Abstract: A polymer film has a coefficient of fluctuation in degree of out-of-plane orientation of a polymer molecular chain in a thickness direction of the film as represented by the following numerical expression (1) as defined herein of from 15% to 80%.

Abstract: A polyester stretch film having good tear property and good twistability, which is useful as a packaging film or a film for tape, as well as for stick packaging, PTP packaging, drug bag, folding packaging, and lid material is provided without losing heat resistance, cold resistance, moisture-proof properties, transparency, aroma retention and the like. This polyester resin film is produced by a method that includes mixing not less than two kinds of polyester resin starting materials having different melting points and extruding the mixture. The respective starting materials are cast in different extruders, melted, supplied to one mixer in a molten state, mixed and extruded to give a sheet, and the sheet is stretched at least in the monoaxial direction and heat-treated at a temperature of not lower than 3° C. lower than the melting point of the resin starting material having the lowest melting point.

Abstract: A label for in-mold forming which comprises a thermoplastic resin film base layer (I), a heat-sealable resin layer (II), and an antistatic layer (III), wherein the heat-sealable resin layer (II) comprises a heat-sealable resin including a copolymer of propylene and ?-olefin having 4-20 carbon atoms and has a degree of non-crystallinity of 60-90% as determined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at temperatures less than 90° C., the antistatic layer (III) comprises an antistatic agent in an amount of 0.001 to 1 g per unit area (m2) and the surface of the layer has a wettability index (JIS-K-6768) of 32-54 mN/m, and the label has a porosity higher than 10% and not higher than 70% and has an opacity (JIS-P-8138) higher than 20% and not higher than 100%; and a labeled container with the label.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet which is excellent in tensile strength, tencile modulas and heat resistance, and a light laminate-molded body using the same, which has a low linear expansion coefficient and is excellent in impact resistance, durability, easiness of handling, productivity, and others. A process for producing an oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet, which includes: pultrusion-drawing a thermoplastic polyester resin sheet in an amorphous state at a temperature from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin?20° C. to the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyester resin+20° C.; and then drawing the resultant uniaxially at a temperature higher than the temperature for the pultrusion-drawing. A laminate-molded body, wherein a thermoplastic resin layer is laminated on each of the surfaces of the resultant oriented thermoplastic polyester resin sheet.

Abstract: The invention deals with an apparatus for the preparation of a film or fibre out of a reduced amount of material, in particular of polymeric material. This is achieved with small-sized equipment wherein each stretch roll has a diameter of between 35 and 100 mm. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a representative film from or fibre with a reduced amount of material, by using the specific equipment.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a method of treating plastics material fibers, filaments or film to improve their resistance to degradation by UV radiation and/or increase their resistance to gas (oxygen) transmissivity and an improved plastics material so treated, the method including stretching the fiber, filament or film beyond its yield point and allowing the film to at least partially relax.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane includes a semi-permeable polyelectrolyte films that extends along an axis. The polyelectrolyte film is stretched along the axis and remains stretched when immersed in a methanol or methanol and water solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biaxially oriented multilayer film comprising at least two layers A-B, wherein A and B represent separate layers at least one of which layers comprises a polyimide having a Tg of greater than about 200° C., wherein the film has a CTE of less than 35 ppm/° C., and wherein A comprises 60 wt. %-100 wt. % of amorphous polymer with 0 wt. %-40 wt. % of crystallizable polymer, and B comprises 60 wt. %-100 wt. % crystallizable polymer with 0 wt. %-40 wt. % amorphous polymer, the relative thicknesses of layer A to layer B are in a ratio in a range of between 1:5 and 1:100, and the thickness of the film is in a range of between 5 ?m and 125 ?m. Also disclosed is a biaxially oriented monolithic film comprising a polyimide with structural units formally derived from 3,4-diaminodiphenylether and 4,4-oxydiphthalic anhydride. Laminates comprising the films and methods for making film and laminate are also disclosed. Articles comprising a film or laminate of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellulose ester film has a front retardation Re of from 20 nm to 100 nm relative to light having a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. and 60% RH; a retardation Rth in a film thickness direction of from 60 nm to 400 nm relative to light having a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. and 60% RH; and a shrinkage factor in a slow axis direction of less than 1% in the range of from a glass transition temperature to a temperature of 40° C. higher than a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A polymer film or fiber having abilities of rapid and repeated stretching, contraction and deformation in a gas such as air (dry system), achieves deformation ratio of 10 times or more compared to conventional methods. In the deformation method of a polymer film or fiber by absorption and desorption of molecules by an external stimulus, the external stimulus is applied to the polymer film or fiber in a deformed state so as to generate an internal force, by which the elastic modulus of the polymer film or fiber in the deformed state is changed, and then the polymer film or fiber is deformed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable PET film comprises a thermally stretched film body exhibiting shape-memory characteristics and made from a PET material of a modified PET composition that includes terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and a modifier selected from 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylpropane, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylpropane alkoxylate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The object is to efficiently utilize a starch substance among surplus agricultural product, and the present invention relates to a technique for blending the starch substance with a thermoplastic resin. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a starch resin composition which retains various properties of the thermoplastic resin even when the starch substance is blended in a large amount. There is provided a starch resin composition comprising 5-95 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin (X), 95-5 parts by weight of starch substance (Y), and 0.2-20 parts by weight of a compatibilizer (Z) which improves an affinity at an interface between the thermoplastic resin (X) and the starch substance (Y), relative to 100 parts by weight of a total amount of the components (X) and (Y), and a technique associated with the starch resin composition.

