Abstract: A method of making polyurethane or polyurethane urea strands containing siloxane in the polyurethane or polyurethane urea backbone including the steps of: (a) reacting a macroglycol with a diisocyanate to form a prepolymer; (b) reacting the prepolymer with a diamine to form a spinning solution; (c) spinning the spinning solution to form polyurethane or polyurethane urea strands, wherein: i. a diol-polydimethylsiloxane is reacted with the macroglycol and the diisocyanate in step (a); ii. a diamine-polydimethylsiloxane is reacted with the prepolymer prior to the reaction of the prepolymer with the diamine in step (b); or iii. a diamine-polydimethylsiloxane is reacted at the same time as the prepolymer and diamine in step (b), and wherein the polyurethane or polyurethane urea strands comprise less than or equal to 6% of siloxane by weight based on the weight of the polyurethane or polyurethane urea strands and elastic fibers made thereby.

Abstract: A water-soluble film including a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer resin, a plasticizer, an anti-block filler, and a release modifier is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are related packets incorporating the film, and related methods of making and using the film and packets.

Abstract: Polymeric materials that are blends of polymers having differing water solubility rates are disclosed. The blends may be incorporated into at least a portion of a medical devices such as the shafts of flushable urinary catheters to provide suitable catheter stiffness/flexibility and catheter disintegration in water receptacles such as toilets. The blended material may provide the substrate of the catheter shaft or may provide one or more layers of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously making a spunbond web of filaments comprises a spinneret, a cooling chamber into which process air for can be introduced for the purpose of cooling the filaments, a monomer suction device between a spinneret and cooling chamber, a stretcher and a deposition device for depositing the filaments of the spunbond web. The cooling chamber is divided into two cooling compartments, and process air can be suctioned out from a first upper cooling compartment at a volumetric flow rate (VM) to a monomer suction device. Process air exits from the first upper cooling compartment at a volumetric flow rate (V1) into a second lower cooling compartment and from the first upper cooling compartment at a volumetric flow rate (V1) into a second lower cooling compartment. A ratio (VM/V1) is 0.1 to 0.35.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a spun-bonded web from filaments, comprising spinnerets, a cooling chamber into which process air can be introduced in order to cool the filaments, a monomer suction device arranged between the spinnerets and the cooling chamber, a stretching unit, and a placing device for placing the filaments so as to form the spun-bonded web. The cooling chamber is divided into two cooling chamber portions. Process air can be suctioned out of a first upper cooling chamber portion to the monomer suction device with a volumetric flow rate Vm, and process air exits the first upper cooling chamber portion into a second lower cooling chamber portion with a volumetric flow rate V1. The volumetric flow rate ratio VM/V1 is 0.1 to 0.3.

Abstract: A composition for preparing a polyimide including a tetracarboxylic dianhydride mixture including a tetracarboxylic dianhydride represented by Chemical Formula 1A, Chemical Formula 1B, or a combination thereof, a tetracarboxylic dianhydride represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a diamine represented by Chemical Formula 3: NH2—R1—NH2??Chemical Formula 3 wherein in Chemical Formulae 1A, 1B, 2 and 3, definitions of groups and substituents are described in the specification.

Abstract: Poly(acrylic acid) polymer blends comprising poly(acrylic acid) and glycerol, the glycerol content being 25-75% by weight based on the weight of the poly(acrylic acid). The polymer blends are miscible; they retain the ability to absorb large volumes of liquids and also exhibit rubber viscoelasticity. The incorporation of glycerol reduces the glass transition temperature of the blends dramatically. The process of preparing the poly(acrylic acid) polymer blends by solution casting is described. Methods of measuring the glass transition temperature and the tensile strength of the polymer blends are also provided.

