Abstract: Coatings and methods are provided. An embodiment of the coating includes microcapsules that contain at least one of a corrosion inhibitor, a film-forming compound, and an indicator. The microcapsules are dispersed in a coating vehicle. A shell of each microcapsule breaks down in the presence of an alkaline condition, resulting from corrosion.

Abstract: Among other things, a process for producing an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle and an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (A) bringing superabsorbent polymer fine particles having at least about 40 wt. %, a particle size of less than about 150 ?m into contact with a fluid comprising to more than about 10 wt. % a cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer based on polymerized, ethylenically unsaturated, acid group-bearing monomers or salts thereof; and (B) cross-linking the uncrosslinked polymer by heating the superabsorbent polymer fine particles and the fluid to a temperature from about 20 to about 300° C., so that the cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer at least partially crosslinks.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: The invention discloses a population of low permeability microcapsule particles comprising an oil soluble or dispersible core material and a wall material at least partially surrounding the core material. The microcapsule wall material comprises the reaction product of a first composition in the presence of a second composition comprising an anionic emulsifier. The first composition comprises a reaction product of i) an oil soluble or dispersible amine with ii) a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, an oil soluble acid and an initiator. The anionic emulsifier comprises a water soluble or water dispersible acrylic acid alkyl acid copolymer, an optional initiator and an alkali or alkali salt. The reaction product of the first composition and second composition results in the formation of a low permeability microcapsule wall.

Abstract: The invention discloses a population of selected permeability microcapsule particles comprising an oil soluble or dispersible core material and a wall material at least partially surrounding the core material. The microcapsule wall material comprises the reaction product of a first composition in the presence of a second composition comprising an anionic emulsifier. The first composition comprises a reaction product of i) an oil soluble or dispersible amine with ii) a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, an oil soluble acid and an initiator. The anionic emulsifier comprises a water soluble or water dispersible acrylic acid alkyl acid copolymer, an optional initiator and an alkali or alkali salt. The reaction product of the first composition and second composition can result in the formation of a low permeability microcapsule wall. Optionally, one or both of the first composition initiator or water phase initiator is an energy-activated initiator, such as a UV initiator.

Abstract: Thermo-expansive microcapsule comprising: a polymeric shell produced by polymerizing 15 to 75 weight % of a nitrile monomer, 10 to 65 weight % of a monomer having a carboxyl group, 0.1 to 20 weight % of a monomer having an amide group and 0.1 to 20 weight % of a monomer having a cyclic structure in its side chain; and a blowing agent encapsulated in the polymeric shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microencapsulated compositions of isothiazolone derivatives and other water insoluble biocides or antifouling agents. In particular, the present invention relates to microencapsulated 4,5 dichloro 2 n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone(DCOIT), useful in marine antifouling coatings and paints.

Abstract: The invention relates to agglomerates of flame-retardants, in particular melamine cyanurate, containing aggregates with an average size of between 0.1 and 50? bonded to each other with the aid of an auxiliary material. This auxiliary material is present in a concentration of between 0.1 and 10 wt. %, relative to the total agglomerates weight, and has a softening point higher than 40° C. The invention further relates to a method for producing said agglomerates, the use of the agglomerates in the preparation of polymer compositions, and polymer compositions containing melamine cyanurate.

Abstract: To provide capsular fine particles comprising an olefinic polymer which have a uniform particle size distribution and a uniform particle size, and which are spherical and free from the coagulation between particles. Capsular fine particles comprising the olefinic polymer, of which the ratio (L/M) of the outer diameter (L) to the inner diameter (M) is 1.1 to 6.0, and the average diameter is 0.6 to 40 ?m.

Abstract: Heterogeneous assays for different analytes in a single biological sample are performed simultaneously in a multiplexed assay that combines flow cytometry with the use of magnetic particles as the solid phase and yields an individual result for each analyte. The particles are distinguishable from each other by characteristics that permit them to be differentiated into groups, each group carrying an assay reagent bonded to the particle surface that is distinct from the assay reagents of particles in other groups. The magnetic particles facilitate separation of the solid and liquid phases, permitting the assays to be performed by automated equipment. Assays are also disclosed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies of different classes and a common antigen specificity or of a common class and different antigen specificities.

