Abstract: This invention relates to monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles, comprising particles with a substantially smooth outer surface and an average diameter of less than 1 ?m, wherein the particles are solid or porous, and wherein the coefficient of variation (CV) % of the particles, when measured by CPS disk centrifugation analysis, is less than 15%. These monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles may comprise magnetic material and are useful in various application. This invention also relates to monodisperse polymer particles for use as seed particles in the Ugelstad process.

Abstract: Provided is a hard coat film, including: a transparent film; and a hard coat layer formed on the transparent film, in which: the surface free energy of the hard coat layer is equal to or more than a certain value; the hard coat film has a mixed region in which a component of the transparent film and a component of the hard coat layer are mixed; the refractive index of the mixed region continuously changes toward the thickness direction of the hard coat film; and a refractive index change gradient falls within a certain range.

Abstract: A antistatic hard coat layer-forming composition having the following (a), (b), (c) and (d): (a) an ion-conducting compound, (b) a polyethylene oxide compound having one or more photopolymerizable groups, having no hydroxyl group, and having a —(CH2CH2O)k— structure (wherein k represents a number of 1 to 50), (c) a compound having an unsaturated double bond, and (d) a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a dispersion in which pulverization and dispersion of inorganic fine particles can be stably performed with high productivity while thickening and gelation are suppressed; a dispersion that provides a cured coating film having high hardness and high transparency; a coating material including the dispersion; a coating film; and a film provided by forming the coating film. By using a wet ball mill including a vessel (p) filled with a medium, a rotational shaft (q), a stirring impeller (r), a slurry supply port (s), a slurry discharge port (t), and a shaft seal device (u), inorganic fine particles (C) are pulverized and dispersed in a slurry containing as essential components an active-energy-ray-curable compound (A), an active-energy-ray-curable compound (B), and the inorganic fine particles (C).

Abstract: An antistatic article having an antistatic layer disposed on a substrate is disclosed herein. The antistatic layer is formed from a cationic copolymer, a non-cationic (meth)acrylic polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The cationic copolymer consists essentially of a cationic monomer, a hydrophobic monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, and an optional nitrogen-containing monomer. The substrate may comprise an optical film such as a multilayer optical film. Methods for making the antistatic article and display devices containing the antistatic article are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical film having an acrylic resin layer and a cellulose acylate layer, wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the acrylic resin used as the main ingredient in the acrylic resin layer is from 600,000 to 4,000,000, hardly causes display unevenness when it is incorporated in a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical layered body having excellent antistatic properties, optical characteristics, hardness, adhesion, and interference fringe prevention performance, which can be produced at a low cost. An optical layered body having a hard coat layer provided on a triacetylcellulose substrate, wherein a resin composition used for forming the hard coat layer contains a quaternary ammonium salt-containing polymer, a binder resin, and a solvent; the quaternary ammonium salt-containing polymer has a higher hydrophilicity than the binder resin; and the binder resin contains two or more resin components having different hydrophilicities.

Abstract: An engineered nano-composite coating may include hydrophobic an hydrophilic domains, may be applied to transparent and non-transparent substrates using a continuous process, may be UV curable and may impart antifogging characteristics to the substrate.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery medical device with alternating hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymer layers and methods of using for the treatment of vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery medical device with alternating hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymer layers and methods of using for the treatment of vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, resin-based sheets including color and/or multi-decorated images. In particular, at least one implementation includes subjecting at least one surface of a polymer sheet to uniform heat and pressure in order to sublimate a dye into the surface, and ensure that that polymer sheet is not warped or otherwise damaged during processing. Additional implementations include decorative architectural resin panels including a resin sheet having a dye sublimated into one or more surfaces in order to create an effect of depth or other aesthetic.

Abstract: A antistatic hard coat layer-forming composition having the following (a), (b), (c) and (d): (a) an ion-conducting compound, (b) a polyethylene oxide compound having one or more photopolymerizable groups, having no hydroxyl group, and having a —(CH2CH2O)k— structure (wherein k represents a number of 1 to 50), (c) a compound having an unsaturated double bond, and (d) a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: Diffusers including of a plurality of protruded structures with each structure containing multiple rugged facets are disclosed. The diffuser may be fabricated by coating a mixture of materials on a carrier film, the mixture of materials including at least a first material that polymerizes upon irradiation and at least a second material that is incompatible with the first material in polymerized form, then selectively irradiating the mixture of materials to polymerize a portion of the mixture of materials to form polymerized structures, and finally removing that part of the mixture of materials not forming part of the structures. A transparent material may be coated over the structures. The overcoat material may further contain scattering elements such as glass beads or polymeric particles.

