Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from thermosetting resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin and curing agent are thoroughly mixed to form a catalyzed resin mixture. The microspheres are added to the catalyzed resin mixture and mixed to a viscosity of about 950×106 to about 1590×106 to form a catalyzed base material. The additives are worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: Absorbent products and wet wipes are disclosed that are useful in reducing the amount of ammonia produced by bacteria on or near the skin or in bodily fluids such as urine. The products described herein contain an osmoregulation protector which when introduced into a bacteria-containing environment interacts with the bacteria and reduces the amount of ammonia produced by the bacteria without significantly affecting the growth rate of the bacteria. The osmoregulation protectors described herein are particularly useful in combination with adult incontinence garments where the control of odors from bacterial by-products such as ammonia is highly desirable.

Abstract: The combination of ingredients, especially for use in the formulation of a one or two-pack retroreflective ink, comprising retroreflective elements, microbeads additional to said retroreflective elements and/or constituting said retroreflective elements at least in part, binder chemicals for attaching the retroreflective elements and microbeads to a substrate to which the ink is to be applied, and a coupling agent for coupling the microbeads and cross-linking the binder chemicals, the coupling agent being unreactive until the printing process is carried out.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy absorbing devices are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: A novel method of producing interpenetrating polymer network (“IPN”) sheeting. Particularly, an improved method of producing such sheeting and bonding it to a backing layer for use as various types of wound dressings and scar management products. The new process represents several improvements over previous techniques as follows: a) single-pass process, b) no second coating of liquid polymer required to act as glue, c) no solvents or other processing aids required, d) no additional oven length needed to effect the required dwell time, e) increased line speed relative to prior techniques, and g) the carrier substrate 20 need only be coated with a release surface on one side.

Abstract: A foam adhesive article is provided comprising a polymeric foam material having an outer surface, the outer surface of the polymeric foam material having adhesive properties; and fibrous reinforcing material, the fibrous reinforcing material dispersed within the polymeric foam material and imparting stretch release properties to the article. A method for preparing the foam adhesive article is also described comprising (a) melt mixing a foamable polymer composition, and a fiber forming resin to form an expandable extrudable composition; and (b) extruding the expandable extrudable composition through a die to provide the foam adhesive article.

Abstract: A fusing-station member, which member can be a compliant fuser roller or a compliant pressure roller, for use in a fusing station of an electrostatographic machine, and which member includes a base cushion layer formed on a core member, with the base cushion layer coated by a thin protective gloss control layer. In certain preferred embodiments, the base cushion layer is a highly cross-linked condensation-polymerized polyorganosiloxane material made by thermal curing of a formulation which includes three types of filler particles, namely hollow flexible microballoon particles, strength-enhancing solid particles, and thermal-conductivity-enhancing solid particles. In other preferred embodiments, expandable microspheres are included in lieu of the hollow flexible microballoon particles in an otherwise similar uncured formulation, which expandable microspheres are transformed into expanded hollow microballoon particles during the thermal curing.

Abstract: A fusing-station member, which member can be a compliant fuser roller or a compliant pressure roller for use in a fusing station of an electrostatographic machine, and which member includes a base cushion layer formed on a core member, with the base cushion layer coated by a thin protective gloss control layer. The base cushion layer is a highly crosslinked addition-polymerized polyorganosiloxane material made by thermally curing, below 100° C., a formulation which includes three types of filler particles, namely hollow flexible microballoon particles, strength-enhancing solid particles, and thermal-conductivity-enhancing solid particles.

Abstract: An optical item comprising an organic or mineral glass substrate (1) and a transparent polymeric material layer (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate layer (2) in direct contact with one main side of the substrate and the polymeric material layer, the intermediate layer(s) being made of particles of at least one colloidal mineral oxide and optionally of a binder, such (an) intermediate layer(s) having an initial porosity, and the initial porosity of the intermediate layer(s) being filled either by material from the polymeric material layer or by the substrate material if the latter is made in an organic glass and, optionally partly by the binder when present, so that the intermediate layer(s), after initial porosity filling, each represent a quarter waveplate with a wavelength in the range from 400 to 700 nm, preferably from 450 to 650 nm.

Abstract: A controlled modulus fusing-station member inclusive of a durable, tough, elastically deformable layer incorporating hollow flexible filler particles. The elastically deformable layer is preferably a single layer on a substrate, the substrate preferably a core member of a fuser roller or a pressure roller. The elastically deformable layer is made from a dry formulation inclusive of: a fluoro-thermoplastic polymer powder; microspheres in the form of unexpanded microspheres or expanded microballoons; and solid filler particles including strength-enhancing filler particles and thermal-conductivity-enhancing filler particles. The dry formulation can be thermally cured or electron-beam cured. Preferably, the dry formulation is thermally cured and further includes a curing catalyst, preferably a peroxide catalyst. Alternatively, the curing catalyst can be a bisphenol residue.

