Abstract: Metalized plastic substrates, and methods thereof are provided herein. The method includes providing a plastic substrate having a plurality of accelerators dispersed in the plastic substrate. The accelerators have a formula selected from the group consisting of: CuFe2O4-?, Ca0.25Cu0.75TiO3-?, and TiO2-?, wherein ?, ?, ? denotes oxygen vacancies in corresponding accelerators and 0.05???0.8, 0.05???0.5, and 0.05???1.0. The method further includes removing at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate to expose at least a first accelerator. The method further includes plating the exposed surface of the plastic substrate to form at least a first metal layer on the at least first accelerator, and then plating the first metal layer to form at least a second metal layer.

Abstract: Enzyme catalyst immobilized on porous flouropolymer supports. Catalytically active enzymes can be bound to a variety of fluoropolymer supports for use as a reaction catalyst. Moreover, consistently high rate of conversion during catalyst re-use over time is achieved. Furthermore, inactive enzyme catalyst can be stripped from the support and fresh enzyme can be bound to the support to achieve the original conversion rate. The immobilization of catalytic enzymes on porous fluoropolymers is a viable and novel technology for the preparation of advantaged catalysts.

Abstract: Processes are described herein for preparing medical devices and other articles having a low-fouling surface on a substrate comprising a polymeric surface. The polymeric surface material may possess a range of polymeric backbones and substituents while providing the articles with a highly efficient, biocompatible, and non-fouling surface. The processes involve treating the substrate to reduce the concentration of chemical species on the surface of or in the substrate without altering the bulk physical properties of the device or article, and thereafter forming a grafted polymer layer on the treated substrate surface.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a resin substrate with an ozone gas by bringing the ozone gas into contact with the surface includes the steps of: generating an ozone gas; humidifying the generated ozone gas; and exposing the surface of the resin substrate to the humidified ozone gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based waterproof composition for coating different substrates characterized in that it is formulated by including a elastomeric acrylic comprising a mechanical reinforcing fiber of an elastic material produced by a fiber yarn process, that, once applied and dried keeps its elongation properties.

Abstract: An optical construction that is static-dissipative and includes a static-dissipative layer buried within optical material.

Abstract: A method reclaims metalized polymer film or mixtures containing metal and/or metal alloys into a metal-containing, polymeric film. The resulting film structure has better oxygen and moisture barrier properties when metalized than plain metalized polymer films. The polymer to be reclaimed, originates in sheet form, and is densified, as by shredding, pelletizing and/or re-extruding into fine particulate form such as chips or pellets. The reclaimed polymeric film can be used, in a range of concentrations, to produce biaxially oriented polyester film for metalizing.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a film including the steps of providing a polymer substrate, depositing a metal layer on the polymer substrate in a metallization chamber, removing the metallized film from the metallization chamber, and applying a topcoat to said metal layer within 1 week of depositing the metal layer on the polymer substrate. A film produced by such a method exhibits improved barrier properties, such as improved water-vapor transmission rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic additive for use with fabric, fiber, and film. One aspect of the present invention comprises a master batch composition for use in preparing a non-woven fabric in order to increase the hydrophobicity of the non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the master batch composition includes a polymer and a lipid ester. The lipid ester comprises from 10 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the master batch. The fabric, when including the master batch composition, has a contact angle ranging from 100° to 125° when measured according to test method ASTM D2578.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making solid biodegradable articles from wheat gluten. Hydrated wheat gluten is provided in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough. The cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure. The cohesive, elastic dough is formed into a shaped article and placed in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, such that a solid biodegradable article results. The solid biodegradable articles of the present invention comprise at least 8% by weight wheat gluten.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for surface treating a polymeric article using a combination of an acidic solution and a bifluoride solution, in any order. Such surface treated polymeric articles, when coated with a metal, have superior metal to polymer bonding properties. Useful applications include automotive grill-guards; brake, gas or clutch pedals; fuel rails; running boards; spoilers; muffler tips; wheels; vehicle frames; and structural brackets.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for manufacturing a coating film whereby a problem of planarity in a plastic film wound up into a roll form can be eliminated and the coating film can be formed uniformly and precisely. There is therefore provided a method for manufacturing a coating film in which a plastic film wound into a roll form is wound off to be allowed to run and is fed while winding the film around a heat roller so as to eliminate deformations in the plastic film, and then a coating liquid is applied onto the plastic film, wherein in a position where wrinkles begin to form in the plastic film due to heating by the heat roller, the plastic film is pneumatically pressed by air jetted from an air nozzle at a pressure equal to or higher than a pressure at which the wrinkles disappear.

