Abstract: The invention relates to open-celled melamine foams which have improved fire performance and whose cell-structure surface has been to some extent or entirely coated with an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising at least one composite membrane which includes a porous support impregnated with ion exchange resin to make the pores of the support occlusive, wherein the thickness of the composite membrane is less than 0.025 mm. The membrane is strong and has good ionic conductivity. Methods of making the composite membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which comprises an anionic crosslinked polymer and a cationic crosslinked polymer, and is excellent in the desalting property and further in the absorption properties under load, and is therefore highly practicable. In a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which is particulate and comprises a cationic crosslinked polymer and an anionic crosslinked polymer, the improvement satisfies the following requirements (1) and/or (2): (1) At least either one of the cationic crosslinked polymer and the anionic crosslinked polymer has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml. (2) The water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: A foam/sealant system in which a sealant material, such as a conventional gel, is introduced into an open cell foam to provide an environmental seal for electrical connections, preferably for electrical connections that are embedded within the foam/sealant system. Sealant materials, such as gels, that require curing can be held in place by the foam while in a liquid state to eliminate difficult and costly filling methods. The gel can be cured either while the foam is located at its final location in connection with the electrical connection point to be protected, or the gel can be pre-cured in the foam and then the composite foam/sealant system can be placed in the appropriate location. Preferably, the foam is placed in the appropriate location such that the electrical connection point is embedded in the foam before the gel is introduced, thereby allowing the gel to cure in connection with the electrical connection or substrate to be protected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sheet materials suitable for use in or as a floor covering. The sheet materials comprise a polyalkene resin in intimate admixture with at least one additive comprising a filler, wherein the polyalkene resin has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD), and a small amount of long chain branching and produced by a single site catalyzed polymerization of at least one, linear, branched or cyclic, alkene having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms. The present invention also extends to processes for the production of such sheet materials and floor coverings.

Abstract: A uniaxially heat-shrinkable, biaxially oriented, multilayer film having a polypropylene containing core layer and at least one high density polyethylene containing skin layer adjacent the core layer. The core layer contains isotactic polypropylene and a modifier which reduces the crystallization or crystallinity of the polypropylene by increasing chain imperfections or reducing isotacticity of the polypropylene resin. Examples of materials which are useful as modifiers include atactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer, polybutene-1, and linear low density polyethylene.

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: Diffuse reflective articles having a first layer formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent, plus a second layer containing a dimensionally stabilizing polymer are described. Such materials find a wide variety of applications, including in combinations with various light management films. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in applications where high reflectivity is desired, such as backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, and photographic lights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mats for dispensing volatile vapors such as insecticides. The mats are multi-layered. One layer is a carrier layer impregnated with the volatile. It is secured to at least one metal layer. The metal layer spreads the heat from a heater, thereby minimizing hot spots. In other embodiments additional layers are provided to provide a further heat distribution or temperature step down. An air gap can be provided between two of the layers.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: A composite porous structure includes a macroporous open-pore sponge of regenerated cellulose having disposed within the pores a microporous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. The total empty space of the structure, produced by the pores, is between 60% and 92% of the outer envelope geometrical volume of the structure. The wet compressive strength of the structure is at least ten times greater than the wet compressive strength of the cellulose sponge without the PVC.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: A method of bonding two substrates at least one of which is a rubbery polymeric material having carbon-carbon double bonds on the polymer backbone, the method comprising: a) applying an aqueous polyurethane dispersion adhesive composition to at least one of the substrates, the adhesive compostion further comprising an epoxy resin; b) allowing the composition to dry; and then c) joining the substrates with heating to activate the adhesive. The substrates are suitably footwear materials such as a molded rubber outer sole which has been first primed with a chlorinating primer, and a foam midsole of a material such as a lightly crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate. The process results in bonded assemblies having improved humidity resistance.