Abstract: A method (200) and system (100) for the protection of stucco. A water-resistant preconditioner (102) is formulated. A substantially waterproof and breathable sealant coating (104 is formulated, and a water-resistant acrylic paint (106) is obtained. The preconditioner (102) is applied to a new stucco. The sealant coating (104) is applied to the stucco after the preconditioner (102). The acrylic paint (106) is applied to the stucco after the sealant coating (104). The preconditioner (102) contains water (114), a styrene acrylic primer (118), and a siliconate solution (120). The sealant coating (104) contains water (134), ceramic microspheres (152), polymeric microspheres (160), and a resin binder (166).

Abstract: A controlled-modulus fusing station member inclusive of a durable, tough, elastically deformable layer incorporating hollow flexible filler particles. The elastically deformable layer can be a single layer on a substrate, the substrate preferably a core member of a fuser roller or a pressure roller. Alternatively, a protective or gloss control fluoropolymer layer is formed on the elastically deformable layer. The elastically deformable layer is made from a dry formulation inclusive of: a fluoroelastomer powder; microspheres in the form of unexpanded microspheres or expanded microballoons; and solid filler particles including strength-enhancing filler particles and thermal-conductivity-enhancing filler particles. The dry formulation is thermally cured or electron-beam cured.

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

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: Prepare a foam structure that includes hollow coalesced foam strands and, optionally, solid coalesced foam strands using an extrusion die block equipped with apertures that promote forming the hollow strands and, optionally, the solid foam strands.

Abstract: A secondary backing for surface coverings is disclosed which comprises at least one thermoplastic material optionally having polymeric microspheres dispersed therein. A textile substrate comprising a primary backing with textile fibers extending upwardly from the backing and forming a surface and the above-described secondary backing attached thereto is also described. Methods of making the textile substrate and the secondary backing which can be foam or hardback are also described. Also described is a resilient surface covering, such as vinyl flooring, using the secondary backing of the present invention in one or more layers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a member that contains an encapsulated essential oil. The encapsulated essential oil can be in many forms, such as, a film, fiber, filament, particle, coating or mixtures thereof. Regardless of the composition, upon mechanical cracking or breaking of the encapsulation or upon exposure to liquid, fragrance and the related antimicrobial properties contained therein are released.

Abstract: A laminated component, in particular a vehicle body part, includes a substrate and a plastic layer disposed on the substrate. Shrinkage-resistant displacement bodies are embedded in the plastic layer to prevent shrinkage of the plastic layer when it is reacted and cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing pad. In particular, the polishing pad of the present invention can include a window area. The window area can be formed in the pad using a cast-in-place process. The polishing pad of the present invention can be useful for polishing articles and can be especially useful for chemical mechanical polishing or planarization of a microelectronic device, such as a semiconductor wafer. The window area of the polishing pad of the present invention can be particularly useful for polishing or planarizing tools that are equipped with through-the-platen wafer metrology.

Abstract: Polymer foam articles prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.

Abstract: A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning device having a substantially cylindrical roller body made of polyvinyl acetal with a smooth outer surface and uniform material porosity having a mean flow pore pressure ranging from about 0.30 PSI to about 0.35 PSI with 95% of its pores ranging from 7 to 40 microns in size and a wet flow rate ranging from about 80.0 L/min to about 7.0 L/min.

Abstract: The present invention includes an insulating piece formed from a rubber based elastomeric foam having a density of 30 to 120 g/dm3 or between 40 to 80 g/dm3. The foam may be acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), or butyl rubber (IIR). Additionally, separate air channels are provided which extend in the longitudinal direction outside the projections in a uniform distribution over the cross-sectional area of the insulating piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grip element configured for assembly over at least a portion of an article to cushion at least the fingers of a user. The grip element includes a foam comprising (1) a copolymer having repeat units derived from a nitrile-containing monomer and a diene monomer and (2) a plasticizer to plasticize said foam, said foam being essentially free of (1) vinyl chloride and (2) phthalate plasticizers. Said foam is compressible and deformable in response to application of gripping pressure thereto.

Abstract: In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer composed of a polymeric matrix and liquid microelements embedded in the polymeric matrix. Open pores defined by the embedded liquid microelements are distributed across a surface of the polishing layer. Due to the microstructural open pores uniformly distributed across a surface of the polishing pad, a polishing operation can be performed at high precision. The polishing pad shows constant polishing performance during the polishing operation, can be stably used, and does not cause a wafer to be scratched. In addition, a method of manufacturing the polishing pad is provided. Since all components used to manufacture the polishing pad are in a liquid phase, manufacturing can be easily performed.

