Abstract: The thermoplastic polyurethane comprises an inorganic additive, at least 70% of the particles of the inorganic additive having a maximum particle diameter smaller than 75% of the fiber diameter of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transfer belt for an image forming apparatus comprising (A) a base layer comprising a thermoplastic resin; and (B) a surface layer comprising a thermoplastic resin composite in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed, wherein the surface layer is laminated on one side of the base layer. The transfer belt for an image forming apparatus can have high surface electrical resistance, resistance homogeneity, homogeneous electrical conductivity, and good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are wholly aromatic polyamide filament and a method of manufacturing the same, characterized in that, in the process of preparing the wholly aromatic polyamide polymer, the aromatic diamine, aromatic diacid chloride and polymerization solvent put into the reactor 20 are agitated by an agitation device which is installed in the reactor 20 and consists of: (i) a rotor 3 driven by a motor 2 and having a plurality of pins 3a; and (ii) a stator 4 having a plurality of pins 4a, wherein spin speed of the rotor 3 is controlled to 10 to 100 times of both of feeding rates for the aromatic diacid chloride and the aromatic diamine in the polymerization solvent into the reactor and, at the same time, contact frequency between the pins 3a and the pins 4a is regulated within a range of 100 to 1,000 Hz.

Abstract: Polyesters whose polycondensation is catalyzed by titanium-containing catalysts and which are susceptible to acetaldehyde formation during polycondensation or subsequent molding operations are prepared with low finished acetaldehyde content and reduced acetaldehyde generation by adding an ammonium or amine salt of an oxyphosphorus-acid. Polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate, may be produced with high inherent viscosity in reduced processing time, without the necessity of further polymerization in the solid state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate resin produced by the continuous interfacial process characterized in that after alkaline hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide, the polycarbonate resin contains an amount of 0.01 to 150 ppm of carbamate compounds according to formula (1) said amount measured by high pressure liquid chromatography, wherein R1 and R2 independently of one another denote hydrogen or C1-C12-alkyl, or together denote C4-C12-alkylidene, and R3 and R4 independently of one another denote hydrogen. C1-C12-alkyl or phenyl, or together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded form cyclohexyl or trimethylcyclohexyl, the process comprising phosgene reacting with at least one bisphenol at 8 to 17% molar excess of phosgene relative to the bisphenol.

Abstract: Conventional production of plastic products not releasing harmful organic molecules requires a high injection or extrusion pressure in order to avoid heating of a resin to high temperature, resulting in use of a large-sized and heavy resin molding apparatus having high electric power consumption. The employment of a method of inhibiting oxidative decomposition and catalytic decomposition enables the formation of a molten plastic having an extremely low viscosity without decomposition or dissociation even at high temperature, whereby the molding of the resin can be conducted at a very low injection or extrusion pressure to attain the downsizing and weight saving of the resin molding apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of multilayered, shaped articles having high transparency and low haze having at least one layer contains one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and homogeneous blends thereof, and a separate layer which contains a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The thermoplastic polymer components and the polyamide components have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into one or more of the layers of the article while maintaining high clarity. These articles can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into one or more layers to impart oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: A polyamide resin comprising a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit comprising an adipic acid unit and a diamine constitutional unit comprising a pentamethylenediamine unit and a hexamethylenediamine unit wherein a weight ratio of the pentamethylenediamine unit to the hexamethylenediamine unit being in the range of 95:5 to 60:40; a vibration-welded molded product having an excellent vibration welding strength, a hinged molded product and a binding band having an excellent low-temperature toughness, and a filament having an excellent transparency which are obtained from the polyamide resin; and a hinged molded product comprising a polyamide resin constituted of an adipic acid unit and a pentamethylenediamine unit.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in extrusion coating. The composition comprises a polymeric material having a rheology such that the slope S of a natural log-natural log plot of loss modulus (or G?) versus storage modulus (or G?) is greater than [0.635*(melt index)+13.2]/[(melt index)+16.6], and wherein the polymeric material has a CDF RI fraction less than 0.23 of a GPC chromatogram which has a molecular weight above 85,000 g/mol, and a CDF LS fraction of more than 0.07 at a conventional GPC molecular weight of 1,750,000 g/mol or greater. The compositions exhibit reduced neck-in when used in extrusion coating and the neck-in is independent of melt strength, thereby facilitating improved extrusion processes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to provide a cord, in particular, a cord for reinforcing a rubber article in which rubber permeation properties are improved by coating filaments as constituents of the cord with rubber in a reliable and stable manner. The cord of the present invention is produced by, when the metal filament is guided to an extruder and extruded together with rubber from a mouthpiece of the extruder so that the metal filament is coated with the rubber, juxtaposing plural metal filaments in the mouthpiece and extruding the metal filaments together with rubber.

Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer compound has the steps of: mixing and agitating the polymer compound and a chemical agent in an extruder while controlling the inside of the extruder to be kept at a high temperature and a high pressure to have a reaction mixture containing a polymer treated product; supplying the reaction mixture continuously into a high-pressure container disposed following the extruder and retaining the reaction mixture at the high temperature and high pressure for a predetermined time; then supplying the reaction mixture continuously to a chemical agent separator to separate the polymer treated product; and supplying the separated polymer treated product continuously to a molding means to form it into a molded material.

Abstract: The use of 1,3-substituted imidazolium salts of the formula I in which R1 and R3 independently of one another are an organic radical having 1 to 20 C atoms, R2, R4, and R5 independently of one another are an H atom or an organic radical having 1 to 20 C atoms, it also being possible for R4 and R5 together to form an aliphatic or aromatic ring, X is an anion having a pKb of less than 13 (measured at 25° C., 1 bar in water or dimethyl sulfoxide), and n is 1, 2 or 3, with the exception as imidazolium salts of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate and 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate-acetic acid complex, as latent catalysts for curing compositions comprising epoxy compounds.

Abstract: The invention is a method for making condensation polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate polyester. The method includes introducing to a polycondensation reaction a catalyst system that includes a coordination catalyst and a composite catalyst, which includes an acid component and an auxiliary component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a halogen-free flame retardant obtainable by polycondensation of phosphoric monomers with esterifying monomers. The phosphoric monomer is an adduct of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phospha-phenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and ring-substituted DOPO derivatives to unsaturated carboxylic acids. Monovalent and polyvalent alcohols are used as esterifying monomers. The flame retardant has an average molecular weight of more than 20,000 and an average degree of polymerization Pn of at least 55, and is preferably used for the production of polyamide fibers and polyester fibers by melt spinning.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a male surface fastener member configured for being molded onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body. The male surface fastener member includes a plurality of male surface fastener strips connected with each other in an end-to-end relationship via a connecting portion that is integrally formed with at least the end portions of each male surface fastener strips. Each male surface fastener strip includes a base material having a first surface from which a plurality of engaging elements extend upwardly and first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls that upwardly from the first surface along a width direction of the base material between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls. Each of the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction of the first surface.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: A process for forming linear, thermoplastic weatherseals into a bend position is provided which avoids buckling of the thinner surfaces of the weatherseal material. The process involves the use of a support insert which supports the thinner surfaces during the bending operation, and thus assists in preventing the deformation of the thinner weatherseal surfaces. The support is preferable constructed of a material which is unaffected by temperatures higher than the heat-deformation temperature used to set the weatherseal material into a bent configuration, and thus, the support insert retains its linear shape when removed from the bending press, and therefore, can be reused. An improved process for manufacturing bent thermoplastic weatherseal material results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thin layers (3) of a silicon that can be subjected to plastic treatment, whereby the silicon layer (3) is extruded, and to the thin silicon layer produced by said method.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus for extruding multiple streams of extrusion material as extruded end-products and in the coating of substrates. A flow joiner in an extrusion head combines multiple metered streams such as from a gear pump, into a uniform extrusion flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing polyolefin-based adhesives. In the method, a maleated polyolefin is blended, in sequence, with a polyolefin elastomer and then with a linear low density polyethylene. The polyolefin-based adhesive made according to the method of the invention shows improved clarity and adhesion in multilayer polyolefin films.

