Abstract: An absorbent article containing a composite mixture of absorbent macroporous particles and binder particles. Preferably, the absorbent macroporous particles are those having a macroporous structure which allow for the rapid flow of liquid therein, e.g., aerogels, xerogels, cryogels, or mixtures thereof. The absorbent articles produced thereby are preferably thin and lightweight, but maintain an ample rate of absorption allowing for a more rapid uptake of higher volumes of liquids.

Abstract: Adhesives for bonding paper facings to aerated concrete provide increased manufacturing efficiencies and long term stability of constructs prepared therewith. Adhesives may advantageously be used in the foamed state.

Abstract: A multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane having a polymer electrolyte layer and a porous polymer electrolyte layer with three dimensional network pores on the former polymer electrolyte layer is provided. The polymer electrolyte layer can be provided on both sides of the porous polymer electrolyte layer. An electrochemical apparatus and a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell made of the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided. Further, a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell having the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided. Further, a process for the preparation of the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.

Abstract: A component film having a surface layer and a polymer matrix layer, wherein the polymer matrix layer has a polymer and small molecules, and the polymer matrix is designed to allow the small molecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix layer to the surface layer upon the application of pressure or heat to the component film.

Abstract: A composite recovery board (10, 20, 30) comprises a foam core (11) having lower (12) and upper (13) surfaces, wherein the foam core is selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanurate and polyurethane materials and mixtures thereof; and a filler within said foam core selected from the group consisting of rubber-tire vents, EPDM scrap material, plastic chips, polyurethane scrap, polyisocyanurate scrap, scrap rubber from recycled tires, wood chips, fiberglass strands and mixtures thereof. A method of re-roofing a roof comprising applying composite boards (10, 20, 30) of the present invention to a roof deck and applying a weather protective layer over the composite boards. A continuous method of making composite recovery boards (10) of the present invention comprises is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making a resilient material includes providing a particulate polymer, discrete pieces of foam and a plasticizer. The polymer, foam pieces and plasticizer are mixed and disposed in a mold. The mold is heated to cause melting of the polymer without melting of the foam. After coating of the melted polymer, a heterogeneous resilient cushion is formed with gelated polymer surrounding the discrete foam pieces.

Abstract: An injection hose for use in filling voids in concrete during installation of expansion joints is made from fibre-reinforced plastic and has four longitudinal rows of staggered slits in a side wall thereof. The hose is connected between two elbows having nipples to receive an epoxy source. Epoxy is injected into the tubular members and then into the hose at each end simultaneously. The pressure from the epoxy opens the slits and exits into the void in which the hose is located.

Abstract: An electronic chip package is provided having a laminated substrate. The laminated substrate includes at least one conductive layer and at least one dielectric layer which is bonded to the conductive layer. The dielectric layer has a glass transition temperature Tg greater than 200° C. and a volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion of ≦75 ppm/° C. A semiconductor device is electrically attached to the laminated substrate.

Abstract: A material provided for sealing leaks in water conveyance systems includes a porous hydrophilic rubber impregnated with a water reactive polyurethane resin. When the material comes into contact with water, the rubber and polyurethane swell and this results in increased adhesion and improved sealing.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for a fuser member, comprising an ultrafine fibers-containing portion including (a) first ultrafine fibers formed from a resin having a softening point of higher than 230° C., having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and having a fiber diameter of not more than 10 &mgr;m, and (b) second ultrafine fibers formed from a resin having a softening point of 150 to 230° C., and having a fiber diameter of not more than 10 &mgr;m, wherein at least one surface of the cleaning sheet is contained in the ultrafine fibers-containing portion, and the second ultrafine fibers in a surface portion containing the surface are deformed by press-attaching is disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a thermoset-containing, dielectric material and methods for fabricating the same is provided. The device may take the form of a printed circuit board, an integrated circuit chip carrier, or the like. The dielectric material is a non-fibrillated, fluoropolymer matrix that has inorganic particles distributed therein and is impregnated with a thermoset material.

Abstract: The present, invention relates to a process for producing a fabric-elastomer composite that, when transfer or film coated, is preferable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a suppleness that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer coating to produce artificial leather. The composite may be utilized as upholstery fabric in furniture or in automobiles, apparel, and the like.

