Abstract: The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided. Application of these materials in transparent assemblies is also discuss.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foam having reduced hardness and density, and an improved resistance to compression set, as well as a foam composition for producing such a foam. This object is achieved by a foam composition described below. The foam composition of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic elastomer which has a side chain containing imino group and/or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, and a carbonyl-containing group; and a blowing agent.

Abstract: Porous polymers, tribenzohexazatriphenylene, poly-9,9?-spirobifluorene, poly-tetraphenyl methane and their derivatives for storage of H2 prepared through a chemical synthesis method. The porous polymers have high specific surface area and narrow pore size distribution. Hydrogen uptake measurements conducted for these polymers determined a higher hydrogen storage capacity at the ambient temperature over that of the benchmark materials. The method of preparing such polymers, includes oxidatively activating solids by CO2/steam oxidation and supercritical water treatment.

Abstract: A polymer comprising one or more macromonomer units selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane, perfluoroalkylpolyether (PFPE), fluorinated poly(meth)acrylate, polyalkyl (meth)acrylate, polyolefin and fluorinated polyolefin, and one or more charged units (such as an anionic, cationic or zwitter-ionic monomer), formed from a polymerization medium containing an aqueous solution of charged units and use of this polymer as an intraocular lens for the implantation into or onto the cornea. Another aspects relates to a process for coating the above polymer with an adhesive comprising covalently coupling co-reactive surface functional groups of a natural or synthetic polymer with functional groups present (or introduced) on the surface of the macromonomer containing polymer, followed by covalently coupling a multifunctionally activated compound having at least one functional group that is co-reactive to the reactive groups of the natural or synthetic polymer.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.

Abstract: A nanoporous polymer foam having an average pore diameter in the range of from 10 nm to 1000 nm, obtainable by means of a process comprising the following stages: a) providing a solution of a polycondensation reactive resin in an organic solvent, b) mixing the solution with a curing catalyst for the polycondensation reactive resin and curing the reactive components to form a gel, and c) removing the organic solvent, and the use thereof for thermal insulation purposes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a micro-container. The method comprises the step of evaporating a swelling agent solution absorbed in a polymer micro-particle to form an inner void therein. The evaporating step is undertaken under conditions to form a conduit extending through the shell wall of said micro-particle and into the inner void.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent structure and the resulting absorbent structure. The method includes the steps of introducing a thermoplastic polymer into an extrusion apparatus, melting the thermoplastic polymer material having a moisture content of at least 0.5 percent by weight into the extrusion apparatus, and extruding the mixture such that the fluid in the superabsorbent polymer material evaporates as pressure is released and induces foaming of the thermoplastic polymer that bonds the particulate polymer material together to create a matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: Composition in the foam form containing a continuous oily phase and at least one structuring agent for the oily phase chosen from polymeric structuring agents. Method of use. Kit.

Abstract: Aqueous-based, dispersed olefin polymers, froths, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such froths and foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A microporous layer comprising a microporous xerogel comprising pores that are substantially continuously interconnected from a first outermost surface of the microporous xerogel through to a second outermost surface of the microporous xerogel; and a crosslinked polymer binder comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. or higher, wherein the polymer binder is water soluble prior to crosslinking.

Abstract: A resin composition that is storable at ambient temperatures. The resin composition forms a cured resin when exposed to a curing agent and heated to a curing temperature that is relatively close to ambient temperature. The resin composition includes a resin component that is composed of a liquid part that is made up of one or more liquid thermosetting resins and a solid part that includes particles of one or more solid thermosetting resins. The liquid part further includes a gelation agent that is present in a sufficient amount to maintain the particles in suspension within the liquid part at ambient temperatures. The viscosity of the resin component changes from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state when the temperature is increased from ambient temperature to the curing temperature. The high viscosity state is substantially more viscous than the low viscosity state.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems and kits for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces or by incorporating, in situ, an inorganic material onto or into three-dimensional surfaces. The porous materials are macro structures including at least one of nano-features, micro-features, and combinations thereof. The modifying accomplishes changing surface properties of the porous materials, changing the three-dimensional surfaces, and/or rendering the porous materials substantially stable in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: Hydrogel microparticles with entrapped liquid are used as the porogen to reproducibly form interconnected pore networks in a porous scaffold. In one embodiment, a biodegradable unsaturated polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a porogen comprising biodegradable hydrogel microparticles are mixed together and allowed to form a porous scaffold in an mold or in a body cavity. Example biodegradable unsaturated polymers include poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(e-caprolactone-fumarate). The cosslinking agent may be a free radical initiator, or may include a free radical initiator and a monomer capable of addition polymerization. Example hydrogel microparticles include uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen , an uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen derivative, and an uncrosslinked or crosslinked synthetic biodegradable polymer such as oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate).