Abstract: Disclosed laminates particularly useful as safety glazings comprising a polymeric interlayer sheet, wherein the polymeric interlayer sheet comprises a blend composition of an ethylene copolymer A and an ethylene copolymer B, which has a melt flow rate of less than 100g/10 min, as determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg, and wherein the ethylene copolymer A comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 3 to about 20 wt % of an ester or anhydride of a C4-C8 unsaturated acid having two carboxylic acid groups and the ethylene copolymer B comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 6 to about 40 wt % of a polar monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate, alkyl(meth)acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antireflective film including at least an antireflective layer and a base resin layer, the base resin layer including at least layers a and b respectively including a thermoplastic resin as a main component, the layer a having a flexural modulus higher than that of the layer b, and the layer a being closer to the antireflective layer than the layer b, a polarizer plate obtained by bonding the antireflective film to a polarizer, and a display including the polarizer plate. According to the present invention, an antireflective film in which an antireflective layer is stacked on a transparent resin substrate and exhibits excellent antireflective performance, tenacity, and surface hardness, a polarizer plate using the antireflective film, and a display including the polarizer plate are provided.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polymer films used as protective cover sheets for polarizer plates, their manufacture, and to a method for producing polarizing plates employing such polymer films. More particularly, the invention provides a guarded cover sheet composite comprising a temporary carrier substrate having a first cover sheet comprising a first low birefringence film on one side and a second cover sheet comprising a second low birefringence film on the other side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective cover sheet comprising a low birefringence protective polymer film and a layer that promotes adhesion to poly(vinyl alcohol), the protective cover sheet comprising at least one functional layer containing a UV-absorbing polymer.

Abstract: We have found a novel spray-on adhesive composition made from components including a high melt index polymer and a high melt tackifier that interact to produce a composition that can form a low odor, light color, non-tacky, hot melt adhesive material that can be used in disposable article manufacture. The adhesive is thermally stable at hot melt application conditions, is low in cost, is easily applied and produces high quality disposable articles.

Abstract: A cellulosic product such as paper coating composition is disclosed comprising aqueous-based semi-crystalline vinyl acetate-ethylene polymer emulsions, containing crystalline ethylene segments, which are useful for imparting oil, grease, solvent, water, and moisture vapor resistance. The polymer emulsions are prepared via the direct aqueous-based free radical emulsion polymerization of ethylene with various other comonomers. The semi-crystalline aqueous-based polymer emulsions of this invention have a crystalline melting point and a crystalline heat of fusion ranging from 5 to 100 J/g. The semi-crystalline aqueous-based emulsion polymers of this invention can be used directly as a paper or paperboard coating for imparting oil, grease, solvent, water, and moisture vapor resistance. Further, the present invention provides a repulpable paper and paperboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer, having the steps of: a) melt blending the fluoropolymer with the unsaturated monomer; b) forming the blend obtained in a) into films, sheets, granules or powder; c) exposing the products from step b), in the absence of air, to photon (?) or electron (?) irradiation with a dose of between 1 and 15 Mrad; and d) optionally treating the product obtained at c) in order to remove all or part of the unsaturated monomer that has not been grafted onto the fluoropolymer. Structures made with these materials are barriers to many fluids and in particular to petrol and to air-conditioning fluids and may be formed into bottles, tanks, containers, pipes, hoses and vessels of all sorts. They may also be converted into films with which packaging is made.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging laminate for a retortable packaging container comprising a core layer (11), outer, liquid-tight coatings (12 and 13) and a gas barrier (14) disposed between the one coating (12) and the core layer (11). Between the gas barrier (14) and the core layer (11), there is a layer (16) of a lamination or sealing agent of such a nature that the lamination or sealing agent has a melting point which is higher than the maximum temperature to which the retortable packaging container is to be subjected during a normal heat treatment in a retort. The lamination or sealing agent in the layer (16) may, for example, be a polypropylene with a melting point of above 130° C.