Abstract: Device to produce polyurethane articles (37) covered by a film (19), including a mold (30) comprising a female part (13) and a male part (12) defining a molding cavity (18) inside which polyurethane material (24) is able to be injected. The device also comprises, in association with the perimeter edge of said female part (13), means able to exert a connection function in substantial cooperation with the zone of discontinuity between said female part (13) and said male part (12). The means comprise a movable annular ring-nut (22) including a first position (22a) to load a segment of said film (19) in order to insert said segment inside the mold, and a second position (22b) at least partly overlapping on the perimeter of said female part (13) in order to cooperate with said female part (13) during the molding of said polyurethane material (24).

Abstract: A concrete product for promotion of afforestation, to be used in an environment where a sufficient amount of water for accelerating germination of seeds is supplied. Carbon fibers are disposed on the outer surface of a concrete body. The carbon fibers are made of filaments having a strand form, non-woven fabric form, woven fabric form, knitted form, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a co-injection molded, multiphase vehicle component having a microsphere enhanced region, as well as a method for constructing such a vehicle component. The vehicle component has an outer portion or phase that is formed by first injecting a preselected quantity of a desired thermoplastic material into a preselected mold (402) in a manner to achieve a first layer of the thermoplastic material in a cavity of the mold. Then, a microsphere enhanced inner portion or phase is formed by injection of a micrsophere enhanced core material (404) to fill a remaining portion of the cavity. The resulting vehicle component typically has a lower density, and thus a lower weight, is generally less costly, and maintains the desired strength by selection of suitable microspheres, typically substantially hollow, and a suitable proportion of microspheres per unit volume of core material.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an oxygen deliver source for local blood or tissue oxygenation. The invention consists of porous polymer structures being part of a medical device from which a liquid oxygen carrier is locally or systemically released. The substrate membrane impregnated with the oxygen carrier may be a part of a tube, a balloon, a perfusion balloon, a stent and a wire. The substrate membrane is sealed with a removable housing for the oxygen carrier to allow storage of the medical device.

Abstract: A method for producing manufactured articles made of composite material comprising the steps of: First completely filling a mold with granules of a pre-expanded polymer in granular form, selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polypropylene, copolymer of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene and mixtures thereof; subsequently injecting in the mold an isocyanate mixed with a compound possessing active hydrogen whereby they are filled in void spaces among the granules; and condensing said isocyanate with said compound possessing active hydrogen to yield a polyurethane foam which, by expanding, subsequently completely fills the spaces among the pre-expanded polymer granules.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising an expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming. monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material.

Abstract: Urethane molded products for polishing pad comprise two types of cells having different sizes in urethane molded products formed by mixing and curing an isocyanate-terminated urethane prepolymer and an active hydrogen-containing compound. The molded products may be made by a procedure comprising mixing expanded microballoons or non-expanded, thermally expandable microspheres and water with the isocyanate-terminated urethane prepolymer and active hydrogen-containing compound and curing the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to webs finished to contain impregnated microcapsules, to a process for producing them and to their use.

Abstract: An expansion-molded article (foamed body) produced by using foamed and expanded beads, and having open voids has sound absorbing qualities, and can be used as a sound absorbing material. However, a sound absorbing material comprising such an expansion-molded article has been unable to attain a high sound absorption coefficient in a wide acoustic frequency range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-bearing vehicle structure of composite material, and a method for moulding such a load-bearing vehicle structure. The invention concerns the fields of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites, sandwich structures and compression moulding. The load-bearing vehicle structure (1) according to the invention comprises first (2) and second (3) surface materials with reinforcement fibers and one or several intermediate pieces of core material (4, 5, 6, 7) which are arranged in pattern adapted to a load-bearing material structure, and is characterized in that the surface materials and/or the core material comprise(s) thermoplastic material, and that the first surface material is attached by means of thermal bonds to first faces of the piece or pieces of core material and that the second surface material is attached by means of thermal bonds to second, opposing faces of the piece or pieces of core material.

Abstract: A conductive paste containing: conductive particles; foamable material which foams at the time of heating or decompression; and resin; characterized in that even after foaming of the foamable material, conductivity is maintained.

Abstract: Highly crosslinked monolithic porous polymer materials for chromatographic applications. By using solvent compositions that provide not only for polymerization of acrylate monomers in such a fashion that a porous polymer network is formed prior to phase separation but also for exchanging the polymerization solvent for a running buffer using electroosmotic flow, the need for high pressure purging is eliminated. The polymer materials have been shown to be an effective capillary electrochromatographic separations medium at lower field strengths than conventional polymer media. Further, because of their highly crosslinked nature these polymer materials are structurally stable in a wide range of organic and aqueous solvents and over a pH range of 2-12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.

Abstract: An electrode for control of an electric field strength in a gaseous electrically insulating medium at the surface of the electrode and in the vicinity of the electrode, comprising an electrically conducting inner electrode (1′) and an electrically non-conducting layer (8) on at least parts of the surface of the inner electrode, wherein the thickness of the non-conducting layer is at least 5% of the mean diameter of the inner electrode and that the relative dielectric constant of the non-conducting layer is smaller than 3.

