Abstract: A process for preparing a polyolefin product can include providing a first high molecular weight (HMW) polyolefin resin having an HLMI of between 0.01 and 5 g/10 min, and separately providing a second low molecular weight (LMW) polyolefin resin having an MI2 of between 1 and 150 g/10 min. A device can be used to continuously physically melt and blend the first HMW polyolefin resin and the second LMW polyolefin resin to produce the polyolefin product. The device can include at least two feeding zones spatially separated and operably connected to each other. At least a art of the first HMW polyolefin resin is introduced in a first feeding zone, and at least a part of the second LMW polyolefin is introduced in a second feeding zone different from the first zone.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of antireflection substrate structure includes: providing a silicon wafer having a first rough surface; forming an antireflection optical film on the silicon wafer, wherein the antireflection optical film conformally overlays the first rough surface; performing a surface treatment on the antireflection optical film so that the antireflection optical film has a hydrophilic surface, and the hydrophilic surface is relatively far away from the silicon wafer; dropping a colloidal solution on the hydrophilic surface of the antireflection optical film, wherein the colloidal solution includes a solution and multiple nano-balls and the nano-balls are adhered onto the hydrophilic surface; and performing an etching process on the hydrophilic surface of the antireflection optical film by taking the nano-balls as an etching mask so as to form a second rough surface, wherein the roughness of the second rough surface is different from the roughness of the first rough surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to air sampling of biological compounds. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for sampling the ambient air for detecting microbial propagules, microbial propagules being any spore, vegetative cell, or virion of microbiological origin including all bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, molds, slime molds, chlamydospores, hyphae, and cysts.

Abstract: Heat-expandable microspheres having high heat resistance and high solvent resistance, a production process thereof include a shell of a thermoplastic resin and a thermally vaporizable blowing agent being encapsulated therein. The thermoplastic resin includes a copolymer produced by polymerizing a polymerizable component containing a carboxyl-group-containing monomer. The surface of the heat-expandable microspheres is treated with an organic compound containing a metal of the Groups from 3 to 12 in the Periodic Table.

Abstract: Articles containing soil adsorbing polymers, and more particularly, articles, for example nonwovens, such as paper towels, wovens, and/or sponges and/or article-forming components thereof that comprise a durably bonded soil adsorbing polymer, article-forming components used to make such articles, and processes for making same are provided.

Abstract: A method of making a reconfigurable three-dimensional shape includes the following steps: (i) moving multiple print heads in three dimensions relative to a printing surface, where the print heads include a conductor print head and a polymer print head; (ii) depositing a conductive material from the conductor print head; and (iii) depositing a shape-memory polymer from the polymer print head. The depositing steps form a volumetric shape of a shape-memory polymer, capable of changing shape, with a conductive material capable of acting as a heating element integrally formed in the volumetric shape. The method can further include the steps of heating the shape-memory polymer above a transition temperature, changing the shape of the volumetric shape following the heating step, and then allowing the shape-memory polymer to cool below the transition temperature to fix the new volumetric shape.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.

Abstract: A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrocatalyst article using porous polymers. The method creates a porous polymer designed to receive transition metal groups disposed at ligation sites and activating the transition metals to form an electrocatalyst which can be used in a fuel cell. Electrocatalysts prepared by this method are also provided. A fuel cell which includes the electrocatalyst is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foam having a Poisson's ratio which varies across at least a region of the foam in a gradient distribution involves the steps of: a) providing a housing defining an internal space having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture; b) providing an open-cell foam of a size and shape configured to fit inside the internal space of the housing; c) positioning the foam inside the internal space of the housing; d) establishing a flow of air through the foam via the inlet and outlet apertures; e) heating the foam to a predetermined temperature whilst maintaining the flow of air through the foam; and f) subsequently cooling the foam whilst continuing to maintain the flow of air through the foam. A foam of such a type is also presented.

Abstract: A protective film for an electronic device is described. The protective film includes a film operable to cover at least a portion of the electronic device, and a plurality of pores directly manufactured in, or cut in the film in locations where sound passes into or out of the electronic device, the pores adapted to allow sound transmission while limiting liquid ingress.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of molded products containing recycled content, and more particularly polyurethane foam which includes polyol recovered from chemical recycling of polyurethane foam scrap, which polyol has been treated to optimize viscosity and/or reactivity characteristics.

