Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions comprising a) 50–70% by weight of polymer particles composed of at least two different (co)polymers having glass transition temperatures each above 50° C. and synthesized from at least 80% by weight of at least one principal monomer, 0.1–10% by weight of at least one auxiliary monomer, and 0–3% by weight of at least one crosslinker molecule, the difference in the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the different polymers being at least 10° C., and b) 30–50% by weight of at least one polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, the dispersion a) being subjected to physical and/or chemical deodorization.

Abstract: Self-coating or self-layering lacquer systems from at least two different resins, oligomers, or polymers, which are emulsifiable or dispersible in water, have different surface tensions, and form self-layering phases. After the application, the phases separate into the components of the formulation.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by sealing at least one polyolefinic material in an airtight container and providing an inert atmosphere within the airtight container. The polyolefinic material is exposed to an irradiation source to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material. At least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material is blended with the irradiated polyolefinic material, and the prosthetic medical device is formed from the blended material. Selectively cross-linked polymeric compositions may be created by blending a specific amount of cross-linked resins with a specific amount of uncross-linked resins then cured into a polymeric matrix whereby the desired degree or percentage of overall cross-linking is obtained. The polymeric material may then be formed directly into a finished article by injection molding the polymeric material.

Abstract: A coated optical fiber can have a primary coating and a secondary coating, where the primary coating can have good microbending resistance and is obtained by curing a composition having a high cure speed. In one example, a coated optical fiber can include as optical fiber, a primary coating and a secondary coating. The optical fiber can have an attenuation increase of less than 0.650 dB/km at 1550 nm, with the primary coating having a modulus retention ratio of at least 0.5, a glass transition temperature of ?35° C., and where the primary coating is obtained by curing a primary coating composition having a cure dose to attain 95% of the maximum attainable modulus of less than 0.65 J/cm2.

Abstract: UV curable adhesives are provided that comprise epoxidized monohydroxylated polydiene polymers, hydrogenated hydroxylated polydiene polymers, and selectively hydrogenated starblock copolymers. The adhesive formulations provide both excellent room temperature properties of tack and peel and excellent holding power at temperatures as high as 95° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sinter powder composed of polyamide which also comprises PMMI, PMMA, or copolymers with PMMI, in particular PMMI-PMMA copolymers, to the use of this sinter powder for laser-sintering, and also to moldings produced from this sinter powder. The moldings made from the powder of the invention have marked advantages over conventional products in their appearance and in their surface quality, especially as far as roughness and dimensional stability during selective laser sintering (SLS) are concerned. In addition, moldings produced from the sinter powder of the invention also have better mechanical properties than moldings based on conventional nylon-12 powders, in particular in terms of modulus of elasticity and tensile strength. These moldings also have a density close to that of injection moldings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of components and articles of manufacture containing at least one of such components, such as tires, and the resulting prepared components and fabricated articles, by use of directed high frequency energy internally heated silica-rich rubber compositions which contain sulfur curative and a significant content of high softening point polymer, namely a polymer and/or elastomer having a melting point (Tm) and/or high glass transition temperature (Tg) above 0° C., and particularly above 30° C., and which contains a minimal, if any, carbon black reinforcement. Such directed high frequency energy heating is provided, individually, by directed radio frequency (electromagnetic) radiation and/or by directed microwave radiation.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a curable composition which, despite its low viscosity, gives a cured product with a high gel fraction, low residual tack, low modulus, high elongation, and good flexibility. The present invention relates to a curable composition comprising the following two components: (A) a vinyl polymer having at least one crosslinking silyl group on the average per molecule: and (B) a photocurable substance, (C) an air oxidation-curable substance, (D) a high molecular plasticizer, (E) a reactive plasticizer or (F) a compound having one silanol group in its molecule and/or a compound capable of reacting with moisture to give a compound having one silanol group in the molecule.