Abstract: A microcavity-containing, resilient foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer; composite structures comprising such a microcavity-containing foam and a multiplicity of particles contained in such microcavities, preferably aqueous fluid absorbent particles; methods for preparation of such foam and structures; and disposable consumer articles incorporating such foams and composites. The aqueous fluid absorbent characteristics of the foam and composite structures render them useful in the fabrication of disposable consumer articles, in particular hygiene articles designed to rapidly absorb “insults” of bodily fluid thereby conducting such fluids away from contact with the skin of the wearer of the hygiene article. The useful articles include infant and children diapers, adult incontinence pants, feminine hygiene pads, pet urine-absorbent pads and mats, household cleaning pads, surgical drapery, and the like.

Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

Abstract: The invention provides in-mold decorated articles and methods to form the articles. The in-mold decorated articles include a polymeric portion having a substrate material adhered to a surface of the polymeric portion. The substrate material may be, for example, a film or a fabric. In some embodiments, the polymeric portion may be a foam and, particularly, a microcellular polymeric material. The articles are formed by injecting a mixture of blowing agent and polymeric material into a mold cavity in which the substrate material is disposed, so that the substrate material is forced against a wall of the mold cavity. The blowing agent, which in certain preferred cases is a supercritical fluid, decreases the viscosity of the polymeric material and, therefore, enables reductions in injection pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: Precursors are provided for dielectric compositions that are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric compositions are prepared by crosslinking a thermally decomposable porogen to a host polymer via a coupling agent, followed by heating to a temperature suitable to decompose the porogen. The porous materials that result have dielectric constants of less than 2.4.

Abstract: A method for making a composite panel, wherein the composite panel has a honeycomb core sandwiched between a pair of facing sheets, includes the steps of (a) coating the interior walls of the cells with a unexpanded thermo-expandable material; (b) bonding a pair of facing sheets to the opposite sides of the honeycomb core; and (c) heating the honeycomb core while the honeycomb core is sandwiched between the pair of facing sheets with sufficient heat to cause the thermo-expandable material to expand and to substantially fill the cells.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing polymer foam. Polymer foams can be created through the direct mixing of chemicals. Prior research has shown that greater uniformity can be created by physically mixing the components of the foam before and during the foaming process. This invention covers the creation of polymer foam utilizing the mixing energy created by sound waves (herein referred to as sonication) prior to and during the foaming process. The result of physical mixing through sonication is a more uniform foam.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foamable composition. The foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The foamable composition has a uniform foam cell size where the foam cell size of at least 90% of the foamed cells is 50 micrometers or less. The foam nucleating package ranges from 0.1 to 10 wt % of the combined weight of the perfluoropolymer and the foam nucleating package.

Abstract: Conventional porous carbon materials obtained by carbonizing an organic gel were prone to shrinkage during their manufacture, in the course of which the density rose and the specific surface area decreased. Another problem was that density and specific surface area were difficult to control after an organic gel had already been formed. In the present invention, a carbon material with a large specific surface area is formed by forming a composite porous material having a reticulated skeleton and composed of a dry gel of an inorganic oxide, and taking advantage of the reaction of this dry gel of an inorganic oxide as a structural support. In one method, a carbon material is formed in this reticulated skeleton in a state in which the characteristics of a dry gel of an inorganic oxide with a large specific surface area are maintained.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a composition, comprising: (A) at least one halogen-free polymer, the polymer exhibiting a total loss of mass of at least about 7% by weight at a temperature of 370° C. when subjected to thermogravimetric analysis; (B) at least one acid source; (C) at least one carbon-yielding source; and (D) at least one blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretchable material suitable for use in an inflatable medical device. The stretchable material has at least one reinforcing polymer layer with a top and bottom side forming a porous matrix which is imbibed with a sealing material to infiltrate and substantially seal spaces of the porous matrix and extend beyond the reinforcing polymer layer to form a surface coating.