Abstract: A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous framework includes contacting a substrate with a solution containing a plurality of component materials are dissolved in the solution. A solid composite made of the plurality of component materials is electrodeposited onto the substrate. A plurality of electrodepositing voltages is applied to vary a relative proportion of the component materials in the composite being electrodeposited, and at least one of the plurality of component materials is selectively etched away from the composite to form a plurality of pores.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using reflective particulate foam comprising flexible cellular foam and a plurality of reflective particulates randomly and/or uniformly dispersed during the production of the reflective particulate foam. Reflective particulates have reflective surfaces which are visually distinguishable as individual reflective particulates without the use of magnification. Reflective particulate foam provides a novel and uniquely distinguishable appearance for use on, under, or within mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, outdoor bedding pads, pet beds, outdoor pillows, cushioned display cases, cushioned package containers, and other cushioning products.

Abstract: Nanoporous three-dimensional networks of polyurethane particles, e.g., polyurethane aerogels, and methods of preparation are presented herein. Such nanoporous networks may include polyurethane particles made up of linked polyisocyanate and polyol monomers. In some cases, greater than about 95% of the linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers are urethane linkages. To prepare such networks, a mixture including polyisocyanate monomers (e.g., diisocyanates, triisocyanates), polyol monomers (diols, triols), and a solvent is provided. The polyisocyanate and polyol monomers may be aliphatic or aromatic. A polyurethane catalyst is added to the mixture causing formation of linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers. Phase separation of particles from the reaction medium can be controlled to enable formation of polyurethane networks with desirable nanomorphologies, specific surface area, and mechanical properties.

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: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a nanoporous polypyrrole for storing gas such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like, and a nanoporous polypyrrole prepared therefrom. More particularly, disclosed herein are a solid state vapor phase polymerization method for nanoporous polypyrrole, the method comprising dispersing a solid state oxidant on a substrate; exposing the substrate and the oxidant to vapor phase pyrrole monomers to perform a polymerization reaction of the pyrrole monomers to thereby prepare a solid state polypyrrole; and cleaning and drying the solid state polypyrrole; and a nanoporous polypyrrole prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The foaming window for making a foam useful in the manufacture of artificial leather is expanded through the use of a foamable composition comprising (A) a propylene-?-olefin copolymer, (B) a molecular melt (MM) comprising 4,4?-oxydibenzenesulfonylazide (DPO-BSA) and an antioxidant, and (C) a blowing agent. The foaming window can be expanded such that foaming can occur at 220° C. for 20 to 200 or more seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for manufacturing a foamed article, which comprises providing a composition comprising a melt-processable perfluoropolymer and talc, said perfluoropolymer comprising at least 50 percent by weight of said composition and said talc comprising about 2 percent to 3 percent by weight of said composition; wherein said melt-processable perfluoropolymer is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylent/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP), and perfluroralkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof. The composition is heated to a processing temperature of at least 600° F. at which talc functions as a foaming agent, thereby causing the foaming of said composition at a foaming rate in a range from 20% to 50% so as to form a foamed article. The talc is the only foaming agent in said composition and the foaming is achieved without gas injection.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition having a PVC of from 70 to 80% comprising, based on the total volume solids of the dry coating unless otherwise stated, a) opacifying pigment particles comprising i) from 4 to 10% titanium dioxide ii) from 0 to 20% of hollow polymeric particles b) non-opacifying extender particles comprising i) calcium magnesium carbonate and/or ii) calcium carbonate and/or iii) nepheline syenite and/or iv) kaolin wherein i)+ii)+iii)+iv)=40 to 75% (to be announced by Katy) and iv) is 0 to 45% c) styrene-acrylic polymer binder particles having a calculated Fox Tg of from ?30 to 5° C. having an acid value of from 15 to 65 mg KOH/g of polymer and wherein the polymer particles are derived from acrylic monomers and optionally further comprising styrene and/or its derivatives d) dispersant which is insoluble in water at pH 3 wherein the composition is free of volatile organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides pentabromobenzyl moiety containing hydroxy-functional compounds which are useful as flame-retardants in flexible and rigid polyurethane foams and also in rigid polyisocyanurate foams. Processes for preparing the compounds, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams containing the compounds are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Porous networks are described linked by boronates. Also described are processes for producing the porous networks. The porous networks are formed by reacting a polyboronic acid with itself or with a polydiol, a polydiamine, or a polyamino alcohol. The resulting boronate linkage is covalently bonded. The characteristics and properties of the resulting porous material can be varied and altered by changing the reactants and by incorporating functional groups into the reactants. Of particular advantage, the porous materials can be formed at or near atmospheric pressure and at low temperature in the presence of one or more solvents.