Abstract: In a process for producing an elongated polyethylene component, such as a fiber or membrane, polyethylene powder having a molecular weight of at least 3×105 g/mol as determined by ASTM 4020 is dissolved in a solvent to produce an extrudable solution. The solution is then extruded through a die to form an elongated component and at least part of said solvent is removed from the elongated component. The polyethylene powder used in the process is produced by polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a Group 4 metal complex of a phenolate ether ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical compensation film, which has excellent visibility such as light leakage, uneven color tone and front contrast, and can simultaneously realize retardation and wavelength dispersion. The optical compensation film is characterized by containing a cellulose ester, the following polymer (a), and the following compound (b). (a) A polymer produced by copolymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having in its molecule a partial structure represented by Formula (1) with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. (b) An esterified compound produced by esterifying all or a part of OH groups in a compound (A) having one furanose structure or one pyranose structure, or an esterified compound produced by esterifying all of or a part of OH groups in a compound (B) containing nor less than 2 and not more than 12 structures of at least one of a furanose structure or a pyranose structure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a polyvinyl butyral resin pellet is provided that gives off little odor when produced and handled, as well as has a high apparent density and favorable handleability. The present invention includes a method for producing a polyvinyl butyral resin pellet including the steps of: melting polyvinyl butyral resin powder with a water content of 0.01 to 6 wt % by means of a melt extruder that has at least one vent portion for devolatilization equipped with vacuum means, and cutting the melt of the polyvinyl butyral resin after extrusion of it from the melt extruder. The present invention further includes a polyvinyl butyral resin pellet having a total content of butyl aldehyde and 2-ethyl-2-hexenal of 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: A method of making an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane including the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; matting the unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; and immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE membrane. A method for making ePTFE tubes includes the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; wrapping the ePTFE membrane around a mandrel or form tool to form an ePTFE tube; matting the ePTFE tube; immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE tube; and removing the sintered ePTFE tube from the mandrel or form tool.

Abstract: A process for continuous manufacturing of moisture-curable polyurethane formulations used as sealants and adhesives. The process is characterized by the fact that the reactive components are introduced independently, and without the need for a prepolymer, to a mixer. Solid or liquid raw materials can be either pre-blended or fed directly to the mixer, a twin-screw extruder, which provides the requisite energy to homogenously mix the raw materials and drive the chemical reaction. The process is designed so that the extruder barrel and screw allow variable feed addition and heat exchange down the length of the machine. This allows various operations to be performed at different points in the extruder, including reaction, dispersive mixing, distributive mixing and devolitization.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber made of peptide nanostructures is disclosed. The method comprises: providing peptide nanostructures in solution, and fiberizing the solution thereby forming at least one fiber of the peptide nanostructures. Also disclosed are methods of forming films and other articles using the peptide nanostructures.

Abstract: A robust process for the continuous preparation of solutions of high molecular weight UHMW PO that is capable of producing strong materials at high production capacity, is conservative of capital and energy requirements, and the articles made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an annular belt made of polyimide comprising; a) joining both ends of a sheet made of a polyimide precursor to form an annular belt; and b) performing an imidizing reaction of the polyimide precursor.

Abstract: A process for producing a wound dressing was provided having steps of: spinning an aqueous stock containing natural polymeric materials into a spin formation solution to form a wet polymeric spin; immersing the wet polymeric fiber into a softening reagent to obtain a softened wet polymeric spin; immersing the softened wet polymeric spin into a volatile reagent to expelling moisture in the softened wet polymeric fiber to form a polymeric fiber; forming a non-woven fabric of the polymeric fiber; and treating the non-woven fabric of the polymeric fiber with a coating solution to form a porous coating on the polymeric fiber to obtain a wound dressing. A process for manufacturing a polymeric fiber is also provided. A wound dressing produced by the process is also provided.

Abstract: A robust process for the continuous preparation of solutions of high molecular weight UHMW PO that is capable of producing strong materials at high production capacity, is conservative of capital and energy requirements, and the articles made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming fibers from a spinning solution utilizing a high speed rotary sprayer. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: A fully compostable container is provided having an enclosed body with an opening through an interior surface and an exterior surface. The enclosed body having a plant fiber structural layer configured to biodegrade in ambient conditions into nontoxic residue and a fluid barrier layer formed on a first side of the structural layer to form the interior surface of the enclosed body, the fluid barrier layer configured to biodegrade in ambient conditions into nontoxic residue. The container is gradually biodegradable when exposed to a set of factors in a natural environment and has a shelf life of six months when stored under standard commercial conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides light weight, water dispersible, granular compositions containing a first herbicide and a second herbicide in which the first herbicide and the second herbicide have different physical characteristics. In particular, the present invention relates to granular herbicidal compositions comprising a low melting point herbicide, carfentrazone-ethyl, and a high melting point herbicide, sulfosulfuron, having excellent dispersibility in water and chemical and physical stability.

Abstract: The invention resides in enabling biodegradable filament of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and the like to manufacture biodegradable micro-filament by simple and convenient means without needing special, high-accuracy and high-level apparatus; it is characterized in that highly molecular oriented micro-filament those of 12 ?m or less and generally from 2 ?m to 3 ?m can be obtained by heating biodegradable filament by infrared beam and the heated original filament is drawn to 100 times or more by tension of 10 MPa or less.