Abstract: A sheet-form structure of expandable thermoplastic resin is provided which is capable of undergoing a pseudo-one-dimensional expansion in its thickness direction and which enables manufacture of thermoplastic resin foams having reduced variations in thickness and weight precisions, increased compressive strength, and excellent properties such as surface smoothness. A method of manufacturing the sheet-form structure, as well as such thermoplastic resin foams, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high crystalline polypropylene microporous membrane and a preparation method of the same, and it provides a preparation method of a polypropylene microporous membrane comprising the steps of preparing a precursor film using high crystalline polypropylene having a crystallinity of 50% or more and a very high isotacticity, annealing, stretching at a low temperature, stretching at a high temperature, and heat setting, and a polypropylene microporous membrane having superior permeability and mechanical properties prepared by the preparation method.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersed polymeric composition for preparing a carpet backing is provided. The aqueous dispersed polymeric composition comprises an aqueous dispersed polymeric material and a hydrophobically-modified ethylene-oxide-based urethane block copolymer. In the preferred embodiment, the aqueous dispersed polymeric material is an aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition. Moreover, a method for preparing a carpet backing using the aqueous dispersed polymeric composition is provided.

Abstract: An IC chip bonding sheet having adhesive resin layers formed on both faces of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer comprising a porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet, the porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer retaining porous voids, and the adhesive resin layers comprising a bromine-free flame retardant resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides (1) a porous resin film having good water absorption from aqueous inks or aqueous pastes, (2) a recording medium which can absorb an ink without density unevenness even during solid printing or the like if the ejected amount of ink is great in ink jet recording, and (3) a porous resin film constituting such a recording medium having excellent properties. In other words, the present invention lies in a porous resin film comprising a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic and/or organic finely divided powder surface-treated with a specific surface treating agent and having a liquid absorption capacity of not smaller than 0.5 ml/m2 as measured by “Japan TAPPI No. 51-87” and a recording medium comprising the porous resin film.

Abstract: An ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receptive layer capable of accepting an ink jet image, the layer comprising an open-pore membrane of a mixture of a water-insoluble polymer, a water-absorbent polymer and a mordant, the mixture containing at least about 25% by weight of the water-absorbent polymer, at least about 7% by weight of the mordant, and the balance being the water-insoluble polymer, the mordant comprising a polymer or copolymer containing a quaternized nitrogen moiety.

Abstract: Expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene film laminated into a laminate in the form of a strip, wherein the laminated height of the laminated strip is greater than the width, preferably with a layer for preventing fluid penetration interposed between the layers of the laminate. The sealing material in the form of tape is used in the form of a closed ring, the longitudinal beginning and end being joined, and the laminated end faces on the long side are in contact with the tightened surfaces, in such a way that the direction in which the laminated strip has been laminated is the radial direction.

Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials proximate to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

Abstract: A foam sheet including a blend of polypropylene and homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, wherein the polypropylene is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 70 to 95 and the homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 5 to 30. Foam composite structures in which the aforedescribed foam sheet is bonded to polyethylene and/or polypropylene foam sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfix member comprising a heating member and a component film having a surface layer and a polymer matrix layer, wherein the polymer matrix layer contains a polymer and small molecules, and the polymer matrix layer is designed to allow the small molecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix to the surface layer upon the application of pressure or heat to the component film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave absorber holding both nonflammability and flexibility and having advantageous properties regarding the lightness in weight, the thermal insulation, the sound insulation, the sound isolation, and the workability to ensure a certain freedom in shaping. Each of wave absorbing materials A1, A2, and A3 given as embodiments of the present invention include a conductive filler, an inorganic endothermic filler, and an organic binder as main constituents. A wave absorber A30 for wave anechoic rooms and semi-wave anechoic rooms is prepared by using any of these wave absorbing materials A1, A2, and A3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A flat composite body with an asymmetric laminar structure generally consisting of a first layer of material, a foam core intermediate layer and a decorative second layer of non-metallic material, wherein a fleece with an epoxy binder is placed between the first and intermediate layers and a fiber matting with an epoxy binder is placed between the intermediate layer and the second layer.