Abstract: A method for preparing a conjugated microporous polymer comprises the coupling of an alkynyl aryl monomer having a plurality of terminal alkyne groups with an iodo- or bromo-aryl monomer having a plurality of halogen atoms in the presence of a palladium (0) catalyst. The conjugated microporous polymer comprises nodes comprising at least one aryl unit and struts comprising at least one alkyne unit and at least one aryl unit, wherein a node is bonded from its aryl unit or units to at least two struts via alkyne units. Such polymers are useful in numerous areas such as separations, controlled release, gas storage and supports for catalysts.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are disclosed. The azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are mixtures of E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene with E-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene or 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Also disclosed is a process of preparing a thermoplastic or thermoset foam by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as blowing agents. Also disclosed is a process of producing refrigeration by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as solvents. Also disclosed is a process of producing an aerosol product by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as heat transfer media. Also disclosed is a process of extinguishing or suppressing a fire by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: An interconnected microcellular material, a method for preparing said material using low-value waste from the paper industry, such as industrial lignin, and the use thereof for the production of items such as catalysts, filters or absorbent elements.

Abstract: A matrix material composed of polymer, preferably of thermoplastic polymer, or coating material. The matrix material includes 0.01 to 50% by weight of an additive for foaming of the matrix material which can be triggered by irradiation with laser light or IR light. The additive includes at least the following constituents: a) at least one absorber material which, embedded or dissolved in the matrix material, absorbs laser light or IR light and brings about local heating in the matrix material at the site of irradiation with laser light or IR light, and b) at least one blowing agent which, when heated due to the irradiation with laser light or IR light to temperatures above 50° C., forms a gas which foams the matrix material by decomposition, chemical conversion or reaction.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a hybrid photocatalyst which is a layered aluminosilicate, possibly organically modified, containing compounds introduced into the aluminosilicate galleries bearing groups such as porphyrin, rose bengal, anthracene, pyrene, perylene, tetracene, rubrene, naphthalene, phthalocyanines, coumarins, and methylene blue, which are organic chromophores able to absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light and sensitize photochemical reactions. The invention includes also the methods of synthesis and application of the photocatalysts for the photocatalytical degradation of water pollutants.

Abstract: A diffusively reflective paint composition is disclosed for use in reflectors in lighting fixtures. The paint is formed by blending macroporous polymeric particles with a paint carrier. The macroporous polymeric particles are formed by reducing a reflective macroporous sheet material. The paint can further comprise solid or hollow microspheres. The paint can be applied to a variety of substrates to form diffusely reflective articles.

Abstract: A method for producing foams, such as sponges, from hydrocolloids is described. A solid or semi-solid gel is formed by dissolving polymeric material in an aqueous solvent. The gel formed is allowed to set, and may optionally then be cut into the desired shape. The gel may be frozen to allow formation of ice crystals to act as porogens. Subsequently, the gel is exposed to a radiant energy field for drying under vacuum. This causes the solvent to boil and the foam or sponge is formed. Medicinally active ingredients may be included in the process, so that the sponge or foam formed contains the active ingredient dispersed within the structure. The method described provides an alternative to the conventional methods of particulate leaching or freeze drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous ABPBI (phosphoric acid doped poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membrane and process of preparing the same. A stable porous ABPBI (Phosphoric Acid Doped Poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membrane stable to acids, bases, solvents and autoclaving is disclosed. The membrane finds use for separation of solutes in solution in acids, bases and solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyimide short fibers having an extremely high heat resistance, suitable for non-woven fabrics and paper, and having many branches. Specifically, disclosed are polyimide short fibers having many branches, which are produced by beating and loosening a specific foamed polyimide material. The foamed material preferably comprises a polyimide produced using 2,3,3?,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid as an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component, preferably has a glass transition temperature of 300° C. or higher, and preferably has an expansion ratio of 20 times or more.

Abstract: Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using one or more thermally conductive cellular foam layers comprising flexible cellular foam and metallic material particulates, and said thermally-conductive cellular foam layers may be located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses or placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. The thermally conductive foam may be used in mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding environments.