Abstract: Compositions include an aerogel component and have low thermal conductivity. Methods for preparing slurries or composites include, for example combining the aerogel component with a surfactant, binder and other ingredients, such as, for instance, fibers. The compositions can be slurries that can be used in coating applications or self supporting rigid composites.

Abstract: A solution system for biopolymers in the form of carbohydrates based on a molten ionic liquid, additives optionally being contained in the solution system, is described. This solution system contains a protic solvent or a mixture of several protic solvents, and in the case where the protic solvent is solely water, this is present in the solution system in an amount of more than about 5 wt. %. Carbohydrates can be incorporated into the solution system, in particular in the form of starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and it can then be used for regeneration of the carbohydrates contained therein. A particularly advantageous process for the preparation of the solution system containing the carbohydrates and for the preparation of regenerated carbohydrates, in particular in the form of regenerated cellulose fibers, is moreover described. The invention accordingly also provides such spun fibers as are distinguished in that they are non-fibrillating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing method of the natural cellulose fiber with feature for enhancing the capability of antifungi, antibacteria and deodorization. The procedure is that firstly modify and reduce the properties of the natural chitosan of high polymer material to nanometer scale; secondly dunk the chitosan into the syrup-like mixture of wood pulp and NMMO solvent to yield quasi-dope; thirdly dehydrate the quasi-dope of paste mixture to form the mud-like dope; fourthly spin the dope by dryjet wet spinning method; fifthly regenerate the filament in coagulation bath, water rinse and dry; finally water rinse, dry, apply the lubricant to finish. The water soluble chitosan, which has been treated by property modification and reduced to nanometer scale, can effectively and completely solve in the cellulose of low DP to offer wider extent of selection in the DP and better flexibility of adding percentage in content of modified chitosan.

Abstract: A process for producing a wound dressing was provided having steps of: spinning an aqueous stock containing natural polymeric materials into a spin formation solution to form a wet polymeric spin; immersing the wet polymeric fiber into a softening reagent to obtain a softened wet polymeric spin; immersing the softened wet polymeric spin into a volatile reagent to expelling moisture in the softened wet polymeric fiber to form a polymeric fiber; forming a non-woven fabric of the polymeric fiber; and treating the non-woven fabric of the polymeric fiber with a coating solution to form a porous coating on the polymeric fiber to obtain a wound dressing. A process for manufacturing a polymeric fiber is also provided. A wound dressing produced by the process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. Catheters and stents are particular examples, and their composition, mechanical characteristics, and the significantly unique ability to conduct and allow fluids to pass from one end to the other without physiological rejection, inflammation, or manifestation of complications due to implant or otherwise undesirable outcomes when used for ambulatory and or therapeutic interventions is the purpose of the invention.

Abstract: A membrane includes a first polyethylene having an Mw<1.0×106, a second polyethylene having an Mw?1.0×106, and a polypropylene having an Mw?5.0×105 and a ?Hm 80.0 J/g; wherein (a) the sum of the amounts of (i) polypropylene having an Mw?5.0×105 and a ?Hm 80.0 J/g, and (ii) the second polyethylene is?15.0 wt. %, the weight percents being based on the total weight of the polymer in the membrane; (b) the membrane has a thickness?12.0 ?m; and (c) the membrane is microporous.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite magnetic sheet having a high magnetic permeability, to be produced easily at a low cost. The composite magnetic sheet includes magnetic substance powders and polytetrafluoroethylene powders.

Abstract: A casting film is formed by casting a dope containing a polymer and a solvent onto a support. Thereafter, the casting film is peeled off from the support as a wet film (74). The wet film (74) is transported to a tenter device (47) having plural tenter clips (101). Before holding side edges of the wet film (74) by the tenter clips (101), air is blown from an outlet (120a) of an air nozzle (120) to a curled portion (74a) such that the air is pressed against the curled portion (74a). Thereby, the curled portion (74a) is flattened to become an approximately flat portion (74b).

Abstract: A carbon fiber precursor fiber having a weight average molecular weight Mw(F) of 200,000 to 700,000 and a degree of polydispersity MZ(F)/Mw(F), wherein MZ(F) indicates Z-average molecular weight of the fiber, of 2 to 5.