Abstract: A foaming die device is provided, which has a closure element rotatably provided therein. The foaming die device allows a three-dimensional trim cover assembly with an opening defined therein to be placed therein and also allows a liquid foaming agent to be injected into an inside of so placed trim cover assembly for foaming operation. In operation, when the trim cover assembly is placed in foaming die device prior to the foaming operation, the closure element is able to be rotated toward and easily inserted in the opening to prevent leakage of the liquid foaming agent therethrough, whereas, when the trim cover assembly is taken out from the foaming die device subsequent to the foaming operation, the closure element is able to be rotated and easily removed from that opening.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for mitigating flow assurance issues that arise in the pipe transport of hydrocarbon fluids, particularly wherein such hydrocarbon fluids are gas-dominated. Generally, such methods and systems rely on the formation and subsequent transport of a foam through an associated transport pipe.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions have backbones with first and second divalent saturated aliphatic moieties, a divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and a trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety. Hydrolytically labile ester bonds joined together these moieties. These polyesters may be polycondensation reaction products of a diol, a triol and a diacid. A molar ratio of the first divalent saturated aliphatic moiety, the divalent saturated aliphatic secondary alcohol moiety, and the trivalent saturated aliphatic moiety to the second divalent saturated aliphatic moiety is in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.5. Preferably, these polyesters are non-cytotoxic, biocompatible, bioabsorbable, or exhibit shape memory behavior with at least one transition temperature of greater than about 30° C. and less than about 100° C. and most preferably exhibit each of these qualities. The compositions may be adapted for a wide variety of uses, including medical applications.

Abstract: A piston pump has a piston and cylinder. A gas is supplied into the cylinder during and/or after a suction stroke of the piston pump, and a high-viscosity material is supplied into the cylinder after the suction stroke. A discharge stroke of the piston pump is effected after completion of supply of the high-viscosity material to thereby discharge the gas and high-viscosity material into a pipe. Use is made of piston pumps 45A and 45B, each including a cylinder and a piston which reciprocally moves within the cylinder to effect the suction stroke and discharge stroke, and a membrane gas generator 10 to which compressed air is supplied to generate a gas. A low-pressure gas generated by the membrane gas generator 10 is supplied into each piston pump and the high-viscosity material is introduced into the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte membrane capable of inhibiting permeation of water, methanol or other electrolyte solutions, permeation of hydrogen and oxygen gas, and swelling caused by electrolyte solution, and having superior mechanical strength, a production process thereof and a membrane-electrode assembly and fuel cell using that electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane has a porous base material having a plurality of pores, and a proton-conducting polymer composition retained in said pores, wherein the proton-conducting polymer composition contains an aromatic hydrocarbon resin having protonic acid groups, free water contained in the electrolyte membrane at 25° C. is present at 0.5 molecules or less per each of the protonic acid groups, bound water contained in the electrolyte membrane at 25° C. is present at 1 molecule or less for each of the protonic acid groups, proton conductivity of the electrolyte membrane in water at 25° C. is 0.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming polymer microrods, the method including the steps of providing a polymer solution comprising a polymer dissolved in a first solvent; providing a dispersion medium comprising a second solvent, wherein the first solvent and the second solvent are miscible or partially soluble in each other, and wherein the polymer is insoluble in the second solvent; adding the polymer solution to the dispersion medium to form a dispersed phase of polymer solution droplets within the dispersion medium; and introducing a shear stress to the dispersion medium and dispersed polymer solution droplets for a time and at a shear rate sufficient to elongate the polymer solution droplets to form microrods and solidify the microrods by attrition of the polymer solvent into the dispersion medium.

Abstract: An absorbent polymer composition, which can be in the form of a foam, that includes a polymeric material, absorbent particles and thermally expandable (or expanded) microspheres.

Abstract: Expandable vinylaromatic polymers which comprise: a) a matrix obtained by polymerizing 50-100% by weight of one or more vinylaromatic monomers and 0.50% by weight of a copolymerizable monomer; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.05-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an inorganic filler homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix with a substantially spherical granulometry, an average diameter ranging from 0.01 to 100 ?m, a refraction index higher than 1.6 and a white index, as defined in “Colour Index” (third edition published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1982), equal to or lower than 22.

Abstract: A sole includes a closed cell resin foam of a low-density polyethylene (A), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (B), filler (C), foaming agent (D), and cross-linker (E), wherein a mass ratio of the low-density polyethylene (A) and the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (B) equals (A)/(B) within a range 90/10 to 95/5. The resin foam, molded into a predetermined middle padding member, is deformable by an external force. An elastic covering member covers the middle padding member and is configured to follow the deformation of the middle padding member abutting the covering member configured to be abutted against a foot. Weight applied to the sole crushes, and deforms a plurality of bubbles formed in the resin foam along the shape of the sole.