Abstract: The method of forming a light-weight, fiber-reinforced, particularly glass fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic resin product includes the steps of melting and mixing thermoplastic resin pellets containing parallely oriented fibers 2-100 mm long, injecting the melted resin into a cavity which is closed so that its volume is smaller than that of the final molded product, and, before or after the resin injection is completed, opening the cavity until its volume is equal to that of the final molded product. Unlike the conventional injection-molded products, this product does not require a foaming agent and, if it uses any, requires only a small amount of foaming agent. The product thus formed is light in weight and has fibers uniformly entangled inside, providing an excellent appearance of the surface. Further a skin layer is formed over the surface. These features combined with the reinforcement by the glass fibers offer high strength and high stiffness.

Abstract: A sprayable polymeric material and a process for preparing the material which contains a fibrous material, dispersed throughout the polymeric material. A restriction free spray nozzle is provided for mixing and spraying the polymeric material having a fibrous material, the nozzle having a restriction free check valve. A reinforced structure, and a method of making the structure are provided, the structure having layers of the polymeric material (both film and foam) containing the fibrous material. A flexible liner is provided of a porous geotextile fabric and a polyurethane composition comprising the fibrous material sprayed over the geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A laminate for reinforcing a structural member having a plurality of side walls comprises a carrier having at least one inclined support surface. Each support surface has an outer edge disposed toward a respective side wall. A layer of extruded uncured structural foam is on each support surface and terminates inwardly of the outer edge. The foam expands when cured and tumbles down the inclined support surface of the carrier to become bonded to the side wall as well as the carrier. By being spaced from the outer edge of the support surface, the tendency for the foam to wipe against the side wall is minimized as is the tendency for a worker to touch the foam when the worker places the carrier into the structural member.

Abstract: A reaction-injected foam molding comprising a skin coating film formed by the in-mold coating method and having an elongation at break of 20-200% (JIS K 6400: No. 1 dumb-bell test specimen) and a urethane foam body obtained by reaction injection molding and having a density of 0.35-0.60 g/cm3. Said molding permits easy removal of flashes even though the urethane foam body is of a high ratio expansion with a density of 0.35-0.60 g/cm3.

Abstract: A prepreg, provided with adhesiveness or fusibility and configured such that voids in a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film are filled with a bromine-free flame-resistant resin composition, wherein this prepreg is such that the bromine content of the resin is 0.09 weight % or less.

Abstract: A composite polyurethane foam structure and method of preparing the composite structure, which structure includes a semirigid-rigid polyurethane foam layer having bonded, free, unreacted, ethylenically unsaturated groups like allyl or acrylic groups. The structure includes a cured, unsaturated resin composition layer which is chemically bonded to one or both surfaces of the polyurethane foam layer through the polymerization of the allyl or acrylic group in the foam surface with the polyester resin composition.

Abstract: Polymeric films including a layer of propylene resin having microvoids therein, the microvoids having been formed by stretching a web containing the beta-form of polypropylene, have shown low static cling when being unwound from rolls in labelling operations and also during destacking of pre-formed labels. The invention provides labels formed from such films.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite material having a matrix of structural material containing embedded zones of soft elastic material and zones of solid relatively high density material within the soft elastic material. By selecting a particular resonance frequency for the subunits of soft elastic material and solid high density material, frequencies just lower than the resonance frequencies will be unable to propagate through the material and be strongly reflected or absorbed. Such material may be used in the manufacture of filters or shields against particular target frequencies. Subunits having a variety of resonance frequencies may provide a broader range of frequencies that the material may shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biaxially oriented film having a water wettable surface, the film containing a water wettable porous high density polyethylene (HDPE) surface layer. The water wettable surface layer contains porous HDPE and a silicone glycol coating impregnated in the pore of the HDPE surface layer. The biaxially oriented water wettable film is useful for ink jet printing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for sealing any foamed rubber product or foamed plastic product having a foam cell structure, excluding foamed polystyrene, to provide a continuous, flexible, impervious surface including applying to the surface a primer which penetrates partially into the foam cell and then applying a polymeric composition to the primer-treated surface. The invention also relates to formulations used in the process and products produced by the process.