Abstract: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings and optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings are disclosed, as are methods for making the same. The compositions comprise a combination of two different radiation curable urethane oligomers, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers. One of the oligomers has at least three functional groups that can undergo radiation cure, and comprises a lactone modified polyol.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation curable adhesive composition comprising at least one vinyl modified block copolymer having a first polyvinyl aromatic block and a second polydiene block having vinyl functionality, and at least one tackifier. Optionally, the composition may comprises at least one second block copolymer that has not been vinyl modified, at least one platicizer, and at least one wax. The invention is also directed to a double-faced label formed from the composition and the method of producing said label.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultraviolet light curable silver chloride compositions and method for making such a composition that may be used to produce a silver coating on a substrate. The disclosed composition does not contain any significant amount of volatile organic solvents that do not become incorporated in the active layer after curing.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by irradiating at least one polyolefinic material in the presence of an inert atmosphere to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material; blending at least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material with the at least one irradiated polyolefinic material, and forming the prosthetic medical device from the blended material. Selectively cross-linked polymeric compositions may be created by blending a specific amount of cross-linked resins with a specific amount of uncross-linked resins then cured into a polymeric matrix whereby the desired degree or percentage of overall cross-linking is obtained. The polymeric material may then be formed directly into a finished article by injection molding the polymeric material.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composed of a mixture comprising a) a styrene block copolymer having a star-shaped structure and a molecular weight Mw of more than 300,000 g/mol, or having elastomer blocks which contain more than 30% by weight of 1,2-linked diene in their block structure, or both, and which is crosslinkable by exposure to UV-light or electron beams, and b) one or more block copolymers composed of vinylaromatic blocks and elastomer blocks, the block polyvinylaromatic content being greater than 20%, and c) one or more tackifier resins.

Abstract: A latent material having various controlled shrinkage tensions and patterns and a method of making the same. The materials include polymer materials that are capable of absorbing microwave energy. Different degrees of shrinkage of the material may be controlled to create different tensions in the material. Additionally, various stereo and three-dimensional patterns may be generated on the material. These materials may be used in the formation of personal care articles. The materials are made by incorporating a polymer material onto the film, wherein the polymer material is capable of turning microwave energy into heat. Upon exposure to microwave radiation, the heat will cause the latent material to shrink. The use of different types and amounts of polymer materials will result in a latent material having different tensions and patterns.

Abstract: Curable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprising an acrylate copolymer, a mono-acrylate oligomer, a multi-acrylate oligomer having from 2 to 5 acrylate functional groups per molecule, and a photoinitiator, the adhesive exhibiting pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics and forms at least a semi-interpenetrating polymer network when cured; wherein the semi-IPN has an average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) greater than about 3000, and the cured adhesive has a peel strength greater than about 40 N/dm. Embodiments of the adhesive compositions, when cured, are optically clear and resistant to heat and moisture.

Abstract: A seal ring seals operating oil hermetically and is attached to an annular seal ring groove provided on an outer circumference of a shaft member. The seal ring comprises fluororesin, metal powder having a hardness equal to or more than that of any of a side surface of the seal ring groove serving as a sliding partner and an inner circumferential surface of a housing engaged relatively rotatable with the outer circumference of the shaft member, and modified fluororesin formed by irradiating an ionizing radiation in a range from 1 kGy to 10 MGy inclusive in a state of being heated up to a melting point thereof or higher under an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of 1.33 kPa or less.

Abstract: Irradiated, oxidized olefin polymer coupling agents for use in the manufacture of non-halogenated flame retardant-containing and filler-containing olefin polymer compositions and coupling agent-containing olefin polymer concentrates.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof. The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.

Abstract: Solids containing (i) on average per molecule at least two groups (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation whereby the groups (a) are structurally different from one another and are attached to the parent structure of the solid via urethane groups, or containing (ii) on average per molecule more than one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation, the groups being structurally different from one another or the same and being attached to the parent structure of the solid via urethane groups, and from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article and a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230° C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130° C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article (or plurality of articles) under an inert or oxygen limited atmosphere (for example, in N2, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon and/or a vacuum) wherein the article (or articles) comprises at least one amine stabilizer and preferably another optional stabilizer additive. More preferably, the radiation crosslinking is performed at a low temperature (−50 to 40° C.).

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: An antibacterial bonding compositions for dental use, which comprises (A) an antibacterial primer that comprises an antibacterial polymerizable monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated group and at least one or more cationic groups selected from the group consisting of ammonium bases, pyridinium bases and phosphonium bases, and a volatile solvent, and (B) an adhesive composition comprising an acid group having polymerizable monomer, a polymerizable monomer, and a polymerization initiator; and an adhesive compositions for dental use, which comprises (P) an adhesive primer comprising an acid group having polymerizable monomer, a hydrophilic polymerizable monomer, and water, and (Q) a bonding agent comprising a polymerizable monomer, and an acylphosphine oxide compound and an &agr;-diketone compound both serving as a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Powder compositions hardenable by radiation usable for preparing paints or varnishes, specific amorphous polyesters which are comprised within these powder compositions, the use of the paints or varnishes comprising the powder compositions for coating an article as well as articles coated with the hardened paints or varnishes are disclosed. The powder compositions of the invention are especially suited for coating over metal and heat-sensitive substrates and combine, upon melting at low temperatures and curing by radiation, a series of properties such as good flow and film hardness along with an outstanding solvent resistance.

