Abstract: The surfaces of particulate polymers are modified by tackifying the surfaces with a liquid that is normally a gas at room temperature. The treatment is carried out while the gas is in its supercritical range and the surfaces of the particulate polymers are at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymers. The surface modifications can include adhering solids to the surfaces, altering the surface configuration of the particles and increasing the size of the particles by controlled agglomeration.

Abstract: Finishing agents comprise the combination of alkoxysilane surface active agent, silanol condensing catalyst, and nonaqueous liquid or solid medium, or the combination of alkoxysilane surface active agent, acid catalyst and liquid and solid medium. In the latter embodiment, it is preferred that at least one of the alkoxysilane surface active agent and the acid catalyst be microencapsuled. The finishing agent permits formation of chemically adsorbed protecting films. Such protecting films are used for substrates of such equipments as electronics products, electric domestic products, automobile, industrial equipments, mirrors, lenses for glasses and the like. The protecting films have a durability and heat, weather and abrasion resistance, and also water and oil repellent properties.

Abstract: To provide a substrate enclosed in a uniform nucleation layer, a substrate is nucleated with a noble metal salt where the noble metal salt is chemically bound to the substrate, and a method is described for binding a noble metal salt chemically to a substrate. To provide a metal plated powder, a powder is nucleated with a noble metal salt and the nucleation is coated with a metal layer. A method is also provided for nucleating the powder surface with a noble metal salt in such a manner that it is chemically bound to the substrate and then metal plated by a conventional electroless method.

Abstract: A process including: treating a mixture comprising an aqueous dispersion of toner particles and a first solution of a water soluble alkyl carboxylate metal salt with a second solution of a water soluble metal salt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition in pellet form. The hot melt adhesive composition is pressure sensitive, having a storage modulus, G′, at 25° C., of less than about 5×106 dynes/cm2. The pellets are coated with a pelletizing aid on the surface at a concentration preferably ranging from about 1 wt-% to about 30 wt-%. The pelletizing aid is a hot melt adhesive component or a material which does not substantially adversely affect the adhesive properties.

Abstract: The invention provides expanded hollow micro sphere composite beads and a process for producing the beads. According to the invention, finely divided calcium carbonate can be uniformly deposited on expanded hollow thermoplastic polymer micro spheres by a simple procedure without incurring breakage of the expanded micro spheres so that the scattering of beads can be effectively inhibited. The preferred production process comprises admixing expanded hollow thermoplastic polymer micro spheres (A), with colloidal calcium carbonate (B) which has been surface-activated with a surface-treating agent or dispersing agent, e.g. a fatty acid series or polymer acid series compound. The admixing can be typically effected by dry-blending, preferably at a temperature of about 50-100° C.

Abstract: To increase the anti-wettability of a body vis a vis a fluid the body is subjected in a treatment enclosure to a post-discharge nitrogen plasma. A fluorinated vapor is fed into the plasma on the input side or on the output side of the discharge cavity.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer compositions comprising a fiber-containing composition derived from cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof which is at least partially coated with a partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing polymers derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: Process for the production of expandable particles of styrene polymers, having improved processability characteristics, which comprises:i) producing expandable particles of styrene polymers containing from 2 to 20% of an expanding agent incorporated;ii) covering these particles with an antistatic agent in a quantity of less than 1% by weight;iii) vigorously frictioning the particles in a mixing apparatus in order to heat their surface, in a short time, by simple mechanical friction;iv) discharging the particles thus treated from the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method for the formation of optically variant pigments by the coating of layers onto a substrate and the fracturing of the coated material into pigment particles after the coating operation and novel pigments produced thereby. Coating techniques such as slot die coating (especially multiple slot die coating), spin coating, meniscus coating, curtain coating, and the like have proven successful. It is preferred that multiple die slots are used to coat multiple layers in a single pass so that manufacturing costs are minimized. The use of these coating techniques, and especially multiple die slot coating, allows for many layers to be coated, with from three to fifty layers being readily possible. This offers a relatively inexpensive way of coating out a wide variety of layers, and especially the pigment materials needed for optically variable pigments, quickly and with high quality.