Abstract: A flexible circuit comprising a liquid crystal polymer film having through-holes and related shaped voids formed therein using an etchant composition comprising a solution in water of from about 35 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of an alkali metal salt; and from about 10 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of a solubilizer dissolved in the solution to provide the etchant composition suitable for etching the liquid crystal polymer at a temperature from about 50° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: This invention provides a selectively permeable protective covering capable of transmitting high quantities of water vapor while also being capable of significantly restricting the passage of noxious or harmful chemicals even under conditions of high humidification. The material of this invention provides the basis for creating protective garments and accessories suitable for application in the broad range of conditions likely to be encountered in realistic use scenarios. In its broadest aspect, the protective and water vapor permeable covering of this invention comprises a sheet of a polyamine polymer wherein at least 10% of the polyamine polymer amines are amine-acid moieties wherein the acidic species of said amine-acid moieties have a pKa less than 6.4.

Abstract: A thermosensitive stencil has a thermoplastic resin film and a porous resin layer formed thereon, with the porous resin layer having a surface smoothness of 15 to 250 sec when measured by the method of Ohken-shiki prescribed in Japan Tappi No. 5. A method for producing the above-mentioned thermosensitive stencil, and an apparatus for making a printing master from the thermosensitive stencil and printing images are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel inorganic-organic composite membranes especially useful as ionically conducting in electrochemical devices. The composites consist of a polymeric matrix, which may or may not be an ionic conductor in its unfilled form, filled with an inorganic material having a high affinity for water, capable of exchanging cations such as protons, and preferably with a high cation mobility, either on its surface or through its bulk.

Abstract: A foam body structure formed of plastic foam with one or more flame retardant reception cavities formed in the main body either simultaneously with an initial foam body formation process such as expandable plastic bead molding or subsequent to the foam body formation such as by melting, drilling or cutting. A solid flame retardant such as one in granular form is preferably supplied in sufficient quantity as to entirely fill the volume defined by the reception cavities. A covering or coating is provided over the flame retardant material to fix the material within the cavities. The volume and distribution of the reception cavities and the amount of the chosen flame retardant received in the cavities is sufficient to provide an essentially common flame retardation quality or characteristic over the entire volume of foam body (or at least the volume that could be exposed to a flame in its intended use).

Abstract: An anti-reflection film comprises a low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer comprises a polymer binder and micro particles. The micro particles are so deposited to superpose at least one micro particle on another micro particle, to form micro voids surrounded by the micro particles. The micro particles have a mean particle size of 5 to 200 nm. A display device provided with the anti-reflection film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drying agent for inkjet receptor media is disclosed. The drying agent can be an aromatic or aliphatic acid having sulfonic, carboxylic, phenolic or mixed functionalities thereof, which in combination with a multivalent salt is capable of drying the film in a manner to obtain a smudge-free rapidly dried image onto and in the medium when the image is printed. Methods of using the drying agent in a coating solution, on and in an inkjet receptor media, and in interaction with inkjet inks are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an azlactone-derivatized polyamide shaped article made by reacting at least one polyamide with a solution comprising an aza-bicyclo compound and a vinylazlactone derivative of the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are defined herein.

Abstract: A shape memory foam material is obtained by impregnating a base foam material in a thermoplastic substance, heating and compressing the same at a temperature the same as or higher than the softening temperature of a thermoplastic substance as well as less than the softening temperature of the base foam material, cooling down while retaining the compressed state, and releasing the pressure after the cooling operation. The compressed state of the shape memory foam material is retained in a room temperature by a hardened product of a thermoplastic substance existing at least in the surface layer part thereof. The compressed state is released by softening the hardened product by heating. Moreover, a soundproof cover for an automobile engine is obtained using this shape memory foam.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: Adhere a polymer blend facer to at least one, preferably both, primary surfaces of a foam panel or board to provide a laminate with a combination of enhanced strength and resistance to bending relative to the foam panel. The polymer blend facer, prepared from a combination of an alkenyl aromatic polymer and an interpolymer of ethylene, an alkenyl aromatic monomer or hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, provides an added benefit in terms of greater recyclability into a foam panel relative to biaxially oriented polypropylene. The polymer blend facer may be a film or a thin foam sheet.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.