Abstract: A cellulose triacetate film having a film thickness from 115 to 135 &mgr;m and a Z value of 0.3 or less wherein the Z value is a slope (g/° C.) obtained by plotting tear strength against temperature in a range between −20° C. and +23° C., and a process for producing the same characterized by drying cast film using drying wind having a temperature T° C. which satisfies T0−15<T<T0, wherein temperature T° C. of the drying wind is in an arbitrary volatile component region and the temperature T0° C. is at an inflexion point obtained by plotting tear strength W of the cellulose triacetate film after drying at the temperature T° C. against drying wind temperature. The film is excellent in low temperature strength, and resistant to breakage of perforations during rewinding under low temperature conditions.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a polybenzoxazole/clay nanocomposite material includes performing an ion exchange reaction between an organic amine and Na+-montmorillonite to form a swelled organoclay. A polycondensation reaction is conducted between two types of monomers, isophthaloyl chloride and 2,2-bis (3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane to form a polybenzoxaxole precursor polyhydroxyamide to form a PBO/clay composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for continuously producing a polymer sheet having an excellent surface smoothness, an apparatus for producing such a polymer sheet, and an optical polymer sheet produced by such a process. The process for producing a polymer sheet comprises coating or laminating, on a polymer base sheet, an ultraviolet-curing resin composition, adhering the coated or laminated polymer base sheet to a member having a smooth surface whose maximum surface roughness (Rmax) satisfies Rmax≦0.1 &mgr;m, in a state that the ultraviolet-curing resin composition is soft, and applying an ultraviolet light to transfer smoothness of the smooth surface of the member onto the polymer base sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming sheets, comprising a pair of drums moving a belt to define a path for curing the sheets. Uncured material preferably polychloroprene, is put on the belt and squeezed between the drum and a roller to adjust the thickness of the layer. The drums rotate at a rate to permit the material to cure between the first and the second drum. Ovens cure the polychloroprene, which is removed at the second drum. The sheet has a thickness of from at least 0.004 inches to more than 0.25 inches. A plurality of sources supply material of at least two colors to form a sheet having stripes. Preferred sheets have an elongation to break of about 150% to about 1500%, a tensile strength of about 5 Mpa to about 50 Mpa and a modulus at 300% elongation of about 1 Mpa to about 10 Mpa.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyester film that is 7.0 GPa or more in either the Young's modulus in the machine direction (YmMD) or in the transverse direction (YmTD), and in the range of 55° or more and 85° or less in the circumferential half-width of the diffraction line from the crystal plane in the direction of the polyester's backbone chain that is determined through crystal orientation analysis by wide angle X-ray diffractometry performed while rotating the polyester film around its normal. The film is high in rigidity in all directions within the film plane, high in tear resistance, high in dimensional stability, and resistant to deformation under load, and have very great industrial advantages as material for high-density magnetic recording media, with wide applicability as material for electrostatic capacitor, heat transfer ribbon, and base paper for thermosensitive stencil printing.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing fiber or film comprising a polyurethane and layers delaminated from a lamellar clay, said layers being dispersed in said polyurethane. Fiber and film produced by the processes of the present invention exhibit reduced tack and an increased ability to affix at least one dye.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing dope for the manufacture of microporous phase inversion membrane having any one of a plurality of different pore sizes from a single master dope batch is disclosed. The systems and methods include formulating a single master batch of dope preferably maximizing the non-solvent to solvent ratio for a given weight percentage of polymer for use in a microporous phase inversion membrane casting operation to produce phase inversion membranes having one of a plurality of different predetermined pore sizes. The master dope batch is controllably formulated in a vessel such that the temperature of the dope does not exceed a predetermined maximum mixing temperature and is maintained at a relatively low temperature (lower than the mixing temperature) suitable for storage.

Abstract: An optical film made via melt extrusion of a noncrystalline thermoplastic resin and having a thickness of below 100 &mgr;m, a residual phase difference of up to 10 nm and an optical axis deviation within ±10°, and a method for manufacture of an optical film wherein, when a nocrystalline thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature Tg is extruded from an extrusion die into a film and bringing the film into close contact with a chill roll, a temperature of the film before the film from the die exit is brought into close contact with the chill roll is maintained not to fall below Tg+50° C.