Abstract: Light-stable and weather-stable coating films contain a powder coating composition, containing from 30 to 98.5% by mass of a binder containing at least one urethane (meth)acrylate having a melting point of from 40 to 130° C.; from 1 to 20% by mass of at least one micronized wax; and from 0.5 to 50% by mass of at least one auxiliary and/or at least one additive, the composition being cross-linked by actinic radiation.

Abstract: A microcapsule encapsulating a disperse system is produced by preparing a liquid organic dispersion containing a resin whose acid group has been neutralized, a colored particle, and an organic solvent; dispersing the liquid organic dispersion in an aqueous medium to produce a capsule particle in the aqueous medium, the capsule particle comprising a disperse system in which the colored particle is dispersed in the organic solvent, and a wall encapsulating the disperse system; and separating the capsule particle from the aqueous medium for dryness. The liquid organic dispersion may comprise, as an organic solvent, a hydrophobic organic solvent and a polar solvent dissolving the resin constituting the wall and being miscible to the aqueous medium. The wall of the capsule particle may be crosslinked or cured with a crosslinking agent. The microcapsule is utilized for an image display device in which the colored particle is electrophoretically movable in the oil phase by a potential difference.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermally foamable microsphere whose shell is formed of a polymer that is obtained by the polymerization of a polymerizable monomer and a crosslinkable monomer at a proportion of greater than 1% by weight up to 5% by weight based on the polymerizable monomer and which has a maximum expansion ratio of at least 5. The invention also provides a process for the production of a thermally foamable microsphere having a maximum expansion ratio of at least 5 by the suspension polymerization of a polymerizable mixture containing a crosslinkable monomer at a proportion of greater than 1% by weight up to 5% by weight based on the polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component fiber having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof. The multi-component fiber comprises a fiber body formed from a plurality of elongated members, at least one of the elongated members comprising a temperature regulating material dispersed therein. The temperature regulating material comprises a phase change material. The multi-component fiber may be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and may be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber may be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermally foamable micro-sphere whose shell is formed of a polymer that is obtained by the polymerization of a polymerizable monomer and a crosslinkable monomer at a proportion of greater than 1% by weight up to 5% by weight based on the polymerizable monomer and which has a maximum expansion ratio of at least 5. The invention also provides a process for the production of a thermally foamable microsphere having a maximum expansion ratio of at least 5 by the suspension polymerization of a polymerizable mixture containing a crosslinkable monomer at a proportion of greater than 1% by weight up to 5% by weight based on the polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: Heterogeneous assays for different analytes in a single biological sample are performed simultaneously in a multiplexed assay that combines flow cytometry with the use of magnetic particles as the solid phase and yields an individual result for each analyte. The particles are distinguishable from each other by characteristics that permit them to be differentiated into groups, each group carrying an assay reagent bonded to the particle surface that is distinct from the assay reagents of particles in other groups. The magnetic particles facilitate separation of the solid and liquid phases, permitting the assays to be performed by automated equipment. Assays are also disclosed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies of different classes and a common antigen specificity or of a common class and different antigen specificities.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nanotubes of various sizes and composed of a wide variety of materials, or combination of materials. The invention also describes the use of such nanotubes for the delivery of various payloads and, in particular, for the in vivo delivery of bioactive substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microcapsules with latent heat storage materials as capsule cores on gypsum plasterboards, gypsum plasterboards containing the same and a method for production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates phase-separated compositions comprising two miscible solvents. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprising liquid droplets of an internal phase comprising a solvent B and further compounds, said droplets being dispersed in an external phase comprising solvent A, wherein solvent A and solvent B are miscible. Such compositions find use in various technical fields, including encapsulation, vectorisation, protection of compounds, separations, and chemical reactions in a dispersed medium.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved process for preparing a population of microcapsules having a substantially uniform size distribution, especially useful for manufacture of carbonless paper. The improved process teaches use of membrane material having a pre-selected pore size in the capsule manufacture process. A core material is provided along with a receiving solution for receiving the core material. The receiving solution is a nonsolvent for the core material. The core material is passed under pressure through the membrane into a moving or turbulent receiving solution forming uniform droplets of core material dispersed in the receiving solution. Wall-forming material is added to the receiving solution for coating the core material droplets. The coating on the droplets is polymerized forming microcapsules. This novel process also lends itself to microcapsule formation in a continuous process.

