Abstract: A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1<P2. The composite may also be removed from the first and second mold halves, wherein the composite has a near-net shape.

Abstract: A peroxide curable perfluoroelastomer comprising: recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); and recurring units derived from perfluoromethylvinylether (MVE); such perfluoroelastomer possessing a Mooney Viscosity (ML2+9) at 121° C. of from 25 to 140 MU, when measured according to ASTM D1646 standard, and comprising such MVE recurring units in an amount of from 26 to 33% by moles with respect to total moles of TFE and MVE. A process for the manufacture of such perfluoroelastomer, and cured articles obtainable therefrom.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber based fire barrier for vehicles contains and directs fires and prevents or substantially hinders fire or extreme heat from adversely affecting underlying materials. The fire barriers protect the vehicle and vehicle components from damage from fire and heat, and also provide increased protection to passengers. The fire barriers provide additional time to properly evacuate passengers from a vehicle in the case of an emergency.

Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an acoustic attenuation panel, comprising using at least one foam block (1), coating at least the acoustic surface of said foam block (1) with a fresh composite material (9), and making perforations (27; 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e) in the resulting coating.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a molded silicone rubber product using a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) base comprising at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, at least one hydride crosslinker, and optionally at least one injection molding inhibitor. The single LSR base is fed into a feed line, and into the feed line are fed an inhibitor master batch comprising at least one liquid injection molding inhibitor and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, and a catalyst master batch comprising at least one catalyst and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer. The invention is further directed to: said LSR base; said inhibitor master batch; said catalyst master batch; and a molded silicone rubber article produced by the methods and compositions described herein.

Abstract: Methods for cooling golf ball cores are provided. The methods involve passing a matrix of hot golf ball cores through a die plate to separate individual golf ball cores from the matrix. The die plate has a plurality of holes and each hole is sized to allow a single golf ball core to pass there through. A post-cure unit is arranged to receive the hot cores for additional curing and cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where high velocity air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooling section may contain a fan assembly including an air diffuser to provide sufficient air flow coverage. The cooled golf ball cores may be delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing.

Abstract: Polymeric microstructures and nanostructures can be prepared with use of a tip to pattern a surface. A tip can be used to pattern a structure which can initiate polymerization. The structure can be then exposed to monomer to induce polymerization at the structure. Alternatively, a tip can be used to pattern a surface with a monomer in which the surface is treated with polymerization catalyst so that polymerization occurs at the patterning site. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization can be carried out with use of the tip to control the polymerization. The tip can be a sharp tip as used in for example an atomic force microscope tip. Norbornene types of monomers can be used. Biological macromolecules can be also prepared.

Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.

Abstract: A fixing member according to the present invention is such one as is brought into pressure contact with a conveyed sheet to fix an image onto the sheet. The fixing member comprises a cylindrical or annular base material, a rubber layer provided so as to cover an outer surface of the base material and having elasticity, and an outer layer provided so as to cover an outer surface of the rubber layer for aiding release of the sheet. A siloxane content in a central section of the rubber layer is less than twice the siloxane content in an end portion of the rubber layer with respect to a width direction vertical to a circumferential direction on the base material.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite posts are produced having high strength and high radiopacity. In a method of manufacturing the fiber-reinforced composite posts, fibers are pulled through filled resin and heat is applied at various steps in the process to provide high strength and optimal radiopacity.

Abstract: A film forming method for forming a film including arranging a liquid composition on a substrate and drying the liquid composition, the liquid composition being obtained by dissolving a functional material in a solvent with a plurality of species of liquid mixed therein, is provided. The method includes: a) firstly reducing a pressure surrounding the liquid composition arranged on the substrate at a first depressurizing speed; b) increasing the pressure surrounding the liquid composition to a predetermined pressures after the step a); and c) secondly reducing the pressure surrounding the liquid composition at a second depressurizing speed, after the step b).