Abstract: A temperature-regulating fiber may include a spun phase change polymeric material that may include a plurality of phase change polymer blocks. The fiber may have a fixity ratio of at least 80% and a recovery ratio of at least 74%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing continuous shopped, coarse, staple inorganic fibres from such natural minerals and rocks as sand, quartz, reduced quartz sand stone and quartzite. The inventive method consists in melting silicon-based stone, which is used in the form of a raw material, at a temperature of 1750-1850° C., the melt being homogenated and stabilised at said temperature, in forming a decompression zone on the path of the melt flow to the discharge orifice die, in which the melt flow is shaped in the form of a strip with a thickness of 3-20 mm, and in passing said strip through the decompression zone at a speed V=(7 . . . 9)10?4 m/s. The air pressure in the decompression zone above the melt flow is maintained within a range of 0.10-0.30 Pa. The inventive device comprises a furnace for producing melt, a feeder, at the output of which a transfer chamber is mounted, a discharge orifice, a stream feeder assembly and a fibre producing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flame-resistant spun staple yarns and fabrics and garments comprising these yarns and methods of making the same. The yarns have 50 to 75 parts by weight of a polymeric staple fiber containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof; 2 to 15 parts by weight of a fiber having low thermal shrinkage; 1 to 5 parts by weight of an antistatic fiber; and the remainder being flame resistant fibers having a limiting oxygen index of 21 or greater, based on 100 total parts by weight of the polymeric fiber, the low thermal shrinkage fiber, the antistatic fiber, and the flame resistant fibers in the yarn.

Abstract: A protective film of plastic. The film is produced in a single-ply, unbacked form from a hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: A water-permeable protective material is provided which comprises a composition of one or more quaternary amines in combination with polyvinyl alcohol or precursor thereof. The amine may be either a polymeric or non-polymeric quaternary amine, a preferred example being poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [p(DADMAC)]. The composition, if liquid, may be deposited as a layer on a substrate to be protected or a protective article may be formed by extrusion or moulding from a dry composition. The substrate may be a fabric material, particularly an item of clothing. Protection is provided against harmful or noxious agents such as chemical and biological warfare agents, organic materials, aerosols and other harmful liquid and gaseous substances.

Abstract: A method for processing polyester wastes, especially used polyester bottles, which comprises shredding, washing, drying and melting the waste mixture to obtain a starting raw material wherein a modifying agent selected from the group comprising a combination of polysiloxane and a plasticizer selected from the group of phthalates, or a combination of silazanes and silanes is added to the shredded and dried waste mixture, the amount of the modifying agent being 4 to 6% by weight, based on the waste mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides alternatives to traditional polycondensation processes for preparing copolymers. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides a process that includes an extrusion step and a solid state polymerization step to prepare high molecular weight block copolymer with a “hard block” contributed by a macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and a “soft block” contributed by a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer, an oligoether, and/or a dimerized fatty acid (i.e. a polyol). The invention also provides new copolymer compositions made possible by the new processes—for example, copolymers of higher molecular weight, copolymers with higher weight ratio of soft block units to hard block units, copolymers made with higher molecular weight polyol, and copolymers with hard block units that are themselves random copolyesters of units contributed by a MPO and a cyclic ester.

Abstract: Impact-modified polycarbonate compositions are disclosed that comprise a first graft polymer based on silicone-acrylate composite rubber as graft base, wherein the amount of silicone rubber is from 65 to 95 wt. % (based on the graft base), and a second graft polymer containing free copolymer, that is to say copolymer that is not chemically bonded to the rubber, and having a weight-average molecular weight of from 60,000 to 150,000 g/mol. The use of the polycarbonate compositions in the production of moulded articles, and to the moulded articles themselves are also disclosed. The compositions and moulding compositions have an optimum combination of good elongation at tear, good hydrolytic stability and low melt viscosity.

Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure-sensitive adhesives, acrylic foam tape, or screws.

Abstract: A composition including an ethylene blocking agent complex formed from the product of an ethylene blocking agent and a host, and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein the ethylene blocking agent complex and the at least one water-soluble polymer are intermingled is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a fluid comprising a material into an oriented film. The method includes pumping the fluid into a channel at an input end thereof at a predetermined pressure sufficient to push the material to an output end of the channel. The channel is at least partially defined by a substantially smooth outer surface of an inner tube and a substantially smooth inner surface of an outer tube. The method also includes subjecting the material to laminar shear at a predetermined rate by rotating one of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to the other. The predetermined rate is selected to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film. Also, the method includes cooling the material at a predetermined rate as the material moves through the channel from the input end to the output end to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film.

Abstract: A process of forming a microperforated plastic film includes providing a post tool having multiple posts, bringing plastic into contact with the post tool such that the plastic conforms to the shape of the posts, and solidifying the plastic into a solidified plastic film having a plurality of microperforations in the shape of the posts. Another step in the process is displacing any skins formed over the holes after solidifying the plastic. The process may be used to form a film for sound absorption where the posts are shaped and arranged to provide microperforations that provide a particular sound absorption spectrum. In one embodiment, the microperforations each have a narrowest diameter of 20 mils, a narrowest diameter less than a film thickness, and a widest diameter greater than narrowest diameter. The widest diameter may be about 125% or more of the narrowest diameter in an embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape memory materials and to a method for controlling shape change in shape memory materials. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a system for forming complex shapes from shape memory materials and to shape memory materials having complex shapes.

Abstract: A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties, excellent long-term storage stability, and a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, a polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and long-term storage stability, rarely allows endotoxins to enter a treatment liquid, exhibits a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, and a method of producing the same. A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane includes a polysulfone-based resin, a hydrophilic polymer, and a lipophilic antioxidant, the membrane containing the lipophilic antioxidant in an amount of 30 to 76 mg per gram of the membrane, and the total amount of the lipophilic antioxidant present on the surface of the membrane being 4 to 25 mg per gram of the membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for the production of compacted granular potassium chloride with improved handling qualities. A binding ingredient such as sodium hexametaphosphate is blended with the potassium chloride feed material in advance of compaction. The product of this apparatus and method has improved handling, storage, strength and other qualities over compacted granular potassium produced using prior art methods.

Abstract: A filter element for removing particles from a particulate laden fluid stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a filtration media formed into a tubular configuration and that a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats. The filter element also includes at least one melt-extruded retention strap extending circumferentially around the filtration media to limit radial movement of the filtration media at operating temperatures up to about 500° F. Each melt-extruded retention strap is formed from a melt extrudable amorphous thermoplastic polyimide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising a mixture composed of (A) at least one methyl methacrylate polymer, (B) at least one copolymer, obtainable via polymerization of a mixture, composed of (B1) at least one vinylaromatic monomer, and (B2) at least one vinyl cyanide, as monomers, (C) at least one graft polymer, obtainable from a core, and a first graft shell, and a second graft shell, (D) at least one polybutyl acrylate whose molar mass is from 1700 to 4000 g/mol (determined as Mw by means of gel permeation chromatography), and (E) if appropriate conventional additives, as component (E), to a process for preparation of these thermoplastic molding compositions, to the use of this thermoplastic molding composition for production of moldings, and also to the use of styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymers whose molar mass is from 1700 to 4000 g/mol (determined as Mw by means of gel permeation chromatography) for improvement of flowability and for reduction of the dependency

Abstract: A polylactic acid composition (A) comprising a polylactic acid component (B) comprising at least 90 mol % of an L-lactic acid unit and less than 10% of copolymerizing component units other than L-lactic acid, and a polylactic acid component (C) comprising at least 90 mol % of a D-lactic acid unit and less than 10 mol % of copolymerizing component units other than D-lactic acid, which is a mixed composition with a (B)/(C) weight ratio of between 10/90 and 90/10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyurethane elastic yarn which is excellent in elongation, resilience, heat resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, and capability of being dyed with a cationic dye and which is suitable for use in a stretch cloth, a wearing apparel or the like. The polyurethane elastic yarn comprises: an elastic yarn comprising a polyurethane mainly composed of a polymer diol and a diisocyanate; and a polymer of a compound having a sulfonate group contained in the elastic yarn.