Abstract: Included is a spinning cell for a synthetic fiber such as spandex. The spinning cell includes a top closure which reduces or eliminates solvent vapor transfer, where solvent vapor process gas(es) may leave the cell and room air may be introduced into the spinning cell. A bottom closure device may also be included.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing polyimide film, including stretching, at 150° C. to 380° C. and a stretch ratio of 1.2 to 4.0, an unstretched polyimide film which is formed from a polyimide having a repeating unit represented by formula (1): (wherein R represents a tetravalent group derived from cyclohexane; and ? represents a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic group, or a combination thereof that has a total number of carbon atoms of 2 to 39 and may have at least one connecting group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —SO2—, —CO—, —CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, —OSi(CH3)2—, —C2H4O—, and —S—) and which has an organic solvent content of 0.5 wt. % or more and less than 30 wt. %. The produced polyimide film exhibits transparency, excellent heat resistance, and reduced dimensional changes.

Abstract: A method for forming a microporous membrane having a microstructure is described. Dope and coagulant formulations are simultaneously cast, where the coagulant formulation diffuses into the dope formulation through an interface effecting a phase inversion forming a microstructure.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multi-filament yarns having improved tensile properties and the yarns and articles thereby produced.

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: Process for recycling soluble or dispersible plastics from a waste product containing plastics by treatment with an organic solvent, concentrating the plastics solution thus obtained to more than 40 wt % of plastics, preconditioning the concentrated plastics solution to a pressure of at least 2 bar using a first pump and a temperature of 1-10° C. below the boiling temperature of the solvent at that pressure, bringing this preconditioned concentrated plastics solution above the critical point of the plastics solution using a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure heat exchanger, spraying the concentrated plastics solution above the critical point to recover the plastics through evaporation of the organic solvent, and recovery of the organic solvent. The process has advantages over known processes in that higher concentrations of plastics can be processed, without the danger of cavitations, and the need for solvent and energy can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of film fabrication is taught that uses a coating and drying apparatus to fabricate resin films suitable for optical applications. In particular, polycarbonate films are prepared by simultaneous application of multiple liquid layers to a moving carrier substrate. After solvent removal, the polycarbonate films are peeled from the sacrificial carrier substrate. Polycarbonate films prepared by the current invention exhibit good dimensional stability and low birefringence.

Abstract: A dope containing a TAC and solvent is prepared in a dope producing apparatus. In a case where a new dope having components different from that of the dope described above is produced, a controlling device performs controlling such that an operation of each pump is stopped, each valve is set to a closing position, and a hopper stops supplying the TAC. Thereafter, a washing liquid is introduced into the respective devices of the dope producing apparatus. The dope remained in the respective devices are discharged as a waste liquid together with the washing liquid. The waste liquid is heated in dry gas until a liquid level of the waste liquid turns into a falling-rate drying state in a dry heating chamber provided in a solvent removing device. In a wet heating chamber, the waste liquid is heated in wet gas.

Abstract: Film, fibre, foam and adhesive materials are produced from soluble S-sulfonated keratins. Once formed, the films, fibres, foams or adhesives are treated to modify the properties of the materials, in particular to improve the wet strength of the materials. Treatments used include removal of the S-sulfonate group by treatment with a reducing agent, treatment with an acid or treatment with a common protein crosslinking agent or treatment with a reduced form of keratin or keratin protein. The films are made by solvent casting a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins, the foam made by freeze-drying a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins and the fibres made by extruding a solution of a S-sulfonated keratin protein.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin membrane having excellent compression resistance is obtained by stretching a gel molding comprising a polyolefin and a membrane-forming solvent, removing the membrane-forming solvent, and stretching the resultant membrane again at least uniaxially at a speed of 3%/second or more at a temperature equal to or lower than the crystal dispersion temperature +20° C.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin film which comprises 5 to 95 wt. % polyethylene (A) having a viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) of 2,000,000 or higher, a first-melting-peak signal height as determined by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) of 3.0 mW/mg or higher, a specific surface area of 0.7 m2/g or larger, and an average particle diameter of 1 to 150 ?m and 95 to 5 wt. % polyethylene (B) having an Mw of 10,000 to 200,000, excluding 10,000 and 200,000, wherein the ratio of the Mv of the compound (A) to that of the compound (B), (A)/(B), is 10 or higher, the film as a whole has a molecular weight of 300,000 to 1,500,000, and the film has a fuse temperature of 120 to 140° C., a breaking temperature of 150° C. or higher, and a ratio of the piercing strength at 25° C. to the piercing strength at 140° C. of from 0.01 to 0.25.