Abstract: A biodegradable laminate sheet having as its object to provide a formed body superior in heat resistance, shock resistance, transparency and formability, and having non-stretched polylactic acid-family resin layer of which the crystallinity is 20% or less, and a layer comprising a biodegradable resin other than a polylactic acid-family resin.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate composition, which comprises filtering a solution in which cellulose acylate satisfying the following formulae 1 to 3 and having melt viscosity of 150 to 1000 Pa·s at 230° C. is dissolved in a solvent through a filter having a retention particle size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, and mixing the filtered solution with a poor solvent to reprecipitate cellulose acylate: 1.5?A+B?3Formula 1 0?A?2.0Formula 2 1.0?B?3Formula 3 where A is a substitution degree for an acetyl group of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, and B is a substitution degree for an acyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose.

Abstract: A film that has high rigidity and high heat resistance and good releasability from a roughened copper foil surface, which is subjected to surface oxidization or etching treatment with acid, such as a black oxidized copper foil surface and that is suitable as a release film for producing an MLB; and a process for producing the same. A drawn film having a layer (A) which comprises a copolymer that is made from 4-methyl-1-pentene and ethylene or an ?-olefin, except 4-methyl-1-pentene, having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and that comprises 80% or more by mole of 4-methyl-1-pentene, the thermal coefficient of contraction of the film being 20% or more in the film-drawn direction, or the peel area of the film being 50% or more when the film, together with a copper foil surface subjected to roughening treatment, is subjected to heating and pressing treatment. This film is suitable for producing an MLB and has good releasability from the roughened copper foil surface, for example, a black oxidized copper foil surface.

Abstract: Polythiophene may be processed using a method including providing a composition including the polythiophene and a liquid including at least one hydrocarbon having at least 6 carbon atoms; heating the composition to a temperature of at least about 50° C.; and separating solid polythiophene from the heated composition. Alternatively, the method may include providing a composition including polythiophene and an organic liquid; heating the composition to dissolve a portion of the polythiophene in the organic liquid; and separating solid polythiophene from the heated composition.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for crystallizing a polymer having at least 20 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, comprising admixing the polymer and a compound of the formula R1—C(O)N(R2)2, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)—R2, R1—NHC(O)—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, or a combination thereof, at a first temperature, which is from about 5° C. to about 15° C. above the melting point of the polymer; and cooling the polymer at a second temperature, which is from about the glass transition temperature of the polymer to about the melting point of the compound.

Abstract: A high density microwall ePTFE structure and a method for making, involving the manipulation of a standard extruded ePTFE graft. The final product has the desired characteristics of high density, reduced wall-thickness, above-average radial strength and enhanced suture retention.

Abstract: Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plastic shaping of a biaxially-drawn film, comprising at least one base layer, containing at least one polymer (I), made from at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and ?0.2 wt %, based on the weight of the layer, of a thermoplastic polymer (II), different from polymer (I). Said film is plastically moulded by application of pneumatic and/or mechanical forces.

Abstract: The first film of the present invention is a film produced by solidifying a polybenzazole precursor that has been oriented in a given direction by the application of a magnetic or electric field. The second film of the present invention is a film produced by solidifying a polybenzazole that has been oriented in a given direction by the application of a magnetic or electric field. The first and second films have a strong anisotropy.

Abstract: Process for the production of an oriented polyolefin film using multi-component polymer compositions. One polymer component comprises an isotactic propylene homopolymer produced by the polymerization of propylene with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. A secondary component is a Ziegler-Natta polymerized ethylene-propylene random copolymer or a metallocene-polymerized ethylene-propylene random copolymer produced by the polymerization of propylene and ethylene in the presence of a metallocene polymerization catalyst. The Ziegler-Natta polymerized copolymer is produced by the polymerization of ethylene and propylene in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and contains no more than 0.5 wt. % ethylene and has a xylene solubles content of at least 2 wt. %. The primary and secondary polymer components are mixed together to provide a blend in which, when the secondary component is a Ziegler-Natta polypropylene, is present in an amount within the range of 5–25 wt.