Abstract: By molding a biodegradable plastic material which is treated with a compound reactive to the active hydrogen in the biodegradable plastic material, a biodegradable plastic material and molding having long-term reliability are obtained.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a sealing or an anti-extrusion component for use in a downhole tools is described. The method includes formation of the component from a composition that contains a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of a polyetherketoneketone. The resultant component is adapted for use in a downhole tool. The invention is also a sealing or an anti-extrusion component for use in a downhole tool. The component contains a composition, which itself is composed of a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of a polyetherketoneketone, and the component is adapted for use in a downhole tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the pore structure of thin polymeric sheets, such as porous membranes and thin films, during solvent casting or interfacial polymerization. The invention may be used to reduce or eliminate macrovoid pore defects from solvent-cast or interfacially polymerized polymeric membranes used in a variety of separations or controlled release tasks or to create a desired pore structure in porous thin films, such as may be used in breathable garments, surgical dressings, and screen printing. A nonuniform electric field is generated at one or more locations in proximity to a liquid film in which a desired pore structure is to be formed. Due to the difference in dielectric constant between the liquid within the pores and that in the surrounding liquid, the electric field causes an attractive or repulsive force on the evolving pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard magnetic films made of a polymer matrix and hard magnetic powder particles distributed therein. The films have a thickness of preferably 100 to 500 &mgr;m and are flexible. They can be produced by using a casting method and are suited, for example, as hard magnetic components in miniature motors, polarized relays or sensors.

Abstract: A polymeric material including a microporous matrix disposed in a multi-block polymer having a backbone of the general formula: [(A)n−(B)m−(X)l]p wherein: A is a first copolymerized monomer; B is a second copolymerized monomer; X is a third copolymerized monomer the same as or different from A; n and m are the same or different and are each an integer in the range of from 30 to 3000; is 0 or an integer in the range of from 30 to 3000; p is an integer in the range of from 1 to 100; wherein the microporous matrix is defined by reactive cleavage of at least a portion of a pendant moiety on B. The polymeric material is produced by a process which comprises cleavage of at least a portion of pendant moiety on B while leaving the backbone of the copolymer intact. This approach facilities production of a substantially uniform distribution of very small pores of substantially uniform dimension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.

Abstract: Asphalt is packaged in containers having breakage means, such as short notches, long channels, wedges or molded parts, to allow for easy breakage into smaller portions for ease of handling and feeding into kettles. Asphalt is also packaged so as to improve cold flow of the block while simultaneously reducing fumes at the kettle. The containers have various features to enhance processability and handleability, including a handhold portions and/or scooped portions.

Abstract: A process for producing an epoxy resin composition for photosemiconductor element encapsulation which, even when a filler or the like is not contained therein, can have a viscosity necessary for molding and hence be satisfactorily molded to give a cured resin less apt to have defects such as burrs or bubbles. The process, which is for producing an epoxy resin composition for photosemiconductor element encapsulation comprising an epoxy resin, a hardener and a hardening accelerator as constituent ingredients, comprises: a first step of melt-mixing the ingredients together; and a second step of regulating viscosity of the molten mixture obtained in the first step at a given temperature.

Abstract: A clear and printable polypropylene film is disclosed. The film is prepared from a blend of a polypropylene and an ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymer. It has an excellent adhesion with commonly used inks without surface treatment.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging barrier polyamide compositions exhibiting high oxygen scavenging capability as well as good coinjection stretch blow moldability characteristics suitable for making multilayer PET bottles with good clarity and delamination resistance are claimed in this invention. The polyamide compositions of this invention comprise a slow crystallizing polyamide blend comprising (i) an amorphous, semiaromatic polyamide homopolymer, copolymer or mixture thereof and (ii) a semicrystalline, aliphatic polyamide homopolymer, copolymer or mixture thereof wherein in the weight ratio of (i):(ii) ranges from about 99:1 to about 30:70; at least one polyamide-compatible, oxidizable polydiene; and at least one oxidation promoting metal salt catalyst. The multilayer PET bottles, made with the polyamide compositions of this invention as the barrier layer, are suitable for extended shelf-life packaging of oxygen-sensitive food and beverage products such as beer and juices.