Abstract: A process for making a flexible structure that includes at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property that differs in value.

Abstract: A film can comprise greater than or equal to about 95 wt % thermoplastic resin and about 0.001 wt % to about 5.0 wt % sulfonate salt, based on a total weight of the film, and have a UL-94 rating of VTM-0, wherein the thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polysulfone, and copolymers, reaction products, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: Porous acrylic fibers produced by a method comprising subjecting a spinning dope containing 0.3 to 20 parts by weight of poly(vinyl acetate) relative to 100 parts of an acrylic copolymer to a wet spinning to give fibers, crimping and cutting the fibers, subjecting the resultant fibers to a treatment by hot water at 90 to 100° C. for 30 to 120 minutes or by saturated steam at 90 to 130° C. for 10 to 90 minutes to thereby form porous fibers; and a pile fabric having pile portions which comprise the porous fibers in an amount of 3 wt % or more, and, in the pile fabric, respective single fibers are visible being separate and emphasized, and thus the pile fabric has an appearance being highly decorative and excellent in design characteristics.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic molding composition is disclosed. The process entails introducing a solid polymeric resin, optionally containing residual moisture, into an extruder, operating under conditions designed to melt the resin and charging water into the melt while in the extruder to yield wet, molten resin that contains water in an amount of at least about 2 percent. The wet, molten resin is then devolatilized to yield dry resin having water content not exceeding 0.3 percent. Molding compositions thus produced have improved properties. In a preferred embodiment, the process results in a molding composition that contains a fine dispersion of a discontinuous phase in a continuous polymeric phase.

Abstract: Highly filled composite materials, e.g. comprising approximately 60 volume % or greater of finely powdered particles of filler in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving polymer in a volatilisable solvent, adding filler and forming a homogeneous mixture by high shear mixing. Most solvent is then removed while maintaining homogeneity in the mixture, preferably by evaporation in a high shear mill. Then, extruding a thin layer of the composite material and removing remaining solvent, as by heating. Bodies are formed from the dried layer, which are heated and pressed to melt and disperse melted polymer into the interstices between filler particles. Thereby, certain polymers unusable at low solids contents become effective bonding materials at high solids contents. Filler materials are chosen to tailor electrical and physical properties of the articles, which may comprise substrates for electronic circuits. Suitable polymers are certain polyarylene ethers soluble in cyclohexanone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spandex fiber prepared to be excellent in resistance to both chlorine and heat without affecting the properties of the polyurethane polymer, and manufacturing method thereof. The spandex fiber contains hydrotalcite coated with 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a melamine-based compound. The melamine-based compound includes melamine compounds, phosphor-associated melamine compounds, melamine cyanurate compounds, melamine compounds substituted with an organic compound having a carboxyl group, phosphor-associated melamine compounds substituted with an organic compound having a carboxyl group, or melamine cyanurate compounds substituted with an organic compound having a carboxyl group, which are used alone or in combination. The spandex fiber has a high resistance to both chlorine and heat and is therefore useful for underwear, socks, and particularly, sports apparels such as swimsuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for preparing aminoplastics and/or phenolics, in which a precondensate solution is prepared in a first extruder (14), the precondensate solution is continuously fed, with addition of additives, to a second extruder (20) with partial filling in the feed section (E) and devolatilization section (G), devolatilized in the second extruder (20) and then formed to give a molding composition or an end product. The process is particularly suitable for preparing melamine resins, in particular melamine-formaldehyde resins, as well as for preparing urea-formaldehyde resins.

Abstract: A coating liquid for forming porous silica coating, comprising a product of reaction between a short fiber silica and a hydrolyzate of an alkoxysilane of the formula XnSi(OR)4-n or a halogenated silane of the formula XnSiX′4-n (in the formula, X represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a vinyl group; R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a vinyl group; X′ represents a chlorine atom or a bromine atom; and n is an integer of 0 to 3). A coated substrate comprising a porous silica coating film formed from the above coating liquid for forming porous silica coating. A short fiber silica having an average diameter (D) of 10 to 30 nm, a length (L) of 30 to 100 nm and an aspect ratio (L/D) of 3 to 10.

Abstract: A method of drying saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers which includes melting and kneading a mixture including one or more saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer species and having a water content of 5 to 60% by weight until the mixture has a water content of less then 5% by weight.