Abstract: Aerogels comprising a hydrophobic polyimide moiety, including hydrophobic polyimide aerogels, as well as methods of manufacture and applications thereof, are generally described.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.

Abstract: Expanded beads are those including a mixture of an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer and a polyethylene-based resin, wherein a melt flow rate MFR(I) of the olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer is 2-10 g/10 min; a difference ((MFR(II))?(MFR(I))) between a melt flow rate MFR(II) of the polyethylene-based resin and the melt flow rate MFR(I) of the olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer is 1-35 g/10 min; and a content of the polyethylene-based resin in the mixture is 3-40% by weight.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a foam core formed from a first polymer and between about 0.5 wt. % and about 2.5 wt. % graphene. The foam core has an average pore size between about 25 ?m and about 75 ?m, and a cell density between about 4×106 cells/mm2 and about 6×106 cells/mm2. Also, an overmolded skin formed from a second polymer and between about 0.25 wt. % and about 5.0 wt. % graphene is disposed on the foam core. A method of manufacturing a composite structure includes injection molding a foam core from a first polymer containing between about 0.25 wt. % and about 5.0 wt. % graphene, and injection molding an overmolded skin from a second polymer containing graphene between about 0.25 wt. % and about 5.0 wt. % graphene.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

Abstract: Aerogel-based components and systems for electric vehicle thermal management are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a heat control member. The heat control member can include reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance for use as heat control members and thermal barriers for batteries, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework reinforced with a fiber and including one or more opacifying additives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin thermal insulation foam and use thereof, and to a method for preparing a physically foamed polyolefin thermal insulation foam, which can be recycled well and which has excellent flexibility characteristics.

Abstract: The present application relates to a composition, a battery module and a battery pack. According to one example of the present application, it is possible to provide a battery module and a battery pack which have improved heat dissipation properties, adhesive force, adhesion reliability and processability as well as excellent power to volume.

Abstract: Described herein are physically crosslinked, closed cell continuous multilayer foam structures that includes a foam layer comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene and a polyamide cap layer. The multilayer foam structure can be obtained by coextruding a multilayer structure comprising at least one foam composition layer and at least one cap composition layer, irradiating the coextruded structure with ionizing radiation, and continuously foaming the irradiated structure.

Abstract: An irradiation control device which controls irradiation of charged particles to a target that includes a substance that generates neutrons by being irradiated with a charged particle beam, includes: a deflector that deflects the charged particles; and a controller that controls the deflector such that a plurality of peaks of heat density formed by the beam are formed between a center of an irradiation surface of the target and an end portion of the irradiation surface by moving the beam of the charged particles on the irradiation surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an olefin-based polymer, which has (1) a density (d) ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 g/cc, (2) a melt index (MI, 190° C., 2.16 kg load conditions) ranging from 0.1 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min, (3) the density (d) and the melt temperature (Tm) satisfying Tm (° C.)=a×d?b of Equation 1 (2,350<a<2,500, and 1,900<b<2,100), and (4) a ratio (hardness/Tm) of the hardness (shore A) to the melt temperature (Tm) in a range of 1.0 to 1.3. The olefin-based polymer according to the present invention exhibits excellent anti-blocking properties due to having improved hardness as a low-density olefin-based polymer.

Abstract: Compositions may include a polymer composition prepared from an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a rubber, and a plasticizer. Compositions may further comprise other components, such as a curing agent and a blowing agent. Articles may include a polymer composition prepared from an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a rubber, and a plasticizer. Methods may include mixing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a rubber, and a plasticizer; and extruding the mixture thereof.

Abstract: A resin sheet with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer including the resin sheet. The resin sheet including a main surface A and a main surface B opposite to each other across a thickness “d”, where the resin sheet has a 50% compression load of 20 N/cm2 or less at 23±5° C. in a direction of the thickness “d”, which is measured in conformity with a method of measuring a compression hardness described in JIS K 6767:1999; where the resin sheet has a Poisson's ratio at 23° C. of 0.10 or less; and the resin sheet has a thickness recovery ratio of 40% or more when compressed by 20% in the direction of the thickness “d” at 23° C.