Abstract: A mould for vulcanizing a blank tire has an overall shape that is annular about an axis of revolution and includes a configuration for channelling a heat-transfer liquid in a substantially circular path about the axis. The channelling configuration includes an annular wall around the axis, separating at least two chambers in which the heat-transfer liquid circulates. Furthermore, a downstream end (respectively an upstream end) of one of the chambers has substantially the same angular position with respect to the substantially circular path as the downstream (respectively upstream) end of the other of the chambers. The mould is additionally configured for circulating the liquid in opposite directions in the two chambers.

Abstract: A cushion element for a vehicle seat has fibers and foam particles bound by a binder. A precursor material for the cushion element is made by independently adding the fibers and the foam particles together with the binder. The addition and ratio of the fibers and foam particles may depend on their location in the cushion element, and may be influenced by electrostatic discharge means.

Abstract: Two paper webs saturated with an A-phase phenolic resins and dried to a B-phase are conveyed through separate low melting point metal alloy baths, one web after being corrugated, to convert the resin to a fully cured C-phase, whereafter the webs are joined to form a waterproof single face corrugated web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a structure on the top surface of a substrate. Mold material is dispensed onto an area of the top surface of the substrate. The mold apparatus is positioned over the area. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is positioned above the mold material and the mold material is surrounded with a shroud of the mold apparatus. A seal is formed between the shroud and the top surface of the substrate. The pressure is reduced within the shroud to below the ambient pressure. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is lowered toward the top surface of the substrate, so that at least the outer edge of the mold portion is in contact with the mold material. The pressure within the shroud is raised to at least the ambient pressure, and the mold material is cured to form the structure.

Abstract: This application refers to Organic Peroxides of the Dialcyl, Perester, Perketal, and Dialkyl classes, which were modified to resist to oxygen, destined to be used in the process of production of Power Wires and Cables, Shapes, flocculated, compact and spongeous, used for the assembly of sealing of doors, trunks and windows in the automobile industry and civil construction, and also in the process of continuous vulcanization in hot air tunnel, in presence of oxygen, with the application of modified Organic Peroxides.

Abstract: A free-standing film comprising a cured organopolysiloxane resin obtained by conducting a cross-linking reaction between (A) an organopolysiloxane resin represented by the following average siloxane unit formula: [R1aR23-aSiO1/2]v[R3SiO3/2]w (1) or [R1aR23-aSiO1/2]x[R3SiO3/2]y[SiO4/2]z (2) (where R1 designates univalent hydrocarbon groups of one or more than one type selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and univalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; R2 designate alkenyl groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R3 designates alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or univalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; at least 50 mole % of R3 groups being phenyl groups; “a” is 0, 1, or 2; 0.8?w<1.0 and v+w=1; 0<x<0.4, 0.5<y<1, 0<z<0.

Abstract: A method of constructing a shaft seal assembly includes attaching a PTFE seal element to an outer metal case and disposing a bore of the PTFE seal element onto a mandrel. Then, heating the PTFE seal element while on the mandrel. Further, cooling the PTFE seal element while on the mandrel and, removing the shaft seal assembly from the mandrel. The resulting seal element provides a reliable seal against a running surface of a shaft in use, while at the same time producing low running torque against the running surface of the shaft. Further, a minimal axial push force is required to install the shaft seal assembly onto the shaft, thereby reducing the potential of damage to the seal element or inversion of the seal element during installation.

Abstract: Silicone moldings are conditioned in a conditioning oven at a pressure less than 150 hPa, and exhaust gas from the oven is scrubbed with cold water from which an organic phase is separated. The cold water is recirculated, and the scrubbed exhaust gas may be recirculated. Emissions of volatiles by this method are sharply reduced.