Abstract: A method of producing a HIPE foam using Ultraviolet (UV) light to polymerize a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) having two or more layers. The method uses UV light to polymerize HIPEs having two or more layers wherein each of the layers comprises a continuous oil phase containing monomers, photoinitiator, and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: A foamed polyolefin composition comprising (all percent amounts being by weight): A) 50%-90% of a polypropylene component; and B) 10%-50% of a copolymer component of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 ?-olefin, the copolymer containing from 15% to 50% of ethylene, and optionally minor amounts of a diene; the said amounts of (A) and (B) being referred to the total weight of (A) and (B); said composition having at least one of the following features i) and ii), or both: i) a Polydispersity Index of component (A) of 4 or more; ii) a value of viscosity [?] of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature equal to or higher than 3.5 dl/g.

Abstract: {Problems} The present invention is contemplated for providing a thermoplastic resin foam and a light reflecting material having a high reflectivity when being made thin, as well as a method of producing the thermoplastic resin foam. {Means to Solve} A thermoplastic resin foam, prepared by using a thermoplastic resin composition containing a melt-type crystallization nucleating agent (B) in a crystalline thermoplastic resin (A), which foam comprises a bubble having a mean bubble diameter of less than 1 ?m in the inside thereof.

Abstract: A bone cement is shown that includes a monomer, and a non-reactive substance that is fully miscible with the monomer. A resulting cured bone cement exhibits desirable properties such as modification in a stiffness of the material. Modified properties such a stiffness can be tailored to match bone properties and reduce an occurrence of fractures adjacent to a region repaired with bone cement. One example includes adjacent vertebral body fractures in vertebroplasty procedures.

Abstract: A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of molded products containing recycled content, and more particularly polyurethane foam which includes polyol recovered from chemical recycling of polyurethane foam scrap, which polyol has been treated to optimize viscosity and/or reactivity characteristics.

Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.

Abstract: One- and two-part spray non-isocyanate foams that include an amide-based oligomer containing pendant carboxylic acid and a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is provided. The amide oligomer typically contains urea links, urethane links or both groups. Additionally, the foams may include one or more plasticizer, a non-functionalized resin, a surfactant, and/or a thickening agent or rheology modifier. The amide oligomer does not contain any isocyanate groups, and, as a result, there are no free isocyanate moieties generated during formation of the foam that may be potentially hazardous to workers installing the foam. The presence of the urethane segments on the oligomer permits for the generation of a polyurethane foam without the drawbacks of conventional polyurethane foams. The foams may be used to fill cavities, cracks, gaps and crevices, such as around windows and doors, and may also be used in flash and batt systems.

Abstract: The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a binder composition for a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery employing the same and a method of producing an electrode of the rechargeable battery is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of solubilizing expanded polystyrene (EPS), in which the EPS is brought into contact with at least one initial solvent, enabling the transition of the EPS from an expanded solid state to the gel state. The aforementioned gel is subsequently treated with at least one complementary solvent that is different from the initial solvent, enabling the solubilization thereof such as to produce a true solution. The invention also relates to the product thus obtained and to the use of said product.

Abstract: An expandable polystyrene composition in the form of expandable beads, comprising by weight (1) 100 parts of a styrene polymer, (2) from 2.2 to less than 4.0 parts of at least one blowing agent, and (3) from 0.01 to 0.4 part of at least one plasticizing. The composition is particularly useful for manufacturing medium density expanded moulded polystyrene objects, particularly with a density from 40 to 190 g/l. A process for manufacturing such objects,is provided, together with pre-expanded beads with a buld density of 40 to 190 g/l, containing by weight (a) 100 parts of a styrene polymer, (b) from 0.5 to less than 3.0 parts of at least one blowing agent, and (c) from 0 to 0.4 part of at least one plasticizing agent.

Abstract: A method of preparing nanothin polymer films having uniform and selectively sized pores utilizing pore forming templates. Lipids and pore forming templates are dissolved into a first solution. The solvent is removed thereby creating a lipid bilayer with pore forming templates dispersed throughout. The bilayer is hydrated and monomers and crosslinkers are added to create a second solution. A nanothin film with pore forming templates is created through polymerization of said second solution. The pore forming templates are dissolved into a third solution by addition of a chemical in which the pore forming template is soluble, but the lipid bilayer is insoluble. This third solution is separated from the mixture leaving a nanothin polymer film with pores of a uniform thickness and surface area.