Abstract: A resin sheet with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer including the resin sheet. The resin sheet including a main surface A and a main surface B opposite to each other across a thickness “d”, where the resin sheet has a 50% compression load of 20 N/cm2 or less at 23±5° C. in a direction of the thickness “d”, which is measured in conformity with a method of measuring a compression hardness described in JIS K 6767:1999; where the resin sheet has a Poisson's ratio at 23° C. of 0.10 or less; and the resin sheet has a thickness recovery ratio of 40% or more when compressed by 20% in the direction of the thickness “d” at 23° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a void, channel and/or vascular network in a polymeric matrix comprises providing a pre-vascularized structure that includes a matrix material and a sacrificial material embedded in the matrix material in a predetermined pattern, where the matrix material comprises a monomer and the sacrificial material comprises a polymer. A region of the matrix material is activated to initiate an exothermic polymerization reaction and generate a self-propagating polymerization front. As the polymerization front propagates through the matrix material and polymerizes the monomer, heat from the exothermic reaction simultaneously degrades the sacrificial material into a gas-phase and/or liquid-phase byproduct. Thus, one or more voids or channels having the predetermined pattern are rapidly formed in the matrix material.

Abstract: A flexible material for thermal and acoustical insulation comprising an expanded polymer (blend) based on at least one elastomer, wherein expansion is achieved by decomposition of a mixture of at least two chemical blowing agents, comprising the exothermic chemical blowing agent 4,4?-Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (OBSH) and at least one endothermic blowing agent.

Abstract: Provided is a battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolytic solution, and a particle-containing resin layer that contains particles and a resin. A shape of the particles includes a plane, a plane rate of the particles is greater than 40% and equal to or less than 100%, and a refractive index of the particles is equal to or greater than 1.3 and less than 2.4.

Abstract: A thin film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membrane includes a porous support with surfaces having thereon a hydrophilic self-assembled monolayer. An active layer on the support is sufficiently dense to remove an ionic species from a liquid.

Abstract: A process for producing cycloalkenamer-containing compositions involves converting at least one cycloalkene by ring-opening metathetic polymerization to obtain a polyalkenamer-containing product mixture. The product mixture is worked up to remove monomers and oligomers of the cycloalkenes to obtain the polyalkenamer-containing composition by extraction with CO2. The extraction involves at least two stages: an extraction with liquid CO2 under the supercritical conditions, and then an extraction with supercritical CO2. Such cycloalkenamer-containing compositions can be used, for example, in the field of packaging materials, especially for food and drink.

Abstract: A baffle or reinforcement element for sealing and/or reinforcing a cavity, in particular a cavity of a vehicle, including a carrier element and an expandable element supported by the carrier element, the expandable element including an expandable material, incorporating a plurality of gas bubbles forming a microcellular structure. Further presented is the process of manufacturing such a baffle or reinforcement element and its use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of making alkanolamides wherein the “aging” time is reduced and the diethanol amide to ester ratio in the finished product is increased. Further provided is an additive composition comprising an alkanolamide which contains a reduced amount of DEA and BHEP.

Abstract: A pull mat for tunnel composting includes: a layer of straight unidirectionally oriented threads oriented in the longitudinal direction of the pull mat, the layer including a multitude of straight individual threads which are placed essentially parallel to each other in a single plane, the straight unidirectionally oriented threads being spaced apart from each other, at least one layer of open material, the at least one layer of open material being selected from a woven fabric, a laid scrim, a nonwoven fabric, and a perforated film, and optionally, a further layer of open material, wherein when the optional further layer of open material is present, the at least one layer of open material and the further layer of open material are positioned on opposite sides of the layer of straight, unidirectionally oriented threads.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for recovering condensable components from a gas stream, in particular, hydrocarbons from a gas stream such as natural gas. The present process uses solid adsorbent media to remove said hydrocarbons wherein the adsorbent media is regenerated in a continuous fashion in a heated continuous counter-current regeneration system, wherein said heated regenerated adsorbent media is cooled prior to reuse.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the separation of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons or propane and heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas to provide a methane-rich natural gas stream and less volatile natural gas liquids (NGLs). This method provides for the use of a regenerable adsorbent media comprising a porous cross-linked polymeric adsorbent, a pyrolized macroporous polymer, or mixtures thereof, which is regenerated by a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process, temperature swing adsorption (TSA) process, or combination of the two. Said regeneration step may be operated as a batch process, a semi-continuous process, or preferably as a continuous process.