Abstract: A method of forming a lyophobic coating on a surface having oxidized groups is disclosed. The method includes bringing into contact with the surface a silane or siloxane having the formula SiX4 wherein each X is the same or different, wherein at least one X is a leaving group and at least one X is a lyophobic group.

Abstract: An enrobed a core, such as a tablet core, that has a coating made of one or more patterned films each having portions that are visually distinct (e.g., differently colored) from one another and having a transition line segment between these visually distinct portions. At least a portion of an outer surface of the core is covered with the film or films, such that the transition line segments form a substantially continuous transition line on the coating and a film seam is formed which is different from the transition line. Where the patterned films are bi-colored, the resulting enrobed core can be bi-colored, or the resulting enrobed core can have a coating with at least four visually distinct portions alternately arranged thereon, thereby forming a “checkerboard” pattern on the coating. In either case, the film seam of the coating is different from the transition line of the coating.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic hybrid material is provided, which includes an organic polymer and a plurality of inorganic nanoparticles, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles are self-connected or connected via a linker to constitute an inorganic network structure. By forming the inorganic network structure through interconnection of inorganic nanoparticles, the inorganic content in the hybrid materials can be drastically increased to improve the properties thereof. A method for fabricating the organic/inorganic hybrid material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the metal coating of nano-fibers by electrospinning, to the metal coated nano-fibers obtained by this process and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibers. The process is characterized in that a polymer nano-fiber with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fiber and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the composition for and methods of processing composite structural foam. In one embodiment, a method of producing a Interpenetrating Phase Composite (IPC) foam is disclosed. In this method, uncured epoxy-based syntactic foam is prepared and infiltrated into an open-cell scaffold. In some embodiments, the uncured epoxy-based syntactic foam contains premixed micron-size hollow glass microballoons. In other embodiments, the scaffold is coated with a silane. The uncured epoxy-based syntactic foam is subsequently cured to produce the Interpenetrating Phase Composite (IPC) foam.

Abstract: Multi-piece, solid golf balls having a cover material made from a polyurea or polyurea/urethane hybrid composition are provided. In one version of the method, the cover materials are prepared by forming a polyurea prepolymer which undergoes two curing steps. In the first step, the prepolymer is partially-cured by reacting it with hydroxyl curing agents, amine curing agents, or mixtures thereof. In the second step, the composition is moisture-cured using environmental controls such as humidity chambers or hot water baths. In another version, a polyurea prepolymer is prepared and then treated with an aqueous curative blend comprising an amine curing agent. The cured materials may be used to make a golf ball cover having improved durability, cut/tear resistance, and impact strength.

Abstract: A method for coloring sea shells for use as mulch comprises receiving a quantity of shells; washing the shells to remove debris therefrom; segregating the shells to separate relatively larger shells for further processing; at least partially drying the shells; applying a coloring agent to the shells; and drying the colored shells.

Abstract: A personal care device having a handle region which at least in part has a surface made of a thermoplastic elastomer provided at least in part with a protective layer of a varnish.

Abstract: The process for the application of a metal layer on a substrate by deposition of a metal from a metal salt solution comprises the presence of exfoliated graphite in the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic additive for use with fabric, fiber, and film. One aspect of the present invention comprises a master batch composition for use in preparing a non-woven fabric in order to increase the hydrophobicity of the non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the master batch composition includes a polymer and a lipid ester. The lipid ester comprises from 10 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the master batch. The fabric, when including the master batch composition, has a contact angle ranging from 100° to 125° when measured according to test method ASTM D2578.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric products that are coated with a thin layer of elastomeric polymeric coating containing an antitoxic agent, particularly a demand disinfectant iodinated resin. The antimicrobial coated catheters are prepared by adding the antitoxic agent to a solution of a liquid elastomeric polymer and then coating the surface of the elastomeric through a dipping or spraying procedure. The antimicrobial coatings can be applied to a variety of different elastomeric products including gloves and catheters and are capable of providing a high level of protection against microbes and other contaminants.

Abstract: Metal-clad polymer articles containing structural fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, are disclosed. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling although the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of the metallic layer and the substrate are mismatched. The interface between the metallic layer and the polymer is suitably pretreated to withstand thermal cycling without failure.

Abstract: Copolymers comprising as comonomers in copolymerized form: (a) ethylene, (b) one or more compounds of the general formula I (c) if appropriate, one or more alkenylphosphonic diesters, (d) if appropriate, one or more other free-radically copolymerizable comonomers, whose variables are defined as follows: R1 is selected from hydrogen and unbranched and branched C1-C10-alkyl, R2 is selected from hydrogen and unbranched and branched C1-C10-alkyl, R3 is selected from hydrogen, phenyl, benzyl, and unbranched and branched C1-C10-alkyl and unbranched and branched hydroxy-C2-C10-alkyl, as free acid or partially or completely neutralized with alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonia or organic amine.