Abstract: The superparamagnetic monodispersed particles comprise a core of a first polymer, an internal layer of a second polymer coating the core and in which a magnetic material is distributed, and an external layer of a third polymer coating the magnetic layer and capable of interacting with at least one biological molecule. At least the second polymer is heat sensitive and has a predetermined lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of 15-65.degree. C. These particles may be used to isolate at least one biological molecule from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the gelatin coating of medicaments which includes a continuous conveyer system to advance a plurality of pallets through a loading station, at least one dipping station, at least one dryer station, a reorientation station and an unloading station. Medicaments to be coated are loaded into pallets at the loading station and advanced to the first dipping station where a vacuum is applied to secure the medicament to the pallet. The pallet is inverted and a first portion of each of the medicaments is dipped into a coating mixture. The pallet is then returned to its upright position, the vacuum is removed and the coating is dried. The medicaments are then transferred from the first pallet to a second pallet by a reorientation mechanism. The second pallet is then advanced to a second dipping station which operates in the same manner as the first dipping station.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a microsphere comprising a coating composed of one or more silica nanoparticles layers, comprises the steps of: a) providing a microsphere of polymeric material, the said microsphere having adsorbed on its surface one or more surfactants; and b) causing a layer of silica nanoparticles to coat the surface of the said microsphere by means of seeded polymerization of alkyl silicates onto the surface of said microsphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite solid particle obtained by sticking fine particles on the surface of a core particle by applying impact and then allowing a crystal of a fine particle component to grow on the fine particle-core particle composite with the stuck fine particles described above being used as crystal nuclei and to a production process for the same.

Abstract: Finishing agents comprise the combination of alkoxysilane surface active agent, silanol condensing catalyst, and nonaqueous liquid or solid medium, or the combination of alkoxysilane surface active agent, acid catalyst and liquid or solid medium. In the latter embodiment, it is preferred that at least one of the alkoxysilane surface active agent and the acid catalyst be microencapsuled. The finishing agent permits formation of chemically adsorbed protecting films. Such protecting films are used for substrates of such equipments as electronics products, electric domestic products, automobile, industrial equipments, mirrors, lenses for glasses and the like. The protecting films have a durability and heat, weather and abrasion resistance, and also water and oil repellent properties.

Abstract: Elastomeric particles, which have a tendency to agglomerate, are rendered non-agglomerating by contacting those particles with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a polyurethane rubber, a high Mooney viscosity, high gel content rubber and/or a soap, and optionally a polar binder, separating the coated elastomeric particles from the solution or dispersion, and then drying the elastomeric particles while keeping the coated particles in motion.

Abstract: An illuminatable decorative object made of a base of an optical material covered on at least one side with a layer of a malleable material displaying an image thereon. The invention also relates to a method of making an illuminatable decorative object by arranging a malleable material into an image bearing disk in which the image extends through the width of the disk; rolling the image bearing disk into a cane; cutting the cane into a second disk; and molding the second disk onto the surface of an optical material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coloring ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber granules for use in fabricating rubber products such as athletic surfaces. The method provides an efficient and cost effective method of coloring large quantities of EPDM rubber that provides a durable and permanent color coating on the EPDM rubber. The disclosed method may also be used for coloring other types of rubber or synthetic materials.

Abstract: Polymeric beads made by a suspension or an emulsion process may be concurrently impregnated with blowing agent, an insecticide and a flame retardant, if required. The resulting bead is then washed and dried and then may be used for making a foam structure such as a sheet. The resulting foam sheet may be used in the construction industry, particularly where there is a concern of insect infestation.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic aggregate for use in concrete compositions includes exposing high density plastics to ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of a strong alkali. The plastic may be recycled plastic which has been washed and cut into strips. Plastic aggregates according to the invention have an increased affinity for common concrete binders such as portland cement. A cement composition made with such plastic aggregates may include up to 60% by volume of plastic aggregate. The plastic aggregates are well adapted for use in concrete compositions used to make pre-cast concrete components.