Abstract: To provide a 4-methyl-1-pentene/olefin (co)polymer composition which is excellent in transparency and heat resistance and is excellent also in elongation and toughness and to provide a molded product composed of the composition, a film composed of the composition, which is excellent in transparency, heat resistance and dimensional stability and has been uniformly stretched, and a hollow molded product composed of the composition, which is excellent in transparency, heat resistance and toughness and is excellent also in dimensional stability. The 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer composition of the present invention comprises a specific 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer (A) and a specific 4-methyl-1-pentene/?-olefin copolymer (B) in a specific ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method comprising providing a self-sealing cement slurry comprising an aqueous base fluid, a cementitious material, and a vulcanized oil and water swellable particulate composite, wherein the vulcanized oil and water swellable particulate composite comprises an elastomer, a crosslinked water swellable superabsorbent polymer, and a hydrophobically modified water-soluble polymer; introducing the self-sealing cement slurry into a subterranean formation; and allowing the self-sealing cement slurry to set, wherein the vulcanized oil and water swellable particulate composite is capable of swelling in the presence of a non-aqueous fluid and an aqueous fluid to reduce the permeability of fluid flowpaths in the set self-sealing cement slurry upon loss of structural integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating and recovering NGLs from a natural gas feedstream. Specifically, the present method allows for the separation of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons and/or propane and heavier hydrocarbons from a raw natural gas feedstream to provide pipeline quality natural gas. One embodiment of this method provides for the use of a regenerable adsorbent media which is regenerated by a microwave heating system. Said regeneration step may be operated as a batch process, a semi-continuous process, or a continuous process.

Abstract: A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; and extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form the natural fiber polymer composite at a temperature below a standard melting temperature of the polymer alone. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder.

Abstract: A method for making polyethylene aerogels, including high molecular weight aerogels, commences by in a hydrocarbon solvent (e.g., toluene or benzene) in which polyethylene is insoluble at room temperature, adding polyethylene to the solvent heated to a temperature at which said polyethylene is soluble to form a reaction mixture. A free-radical catalyst is added to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture is held until the desired gelation of the polyethylene has been achieved. The reaction mixture is cooled to about room temperature; and the hydrocarbon solvent is replaced with a gas (e.g., CO2 or air) to form the polyethylene aerogel. Optionally, the cooled reaction mixture can be contacted with an anti-solvent for polyethylene to replace the hydrocarbon solvent with the anti-solvent. Silica aerogel particles can be encapsulated in polyethylene aerogel by adding the particles to the polyethylene gelation reaction mixture.

Abstract: To provide a novel compound having both a surface-activating ability and a polymerization controlling ability. A compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2): wherein, R1 and R3 are an organic group having the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) determined by Griffin's method of 3 or more. The definitions of R1, R2, R3, R4, Z, p and q are described in the Description.

Abstract: Biomedical devices such as contact lenses formed from a polymerization product of a mixture comprising (a) a multi-armed macromonomer comprising multiple side chains attached to a nucleus, wherein each side chain comprises a thio carbonyl thio fragment of the same or different reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (“RAFT”) agent; and (b) one or more biomedical device-forming monomers are disclosed.