Abstract: A decomposable thin film comprising a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers of alternating charge, wherein decomposition of the thin film is characterized by degradation of at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte layers.

Abstract: A microcapsule in which a capsule wall of the microcapsule comprises a first polymer component. A surface of the capsule wall is modified with a second polymer component that is formed from a monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated bond.

Abstract: The invention concerns composite nanospheres having a diameter ranging between about 50 and 1000 nm plus or minus 5%, preferably between about 100 and 500 nm plus or minus 5% and advantageously between 100 and 200 nm plus or minus 5%, and comprising an essentially liquid core consisting of an organic phase and inorganic nanoparticles, distributed inside the organic phase, and a skin consisting of at least a hydrophilic polymer derived from the polymerisation of at least one water soluble monomer, in particular N-alkylacrylamide or a N-N-dialkylacrylamide; conjugates derived from said nanospheres; their preparation methods and their uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising microcapsules suspended in an aqueous media, said microcapsules comprising a water immiscible material contained within an encapsulating wall of polymeric material, wherein the aqueous media contains a stabilizer comprising an anionic polymer mixture comprising a first sulfonated polystyrene polymer and a second sulfonated polystyrene polymer wherein the ratio of the weight average polymer molecular weight of the first polymer to the second polymer is greater than 2. It further relates to an imaging element comprising said microcapsules.

Abstract: Thermo-expansive microcapsules comprising a shell of a polymer produced by polymerizing a mixture of monomers, which comprises (I) a nitrile monomer, (II) a monomer having an unsaturated double bond and carboxyl groups in a molecule, (III) a monomer having two or more of polymerizable double bonds in a molecule, and optionally, (IV) a monomer different from and copolymerizable with the monomers (I), (II) and (III) and a blowing agent encapsulated in the shell. The volume retention of the expanded microcapsules of the thermo-expansive microcapsules is 50% or more after loaded with 15 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber additive composition which contains at least one rubber additive (a), the at least one additive (a) being encased in coating material (b) accompanied by formation of microcapsules. The additive can in particular be sulphur or another vulcanization agent, a vulcanization accelerator and/or activator.

Abstract: A dye, such as a fluorescent dye, is incorporated into polymer microparticles using a solvent system composed of a first solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are soluble, a second solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble, and a third solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble. The first and second solvents are immiscible with each other, or at most partially miscible. The third solvent is miscible with the first and second solvents. The formulation provides substantially complete partitioning of the dye to the microparticles. The method may be used to obtain dyed polymer microparticle formed of cross-linked or non-cross-linked polymers. Libraries are provided comprising two or more sets of microparticles of different dye loadings.

Abstract: A film-forming composition for use in preparing water-soluble films that are rapidly dissolving under cold water conditions, the composition comprising a water soluble polymer material such as polyvinyl alcohol and a principal solvent, typically diol(s) or derivative of a diol. Films made from the film-forming compositions may be used to encapsulate a variety of compositions for subsequent release into an aqueous medium. Encapsulated compositions can include various laundry detergents and additives, fabric care compositions such as fabric softening compositions and dishwashing detergents among others. When used to encapsulate compositions, the solvent system used in the film-forming composition will have at least one common solvent material as the solvent system used in the encapsulated composition to improve film dissolution and to prevent problems associated with solvent migration.