Abstract: An alkaline battery separator comprising a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric obtainable from a fiber web prepared by a wet-laid method from (1) dividable composite fibers capable of producing polyolefin fine fibers, (2) high-strength fibers having a single-fiber strength of 5 g/denier or more, and (3) fusible fibers containing at least on a surface thereof a resin component having a melting point lower than a melting point of the dividable composite fibers and lower than a melting point of the high-strength fibers: by dividing the dividable composite fibers, entangling the fibers, and fusing the fusible fibers, to obtain a heat-fused and entangled nonwoven fabric, and imparting a hydrophilic property to the resulting heat-fused and entangled nonwoven fabric; wherein an average fiber length of the constituent fibers of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is 10 mm or more, is disclosed.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer compositions comprising a fiber-containing composition derived from cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof which is at least partially coated with a partially hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing polymer derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making sheet articles, for example, abrasive articles, retroreflective articles (such as traffic signs), pavement marking articles, or traction or non-skid articles. The method includes passing particles through a thermal sprayer to heat the particles and impinging the heated particles into a polymeric sheet so that the particles are at least partially embedded in the polymeric sheet. Preferably, the polymeric sheet is heated before impingement of the heated particles. One preferred method of softening the sheet is by a thermal sprayer that is used to heat the particles. A preferred thermal sprayer is a flame sprayer having a nozzle for emitting a flame, where the nozzle has a cross-web width and a downweb thickness, the width being substantially greater than the thickness.

Abstract: A method for making particles coated with a diamond-like network, which can include additive components. The method comprises subjecting a multiplicity of particles to a carbon-based plasma in an evacuated radio frequency powered capacitively coupled reactor system in which ion sheaths are formed around the electrodes and wherein the particles are agitated in such a manner as to expose their surfaces to the reactive species in the plasma while keeping the particles substantially within an ion sheath.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of a pre-mixed porous polymeric composition wherein granules of rubber are encapsulated with a first pre-polymer which is cured, a second uncured pre-polymer is then mixed with the encapsulated granules in a substantially moisture-free environment, the mixture is deposited into containers substantially impermeable to water vapor and is then stored for later use so that without further mixing it may be applied to a suitable sub-base surface and the second pre-polymer is allowed to polymerize by reaction with water.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of bichromal spheres comprising (I) preparing monochromal spheres by the aggregation and coalescence of an emulsion resin with a first colorant and inorganic salt; (ii) contacting the resulting monchromal spheres with an oxidizing agent, followed by a polymerization with a vinyl monomer and a free radical initiator; (iii) forming a of the resulting monochromal spheres on a substrate; and (iv) subjecting the resulting monochromal spheres to a vapor thermal deposition with a second colorant dissimilar than the first colorant to thereby coat one hemisphere of each of said monochromal spheres thereby resulting in bichromal spheres with dissimilar colors.

Abstract: Two or more hydrophilic polymers that are not soluble in each other at a particular concentration and temperature, but which have a positive spreading coefficient in solution, are used to form multi-layered polymeric microspheres. The multi-layer microspheres produced by the method are distinguished by extremely uniform dimensioned polymer layers and actual incorporation of a substance to be delivered into the polymer layers. In the preferred embodiment of the method, two polymers are dissolved in an aqueous solvent, the substance to be incorporated is dispersed or dissolved in the polymer solution, the mixture is suspended in an organic solvent or polymer/water mixture and stirred, and the solvent is slowly evaporated, creating microspheres with an inner core formed by one polymer and an outer layer formed by the second polymer.

Abstract: A process for producing an animal excretion treating article by classifying a pulverized paper diaper having a particle size of 4 mm or less to separate a paper powder and a highly water-absorptive resin from a plastic material. The plastic material from which the separation of the paper powder and the highly water-absorptive resin have been separated, is pulverized into a particle size of 4 mm or less and extruded and granulated to form a granulate having a grain size of 6 mm or more. The granulate is covered with a paper powder/water-absorptive resin mixture powder resulting from the pulverization of the separated paper powder and water-absorptive resin into a particle size of 1 mm or less. All of the starting materials can be obtained from a paper diaper waste powder, and thus, it is possible to provide, at an inexpensive cost, a granular animal excretion treating article capable of being incinerated even after being used, and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A process comprising the following steps: (a) maintaining the process in an essentially oxygen-free state; (b) introducing a first polymer directly from the polymerization reactor in which it was prepared, in molten form, into a mixer/compounder; (c) reducing any higher pressure accompanying the first polymer from the polymerization reactor to the mixer/compounder to a pressure in the range of about 0 to about 5 barg; (d) adding additives selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, second polymers, other polymer enhancing additives, and mixtures thereof to the mixer/compounder, and mixing same with the molten first polymer; (e) passing the molten mixture from step (d) through one or more screens, each having a maximum opening size of about 25 microns; (f) pelletizing the mixture from step (e); (g) introducing the pellets into a spraying chamber, the interior of said chamber being operated in a static condition; (h) spraying the pellets in the chamber with a crosslinking formulation including an organi