Abstract: A solution casting system has a tentering device, and produces polymer film of cellulose triacetate. Two web edge portions of the polymer film are sucked within a section from a downstream end of the tentering device to a first roller that the polymer film contacts first. Furthermore, the two web edge portions are subjected to blowing of gas, or suction, between the first roller and a second roller positioned next downstream from the first roller. Each range of two web edge portions has an effective size in a web width direction less than 25% of that of the polymer film.

Abstract: The invention is a process for forming a preform for use in a structure having at least one curved portion of a specific length, including the steps of: 1) providing a preform having cable of expanding in length threads in rows parallel to the direction of curvature over a length equal to the length requiring curvature, such that the gaps between each thread row are spaced from the gaps in the adjacent tread rows; and 2) stretching the portions of the preform requiring curvature in a sine-wave pattern.

Abstract: A film or sheet having a glass transition temperature below about 23° C. and a melting temperature greater than about 120° C. is prepared by first preparing a polyester composition of about 50 to about 95 weight percent of a base copolyester having a melting temperature of less than about 220° C. and exhibiting more than about 1 percent crystallinity after annealing for 2000 minutes at a temperature of which the base copolyester has a maximum crystallization rate; and about 5 to about 50 weight percent of a plasticizer suitable for use with the base copolyester. The polyester composition is formed into a film or sheet. During formation of the film or sheet or afterwards, crystallization is induced to provide a soft and flexible film or sheet.

Abstract: A conductive polyvinyl alcohol fiber having good mechanical properties and heat resistance contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and copper sulfide nano-particles having a mean particle size of at most 50 nm which are finely dispersed in the polymer. The content of the nano-particles in the fiber is at least 0.5% by mass/polyvinyl acohol polymer, and the degree of polymer orientation is at least 60%.

Abstract: The invention is a process for forming a 3D woven PI shaped cross-section preform having a first and second bottom foot portions and first and second upstanding leg portions for use in a structure having at least one curved portion of a specific length. In detail, the process includes the steps of: 1) cutting the treads parallel to the direction of curvature into over a length equal to the length, such that the cuts in each thread are spaced from the cuts in the adjacent treads; 2) stretching the portions of the preform requiring curvature; and 3) forming the curvature in the preform.

Abstract: A bonded web of multi-component strands that include a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component is capable of overcoming a number of problems associated with nonwoven webs including both stickiness and blocking. The first polymeric component and second polymeric component are arranged in substantially distinct zones extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the strands which make up the web with the second component containing a zone constituting at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the strand. The first polymeric component also has an elasticity which is greater than that of the second polymer component. A process producing elastomeric spunbonded nonwoven fabrics which utilizes the activation by incremental stretching of the strands is also provided.

Abstract: An elastomeric, breathable laminate having enhanced breathability is formed by bonding a breathable, microporous, extendible/elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be necked to impart cross-directional stretchability. Once the film and the facing material are bonded together, the resulting laminate is stretched in one or more areas to impart higher breathability to selected areas of the laminate. The breathable laminate with enhanced breathability is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: Oriented films are prepared. A thermoplastic vulcanizate, prepared by mixing at least 20 wt % of a thermoset rubber by weight of the total composition into a thermoplastic polymer are disclosed. After the mixture is prepared the thermoset rubber is entrained as discrete particles within the continuous thermoplastic polymer phase. The resulting composite is subjected to a stress either by pulling, blow molding, or any other film-forming process as is known in the art. This stress causes the continuous phase polymer molecules to become aligned or oriented in the direction in which the stress was applied, thus creating the oriented thermoplastic vulcanizate of the invention. This material has improved gas permeability and improved flexibility properties.

Abstract: A first film plate 20 and a second film plate 40, each made of flexible resin film, are attached to a top surface and a bottom surface of a key top 30 made of mold-resin, respectively, so as to cover the key top 30. The first film plate 20 is pressed upward to form a recessed portion 23, the key top 30 is molded within this recessed portion 23. The second film plate 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of the key top 30. All of the first film plate 20, the key top 30, and the second film plate 40 are transparent. Decorative layers 21 and 41 are formed on the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40, respectively.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Methods and stretching apparatuses can include adjustable or zone-defined stretching regions.

Abstract: The substrates of the present invention comprise a polyimide base polymer derived at least in part from non-rigid rod monomers together with optionally rigid rod monomers where the substrates are cured under low tension. The resulting polyimide materials have been found to provide advantageous properties (e.g. balanced molecular orientation, good dimensional stability, and flatness) particularly useful for electronics type applications.