Abstract: A method for biolithographical deposition of molecules is provided. According to an embodiment of the method, a reactive layer (e.g., a polysaccharide mass) having a surface region coated with a biologically compatible resist is provided. A portion of the biologically compatible resist is selectively removed to expose an exposed portion of the reactive layer. Molecules, such as biomolecules and/or cellular species, are then conjugated to the exposed portion of the reactive layer. Also provided are materials and devices related to the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a molded article, which can be perform the continuous processes and effectively impregnate a modifying material such as metal complexes in the thermoplastic resin for short period of time. The above object is achieved by providing the method of producing the thermoplastic resin molded article which includes impregnating the pressurized fluid having a modifying material dissolved therein, in thermoplastic resin; discharging the pressurized fluid from the thermoplastic resin in which the modifying material has been impregnated; and continuously molding the thermoplastic resin, in which the modifying material has been impregnated and from which the pressurized fluid has been discharged, into the form of a film.

Abstract: Methods for adhesive bonding are disclosed. The methods includes contacting a substrate with an activator composition which includes a reactive solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone or acrylic-based monomers, and a reducing agent, such that the treated substrate has a working time of greater than about four weeks, and contacting the substrate with adhesive compositions to result in adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A method for treating textile fabrics is described in which there is applied to a fabric a first treatment composition comprising a fluorochemical textile treating agent. A second treatment composition is applied to one side of the fabric such that a layer of the second treatment composition is formed on that side subsequent to a drying step. A polymeric film is then adhered to the formed layer. The process and the resulting product are characterized in that no formaldehyde of formaldehydic compounds are used in the treatment compositions or the film, and a formaldehyde scavenger is included in at least one of the treatment compositions. The resulting fabric is environmentally friendly and exhibits a high degree of soil and water resistance without sacrificing aesthetic qualities.

Abstract: A method of making an optical construction that is static-dissipative and includes a static-dissipative layer buried within optical material.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite membranes for removing contaminants from water, the membranes comprising a water-permeable thin film polymerized on a porous support membrane and, optionally, a mixture, including a surface coating material having a different chemical composition than the thin film, coated on the thin film. In one aspect, one or more layers of the composite membranes further comprise nanoparticles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic profile which can be decorated, comprising a profiled substrate as the main body of the plastic profile, and a method for the production thereof. In order to ensure reliable subsequent decorative coating of the plastic profile over a run even in the event of a longer time interval between substrate manufacturing and decorative coating, according to the invention, a functional layer which at least sectionally covers the substrate is provided, which may subsequently have a decorative coating applied thereto.

Abstract: The process for forming a chemical adsorption film of the present invention includes a hydrophilic treatment step ST1 of making the surface of the material hydrophilic, a treatment step ST2 of adhering an acid or a base onto the surface of the base material which is made hydrophilic, and a film forming step ST3 of contacting the surface of the base material on which an acid or a base is adhered with a chemical adsorbent to form a chemical adsorption film on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating at least one surface of a substrate based on sulphur polymer intended to be covered with a coating, said method comprising, prior to depositing the coating onto the surface of the substrate, a step of bringing the surface of the substrate into contact with a treating composition comprising at least one reducing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in mammals. The composition includes sevelamer and copovidone. The composition is provided in the form of a coated tablet having a compressed core. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of such tablets, and methods for treating hyperphosphatemia in mammalian patients using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: Biomimetic artificial prostheses which are made from polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate, and a method for the biomimetic functionalization of such prostheses. The method includes a step involving the grafting of biologically-active polymers or copolymers to the polyester surface of the prostheses, the grafting step consisting of the peroxidation of the surface by ozonation followed by a step including the radical polymerization of a solution of at least one monomer. The method also includes an optional step consisting in impregnating the prostheses with type I and/or II collagen and/or fibronectins. The prostheses thus obtained enable a normal and uniform regrowth of the fibroblasts, thereby significantly improving the biological integration of such polyester prostheses.