Abstract: A novel method for preparing silicone rubber particulates coated with metal oxide microparticles, wherein the metal oxide microparticles are derived from a sol, is disclosed. The silicone rubber particulate so prepared has the advantage of reducing aggregation of the particulate mass. The silicone rubber particulate has particular utility as an additive to organic resins for modifying the properties thereof.

Abstract: The invention addresses a method of preparing a dry polymer bead preparation. To achieve this, the polymer beads are coated with a layer of an easily soluble substance which dissolves again in a liquid when the polymer beads are resuspended. The resuspension is thus largely free of agglomerates.

Abstract: A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal.

Abstract: Process for the production of expandable particles of styrene polymers, having improved processability characteristics, which comprises:i) producing expandable particles of styrene polymers containing from 2 to 20% of an expanding agent incorporated;ii) covering these particles with an antistatic agent in a quantity of less than 1% by weight;iii) vigorously frictioning the particles in a mixing apparatus in order to heat their surface, in a short time, by simple mechanical friction;iv) discharging the particles thus treated from the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for customizing a thermoplastic resin in which a thermoplastic resin body is at least partially coated with a thermoplastic coating composition comprising an additive component and a polymeric component. The thermoplastic resin body is at a temperature that is above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the coating composition. After the coating is applied, the resin body is cooled to solidify the coating composition. Customized thermoplastic resins may be produced more efficiently using the present method than by conventional methods. The customized thermoplastic resins produced according to the invention may be heated to above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the resin body, mixed to form a substantially uniform mixture and formed into an article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting dense-medium chemicals in an induced plasma state and novel reaction products resulting from the method are described.

Abstract: Stable conductive polymer compositions which do not contain metal ions.The compositions comprise at least one inherently conductive polymer or copolymer chosen from polythiophenes, polypyrroles, polyacetylenes, polyphenylenes, polythiophene copolymers, polypyrrole copolymers and their water-soluble derivatives, characterized in that the inherently conductive polymer is doped with an oxidizing compound chosen from the compounds of formulae:R--NO and R--NO.sub.2,in which R is chosen from the groups HSO.sub.4, R.sup.1 SO.sub.3 and (R.sup.1 SO.sub.2).sub.2 N,in which R.sub.1 ?sic! is chosen from linear or branched alkyl radicals having 1 to 10 atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and linear or branched fluoroalkyl radicals having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Application in microelectronics.

Abstract: A high temperature thermal sprayable material, such as a metal or metal oxide, is adhered to the surface of a thermal sprayable plastic particle to form a cladding layer thereon. The high temperature material cladding layer provides a thermal barrier that allows use of the plastic in a high temperature thermal spray process to create a duplex coating containing plastic.

Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing finely-particulate polymeric terials with metallized surfaces. For this purpose, firstly finely-particulate aminoplasts are synthesized from aminoplast precondensates by polycondensation, in the form of microcapsules, microspheres, hollow spheres, compact and/or porous powder, and are then in a known way sensitized, activated and finally provided with a metallized surface. The surface metallization is effected in a currentless manner and may be subsequently electrolytically reinforced.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting at least one pharmaceutical ingredient with a mixture consisting essentially of gelatin and lecithin to increase the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients. A pharmaceutical excipient coating for increasing the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients is also disclosed. The coating consists essentially of gelatin and lecithin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method of producing a dustless vinyl halide polymer color concentrate that does not require the formation of a hot melt or the use of wax. The color concentrate comprises a multitude of fine particles which each comprise a vinyl halide polymer resin core and a colorant material shell. The method includes the steps of providing a vinyl halide polymer, providing a colorant material, providing a compatibilizer having a solubility parameter of from about 7 to about 12 (cal/ml).sup.1/2, and mixing the vinyl halide polymer, compatibilizer and colorant material together to yield the dustless concentrate in the form of a vinyl halide resin core surrounded by a shell of the compatibilzer and the colorant material.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting at least one pharmaceutical ingredient with a mixture consisting essentially of gelatin and lecithin to increase the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients. A pharmaceutical excipient coating for increasing the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients is also disclosed. The coating consists essentially of gelatin and lecithin.