Abstract: A tear resistant laminated comprised of a paper or paperboard substrate, and adhesive layer, a tear resistant layer secured to the adhesive layer, and a heat-sealable material. The tear resistant material has a a tear strength as measured by the Elmendorf tear propagation test of at least about 300 grams of force in both machine and cross direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous polymer composition comprising a copolymer and water, the copolymer containing at least one hydrophilic base or acid-neutralizable monomer and at least one hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomer. A film formed from the contains essentially no crosslinking. The polymer composition is formed by polymerizing the hydrophilic monomer and hydrophobic monomer in a non-aqueous solvent; forming an aqueous polymer dispersion from the non-aqueous polymer solution, and adding a base or acid to form an aqueous polymer composition.

Abstract: Novel fluorine-containing paper sizes which impart oil and grease resistance to paper and soil-release properties to textile products are described which are the copolymerization products of (a) a perfluoroalkyl-substituted (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (b) a secondary- or tertiary-amino or quaternary ammonium group-containing (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (c) vinylidene chloride and, optionally, d) other copolymerizable nonfluorinated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion whose polymer, present in disperse distribution, is composed in free-radically polymerized form of from 20 to 65% by weight of at least one vinylaromatic monomer (monomers A), from 30 to 75% by weight of at least one monomer having two conjugated, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds (monomers B), and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of at least one other monomer, C, selected from the group consisting of &agr;,&bgr;-monoethyienically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids and amide or ester derivatives thereof and whose alkali metal ion content GA, based on the mass of the dispersed polymer, is ≧0.5% by weight, the pH of the aqueous dispersion medium being adjusted to a value below 6.

Abstract: A transfer sheet having a low-reflection layer characterized by comprises: a transparent low-reflection layer; a protective layer; and an adhesive layer successively laminated on a releasable base film.

Abstract: Biocompatible, lubricious, highly durable coatings for medical devices are formed from a highly adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top-coat which is chemically grafted to the base coat. The base coat includes an aqueous acrylic emulsion polymer, having one or more monomers having alkyl groups of varying number. The monomers are combined such that the “Equivalent Alkyl Number”, essentially a weighted average number of carbon atoms, for the resulting polymer or copolymer, is in a range of about 3.5-4.5. The coating is prepared without using any organic solvents, and thus the final product contains no residue of such solvents. The coated products display an unmatched combination of adhesion, abrasion resistance, water resistance, biocompatibility, and lubricity.

Abstract: A multi-layer article includes a first polymer layer, a substrate, and a bonding layer on a surface of the first polymer layer and in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: Compositions based on PTFE, homopolymer or modified, comprising for 100 parts of the component 1) PTFE:

Abstract: Provided is a melt processable fluorothermoplastic composition comprising a major amount of a first semi-crystalline fluorinated copolymer and a minor amount of a second fluoropolymer effective to reduce melt defects in the composition. Each fluoropolymer is selected from four classes. The first class, (a), includes a semi-crystalline perfluorinated copolymer. The second class, (b), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer and at least one non-fluorinated hydrogen-containing monomer. The third class, (c), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one partially-fluorinated monomer, and optionally at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer. The second fluoropolymer is selected from a category other than the category in which the first fluoropolymer is selected. The minor component also can include interpolymerized units of a PAVE, and/or a PAOVE.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, which comprises a lubricious coating including a capping layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or at least one layer of a lubricious coating material and one layer of a polyionic material having charges opposite of the charges of the lubricious coating material. The lubricious coating on the medical device of the invention has increased lubricity, preferably characterized by an averaged CoF of about 3.0 or less, increased hydrophilicity characterized by an averaged contact angle of about 80 degree or less, and increased bacterial adhesion resistance, while maintaining the desired bulk properties such as oxygen permeability and ion permeability of lens material. Such lenses are useful as extended-wear contact lenses. In addition, the invention provides a method for making a medical device, preferably a contact lens, having a lubricious coating thereon.

Abstract: A cover slip material and a method of making and using the same are provided. The material comprises (a) a light transmissible polymeric backing having first and second surfaces; (b) a tack free bonding layer disposed on the first surface of the backing, the bonding layer comprising polymers selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, and combinations thereof; and (c) a protective coating disposed on the second surface of the backing. Upon exposure to an environmentally friendly activating solvent such as terpene, d-limonene, esters of coconut oil and aliphatic hydrocarbon blends, the bonding layer acquires tacky properties causing the cover slip to adhere to a specimen previously mounted on a microscope slide.