Abstract: A method for microencapsulation of substances is provided. The substance(s) is/are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent of the kind that is partially miscible in water media. This organic solution is then mixed with an aqueous solution, which is saturated with an organic solvent and an emulsifier to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then poured into water under continuous agitation for the extraction of residual solvent. The formation of the solid capsules takes place during this extraction process. The capsules are undergone to further purification, whereby the microcapsules can be separated from the water and dried. By conditions of incubation of microcapsules in water-containing formulations the wall-softening process takes place. The unique system for controlled releasing the ingredients from microcapsules is based on the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanoparticles for the encapsulation of active constituents, the nanocapsules prepared being dispersible in aqueous phase in colloidal form, non-toxic, biocompatible, stable in colloidal suspension and economical. In the process, two non-oily solvents as used, together with a third, oily solvent.

Abstract: The invention concerns composite nanospheres having a diameter ranging between about 50 and 1000 nm plus or minus 5%, preferably between about 100 and 500 nm plus or minus 5% and advantageously between 100 and 200 nm plus or minus 5%, and comprising an essentially liquid core consisting of an organic phase and inorganic nanoparticles, distributed inside the organic phase, and a skin consisting of at least a hydrophilic polymer derived from the polymerisation of at least one water soluble monomer, in particular N-alkylacrylamide or a N—N-dialkylacrylamide; conjugates derived from said nanospheres; their preparation methods and their uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component fiber having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof. The multi-component fiber comprises a fiber body formed from a plurality of elongated members, at least one of the elongated members comprising a temperature regulating material dispersed therein. The temperature regulating material comprises a phase change material. The multi-component fiber may be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and may be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber may be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: A process for encapsulation of polar organic solvents with amphiphilic copolymer shell using controlled/living polymerization is provided for the first time. To encapsulate polar core-oils an amphiphilic polymer is required that has low interfacial tensions with both the oil phase and the water phase. For example, Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PMMA-co-PegMA) was prepared in suspension polymerization conditions using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ATRP ensures that the water soluble comonomer, PegMA, is incorporated into every polymer chain throughout the polymerization reaction so that all chains possess the desired amphiphilic character. Crosslinking of PMMA-co-PegMA with diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DegDMA) yielded hollow capsular particles at 31 mol % PegMA in the terpolymer.

Abstract: Combustible core-shell particles have a nitro-resin core that is covered by an addition polymer shell in a weight ratio of from 20:1 to 0.2:1 (core:shell).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising meloxicam. The meloxicam particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.

Abstract: Coated zinc oxide particles in which the surfaces of zinc oxide particles are coated with a metallic soap exhibit excellent dispersibility in resin. A thermoplastic resin composition containing the particles and a molded product formed from the composition are endowed with excellent visible light transmission property and ultraviolet light shielding property.

Abstract: A method is described for the formation of microcapsules which contain a liquid composition in the core, which is surrounded by a polymeric shell, membrane, or coating. The microcapsules are produced by simultaneously extruding the liquid core material along with a polymerizable liquid through concentrically-aligned nozzles to form spherically-layered biliquid droplets, followed by energy input in the form of heat or light which causes polymerization of the outer layer. The capsules formed by this method are capable of containing a variety of liquid materials having a composition ranging from completely aqueous to completely non-aqueous.

Abstract: A vibration damping silicone composition with excellent long term storage stability and vibration damping ability contains as components (A) a silicone oil, (B) hollow particles of an organic resin having an inorganic material powder supported on its surfaces, and (C) a solid inorganic material powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing defined layers or layer systems made of polymers or oligomers on any solid surface and with a controlled structure, according to which the layers are chemically deposited on the solid surface by means of living/controlled free-radical polymerization. Said method comprises the following steps: a) bonding the compounds of the general formula (a) A-L-I to the solid surface via the active group A, where A represents an active group, I is the initiating group for ATRP polymerization and L is the binding link between A and I; and b) carrying out living/controlled free-radical polymerization by reacting the initiator group I with monomers, macromonomers or mixtures able to undergo free-radical polymerization, which produces the polymer layer on the solid surface. The invention also relates to solid surfaces with oligomer or polymer layers and initiators for carrying out the method.