Abstract: Invention relates to new carbodiimide compound obtainable from reaction mixture comprising an isocyanate compound and a monofunctional alcohol in a non-reactive solvent in the presence of a suitable catalyst, characterized in that the isocyanate compound and the monofunctional alcohol, except for the hydroxy group, are free from isocyanate reactive hydrogen atoms and the monofunctional alcohol is a branched aliphatic alcohol containing at least 8 carbon atoms, and to compositions comprising a fluorochemical oil and water repellent agent and said carbodiimide compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glycosylated particle of latex or of inorganic oxide, exhibiting functional radicals at the surface. At least a proportion of said functional radicals is joined to a glycosyl residue.The particles preferably consist either of polymers obtained by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers or of silica.The invention finds an application as a detection agent in biology.

Abstract: Gluing machine for use in plants for producing wood fibreboard panels by a dry process including a hollow cylindrical shell having an inlet opening at one end for feeding an air stream transporting the fibers within which the glue is to be distributed, and an outlet opening at an opposite end for removing the air stream transporting the glue-impregnated fibers. A sprayer is provided for spraying an adhesive onto the fibers flowing through the cylindrical shell. The machine includes members for maintaining the flowing fibers close to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell for a predetermined distance. The sprayer is positioned within the predetermined distance in which the fibers are maintained close to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: Lubricant-containing pellets of thermoplastic resins which have a continuous lubricant film firmly adhering to the surface of the pellets are created by a process which mixes and combines uncoated pellets of thermoplastic resins with a metal salt of a fatty acid lubricant at a temperature of from 20.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Compounds containing polar functional entities can be grafted onto the surface of fluoropolymer powders to obtain grafted fluoropolymer powders having modified surface characteristics but without modifying the bulk of the polymer in the particle. The grafted fluoropolymer powder is effective in such uses as an adhesive to join dissimilar materials.

Abstract: Composite core/sheath particulates comprising an organic polymer core at least partly coated with calcium carbonate, these core/sheath particulates having a mean particle size not exceeding 5 .mu.m, well suited for reinforcing plastic/elastomer substrates, are conveniently converted, e.g., via calcination, into hollow calcium carbonate microbeads which comprise CaCO.sub.3 shells having a mean particle size not exceeding 5 .mu.m; such hollow microbeads are themselves well suited for enhancing the low-temperature flexibility of elastomer substrates, notably vehicle tires.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of making oil coagulant compositions, the oil coagulants made thereby and processes for using the coagulants to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The coagulant is made from a glyceride, such as, for example, the drying oil linseed oil, a polymer, such as, for example, isobutyl methacrylate polymer, and a solvent, such as, for example, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate. The composition of the present invention floats on the water surface and coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and can be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the floating coagulated oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water. An alternate way of using the composition is to impregnate it into a porous substrate, which substrate is then applied to the spilled oil.

Abstract: By utilizing the process of the present invention, a free-flowing crumb rubber composition can be easily prepared on a commercial scale. This invention more specifically discloses a process for preparing a free-flowing crumb rubber composition which comprises the steps of:(1) extruding a rubbery polymer into a wax emulsion; wherein the rubbery polymer is extruded into pellets having a diameter which is within the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm; wherein the wax emulsion is comprised of about 35 weight percent to about 89 weight percent water, from about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of a wax, and from about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of an emulsifier; wherein the wax has a melting point which is within the range of about 40.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C.; and wherein the wax emulsion is at a temperature which is within the range of about 5.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: The subject invention provides water-swellable polymer compositions having reduced caking tendencies. Such polymer compositions can be produced by employing quaternary ammonium salts. In addition to having reduced caking tendencies such polymers have reduced dust and substantially maintain or increase the surface tension of an aqueous fluid in equilibrium with the polymer and air.