Abstract: Process for preparing a cross-linked rubber article comprising the steps of: a) applying a sulfur-containing composition to the surface of a pre-shaped peroxide-containing cross-linkable rubber article to provide a sulfur-coated article, and b) cross-linking the rubber by heating the sulfur-coated article, optionally in the presence of air, at a temperature in the range of 80 to 300° C. to obtain the cross-linked rubber article.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallized polymeric foam that produces an anti-microbial material using an advanced method of metallizing polymeric foam with a metal, such as silver. The foam material may be polyurethane, polyester, polyether, or a combination thereof. The method provides a 3-dimensional surface coating of the metal. The metallized substrate is durable and highly adherent. Such metallized foam is a highly effective filter and/or an anti-microbial product. The mechanism of filtration is mainly due to Vander Der Wal attraction. The anti-microbial activity may be due, in part, to the release of select metal ions as a response to stimuli.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a ceramic filter element for an exhaust gas filter of internal combustion engines, a combustible non-ceramic filter medium is shaped to a coil and the coil is impregnated with a ceramic slurry having a powder size distribution selected such that the ceramic filter element in the finished state has a desired porosity distribution across the coil cross-section of the ceramic filter element.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a composite material that includes (a) providing at least one sheet which includes woven or non-woven glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, or nanoscale fibers; and (b) stitching a plurality of stitches of a thermally conductive fiber through the at least one sheet in a Z-axis direction to form paths of higher conductivity through the sheet of material to increase its thermal conductivity in the Z-axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesion promoting cleaner solution for producing and adherent coating on a resinous substrate. The adhesion promoting cleaning solution comprises a telechelic diol in a carrier liquid such as an organic solvent. Also disclosed is a process of using the adhesion promoting cleaner solution to produce an adherent coating on a resinous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adjusting the relative stiffness of a synthetic turf system's synthetic ribbons. A stiffening agent is applied to the synthetic turf system such that its synthetic ribbons that are responsive to the stiffening agent will stiffen subsequent to the application of the stiffening agent.

Abstract: A coating is provided for enhancing low temperature heat sealability and providing high hot tack to polymeric substrates. The coating is water-based and includes a dispersion of a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic or methacrylic acid, and a compatible adhesion enhancer which is an aliphatic polyurethane emulsion. The coating may also include additives such as wetting agents, matting agents, antiblocking agents, and tackifying resins. The coating may be applied to a variety of polymeric substrates and may be heat sealed to itself, or to polymeric substrates, cellulosic substrates, and metal substrates.

Abstract: A coated paper or board product and a method of manufacturing the same. The product comprises a base layer made of paper or board, with at least one coating layer containing at least one polysaccharide-based pigment, and at least one polymer layer being spread on top of it. The invention can considerably improve the adhesion of the coating and the polymer layer.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention for coating a plastic substrate with a transition layer, which particularly enables an improved bond of the optical functional layer system arranged above said transition layer to the plastic substrate lying underneath said transition layer, a polymerizable liquid is applied to a substrate surface of the plastic substrate to be coated, and said liquid is polymerized at that location, by irradiation with ultraviolet light, into a bonding agent which forms the transition layer. For this process, the plastic substrate passes consecutively through a high-pressure cleaning device (24), a spin-coating device (26), a UV-irradiation device (28), and a coating device (32) for applying the optical functional layer system.

Abstract: Thermoplastic surface modification is achieved with photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide and mixtures thereof. A uniform coating of a powdered photocatalyst is applied to a thermoplastic surface that is wetted with an organic solvent. The coating is in a range between approximately 1.5 mg/cm2 to approximately 2.5 mg/cm2. After the uniform coating of photocatalyst is dried, the thermoplastic surface is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature, usually in a range between approximately 80° C. to approximately 130° C.; then, a mild pressure is applied to imbed the photocatalyst into the surface of the thermoplastic sheet. The method of modification is inexpensive, long-lasting and non-detrimental to the thermoplastic surface. A surface is provided with improved aesthetic appearance, extended lifetime and sustained protection from undesirable growth of nuisance organisms, such as algae, fungus, bacteria, mold, mildew and the like.

Abstract: A fabric article of knitted or woven construction with flame retardant, interlaced yarns has a pile, raised or fleece region on its inner surface and a flame retardant coating on its outer surface. The flame retardant coating provides both flame retardancy and improved durability against pilling and fraying without substantial adverse effect on characteristics of the base fabric. A method of forming the fabric article is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyurethane resin moulding for a vehicle interior part, includes: adding at least one of a polyol mixture and a polyisocyanate compound to at least one of microencapsulated paraffin waxes and shirasu balloons, followed by polymerizing the polyol mixture and the polyisocyanate compound. The polyol mixture contains a polyol, a catalyst, a chain extender and an auxiliary agent. A melting point of the microencapsulated paraffin waxes is 60° C. to 80° C.

Abstract: Active carboxylic acid ester groups are coupled on the surfaces of microspheres so as to reduce protocols for microsphere processing, control side reactions, and stably preserve beads containing active carboxylic acid ester groups. Further, microspheres labeled with at least one fluorescent dye cage in the microspheres, and the microspheres are preserved in lower alcohol.