Abstract: There is provided an acrylic resin film having good matted appearances and good printing characteristics, e.g., little suffering missing prints when printed. There is provided an acrylic resin film having a differential 60° surface gloss of 5% or more between the front and back sides, and thickness of 300 &mgr;m or less; a method of producing the above-described acrylic resin film, where a molten acrylic resin composition is extruded, and then rolled between a mirror-ground roll and rubber or embossed roll into the film; and a laminate (formed article coated with the acrylic resin film) with a side having a higher 60° surface gloss coming into contact with a base.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing multilayer pellets having a core-sheath structure with a molding material forming a sheath which covers the outer circumference of another molding material forming a core, which includes (a) supplying the core material and the sheath material to a die extruder having multiple extrusion-forming parts arranged along a circumference, (b) extruding multiple multilayer strands from the extrusion-forming parts by covering around the outer circumference of the core material concentrically with the sheath material, and (c) cutting the extruded multilayer strands to manufacture multilayer pellets.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the formation of photonic polymer-blend structures having tunable optical and mechanical properties. The photonic polymer-blend structures comprise monomer units of spherical microparticles of a polymer-blend material wherein the spherical microparticles have surfaces partially merged with one another in a robust inter-particle bond having a tunable inter-particle separation or bond length sequentially attached in a desired and programmable architecture. The photonic polymer-blend structures of the present invention can be linked by several hundred individual particles sequentially linked to form complex three-dimensional structures or highly ordered two-dimensional arrays of 3D columns with 2D spacing.

Abstract: The present invention is a film and method for making the same. The film includes a plurality of particles having a desired film property that are entrapped in a matrix of linkage polymer molecules. The linkage polymer molecules ionically bind to the particles. The linkage polymer molecules are electrochemically polymerizable in a solvent. The particles are insoluble in the solvent. The film is prepared by providing an electrode and a solution of the linkage polymer molecules in which the particles are suspended. An electrical potential is provided between the solution and the electrode in temporal sequence that causes the linkage polymer molecules to polymerize in the vicinity of the electrode thereby entrapping the particles.

Abstract: A particulate composition comprising particles having a core comprising a hydrophobic polymer within a shell, characterised in that the shell comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Particulate composition can be used for making a stable dispersion of particles uniformly distributed throughout a first hydrophobic liquid, wherein the particles comprise a core within a shell and the core comprises a hydrophobic polymer into has been imbibed a second hydrophobic liquid, Compositions can be used to encapsulate active substances and may be used in sustained release mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulverulent formaldehyde-free binder composition containing

Abstract: A white laminated; polyester film includes a white polyester layer (B) containing fine voids, and white polyester layers (A) containing inorganic fine particles and laminated on both surfaces of the white polyester (B). The white laminated polyester film has a predetermined relationship between the elastic modulus in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction and the specific gravity, and thus has excellent whiteness, printability and crease resistance.

Abstract: A method capable of producing, with industrially realizable production efficiency, microcapsules whose particle diameters are small and whose particle diameter distribution is limited, specifically microcapsules for a heat-sensitive recording material, and a heat-sensitive recording material including the thus produced microcapsules. In this method, microcapsules are produced by the steps of preparing an emulsion from an oil phase that contains a material to be micro-encapsulated and a microcapsule wall material, and an aqueous phase, and micro-encapsulating the materials by using the emulsion, the emulsion preparing step being conducted by using a microreactor having channels whose equivalent diameter is no more than 1 mm, and a heat-sensitive recording material having the thus obtained microcapsules is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colourable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive colour changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the colour changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilised photosensitive colour changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the colour of the particles.

Abstract: A method and composition for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules in submicron particles is disclosed. The particles are composed of a water-in-oil microemulsion surrounded by one or more biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: A nanoparticle comprising an inorganic core and a polymerizable outer coating. The inorganic core comprises a substantially crystalline inorganic material such as a superparamagnetic material. In one embodiment, the inorganic core comprises a single crystal mixed spinel ferrite comprising iron in a first oxidation state and at least one metal in a second oxidation state, wherein the second oxidation state is different from the first oxidation state.