prescribed vapor pressure of adhesive agent, and the adhesive agent is subjected to capillary condensation at the joint point to thereby form uniform meniscus and bond the bonding targets (works) by the adhesive agent constituting the meniscus.

Abstract: A method of bonding materials. The method comprises providing a polymer; providing a second material; contacting the polymer and the second material at a low contact pressure in the absence of a solvent or an adhesive; maintaining the polymer at a temperature less than a bulk Tg of the polymer; introducing a gas at low pressure; and bonding the polymer and the second material.

Abstract: A substantially planar micro-fluid ejection device, where the micro-fluid ejection head is hermetically sealed and bonded to a support material, and a method of bonding a silicon device, such as a micro-fluid ejection head, to a support material.

Abstract: A method of applying a coated or uncoated film onto a main surface of a lens substrate. In some cases, the film is a coated film having one surface bearing a coating or a coating stack which is transferred from the film to the lens substrate main surface.

Abstract: A sheet comprising thermoplastic polymer (TP) and short high tensile modulus fibers, in which the concentration of TP in the middle of the sheet is higher than at the surface of the sheet, useful for making prepregs with a thermoset resin.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly comprises a process for preparing a electrolyte membrane and two gas diffusion layers, and a bonding process for forming the membrane electrode assembly by pressing a layered unit in which the electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between each of the two gas diffusion layers in such a way that provided catalyst layers locate in the interfaces between the electrolyte membrane and the two gas diffusion layers, wherein the bonding process is undertaken in a condition in which the surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are temporarily liquefied or softened.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body panel assembly for a vehicle. The method includes providing first and second panels, applying an adhesive, positioning the first and second panels, hemming the first and second panels together to form a subassembly, applying a coating to at least a portion of the subassembly, and heating the subassembly to at least partially melt the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates a method of forming a polarizing plate comprising providing two protective cover sheets, each protective cover sheet for polarizers comprising a low birefringence protective polymer film and a layer promoting adhesion to poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing films comprising a hydrophilic polymer. The cover sheets are brought into contact with a PVA dichroic polarizing film such that said layer promoting adhesion to poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing films in each of said two cover sheets is in contact with said PVA dichroic polarizing film. A glue composition is applied just before contacting said PVA dichroic polarizing film and said cover sheets, said glue composition being substantially free of dissolved polymer and comprising a crosslinking agent that crosslinks PVA.

Abstract: We demonstrate a new method for joining patterned thermoplastic parts into layered structures. The method takes advantage of case-II permeant diffusion to generate dimensionally controlled, activated bonding layers at the surfaces being joined. It is capable of producing bonds characterized by cohesive failure while preserving the fidelity of patterned features in the bonding surfaces. This approach is uniquely suited to production of microfluidic multilayer structures, as it allows the bond-forming interface between plastic parts to be precisely manipulated at micrometer length scales. The bond enhancing procedure is easily integrated in standard process flows and requires no specialized equipment.

Abstract: A water activated adhesive system is described that is particularly suited for applying non-paper polymeric labels to surfaces which have low moisture permeability. The adhesive system is characterized by a dry non-tacky surface that becomes tacky in less than one second when contacted with a water-based activator. While it is a water activated adhesive, it is also characterized after aging bonded to a substrate by resistance to adhesive failure during 72 hours of immersion in ice/water mixture. The adhesive is beneficial to allow use of existing paper labeling equipment with polymeric labels.

Abstract: A substrate bonding method using dry etching is disclosed. The substrate bonding method according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may notably reduce an amount of time required for bonding the substrates, and increase a manufacturing productivity.

Abstract: In the swell-welding according to the invention of two bodies, of which at least one body consists of plastic, the connection surface of the plastic body is firstly exposed to a gas which contains the vapor of a swelling agent for the plastic. The plastic body reversibly swollen at the surface is welded to the other body by pressing onto one another, and the pressed-together bodies are conditioned. In all process steps, the temperature of the bodies to be connected is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic. No auxiliary substance remains in the welded body. The flush connection produced by swell welding is durable and strong.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of bonding mineral fibers in a mineral fiber material, according to which an acid is applied to the mineral fiber material in an amount sufficient to dissolve mineral material from the fiber to form a silica containing binder on the mineral fiber, and curing the mineral fiber material to bond the fibers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a prosthetic for replacement of at least a part of the nucleus of a intravertebral disc. The prosthetic device is composed of at least two essentially parallel soft layers of an elastically deformable hydrogel and at least one rigid layer, the rigid layer having less compressibility than the soft layers, being adjacent to the soft layers, parallel to them, and firmly attached to them. In some embodiments, the soft layers have the same thickness and composition. Typically, the prosthesis has more than one rigid layer and these rigid layers have the same thickness and composition. The number of soft layers is usually one more than the number of rigid layers, with, e.g., at least three soft layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrication methods and apparatus for irrigating medical catheters. Such catheters include at least one section of standard thermoplastic catheter tubing coupled to a section of porous tubing (e.g., ePTFE and the like). A source of fluid couples to the porous portion of tubing to dispense diverse fluids. The manufacturing technique overcomes the inability of such porous material to liquefy and/or bond to most available adhesives by creating a mechanical-based coupling. One aspect of the present invention involves pre-treatment of a portion of a porous material such as ePTFE; that is, a “pre-imbibing” process is employed wherein the ePTFE is saturated with a solution of solvent and dissolved thermoplastic resin. After the solution evaporates a resin-based interstitial residue provides suitable structure that fuses to adjacent thermoplastic material during application of heat, such as during thermal bonding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent-welding process for water-soluble films, characterised in that the solvent has a viscosity of from 1.5 to 15,000 mPa.s.