Abstract: A curved composite element is laid up over a tool having first and second curved tool surfaces possessing differing radii of curvatures. A plurality of composite fiber ply segments are arranged in substantially side-by-side relationship into a group. The ply segments are formed as a group onto the first curved tool surface, and the group is then formed from the first curved tool surface onto the second curved tool surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball composed at least in part of a spherical elastomeric body. The method includes the steps of extruding a bar of an unvulcanized rubber compound for obtaining the elastomeric body, cutting the extruded bar into slugs of a given length, and coating the slug with a saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt in powder form having a melting point at or below a vulcanizing temperature. This method prevents the slugs from clumping together and improves mold releasability.

Abstract: Layers of unidirectional (UD) fiber prepreg are formed into a pre-plied, multi-directional, continuous fiber laminate that is used as a molding compound to form three dimensional structures. Cut-outs from the laminate are slotted and folded along fold lines to provide near-net-shaped preforms that may be compression molded to form fiber-reinforced composite structures having complex shapes.

Abstract: A local system for the release of active principle is described which consists of approximately spherical or rotation symmetrical bodies which are composed essentially of polymethyl methacrylate or polymethyl methacrylate co-methyl acrylate, zirconium dioxide or barium sulphate and one or more pharmaceutical active principles, in particular antibiotics, and which are produced by radical polymerisation, radical polymerisation activators effective in the temperature range of 10-80° C. or residues of these polymerisation activators from the groups of aromatic amines, heavy metal salts and barbiturates not being contained therein.

Abstract: In the sector relating to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibro-compression for manufacturing slabs or blocks, the organic binder resin consists of an aqueous dispersion of acrylic prepolymer in water and a filler part consists of a hydraulic binder in an amount sufficient to fix wholly or partly the water present in the initial mix; after the vibro-compression step the rough-formed article is subjected to a hardening and curing step in conditions such as to prevent the evaporation of the mix water and subsequently to a heating step so as to obtain crosslinking of the acrylic polymer. If the acrylic binder alone is used, an article with a high degree of porosity is obtained.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which can easily and selectively modify specific sites on indentations or protrusions of indentation/protrusion structures fabricated by nano-imprinting. Pressing a mold having indentation/protrusion structures onto a polymer substrate comprising at least two layers of different chemical composition exposes the second layer, which has been covered by the outermost layer, in pillars formed as a result of the pressing. Site-specific chemical modification of the pillars can be achieved by formulating a desired chemical composition for the second layer beforehand, or by chemical modification of the exposed second layer cross-sections in the pillars.

Abstract: A method for coating hydrogel and silicone hydrogel articles, and articles made by the method, are provided in which the coating is first applied to the molding surface in which an article-forming material will be cured to form the article. The method permits the thickness and uniformity of the coating to be more easily controlled than in known coating methods.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: A casted concrete stone having opposed parallel surfaces formed in a mold and wherein the opposed parallel surfaces have a molded textured surface. The concrete stone is fabricated by a dry-cast concrete mold wherein a profiling plate is provided with mold bottom wall formations each having a textured outer surface. A bond release film or spray or permanent coating is provided on the textured outer surface of the mold bottom wall formations. Mold forming side walls are disposed about the mold bottom wall formations. After the mold is filled with a dry-cast concrete mixture a top plate, having mold top wall formations, is disposed over the mold forming side walls with the mold top wall formations disposed inside respective ones of the molds to close the molds. Pressure and vibration is applied to compact the dry-cast concrete whereby to form a dry-cast concrete stone with opposed molded textured surfaces.

Abstract: To provide the method for manufacturing the friction material for shortening the heat treatment process for completely curing the thermosetting resin in the friction material. The method includes the molding process for fixing the friction material onto a back plate, in which a raw material including a thermosetting resin is superposed onto the back plate, pressed and heated in the mold, and the heat treatment process for curing the friction material, using a pair of the heat plates provided at the back plate side and the friction material side to press the back plate surface and the friction material, and the heat plate temperature at the friction material side is between 300 and 650° C., at the back plate side is between 180 and 350° C., and the heat treatment time is between 2 and 70 minutes.