Abstract: Various uses of fluoroalkenes, including tetrafluoropropenes, particularly HFO-1234ze, in a variety of applications, including as blowing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A formulation for foaming a thermoplastic polymer, for example PVC, comprises a carrier, exothermic and endothermic chemical blowing agents and 1 wt %, preferably less than 0.2 wt % of water. The liquid formulation can readily be used for foaming PVC and other thermoplastics.

Abstract: Provided is a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane that satisfies the following expressions: 0.2?F?4.0; 0.2?R?1.0; and R??0.1F+0.5, for the Frazier number F [cm3/sec/cm2] and the water entry pressure R [MPa]. This porous PTFE membrane may be a single-layer membrane. This porous PTFE membrane has the properties suitable for use as a waterproof air-permeable membrane, and achieves a good balance between high water resistance and high air permeability.

Abstract: Expandable composite resin particles for frozen storage comprising: composite resin particles of a polyolefin-based resin and a polystyrene-based resin; 7.5 to 11% by weight of volatile blowing agent contained in the composite resin particles and containing pentane; and 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of moisture attached to surfaces of the composite resin particles.

Abstract: Microporous polyolefin and microporous polydicyclopentadiene (polyDCPD) based aerogels and methods for preparing and using the same are provided. The aerogels are produced by forming a polymer gel structure within a solvent from a olefin or dicyclopentadiene monomer 5 via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) reactions, followed by supercritical drying to remove the solvent from the aerogel. Other aerogels are prepared by sequentially (1) mixing at least one dicyclopentadiene monomer, at least one solvent at least one catalyst and at least one inorganic and/or organic reinforcing material, (2) gelling the mixture, (3) aging, and (4) supercritical drying. Aerogels provided herein are inexpensive to prepare, possess desirable 10 thermal, mechanical, acoustic, chemical, and physical properties and are hydrophobic.

Abstract: Process for producing expanded polyolefin resin particles with use as a foaming agent in water contained in an aqueous dispersion medium. The process includes dispersing polyolefin resin particles with use as a foaming agent of water contained in an aqueous dispersion medium. The process includes dispersing polyolefin resin particles together with the aqueous dispersion medium into a closed vessel, heating the polyolefin resin particles up to or above a softening temperature of the polyolefin resin particles and pressurizing the polyolefin resin particles, and releasing the polyolefin resin particles into a zone whose pressure is lower than an internal pressure of the closed vessel. The polyolefin resin particles are composed of a polyolefin resin composition including a polyolefin resin, polyethylene glycol homopolymer and a foam nucleating agent.

Abstract: Polypropylene resin expanded particles comprises a polypropylene resin as a base material resin, the polypropylene resin having at least three melting peaks on a DSC curve for a second temperature rise measured at a heating rate of 10 g/min with use of a heat flux differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), the at least three melting peaks including (i) a lowest temperature melting peak of 100° C. to 130° C. and (ii) a highest temperature melting peak of 140° C. to 160° C., the polypropylene resin having a resin DSC ratio change rate of 0.5%/° C. to 3.0%/° C., the expanded particles having two melting peaks in a DSC measurement made at a first temperature rise at the heating rate of 10 g/min, the two melting peaks including, (i) on a lower temperature side, a melting peak temperature of 100° C. to 130° C. and, (ii) on a higher temperature side, a melting peak temperature of 140° C. to 160° C.

Abstract: A rock dusting composition composed of rock dust, e.g., limestone or other mineral dust, water, pumping aid, and polymer, e.g., acrylamide homopolymers, acrylamide copolymers, and combinations thereof, and a method for applying the composition to the surface of a mine. The composition has a water content and a polymer content sufficient to allow the polymer to (i) disperse water molecules within the composition and, upon drying of the composition, (ii) dissipate forming void spaces in the dried composition. The composition is useful for suppressing propagation of a flame and/or fire caused by ignition of coal dust and/or gas within a coal mine.