Abstract: A process for stretching films is described. The process preferably stretches films in a uniaxial fashion. Preferably, optical films are stretched including multilayer optical films. Other aspects of the invention include a roll of stretched film and an apparatus for stretching films.

Abstract: A system and method for extruding composite material and the composite material therefrom. The composite material consists of a filler mixed with a binding agent. The composite material is extruded as billets with enhanced physical properties, such as color, texture, electrical conductivity and fire retardancy, and contains a dispersion pattern of the filler material. A system and method are also provided for drawing the composite material through a die and a composite material produced thereby. The drawn composite material exhibits a density reduction over the density of the starting material and enhanced physical properties. A particularly useful tongue and groove arrangement are also provided for joining adjacent strips of a composite material made according to the extrusion process.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Take-away systems can be used to receive the film after stretching. The configuration of the take-away system can, in at least some instances, influence final film properties.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The expandable polymer can also have the drug or agent added to its structure at a polymer resin preparation stage, through use of an aqueous solution mixed with one or more fluoropolymers, or in a mixing stage. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: A process for stretching films is described. The process preferably stretches films in a uniaxial fashion. Preferably, optical films are stretched including multilayer optical films. Other aspects of the invention include a roll of stretched film and an apparatus for stretching films.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: Medical devices having at least a component, such as a catheter balloon, stent cover and vascular graft, formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The device component is formed from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The device component expands compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such medical devices, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises an inflatable volume and an expandable figurine that is attached to the inflatable volume such that the figurine is stretched as the volume is inflated. The expandable figurine assumes a first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is in a deflated state, and assumes a second predetermined shape representing a distortion of the first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is substantially inflated. The figurine can be removably attached to an outer surface of the inflatable volume. The figurine can comprise a body portion having multiple limbs, such that the limbs are attached to the inflatable volume outer surface and are pulled away from the figurine body portion as the volume is inflated.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other expandable tubular medical device or component thereof formed of a compacted porous polymeric material, in which a tube of porous polymeric material is axially compacted, preferably without increasing the outer diameter of the tube, by positioning heat shrink material on the porous polymeric tube and heating the heat shrink material to decrease the length and diameter of the heat shrink material.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon, and a balloon formed thereby, in which a polymeric tube is radially expanded in a mold having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface defining a chamber, and having at least a section with one or more channels in the wall. The channels result in improved transfer of heat to the polymeric tube within the chamber of the mold during blow molding of the tube to form a balloon, so that the tube is heated more quickly and evenly. One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon having sections with improved thin walls.

Abstract: A film made of a vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer is uniaxially drawn to fabricate a uniaxially drawn film. Then, the uniaxially drawn film is thermally treated at a temperature within a temperature range of the Curie temperature through the melting point of the vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer for five hours or over, to diffuse the molecular chains of the uniaxially drawn film along the orientation direction and thus, to remove the intertwining between the molecular chains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal dye-transfer receiving element comprising a dye-image receiving layer on its top surface and, beneath the dye-image receiving layer, a microvoided layer containing a continuous phase polymer matrix having dispersed therein crosslinked organic microbeads, wherein the microbeads exhibit a glass transition temperature Tg that is below 80° C. Also disclosed is a method for making such thermal dye-transfer receiving elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming sheet material (2), in particular sheet material based on natural fibers, comprises in sequence deformability promoting means (5) suitable for making said sheet material more easily deformable (2), forming means (9, 10, 11, 16a, 101a101b) suitable for deforming said sheet material (2); said deformability promoting means is deformability promoting material means (5). Forming means for shaping sheet material (2) comprises fluid forming means suitable for shaping portions of said sheet material (2), and a flow-inhibiting means (17, 116; 116a, 116b) suitable for preventing said fluid forming mean flowing through said sheet material (2).

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer/filler composite material includes a mixture forming step in which there is obtained a mixture of a flake-like filler and a polymer material, and the mean area (L2), mean thickness (d) and volume fraction (c) of the flake-like filler in the mixture satisfy the following equations (1), (2) and (3): 500 nm2≦L2≦100 &mgr;m2  (1) d≦L/20  (2) 0.2d/L≦c≦4d/L  (3), and a deforming step of applying deformation to the mixture at a strain rate of no greater than 10 s−1.

Abstract: An indicator comprising a porous resin material, and a liquid retained in the pores of the porous resin material, in which the whiteness of the porous resin material is at least 80, and the whiteness of the porous resin material is at least 20 larger than that of the indicator. This indicator displays information such as a period through the change of a color tone, and the like, well maintains the displaying properties, and suffers from less variation of displayed periods.