Abstract: A cellular thermoplastic polyolefin foam comprising at least one particulate additive in admixture with a polymer matrix is disclosed, along with a process and foamable gel for manufacturing the same, wherein the polyolefin matrix comprises at least one polymer resin graft-modified with at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of acid, acid ester, and acid anhydride, and salts thereof. The invention facilitates the manufacture of macrocellular foams useful for acoustic absorption having increased amounts of particulate additives that provide certain desired properties difficult to achieve without the particulate additives, such as improved flame retardancy.

Abstract: SEEPS gel and gel foam molded shape articles for use in medical and sport health care, such use include therapeutic hand exercising grips, dental floss, crutch cushions, cervical pillows, bed wedge pillows, leg rest, cushions, mattress, bed pads, elbow padding, dermal pads, wheelchair cushions, helmet liner, cold and hot packs, exercise weight belts, traction pads and belts, cushions for splints, slings, and braces, cushions for the hand, wrist, finger, fore, knee, leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, back, rib, soles for orthopedic shoes, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the residual monomer content and enhancement of the wet strength of articles formed from water absorbent crosslinked polymer foams containing units derived from monoethylenically unsaturated acids, which comprises treating the formed articles with at least 0.5% by weight of a polymer containing primary and/or secondary amino groups and having a molar mass of at least 300, the formed foam articles thus obtainable and use of the wet strength enhanced formed foam articles in hygiene articles.

Abstract: A plastic is converted from an initial condition with a higher density into a foamed condition with a lower density using a blowing agent, wherein the plastic is cross-linked prior to foaming by means of a first cross-linking agent and during the foaming by means of at least one second cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the alkoxylation of a monool with at least one alkoxylating agent to an alkoxylated alcohol wherein a catalyst is employed which comprises a metallo-organic framework material of metal ions and at least bidentate coordinately bound organic ligands.

Abstract: A method of storing a material into which a gas saturates, before the material is foamed in a metal mold. The material into which a gas saturates is stored at a predetermined ambient pressure and predetermined ambient temperature to maintain a gas saturated state, thereby preventing escape of the gas from the material into which the gas saturates.

Abstract: A porous film having excellent moisture permeability, flexibility and exudation resistance, as well as a manufacturing method capable of forming and stretching at high speed a porous film having the characteristics described above, the porous film being molded from a composition containing 25 to 55% by weight of polyolefinic resin and 75 to 45% by weight of an inorganic filler in which the polyolefinic resin contains 98 to 70% by weight of linear low density polyethylene and 2 to 30% by weight of branched low density polyethylene, and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of liquid ethylene-?-olefin oligomer based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are refrigerant and heat transfer fluid compositions comprising 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone and at least one hydrofluorocarbon for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems employing a centrifugal compressor. The compositions may be azeotropic or near-azeotropic.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanoporous silica dielectric film having improved mechanical strength. A composition is formed which comprises in admixture a porogen, a solvent, a catalyst and a combination of silicon containing pre-polymers.

Abstract: A fluid supply media includes a material having pores and a lamellae inhibiting agent retained relative to the material proximate to the pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilized gas-in-liquid dispersions or foams containing a liquid continuous phase, a dispersed gas phase, and surface-modified fullerenes, dendrimers, organic polymeric microspheres, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems comprising 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone and at least one chlorocarbon, alcohol, ketone, ether, ester, N-(difluoromethyl)-N,N-dimethylamine, 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-2-[(pentafluoroethyl)thio]ethane or mixtures thereof, and which are also useful in systems employing a centrifugal compressor The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near azeotropic and are useful in processes for producing refrigeration or heat or as heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process by which a water-absorbent resin of excellent quality can be obtained at a low cost by reasonable steps in aqueous solution polymerization. The process for producing a water-absorbent resin comprises the step of polymerizing an aqueous solution of water-absorbent resin-forming monomers including acrylic acid and/or its sodium salt as major components, wherein: (1) the aqueous solution has a monomer component concentration of not less than 45 weight %; (2) the polymerization is carried out while water is evaporated so that the ratio (concentration ratio) between a solid component concentration in a hydropolymer as formed by the polymerization and a solid component concentration in the aqueous monomer solution will not be less than 1.10; and (3) the solid component concentration in the hydropolymer as formed by the polymerization is not more than 80 weight %.