Abstract: There is provided a polypropylene resin composition comprising a propylene polymer (A) containing 0 to 70% by mass of a propylene homopolymer (A-1) and 30 to 100% by mass of a propylene-ethylene block copolymer (A-2) defined below, an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (B) defined below, and an inorganic filler (C), wherein the proportion of the amount of the (A), the proportion of the amount of (B), and the proportion of the amount of (C) relative to the total amount of the (A), the (B) and the (C) are 40 to 94% by mass, 5 to 30% by mass, and 1 to 30% by mass, respectively, the propylene-ethylene block copolymer (A-2) is a mixture of a propylene homopolymer component and a propylene-ethylene random copolymer component, wherein the intrinsic viscosity, as measured in Tetralin of 135° C., of the propylene-ethylene random copolymer component is within the range of 2.0 to 8.

Abstract: A foamable polymeric mixture is provided that includes a polymer composition and at least one blowing agent. The blowing agent may comprise any blowing agents known not to deplete the ozone or increase the prevalence of global warming, such as CO2, HFO, HFC and mixtures thereof. The foamable polymeric mixture may further includes at least one processing aid comprising an organic phase changing material. The inventive foamable mixture is capable of processing at a pressure range of 800 to 1200 psi (5.5 to 8.3 MPa).

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in the removal and recovery of oil slicks or spills floating on the surfaces of bodies of water or present on land, such as beaches comprising a foam of a blend of polyethylene and an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer and a process for using such foams in the selective removal of oil from fresh water or salt water and the recovery of the absorbed oils from the foams is disclosed. The polymer composition is also for use in other applications in which absorption of liquids is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding heated gas phase and flowing the gas cocurrent through the polymerization chamber, which comprises coating the water-absorbing polymer particles with at least one sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid and/or salts thereof.

Abstract: A carbon-containing modified polystyrene type resin particle of the present invention includes: a carbon-containing polypropylene type resin, and a polystyrene type resin in an amount of not less than 100 parts by weight but less than 400 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the carbon-containing polypropylene type resin, wherein the polystyrene type resin ratio at the central part of the particle is at least 1.2 times the polystyrene type resin ratio of the overall particle, the polystyrene type resin ratio being calculated by using the ratio (D698/D1376) of absorbances at 698 cm?1 and 1376 cm?1 which are obtained by infrared absorption spectra measured by ATR infrared spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet with its sealing capability being unlikely to be lowered even for a prolonged period of use, and with its excellent waterproofing capability. The inventive rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet is characterized in that the foam sheet includes a rubber-based resin containing a nitrile group, and exhibits an excellent adhesion. When used as a waterproof sealing material, the foam sheet can adhere, in a tightly close contact, to the interface of a portion to be sealed. Therefore, the inventive rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet can be advantageously used as a waterproof sealing material having high sealing capability and excellent waterproofing capability.

Abstract: A process for the production of a resilient foam by foaming a mixture, comprising from 50 to 97% by weight of an aqueous dispersion A) of SiO2 particles which have a mean particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, from 1 to 45% by weight of a polymer B) dissolved in water from 1 to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C) from 1 to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D) from 0 to 5% by weight of a crosslinking agent E) reactive with the polymer B), and the foam obtainable by the process and the use thereof.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. The upper surface of the first portion is in contact with the upper. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface, with the upper surface of the second portion being in contact with the upper. The second portion comprises a foam material having a density less than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous copolymer dispersion comprising an emulsion copolymer and two hydrophobic aromatic ketones, wherein the aromatic ketones are, based on the dry weight of the copolymer, from 0.1 to 3 wt % benzophenone and from 0.1 to 4 wt % a benzophenone derivative; wherein the dispersion comprises 0 or less than 0.1 wt % hydrophilic aromatic ketone. The copolymer dispersion is suitable for preparation of aqueous coating compositions which yields a relatively hard surface to provide not only short term but also long term dirt pick up resistance effects, after exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Use in hygiene articles of articles formed of water-absorbent, predominantly open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams Abstract The use of articles formed of water-absorbent open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams and containing finely divided silicon dioxide and/or at least one surfactant on their surface as an acquisition and/or distribution layer in hygiene articles.