Abstract: Solid compositions comprising (A) at least one solid (meth)acrylate copolymer with a number-average molecular weight of from 850 to 10 000 and a molecular weight polydispersity Mw/Mn of from 1.0 to 5.0, containing at least one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; and (B) at least one solid compound comprising a parent structure and, attached thereto, on average per molecule more than one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; and their use as coating materials, adhesives or sealing compounds which can be crosslinked thermally and/or with actinic radiation, or for preparing coating materials, adhesives or sealing compounds which can be crosslinked thermally and/or with actinic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing epoxy resin composition permitting water repellent and ink repellent surface treatment. The epoxy resin composition contains (A) an alkylsiloxane-containing epoxy resin, (B) a cationic polymerization catalyst, and (C) a polyfunctional epoxy compound having a molecular weight of 300 or more, and a static viscosity of 1,000 cps or more at 25° C.

Abstract: The invention related to a hydrogel forming aqueous composition of water soluble polymers having a sufficiently high coherency that it substantially not is dispersed when being injected into an aqueous environment of a body site such as the capsular bag of the eye to undergo a photoinitiated crosslinking reaction. The water soluble polymers either can be a water-soluble polymer bearing free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction with a polymeric water-soluble photoinitiator also present in the composition, or a water-soluble polymer bearing both free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction and photoinitiator, wherein both polymers are capable of being crosslinked when irradiated with light of wavelengths greater than about 305 nm to form the hydrogel.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer composition suitable for coating which comprises the following components dispersed in water: (1) a combination of an acrylic polymer(s) A and an acrylic polymer(s) B where polymer(s) A has a Tg of not more than 30° C. and polymer(s) B has a Tg of at least 35° C., more preferably at least 45° C., which is at least 25° C. higher than the Tg of polymer(s) A, and wherein one or both of polymers A and B bear crosslinker functional groups capable of imparting ambient-temperature crosslinkability to component (1) in a coating formed from the composition via the formation of non-radically-formed covalent bonds; and (2) a self-dispersible, ionically stabilised polymer having olefinically unsaturated bond functionality capable of imparting radiation-curability (preferably uv-radiation curability) thereto in a coating formed from the composition.

Abstract: Thermally shrinkable films or labels having coated thereon a radiation curable adhesive; and a process for applying thermally shrinkable films or labels to containers comprising the steps of a) coating at least a portion of a thermally shrinkable but unshrunken film or label segment with a radiation curable adhesive; b) applying the film or label to the longitudinal surface of the container; c) subjecting the radiation curable adhesive to a radiation source to effect curing thereof and, d) subjecting the container to heat to shrink the film or label onto the container so as to permanently affix it thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions prepared from a first oligomer containing reactive functional groups capable of reaction at effective rates (at normal processing temperatures) with a co-reactive second component possessing functionality that is complementary to that of the first oligomer. The compositions may be used as coatings, including hard surface coatings, clear coatings, powder coatings and pattern coatings; as adhesives, including pressure sensitive adhesives and hot melt adhesives; as sealants; as optical coatings; as blown microfibers (BMF); as high refractive index optical materials; as barrier films; in microreplication; as low adhesion backsizes, (LABs) and as release coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ionizing radiation irradiated rubber molded product and a process for preparing the same, the rubber molded product being prepared by irradiating with an ionizing radiation a preform comprising 5 to 95% by weight of a fluororubber containing vinylidene fluoride copolymerized therein in a proportion of 45 to 88 mole % and having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 to 200,000, and 95 to 5% by weight of an acrylic rubber.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a mixture of

Abstract: A method of reducing the flow viscosity of a polyacrylate composition, which comprises adding a) to a polyacrylate, a polyacrylate copolymer, a polyacrylate mixture or a mixture of polyacrylates and polyacrylate copolymers having an average molecular weight of more than 500000 g/mol b) a polyacrylate, a polyacrylate copolymer, a polyacrylate mixture or a mixture of polyacrylates and polyacrylate copolymers having an average molecular weight of less than 500000 g/mol, component (b) possessing functional groups crosslinkable by UV irradiation.