Abstract: A film with excellent oxygen barrier properties is disclosed. A barrier coating used thereon is also disclosed, including polyvinyl alcohol and a copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid, and wherein the copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid has a weight average molecular weight of about 3500 to about 5000. The barrier coating is typically less than about 1 micrometer in thickness and provides an oxygen barrier of less than about 0.3 cc.mil/100 in2/day/atm when tested at 23 degrees Celsius and 0 percent relative humidity according to ASTM D3985. A method of stripping low molecular weight fractions from the copolymer is also disclosed. Metallized coated film according to the present invention shows surprising barrier properties.

Abstract: Exterior automotive quality appearance and durability of a pigmented sheet molded compound (SMC) article can be obtained by the use of at least one unpigmented coating comprising a cured thermosetting resin composition. The article can have more than one layer of unpigmented thermosetting resin coating such that the first layer is applied to form a textured appearance. The second layer can then contain an amount of flattening agent sufficient to control the overall gloss level of the resultant automotive exterior article.

Abstract: The coating composition of the invention cures at room temperature, and forms a coating which is resistant to flex-fatigue, environmental temperature variability and provides for excellent adhesion to flexible elastomeric substrates. The coating in two parts comprises (A) a graft-modified fluoroelastomer and (B) a curing component containing at least one group reactive with an active hydrogen bearing group, such as an isocyanate group and another group which forms crosslinks, and (C) a solvent. The coating is prepared by mixing and milling the fluoroelasomer which has been graft-functionalized with an active hydrogen bearing group groups. The first part is admixed with the second part prior to applying the coating. Gelation of the coating takes place at room temperature over several hours with complete cure taking place within about 24 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and apparatus related to coated panels. The panels are coated with an ultra thin coating of fluoropolymer. The coating imparts resistance to staining, washability, scrubbability, and soiling, as well as long durability. Furthermore, excellent adhesion is obtained with the ultra thin fluoropolymer when applied to panels.

Abstract: A laminate structure for producing paperboard or polymer containers and blow molded bottles containing a barrier structure of layer(s) of polyethylene terephthalate and a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein no polyolefin based tie layers are used in the structure. The container or bottle produced therefrom is recyclable and has dimensional stability.

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymer compositions are provided which can be in the form of a polymer powder which is redispersible in water or as an aqueous dispersion. The polymer composition is composed of A) a copolymer of one or more comonomers of vinyl esters of straight-chain or branched alkanecarboxylic acids having 1 to 18 C atoms, acrylates or methacrylates of branched or straight-chain alcohols having 1 to 15 C atoms, dienes, olefins, vinylaromatics and vinyl halides, and of from 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the comonomers, of one or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers containing epoxide groups, and B) one or more non-copolymerizable compounds having at least two epoxide groups. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of the crosslinkable polymer compositions and their use in chemical products for the construction industry.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions obtained by subjecting to ionizing radiations compositions comprising: I) thermoprocessable copolymers of ethylene with tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) modified with acrylic monomers of formula: CH2═CH—CO—O—R2  (a) R2 is a hydrogenated radical from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, C1-C20, alkyl, linear and/or branched radical, or cycloalkyl, or R2 is H. The radical R2 can optionally contain: heteroatoms preferably Cl, O, N; one or more functional groups preferably selected from OH, COOH, epoxide, ester and ether; and double bonds; II) one or more cross-linking agents; III) one or more optional ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bright metallized formable film laminate having excellent optical and deformation properties. The bright metallized formable film laminate preferably includes a formable, weatherable clear coat film comprising polyvinylidene difluoride, a formable clear coat leveling layer on the weatherable clear coat film, and a discontinuous layer of tin islands deposited on the formable leveling layer, opposite said weatherable clear coat film. Also disclosed are methods of making such bright metallized formable film laminates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising an ion-trigger polymer coating joined to a water-sensitive substrate. When the composition is employed as a diaper outercover or a pantiliner baffle, for example, the ion-trigger coating is oriented toward the body and is exposed to bodily fluids. The coating inhibits the transport of the fluids to the inner, body-side water-sensitive substrate, maintaining the structural integrity of the composition. When the entire article is disposed of in a large volume of water, such as in the hydraulic flow of a toilet, both the water-sensitive substrate layer and the ion-trigger polymer coating layer mechanically weaken and break apart into small pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weatherable building product comprising a wood member. The wood member has at least a portion which is coated with a coating composition comprising an interpenetrating polymer network of an acrylic latex and a vinylidene chloride polymer. The wood member comprises solid wood or fiber-based materials.