Abstract: A three part laminated material for use in making blister packages and a method of making such a material. The material is comprised of a central core layer of poly chloro-tri-fluoro ethylene to each side of which a separate polymer film is adhesively attached. The method of making the material involves use of a corona treater, a vertical forced air convection dryer, a horizontal convection dryer, a motor driven rewind, a chilled cylinder, a primary unwind and at least one laminating unwind. In the preferred embodiment, each of the polymer films is polyvinyl chloride, although a variety of different films may be used. The disclosed material provides a high moisture barrier, a stable inter-laminar structure and outer surfaces which lend themselves well to bonding with other materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and device for fusing two or more foam components together by thermal welding, has an interface blade adapted for placement at an interface of foam components to be fused together, and a nozzle proximate to the interface blade for distributing a heated gas at the interface of the foam components. The nozzle may be located in a shroud proximate to the interface blade. An automated foam welding apparatus has a platform for supporting foam components or other components, a clamp for applying pressure to one or more of the foam components, and one or more welding heads mounted upon a track for translation proximate to the foam components to be welded together, the welding heads having an interface blade and a heated gas distribution nozzle, and optionally a trimmer for trimming excess material from one or more of the foam components. A hand-held foam welding device is also described.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and a method of making the balloon catheter, having a balloon which is bonded to an elongated shaft, and which has a first layer and a second layer and an improved bond between the balloon and the shaft. One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon in which the balloon first layer includes eUHMWPE and has at least a section that has been oxidized with a chromic acid solution to provide improved bondability.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nonwoven fabrics containing filaments of at least two different cross sections. The subject invention further pertains to methods used to produce these fabrics. In an embodiment specifically exemplified herein, the nonwoven fabric of the subject invention is made of nylon.

Abstract: A method of depositing adhesives or adhesion control agents using ink jet technology. The adhesive may be used in the manufacture of assembled paper products including greeting cards. The adhesion control agents may be deposited on a plastic sheet used in laminated safety glass.

Abstract: A substrate (101) is coated with an aqueous solution of boehmite (AlO(OH)) which is an aluminum hydroxide to form a coating film (102), and the property of the coating film (102) is modified into &agr;-alumina, thereby joining the substrate (101) to a substrate (103).

Abstract: The infusion set comprises of a connecting tube of polyethylene which is treated to form a wetable surface or treated with a primer and then bonded to a PVC hub by using solvent adhesive to solvent bond the low density polyethylene tubing or Teflon tubing to a PVC hub. The surface treatment methods include a methane plasma surface that is applied to tubing in a continuous manner and alternatively a primer that is applied locally and dried prior to applying the adhesive. Both techniques form a strong and resilient bond for the infusion needle and tube when assembled to the PVC hubs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of temporarily adhering a stack of sheets together to facilitate drilling a hole through the stack of sheets. The method includes using a temporary adhesive that prevents burring while drilling a hole through the stack.

Abstract: Adhesive articles and methods of applying and activating adhesive articles to bond to substrates using a fluid application aid. Preferably, the substrates are traffic devices such as traffic cones and the adhesive articles are retroreflective cone collars or sleeves.

Abstract: An aerosol solvent weld cement composition for joining ends of plastic pipe. The composition contains at least one polymer capable of welding the plastic pipes to each other, at least one solvent for the polymer, and at least one propellant for the polymer/solvent solution. The composition is maintained under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in an aerosol container. A female omnidirectional valve is disclosed for use in the aerosol container. This valve comprises a valve body having an omnidirectional attachment which contains a check valve container made up of a constricted lower end, a top surface, a lateral opening, and a check ball for opening and closing passageways. This valve allows the solvent weld cement composition to be applied to pipes from any angle.

Abstract: A process for the production of multi-ply polyvinyl butyral interlayer having improved separation force whereby multiple plies are combined in a tension controlled process comprising overlaying a layer of polyvinyl butyral sheeting having water drops on its surface with a second layer of polyvinyl butyral sheeting.