Abstract: A seal for releasably engaging a movable panel such as a glass panel in a motor vehicle is disclosed, the seal has a base with an open celled reservoir layer connected to the base and a contact layer connected to the reservoir layer by an adhesive retained at least partially in the cell structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a water swellable coating and a water swellable coating for forming a coated substrate are provided. The water swellable coatings are semi-gel dispersions of particulate superabsorbent polymer in a polyvinyl chloride plastisol. A dispersion is formed from the polymer and plastisol, then contacted with a substrate and heat cured to a semi-gel state. The coatings are capable of swelling in the presence of water to protect the substrates from water penetration, block water from penetrating the coatings to reach other substrates or to retain water to prevent leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support provided with super-absorbent material to be manufactured by causing suitable monomers to polymerize in the presence of a catalyst in order to obtain a polymer solution, adding a cross-linking agent to the polymer solution to obtain a pasty composition, subsequently applying the composition on or in a support and allowing the applied composition to dry and cross-link in order to obtain the support with the super-absorbent material, wherein microspheres are added to the paste.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: An integral composite membrane is provided including a porous polymeric membrane impregnated with a perfluoro ion exchange material to make the micropores of the membrane occlusive and a surfactant having a molecular weight greater than 100 wherein the thickness of the composite membrane is less than 0.025 mm. Methods for making and regenerating the integral composite membrane are also provided.

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: A heat absorbing coating having a plurality of micro-capsules each being an encapsulant shell and a heat absorbing material within the shell, and a carrier adherable to a substrate and throughout which the micro-capsules are dispersed. The heat absorbing material is preferably a phase change material and can be non-limitedly chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polywax, and combinations thereof. Shell material can be a metal such as copper, for example, or a polymer. The carrier can be a sprayable polymer mix which provides significant efficacy in uniform application to a substrate. An inventive substrate structure, such as an aircraft structure for example, has thereon the above-defined coating in an amount sufficient to absorb a sufficient amount of heat from the substrate to substantially inhibit thermal erosion in normal operating environments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a conveyor belt having an elongate body made of uncured rubber and/or synthetic rubber. A polymeric parting material is placed adjacent to the upper and lower surfaces of the body, and heated platens are applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the body (i.e. belt material) to soften the adjacent upper and lower layer portions of the belt. This causes the softened belt material to flow into interstitial openings in the parting material. The resulting belt has the parting material squeezed into a thinner layer and embedded in the adjacent surface portions of the body of the belt. This provides a substantially uniform and reflectively soft texture surface.

Abstract: A novel construction board composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state for use in a construction board composition comprising primarily gypsum, and in a construction board composition comprising an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum construction board formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the construction board structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened gypsum construction board of the present invention also comprises an optional covering veneer that is applied to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: A layered structure that includes a product mixture of numerous particles, a foamable substance, such as including a liquid binder, and a reacted dry binder is provided. The particles preferably are comprised of cellulosic, fibrous materials. The dry binder reacts with the liquid binder to create a strong bond among separated particles. The particles are separated during transport, together with the dry binder, before the dry binder is reacted with the foamed liquid binder. Upon contact with the liquid binder, the dry binder reacts to cause desired adhesion among the separated particles. The reacted dry binder is disposed relatively inwardly of the product mixture, while the liquid binder is located outwardly thereof, with at least some of the liquid binder, after curing, being disposed on outer portions of the product mixture. The layered structure also includes one or more outer members or panels that are laminated or otherwise joined to the outer surface portions of the product mixture.

Abstract: Polyester-containing multilayer biaxially-oriented polypropylene films are provided. According to the invention, a two- or three-layer polyester-containing cap layer is bonded to a monoaxially oriented polypropylene core, followed by orientation of the resulting composite in a direction transverse to the direction of orientation of the core layer. At least one tie layer is interposed between the core and the polyester. Advantageously, the polyester contains silicone fluid as a processing aid.

Abstract: A co-extruded polyolefin laminate having a hard, high modulus top layer includes at least one layer of a graft copolymer made from a propylene polymer material onto which is graft polymerized acrylic and/or styrenic monomers and at least one other layer made from a propylene homopolymer, a random propylene copolymer, a random propylene terpolymer, an olefin polymer composition, a thermoplastic olefin, a heterophasic olefin composition, or combinations of two or more of these polymers or polymer compositions, optionally blended with a high melt strength propylene polymer material. Composite materials including at least one layer of the co-extruded laminate and, for example, a low density polyolefin foam layer, can be used to make large structural parts by conventional means such as thermoforming.