Abstract: A film is formed by casting a ribbon on a support from a flow cast die while pulling said ribbon toward said support by providing a decompression area. The decompression area is divided into a middle portion, a left portion and a right portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solution casting process capable of decreasing uneven coating of a functional layer upon applying the functional layer onto a film surface, which comprises casting a solution of polymer dissolved in organic solvent into a film by extruding from a die onto a support, wherein the length of the film from the die opening to the landing of the film on the support is controlled to 3 to 40 mm.

Abstract: A thermally conductive substrate having a structure in which inorganic filler for improving the thermal conductivity and thermosetting resin composition are included. The thermosetting resin composition has a flexibility in the not-hardened state, and becomes rigid after hardening. The thermally conductive substrate has excellent thermal radiation characteristics. The method of manufacturing the thermally conductive substrate includes: piling up (a) the thermally conductive sheets comprising 70 to 95 weight parts of an inorganic filler, and 4.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A strip casting device (2) has a casting container (14) from which through a casting gap (15) two different masses (12, 13) of a material flowable with the addition of heat are poured out as a strip (3) onto a cooling device (4). The second mass (13) is at the same time ejected by way of injection nozzles (21, 22) into the region of the casting gap (15) into the casting flow of the first mass (12). The injection nozzles are preferably movable in various directions.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate film is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, casting dope containing cellulose acylate on a surface of a metal support, peeling off a web formed by casting the dope from the metal support, contacting surface of the web which has been contacted with the surface of the metal support, with a first roller just after the peeling off of the web from the metal support surface, consequently, contacting the surface of the web which has been exposed to air on the metal support, with a second roller, and drying the peeled web.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyimide film in which the imidation ratio and/or the amount of volatile constituent are controlled to improve the adhesive strength of the polyimide film. The method may also comprise controlling the highest temperature of heating the prefilm to improve the adhesive strength of the polyimide film.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a shaped hydrogel of absorbent resin is disclosed. This invention accomplishes the continuous production by continuously supplying in the form of a layer a monomer mixture capable of forming an absorbent resin by polymerization and polymerizing the layer of the monomer mixture. This method is characterized by retaining the rate of change of the thickness in the direction of width of the layer of hydrogel of absorbent resin at the time of formation of gel at a level of not more than 20%.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing thermoplastic resin film which allows a biaxially oriented polyester film to be formed at a high speed of 400 m/min or more. In the method, a molten thermoplastic resin film is brought into contact with a cooling medium, to be cooled and solidified, for producing a cast film. The method is characterized by keeping the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position at not lower than the glass transition temperature and not higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. The apparatus is characterized by a cooling medium having a heater and a cooler to ensure that the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position is kept at the requisite temperature, and by a surface temperature of the cooling drum in the region immediately before the film leaving position being maintained lower than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The application discloses a transparent, biaxially oriented polyester film having a base layer at least 80% by weight of which is composed of a thermoplastic polyester, and having at least one outer layer, wherein the outer layer is composed of a copolymer or of a mixture of polymers which comprises at least 35 mol % of ethylene 2,6-naphthalate units, up to 44 mol % of ethylene terephthalate units, and from 1 to 20 mol % of ethylene isophthalate units, and also up to 20 mol % of a sulfo-substituted dicarboxylic acid and, if desired, up to 10 mol % of units from aliphatic, including cycloaliphatic, or aromatic diols and/or dicarboxylic acids (based in each case on the total content of dicarboxylic acid or diol).

Abstract: A process for producing a nanoporous polymer film of no greater than 10 micron thickness having low dielectric constant value, including the steps of: (a) providing a polymer in a solution with at least two solvents for the polymer in which a lowest boiling solvent and a highest boiling solvent have a difference in their respective boiling points of approximately 50° C. or greater; (b) forming a film of the polymer in solution with at least the two solvents on a substrate; (c) removing a predominant amount of the lowest boiling solvent; (d) contacting the film with a fluid which is a non-solvent for the polymer, but which is miscible with the at least two solvents to induce phase inversion in the film; (e) forming an average pore size in the film in the range of less than 30 nanometers. The present invention is also nanoporous films made by the above process.