Abstract: Compositions including a polymer, a primary antioxidant, a secondary antioxidant, and a metal deactivator selected from at least one of 2,2?-oxamido bis[ethyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] and oxalyl bis(benzylidenehydrazide), are disclosed. The compositions can also include a light stabilizer. The compositions can be used to manufacture insulations for wire and cable. The compositions have improved long-term heat aging and also retain their color when exposed to heat. A method of making an insulation for a conductor, such as a wire or a cable, made from a composition is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a polymer layer of a flexible unbonded offshore pipe. The process comprises the steps of shaping a polymer material by extrusion into or onto a supporting unit in an extrusion station and cross-linking said extruded polymer material, said polymer material comprising a polyethylene and a peroxide for providing a cross-linking of the polymer material. The peroxide has an activation temperature substantially above the temperature of the polymer material during the extrusion thereof. The cross-linking of the extruded polymer material is carried out by exposing the extruded polymer material to electromagnetic waves, selected from the group consisting of infrared radiation and microwave. The invention also relates to a flexible unbonded offshore pipe comprising such polymer layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a film comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) which exists independently from a substrate, i.e. a substrate-free PDLC; a fiber, a fabric, and a device thereof; and methods thereof. In an embodiment, a mixture comprising liquid crystal and monomers floats and is spread over a liquid base, before polymerization the mixture into a layer of polymer matrix dispersed with liquid crystal domains. The invention exhibits numerous technical merits such as improved transmittance, enhanced brightness, easier manufacturability, more flexible manufacturability, better cost-effectiveness, enhanced electro-optical performance, and improved device uniformity, among others.

Abstract: The mixture of the invention contains, for 100 parts in weight of (A)+(B): (A) 10 to 90 parts in weight of at least one non-nanostructured olefinic thermoplastic polymer; (B) 90 to 10 parts in weight of a formulation of at least one elastomer having unsaturated double bonds and capable of reacting with a cross-linking or vulcanization agent, said formulation containing a crosslinking or vulcanization system of said elastomer(s), at least one plasticizer, and the standard additives present in elastomer formulations; (C) up to 100 parts in weight, relative to (A)+(B), of at least one copolymer grafted with polyamide blocks, said copolymer comprising a polyolefin trunk and at least 1.

Abstract: An aromatic polyimide film having a thickness in the range of 5-250 ?m and comprising biphenyltetracarboxylic acid units comprising 3,3?,4,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid units and 2,3,3?,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid units in a molar ratio of 75:25 to 97:3 and p-phenylenediamine units in a molar ratio of 100:102 to 100:98 has thermal resistance and physical characteristics equivalent to those of the known aromatic polyimide film comprising 3,3?,4,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid units and p-phenylenediamine units and showing good thermal resistance and physical characteristics and is favorably produced in industry.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus and a method of the same which form a residual film including a uniform thickness all over a substrate. The imprinting apparatus includes a substrate support which supports a substrate which is coated with an imprint resin on an upper surface thereof, an imprint mold arranged on an upper side of the substrate support and which forms a predetermined pattern by molding the imprint resin coated on the substrate, a pressure roller which pressurizes the imprint mold to adhere closely to the substrate, a pressure roller control unit which controls the pressure roller to change a moving velocity and an applied pressure of the pressure roller according to a position of the imprint mold, and a resin curing unit which cures the imprint resin on the substrate.

Abstract: An air spring has at least one working space which is filled with compressed air and which is delimited at least partially by a rolling bellows which is fastened at its ends to connecting parts. At least one of its ends, the air spring has a wall which is thicker in relation to the rest of the rolling bellows body, wherein the rolling bellows has, at least one of its thickened ends, a continuously vulcanized layer cover which is folded back to such a length that, after the assembly of the air spring, at least one region of the rolling bellows which is highly loaded by chassis forces falls into the region of the layer cover.