Abstract: Polycrystalline materials containing crystallites of precursors to electrically conductive polymers and electrically conductive polymers are described which have an adjustable high degree of crystallinity. The intersticial regions between the crystallites contains amorphous material containing precursors to electrically conductive polymers and/or electrically conductive polymers. The degree of crystallinity is achieved by preparing the materials under conditions which provide a high degree of mobility to the polymer molecules permitting them to associate with one another to form a crystalline state. This is preferable achieved by including additives, such as plasticizers and diluents, to the solution from which the polycrystalline material is formed. The morphology of the polycrystalline material is adjustable to modify the properties of the material such as the degree of crystallinity, crystal grain size, glass transition temperature, thermal coefficient of expansion and degree of electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A printing resin film excellent in ink dryability and transferability, and comprising a resin composition comprising (A) from 25 to 65% by weight of a calcium carbonate powder having an oil absorption of from 70 to 200 ml/100 g as determined by JIS-K5101-1991 and (B) from 35 to 75% by weight of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A wheel rut-resistant carriageway and process for obtaining a wheel rut-resistant carriageway. The wheel rut-resistant carriageway includes at least one rigid base layer, at least one intermediate layer, and a rough upper layer. The at least one rigid base layer has a thickness in the range of approximately 6 cm to approximately 8 cm. The at least one intermediate layer is disposed over the at least one rigid base layer and has a thickness in the range of approximately 4 cm to approximately 5 cm. The at least one intermediate layer has a high void rate allowing for the evacuation of heat by ventilation. The rough upper layer is disposed over the intermediate layer and has a thickness in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 3 cm. The process includes applying the at least one rigid base layer having a thickness in the range of approximately 6 cm to approximately 8 cm to a surface.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids as well as coated, nonporous breathable materials are described as suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating composition is applied as a curable composition containing cross-linkable melamine, polyol and fluorocarbon alcohol precursors. Hydrophilic coatings may be prepared by incorporating a polyvalent salt with the curable composition.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomer for grafting to thermoplastic and thermoset substrates is disclosed. If the substrate is a thermoset substrate, the electrically conductive elastomer comprises a mixture of an elastic material, a quantity of electrically conductive flakes, a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a thermoset material. If the substrate is a thermoplastic substrate, the electrically conductive elastomer comprises a mixture of an elastic material, a quantity of electrically conductive flakes, a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a thermoplastic material. The electrically conductive elastomer may further comprise a quantity of electrically conductive particles interspersed within the mixture. Alternatively, a quantity of electrically conductive particles may be imbedded in an outer surface of the electrically conductive elastomer. The electrically conductive elastomer is typically grafted to the substrate by a thermal process.

Abstract: A dock seal for sealing the interface between a vehicle and a loading dock, including a resilient member and a flexible material embedded in the resilient member. The dock seal can be made by applying a liquid material over the resilient member and curing the liquid material to form a flexible coating. The liquid material can be applied by spraying, pouring, dipping or brushing. A puncture-resistant material can be positioned adjacent the resilient member before curing the liquid material. In one embodiment, the resilient member is attached to a dock seal frame and mounted to the loading dock.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low dielectric constant structural layer is produced having increased mechanical strength and having a plurality of voids that comprises a substrate layer; a low dielectric structural layer juxtaposing the substrate layer; and an infiltrating layer comprising an infiltrating material having a volatile component and a reinforcing component juxtaposing the structural layer and coating at least some of the plurality of voids. Also, methods are provided in which the mechanical strength of a structural layer having a plurality of voids is increased by a) depositing the structural layer on a substrate layer; b) providing an infiltrating material having a volatile component and a reinforcing component; c) introducing the infiltrating material into at least some of the plurality of voids; and d) treating the infiltrating material such that the structural strength is increased by a substantial amount.

Abstract: Films, made of polyethylenes and filers, and articles made therefrom greater WVTR than previously available films based on conventional Zeigler-Natta based polyethylenes. The polyethylenes are produced in a metallocene-catalyzed production process. The films may be made by a cast film process, and may be made in widely varying filler content, generally polyethylene to filler ratios of 30/70 to 70/30. The metallocene based polyethylenes when combined with filler also permit the extrusion of thinner films leading to lighter weight and softer films. The m-polyethylenes utilized for making such films typically have a Composition Distribution Breadth Index above 50%, a Mw/Mn below 3, and a Mz/Mw below 2.