Abstract: An alkylsiloxane-containing epoxy resin composition can suitably be used as water-repellent agent or a water-repellent coating to be advantageously applied to areas that are apt to be brought into contact with solutions and substances containing one or more than one components that can damage the film forming property and the adhesion of an ordinary water-repellent agent. The resin composition comprises at least an alkylsiloxane-containing epoxy resin having two or more than two alkylsiloxane groups and two or more than two cyclic aliphatic epoxy groups in a molecule and a cationic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation curable adhesive composition comprising at least one vinyl modified block copolymer having a first polyvinyl aromatic block and a second polydiene block having vinyl functionality, and at least one tackifier. Optionally, the composition may comprises at least one second block copolymer that has not been vinyl modified, at least one platicizer, and at least one wax. The invention is also directed to a double-faced label formed from the composition and the method of producing said label.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a crosslinked composition of a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer and an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The article is formed by a process comprising: i) creating a blend of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer and the ethylene-propylene elastomer by melt mixing; ii) melt processing the blend produced in i) to produce a melt processed material; iii) crosslinking the melt processed material produced in ii) by exposing it to radiation to produce a crosslinked material; iv) stretching the crosslinked material at a first temperature close to or above its softening or melting point and subsequently cooling it to a second temperature below its softening or melting point, to thereby freeze the crosslinked material in its stretched form. Subsequent heating of the article close to or above its softening point or crystalline melting point results in recovery of the pre-stretched dimensions of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pulverent binders for powder coating compositions which contain oligo- and polyurethanes having (meth)acryloyl groups, are curable by means of high energy radiation and have an organic solvent content of less than 1 wt. %. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing these binders in the absence of an organic solvent and to their use in powder coating compositions for coating wood, metal, plastic, mineral and/or preprimed substrates.

Abstract: Radiation curable adhesive comprising an epoxidized block copolymer, a saturated block copolymer and/or a rosin derived alcohol, and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing optical fiber coatings, the composition including a polymerizable base composition, containing at least one monomer and optionally at least one oligomer, wherein the polymerizable base composition is substantially free of unsaturated epoxidized diene polymers, and a tackifier present in an amount effective to modify a time-sensitive rheological property of a polymerization product of the composition. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of modifying a time-sensitive rheological property of an optical fiber coating by introducing into a polymerizable composition a tackifier in an amount effective to modify a time-sensitive rheological property of the polymerization product of the polymerizable composition. Also disclosed are an optical fiber, a fiber optic ribbon, and a fiber bundle that contain coating(s) prepared from a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polymer blends and copolymers by ultrasonic treatment during or after mixing the polymers. In the process of the present invention, an unexpected phenomenon occurs. The process brings about enhancement of the mechanical properties when compared with identical blends not subjected to ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic treatment of the blends is believed to enhance intermolecular interaction and improve adhesion between dissimilar polymers and make chemical bonds between polymers that otherwise are incompatible or immiscible with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: Composition which can be crosslinked under the effect of an ionizing radiation comprising a thermoplastic copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and of chlorotrifluoroethylene and an effective amount of a crosslinking promoter, such as a triallyl cyanurate or triallyl isocyanurate. Process for the crosslinking by irradiation of the crosslinkable composition under air by means of an ionizing radiation, such as &bgr;-radiation, at a dose of 10 to 100 kGray. Crosslinkable and crosslinked shaped articles, such as sheaths for electrical cables and pipes for oil products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article and a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230° C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130° C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article (or plurality of articles) under an inert or oxygen limited atmosphere (for example, in N2, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon and/or a vacuum) wherein the article (or articles) comprises at least one amine stabilizer and preferably another optional stabilizer additive. More preferably, the radiation crosslinking is performed at a low temperature (−50 to 40° C.).

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a thermoplastic resin, a non-terpene-series higher fatty acid or a derivative thereof and a black pigment. As the higher fatty acid or derivative thereof, use can be made of, for example, a saturated higher fatty acid having about 12 to 30 carbon atoms or a metal salt thereof. As the thermoplastic resin, use can be made of, for example, an acrylic resin A and a styrenic resin B. As the black dye or pigment, use can be made of, for example, carbon black. The resin composition may contain a dye or pigment such as titanium oxide. A clearly defined white marking is developed on the above resin composition by laser irradiation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an unneutralized terpolymer resin cover that has been irradiated. The unneutralized terpolymer resin includes ethylene, acrylic or methacrylic acid, and a third component selected from the group of lower alkyl acrylates and lower alkyl methacrylates. The irradiated unneutralized terpolymer resin cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a cover substantially identical in composition but which has not been irradiated. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: A process and resulting product is provided in which a vulcanized solid particulate, such as vulcanized crumb rubber, has select chemical bonds altered by biotreatment with thermophillic microorganisms selected from natural isolates from hot sulfur springs. Following the biotreatment, microwave radiation is used to further treat the surface and to treat the bulk interior of the crumb rubber. The resulting combined treatments render the treated crumb rubber more suitable for use in new rubber formulations. As a result, larger loading levels and sizes of the treated crumb rubber can be used in new rubber mixtures and good properties obtained from the new recycled products.

Abstract: This invention relates to rubber polymers based on polymerizable monomers and having an elevated gel content together with an elevated degree of swelling, to the production of the stated rubber polymers and to the use thereof for the production of moldings of all kinds.