Abstract: A vulcanized rubber comprising a rubber component containing natural rubber, in an amount of 20 to 70 parts by weight, and polybutadiene, in an amount of 30 to 80 parts by weight; a rubber matrix containing 5 to 55 parts by weight of carbon black and 5 to 55 parts by weight of silica per 100 parts per weight of the rubber component; a resin, and resin coated elongated cells having a length (L) to diameter (D) ratio (L/D) of at least 3. The vulcanized rubber can be used in the tread of tires to improve on-ice performance, wet properties and wear resistance in a well balanced manner.

Abstract: Manufacture of a polishing pad for polishing a semiconductor substrate, involves, transporting a backing layer to successive manufacturing stations, supplying a fluid phase polymer composition onto the transported backing layer, shaping the fluid phase polymer composition into a surface layer having a measured thickness, and curing the polymer composition on the transported backing layer in a curing oven to convert the liquid phase polymer composition to a solid phase polishing layer attached to the transported backing layer.

Abstract: A restraint for packaging glass sheets includes a first leg and a second leg, each leg having an inner surface configured to contact at least a portion of the glass sheets and an outer surface. The first and second legs define a vertex. The inner surfaces are made at least partly of a compressible material and the outer surfaces are made at least partly of a material having a hardness greater than that of the compressible material.

Abstract: A bulk absorber has a continuous concentration gradient of particles with dielectric or magnetic altered properties. The bulk absorber may be made from foam or, ceramic. The particles may be carbon fibers, carbon black, carbon whiskers, coated hollow microspheres, or a combination thereof. A manufacturing system for fabricating a bulk absorber has two delivery devices, a controller, an intermingling device, a positioning device, and a forming device. The delivery devices produce flows of absorber precursors, with at least one of the flows having a concentration of particles having dielectric or magnetic altering properties. The ratio of the flows is controlled by the controller. The intermingling device receives and mixes the flows to produce a combined flow. The particle concentration in the combined flow is controlled by the controller. The positioning device directs the depositing of the combined flow into a cavity to build a non-solidified item.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermo-expandable fibers and to the expanded hollow fibers or microtubes, microcellular foam or foamed composite material that results upon heating the expandable fibers. The thermo-expandable fiber of the present invention is characterized by having a polymeric wall surrounding one or more pockets or particles of blowing agent or propellant within the fiber. The polymeric wall may have reactive functional groups on its surface to give a fusible fiber. When the expandable fibers are heated, they expand to form hollow fibers or microtubes comprising polymeric shells surrounding one or more internal gaseous voids, and when the fibers are expanded while in contact with each other, a microcellular foam may be formed. The foam consists of a plurality of hollow fibers fused together, optionally aided by functional groups present on the surface of the heated fibers that act to crosslink the material.

Abstract: Porous products of thermoplastic polymers and the like are formed by sintering pellets, especially micropellets and/or pellets made by rapid water quenched pelletizing of the polymers, such as by underwater pelletizing or water ring pelletizing. The pellets are of a uniform size and shape, each having approximately equal dimensions along three mutually perpendicular axes, thereby producing porous products having smooth surfaces, narrow pore size distributions, greater strength and other improved characteristics. The porous products include antiperspirant and deodorant applicator heads, wastewater treatment bubblers and selective filters.

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 foam layer can be formed at a temperature at which the surface quality of a surface layer is not deteriorated, and a molding technique that is excellent in adhesiveness of a foam layer and a surface layer or/and a base member is developed. For the purpose of obtaining a resin molding composite, the present invention is characterized by a polyolefin resin molding composite comprising a surface layer and a foam layer, or a surface layer, a foam layer, and a base member, wherein the foam layer comprises a foam layer produced by fusion bonding thermoplastic expanded resin particles one another by molding, where the thermoplastic expanded resin particles comprises a core that is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin and is in an expanded state and a polyethylene resin coat covering the core, and the surface layer comprises a thermoplastic synthetic resin having a melting point of 5° C. or more higher than a melting point of polyethylene resin constituting the coat of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention is a mesoporous silica film having a low dielectric constant and method of making having the steps of combining a surfactant in a silica precursor solution, spin-coating a film from this solution mixture, forming a partially hydroxylated mesoporous film, and dehydroxylating the hydroxylated film to obtain the mesoporous film. It is advantageous that the small polyoxyethylene ether surfactants used in spin-coated films as described in the present invention will result in fine pores smaller on average than about 20 nm. The resulting mesoporous film has a dielectric constant less than 3, which is stable in moist air with a specific humidity. The present invention provides a method for superior control of film thickness and thickness uniformity over a coated wafer, and films with low dielectric constant.