Abstract: Methods for cooling golf ball cores are provided. The methods involve passing a matrix of hot golf ball cores through a die plate to separate individual golf ball cores from the matrix. The die plate has a plurality of holes and each hole is sized to allow a single golf ball core to pass there through. A post-cure unit is arranged to receive the hot cores for additional curing and cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where high velocity air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooling section may contain a fan assembly including an air diffuser to provide sufficient air flow coverage. The cooled golf ball cores may be delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing.

Abstract: A process producing an in-mold coated molded product. The process molds a thermoplastic resin material under a mold-clamping pressure in a mold including a fixed mold part and a movable mold part each heated at a predetermined temperature, separates the fixed mold part and the movable mold part when the molded material surface is solidified such that it is durable to a pressure of injection and flow of a coating agent, and injects the coating agent containing a thermosetting resin material between an inner surface of the mold and the molded product obtained. The process also coats the molded product surface with the coating agent as the mold is re-clamped after injecting the coating agent, takes out the molded product coated with the coating agent when the coating agent is cured such that it is neither peeled off nor cracked by opening the mold, and re-heats the molded product after taking it out.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for building cost-efficient biocompatible hydrogel constructs using stereolithography. Hydrogel constructs may be used in, for example, multi-lumen nerve regeneration conduits and other tissue engineering scaffolds with embedded channel architecture that facilitate tissue regeneration through possible incorporation of precisely located bioactive agents, cells, and other desired inert and/or active chemical agents and devices. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a hydrogel construct comprising: solidifying a first solution into a first construct layer with a first energy dosage using stereolithography, the first solution comprising: a first polymer; and a first photoinitiator, wherein the first polymer and first photoinitiator are of a first concentration.

Abstract: Process for production of post-crosslinkable thermoplastic resins by bulk-polymerizing a polymerizable composition (A) comprising (I) a monomer fluid containing a cyclic olefin (?) having two or more metathetical ring-opening reaction sites in the molecule in an amount 10 wt % or above based on the total amount of the monomers or a monomer fluid containing a norbornene monomer and a crosslinking agent, (II) a metathetical polymerization catalyst, and (III) a chain transfer agent; thermoplastic resins obtained by this process. These thermoplastic resins are free from odor due to residual monomers and are excellent in storage stability. Process for producing crosslinked resins and composite materials which comprises laminating the thermoplastic resin to a substrate and then crosslinking the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Decorative textured surfaces are formed on articles having curved or contoured surfaces. A reusable, flexible textured blanket is placed in a mold along with a first material charge. A pressurizer is used to both impart the texture of the blanket to the first material charge and consolidate the charge to form a textured shell. The blanket is removed from the mold and a second material charge is introduced into the mold over the shell. The application of heat and pressure consolidates the second material charge and the shell to both form and cure the completed article.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: Finite element analysis or thermocouple probes are used to determine the state of cure for each zone of a non-uniform, thick rubber article, such as a large tire or a tread for a tire. From this knowledge of those cure-limiting zones, heat transfer elements are added to the mold to enhance the transfer of heat into these cure-limiting zones and to provide a more optimum cure. The use of heat transfer pins and/or mini-sipes are an efficient and practical means of reducing total cure time in the press and optimizing cure state without substantially affecting the performance of the article such as the tire. Reductions in cure time of 10% or more are demonstrated.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of peroxide crosslinked polymer parts, mainly tubes, in which the crosslinkable polymer is heated in an extruder in a controlled manner to a value above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, but below the crosslinking temperature, and fed continuously to an extrusion die to create the part and in which at least a partial crosslinking of the polymer is achieved in the extrusion die by heating of the polymer above a crosslinking temperature provision.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies, such as carbon-based, inorganic cement, or ceramic bodies. Methods disclosed herein may comprise applying a bidirectional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step. Also disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies comprising a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein are shaped bodies made by a process comprising applying a bi-directional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step, and shaped bodies made by a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein is a bidirectional gas flow furnace for the heat treatment and/or the controlled oxidation of a shaped body.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.