Abstract: A process for making a thermoplastic polyurethane material comprising the steps of casting an NCO-terminated prepolymer with 1,4-butanediol to form a casting composition; extruding the casting composition to form at least one strand of a polyurethane elastomer; pelletizing the at least one strand of said polyurethane elastomer to form at least one pellet; and processing the at least one pellet to form a thermoplastic article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field synthetic polymeric membrane materials formed from casting polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer solutions and/or dispersions. Membranes formed in accordance with the present invention are all highly porous. Both internally isotropic membranes and highly asymmetric PVDF membranes are disclosed. Membranes of the invention may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The membranes of the invention are useful in a variety of microfiltration and ultrathin applications.

Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree.C. to about 50.degree.C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree.C. to 50.degree.C.

Abstract: A device for laying a molten film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a rotating take-off chill roll 1 has at least one electrode which is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which a high voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 5 which has a tapering sharp edge 6 that is oriented toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 5, a second electrode 27 is arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. This second electrode is a metal strip without a strip edge and has applied to it a voltage of a magnitude that is equal to or different from that of the metal strip 5. As a result, electric fields are formed in addition to the electric field from the one metal strip electrode 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field synthetic polymeric membrane materials formed from casting polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer solutions and/or dispersions. Membranes formed in accordance with the present invention are all highly porous. Both internally isotropic membranes and highly asymmetric PVDF membranes are disclosed. The membranes of the invention are useful in a variety of microfiltration and ultrathin applications.

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyester by esterifying a dicarboxylic acid mainly composed of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and a glycol mainly composed of ethylene glycol in the presence of 1 to 30 mmol %, based on the dicarboxylic acid, of a quaternary phosphonium sulfonate having ester-forming functional group(s), and then polycondensing the resulting product.

Abstract: A water based binder for use in a slurry for investment casting. The binder includes a mixture of a colloidal silica sol and at least one latex polymer. The latex polymer is preferably an acrylic latex or a styrene butadiene polymer (or a combination of these) which reduces the processing time between dips during shell mold making for investment casting. The latex polymer further lowers a critical concentration point or gelation point of the colloidal silica sol. The binder may be used as a primary binder or a backup binder in the shell mold making process. To make the slurry, the binder is combined with at least one refractory powder, preferably a refractory powder selected from the group of: alumino-silicates, fused silica, quartz silica, alumina, zircon, and zirconia.

Abstract: Self-metallizing, flexible polyimide films with highly reflective surfaces are prepared by an in situ self-metallization procedure involving thermally initiated reduction of polymer-soluble silver(I) complexes. Polyamic acid solutions are doped with silver(I) acetate and solubilizing agents. Thermally curing the silver(I)-doped resins leads to flexible, metallized films which have reflectivities as high as 100%, abrasion-resistant surfaces, thermal stability and, in some cases, electrical conductivity, rendering them useful for space applications.

Abstract: A process for producing polyolefin materials is disclosed which comprises the steps of (a) preparing a molded article of an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyolefin having a viscosity-average molecular weight of more than 500,000; (b) stretching said article by more than thirty-fold; (c) contracting the thus stretched article to an extent ranging from 0.3 to 80% in the direction of stretch; and (d) re-stretching the thus contracted article. The resulting polyolefin materials are improved in mechanical strength and elasticity modulus.

Abstract: A method of unidirectionally aligning the whiskers during tape casting and a sintered silicon nitride laminate of controlled properties and microstructure through alignment of the reinforcing grains fabricated by using the method are disclosed. The whiskers are unidirectionally oriented by placing a row of guides 0.2-0.5 mm apart from each other at exit of the reservoir of the slip containing the whiskers during tape casting. The silicon nitride comprising 10-30 volume % of elongated large grains growing from the .beta.-Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 whiskers and oriented unidirectionally in the fine grained matrix is fully densified by gas pressure sintering at 1900.degree. C. It exhibits a fracture toughness value as high as 9.24 Mpa m normal to the whisker alignment according to the Evans-Charles' method disclosed in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 59 [7-8], 371-372 (1976).