Abstract: Method for production of candles wherein at least two fuel components are mixed together which before mixing each have a different temperature and which are the same or different in chemical composition. The first fuel component has a high temperature, wherein this is too plastic or fluid to be able to be processed or packed as a candle. The second fuel component has a lower temperature and is preferably granular whereby this functions as a cooling means to bring the first fuel component to hardening or setting.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polybromoaryl ether, comprising adding to a solvent for the polybromoaryl ether a mixture of (1) at least one compound of the structure HO—Ar—X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, wherein Ar is an aryl group and X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 are independently selected from hydrogen and bromine, provided that at least one of X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 is bromine, (2) at least one alkali or alkaline metal hydroxide, and (3) at least one polymerization initiator, wherein the solvent for the polybromoaryl ether is a non-solvent for alkali metal bromides.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating continuous nanofibers include the steps providing a column, flowing an extrusion liquid through the column, and flowing a precursor liquid through the extrusion liquid, wherein the flowing precursor liquid has a viscosity less than the viscosity of the extrusion liquid. The method further includes reducing the diameter of the flowing precursor liquid by extruding the precursor liquid through the extrusion liquid, wherein the diameter of the precursor liquid is reduced by a factor of at least 5, and forming a continuous nanofiber by solidifying the extruded precursor liquid.

Abstract: Described are film(s) and/or sheet(s) comprising polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose resin film includes: feeding molten resin into a die through piping, and casting it as a sheet onto a rotating cooling support. In the piping, leaf disc filters removing contaminants from the molten resin are circularly provided in a hollow shaft. A filtration device having a connection hole connects the leaf disc filters and the shaft inside. A static mixer has an element satisfying condition (A) in a lower step of the filtration device, decontaminated molten resin is rekneaded by the static mixer and fed into the die: (A) when viscosity of the molten resin is ?(Pa·s), a charging amount of the molten resin is V (kg/h), number of connection holes in the filtration device is m, and number of steps of the static element in the static mixer is n, ?×V<2n×m×V is satisfied.

Abstract: A stable catalyst solution suitable for catalyzing the polycondensation of reactants to make polyester polymers comprising: (i) M, wherein M is represented by an alkaline earth metal or alkali metal and (ii) aluminum metal and (iii) a polyhydroxyl ether solvent, wherein the molar ratio of M:Al ranges from 0.2:1 to 4:1 or less. The catalyst solution is desirably a solution which does not precipitate upon standing over a period of at least one week at room temperature (25° C.-40° C.), even at molar ratios of M:Al approaching 1:1. There is also provided a method for the manufacture of the solution, its feed to and use in the manufacture of a polyester polymer, and polyester polymers obtained by combining certain ingredients or containing the residues of these ingredients in the composition.

Abstract: A method of the type in which a strip of rubber is moved continuously from a rubber-supplier device to a consumer device. During the continuous movement and prior to reaching the consumer device, a portion, referred to as the residue, is taken continuously from the strip of rubber. The residue is taken by continuously cutting the strip of rubber. For example, the supplier device includes upstream storage means for storing the strip of rubber from which the strip is moved toward the extruder, and downstream storage means in which the residue is stored. After the strip of rubber on the upstream storage means has been used up, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped with each other.

Abstract: An improvement to the phase interface process of preparing aromatic polycarbonate is disclosed. The process is characterized in that the phosgenation is carried out at 0 to 40° C., and in that the temperature of the reaction mixture at the time of addition of the catalyst at 10 to 40° C., and in that the molar ratio of aromatic dihydroxy compounds to phosgene at 1:1.05 to 1:1.20. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized in its low content of carbamates, making it particularly suitable for the preparation of optical storage media.