Abstract: A photosensitive transfer sheet which has a support, and on the support, a color material layer. The color material layer contains an inorganic pigment and/or a metal pigment, a binder and a precipitation prevention agent. Since precipitation of pigment is suppressed due to the precipitation prevention agent, uniform color tone can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for making a thermoplastic film by the blown film extrusion process comprises extruding a molten thermoplastic polymer through a tubular die to form a tube of molten polymer, contacting the inner surface of the tube of molten polymer as it exits the die with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polysaccharide ether, inflating the tube of molten polymer to form a blown tubular film and then collapsing the blown film to a flat web. The thermoplastic film has on its surface a coating of a water-soluble polysaccharide ether.

Abstract: The invention provides a recording sheet including an additive, referred to herein as a compatibilizer, to improve the quality of images formed by toner powder development of electrostatic charge patterns. Recording sheets, carrying images produced by toner powder transfer and fusion on a receptor surface, according to the present invention, exhibit improved light transmission and reduced light scattering. Specifically, a transparent sheet is provided having a toner-receptive coating containing about 4 wt. % to about 25 wt % of a compatibilizer on at least one surface, wherein the coating has a low density yellow Q factor value at least 2 less than an identical coating without the compatibilizer.

Abstract: Composite cellulose containing materials which are waterproof and biodegradable are produced which consist essentially of cellulose and hydrophobic polymer-based composition in the amount about 4 to 40 wt %. The polymer-based composition comprises first polymer, which is partially saponified polyvinyl acetate, second polymer, which functions as plasticizer for improving elasticity of the first polymer and cross-linking agent, which is capable to cross-link the first polymer. The polymer-based composition may additionally contain environmentally friendly hydrophobizators, fillers and pigments.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion whose polymer is composed of vinyl-aromatic structures and conjugated dienes, and which has a reduced content of alkali metal ions, is used for producing water-vapor barriers; the invention also relates to the aqueous, low alkali metal polymer dispersion itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low electrostatic composite polyester film comprising a base film C, a coating layer A formed on one side of the base film C, and a coating layer B formed on the other side of the base film C, where (1) the coating layer A is formed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible resin coating inert particles and has a center line average roughness (Ra−A) of the surface of 0.1 to 2 nm; (2) the coating layer B includes 1 to 40 wt % of inert particles and a composition containing a water-soluble or water-dispersible resin, the resin-containing composition containing 5 to 85 wt % of a silicone-modified polyester resin or 1 to 30 wt % of silicone or wax based on the layer B; and (3) the base film C is formed of an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: Sheet materials according to the present invention comprise a sheet material substrate, such as for example a film or paper sheet, with a polymer base coating overlying and adhered to a surface of the sheet material substrate. The base coating comprises a radiation cured crosslinked polymer derived from at least one vapor deposited acrylate prepolymer composition having a molecular weight in the range of from about 150 to 600. A metal layer is deposited on and overlies a surface of the base coating, and a polymer top coating overlies and is adhered to a surface of the metal layer. The top coating comprises a radiation cured crosslinked polymer derived from a vapor deposited acrylate prepolymer composition having a molecular weight in the range of from about 150 to 600 and a ratio of its molecular weight to its number of acrylate groups (MW/Ac) in the range of from about 150 to 600.

Abstract: An ink/textile combination is provided wherein the ink contains an aqueous carrier and a pigment dispersion and the textile contains moieties selected from the group consisting of epoxy, hydroxyl, amine, amido, carboxyl moieties and mixtures thereof; wherein an interactive polymer is present in at least one of the ink or the textile and wherein the interactive polymer has at least one A monomer unit having active methylene groups and at least one B monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylates, methacrylates, polymerizable vinyl monomers, vinyl pyrrolidone, acrylamides, methacrylamides, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohols and combinations thereof.