Abstract: A method for making multilayer optical films is provided in which the degradation of the optical extinction of the thinnest optical layers is avoided by casting these layers close to the casting wheel.

Abstract: A device for laying a film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a take-off roll 1 has at least one electrode that is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which electric voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 4, which has a tapering strip edge 6 this is directed toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 4, one or a plurality of electrodes 5, 8 and 16 are arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. These additional electrodes have applied to them an electric voltage whose magnitude is the same as or different from that applied to the metal strip 4. As a result, additive electric fields to the electric field of the one metal-strip electrode are formed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a thermoplastic resin sheet bearing an embossed pattern, which employs a manufacturing apparatus having a first roll having an elastic material coated surface, a mirror-faced metal, endless belt, which is wound around the first roll and a second roll, and a third roll so provided that the metal, endless belt is wrapped partially around the third roll, which contacts the first roll via the metal, endless belt and which has an embossed pattern formed on one surface. According to this method, the thermoplastic resin sheet, partially melted, is fed between the metal, endless belt, which contacts the first roll, and the third roll. The elastic member is elastically deformed by application of a pressing force between the first and the third roll, while face pressure welding the thermoplastic sheet by using the first and the third rolls to transfer the embossed pattern and to cool the thermoplastic resin sheet. A surface temperature for the third roll of from 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A composition which is a blend of at least two different polyetheramide copolymers, one having predominantly hard polyamide segments and one having predominantly soft polyether segments. When formed into a film and attached to a textile fabric, forms a laminate which is suitable for the production of surgical gowns, and the like. Such films are strong, have good moisture barrier properties while allowing the transmission of air therethrough and have a softness to which provides a clothlike feel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane from an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer by forming a mixture of an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer, an amorphous polymer, and optionally a plasticizer, heating the resulting mixture, extruding or optionally casting the mixture into a membrane, controlled cooling (quenching) or coagulating the membrane, and leaching the membrane, while optionally drawing the membrane before, during, and/or after leaching.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a biaxially stretched thermoplastic film, such as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, having low thermal shrinkages by simultaneous biaxial stretching of the film in a tenter frame using linear electrical motors to drive the tenter clips. The film is relaxed in the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) by converging the paths of the tenter clips and decelerating the tenter clips during heat-setting to provide film having tailored levels of MD and TD shrinkages.

Abstract: There are disclosed a para-aramid shaped article having a density of 1.390-1.470/cm.sup.3. The para-aramid has an inherent viscosity .eta.inh of at least 3.5 and contains metal ions of 500 ppm or less, the metal ions being combined with acid end groups linked with the para-aramid molecules. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the same. Due to a reduced rate of moisture sorption, a reduced hygroscopic expansion coefficient and excellent mechanical properties, the para-aramid of the present shaped article is suitable for use for reinforcing fiber materials for a composite material and for a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: In a for the production of biaxially stretched films, a take-off roll 4 is arranged downstream of a draw-off roll 3 . A plastic melt is formed into an initial film by means of a slot die 1, cooled on the draw-off roll 3 and passed over the take-off roll 4 which has a predetermined surface roughness. The film is then biaxially stretched and heat-set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field synthetic polymeric membrane materials formed from casting polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer solutions and/or dispersions. Membranes formed in accordance with the present invention are all highly porous. Both internally isotropic membranes and highly asymmetric PVDF membranes are disclosed. The membranes of the invention are useful in a variety of microfiltration and ultrathin applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based binder for use in a slurry for investment casting. The binder includes a mixture of a colloidal silica sol and at least one latex polymer. The latex polymer is preferably an acrylic latex or a styrene butadiene polymer (or a combination of these) which reduces the processing time between dips during shell mold making for investment casting. The latex polymer further lowers a critical concentration point or gelation point of the colloidal silica sol. The binder may be used as a primary binder or a backup binder in the shell mold making process. To make the slurry, the binder is combined with at least one refractory powder, preferably a refractory powder selected from the group of: alumino-silicates, fused silica, quartz silica, alumina, zircon, and zirconia.