Abstract: The invention relates to radiation-treated reinforcement fibers, reinforced asphalt and portland cement concrete, and grout, methods for producing the same and application for their use. The radiation treatment includes exposing reinforcement fibers to electromagnetic energy, e.g., gamma rays, and/or electron-beam (E-beam) radiation. As a result of the treatment, the radiation-treated reinforcement fibers have a modified or deformed surface, e.g., an abraded and/or porous surface, as compared to reinforcement fibers without a radiation treatment.

Abstract: A method of melt blending a polypropylene and the melt blended polypropylene therefrom, comprising providing a base-polypropylene having a MFR of less than 15 g/10 min and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) within the range from 5 to 16, and comprising hindered phenol and phosphorous-type antioxidants, and within the range from 5 ppm to 4000 ppm of an alkyl radical scavenger relative to the total weight of the components to form a melt blended polypropylene; melt blending the melt blended polypropylene at a temperature of at least 210° C.; and isolating a melt blended, melt blended polypropylene.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body comprising proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the elongated body comprises an inner liner that includes a proximal liner section and a distal liner section that include different materials, and an outer jacket positioned over the inner liner. The distal liner section has a first hardness and the proximal liner section has a second hardness, where the first hardness is less than the second hardness.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition made from or containing: A) from about 19 wt % to about 50 wt % of a propylene ethylene copolymer having an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt % B) from about 50 wt % to about 81 wt % of a propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer having an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt % and 1-butene derived units content between about 4.8 wt % and about 12.4 wt %; the sum of the amount of component A) and B) being 100; the polyolefin composition being characterized by the following features: molecular weight distribution (MWD), expressed in terms of Mw/Mn, greater than about 4.0; the creep and recovery curve measured on the polymer fuse at 200° C. shows a maximum value between 600 and 1200 seconds, lower than about 53×10?4 1/Pa.

Abstract: Die and counter-die systems, polymeric rule dies for such systems, and polymeric formulations suitable for producing such rule dies using digital rule writing. There is provided a rule die for pressure-contacting of a cardboard workpiece surface, including: (a) a die body; and (b) at least one elongate polymeric rule, each rule having: (i) a first elongate base surface adhesively attached to a surface of the die body; and (ii) an elongate protrusion, distally protruding from the die body, the elongate protrusion having an elongate die surface, the elongate die surface including a polymeric material, the elongate die surface having a contact surface adapted to contact the workpiece surface; the contact surface having a length of at least 5 mm and a first width (W) within a range of 0.4 to 1.0 mm, the rule having a height (H) within a range of 1.0 to 4.5 mm; wherein, over a total length of the contact surface, the contact surface having at most 5 surface pocks/meter, the pocks having a diameter above 0.1 mm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and improving the treatment of biomass are described.

Abstract: Die and counter-die systems, polymeric rule dies for such systems, and polymeric formulations suitable for producing such rule dies using digital rule writing. There is provided a rule die for pressure-contacting of a cardboard workpiece surface, including: (a) a die body; and (b) at least one elongate polymeric rule, each rule having: (i) a first elongate base surface adhesively attached to a surface of the die body; and (ii) an elongate protrusion, distally protruding from the die body, the elongate protrusion having an elongate die surface, the elongate die surface including a polymeric material, the elongate die surface having a contact surface adapted to contact the workpiece surface; the contact surface having a length of at least 5 mm and a first width (W) within a range of 0.4 to 1.0 mm, the rule having a height (H) within a range of 1.0 to 4.5 mm; wherein, over a total length of the contact surface, the contact surface having at most 5 surface pocks/meter, the pocks having a diameter above 0.1 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration, which is increased in porosity and thickness to enlarge the surface area thereof, thereby enabling cell adhesion at a high density, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration includes the steps of: (a) preparing a polymer solution; (b) preparing a nanofiber matrix, in which a plurality of nanofibers is entangled with each other, from the polymer solution prepared in step (a) using electrospinning; and (c) immersing the prepared nanofiber matrix in a solution and subjecting the solution to ultrasonication, thereby increasing the thickness and porosity of the nanofiber matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing electret fine particles or coarse powder that can be uniformly electrified and exhibits excellent electrophoretic properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to the production processes (1) and (2) below: (1) A process for producing electret fine particles, comprising emulsifying a fluorine-containing material that contains a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene terpolymer in a liquid that is incompatible with the fluorine-containing material to obtain emulsified particles; and subjecting the emulsified particles to electron ray irradiation, radial ray irradiation, or corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: An optical component and an electrical board that have a low coefficient of linear expansion and small mold shrinkage, a method for producing the optical component, and a method for producing the electronic board are provided. An optical component includes a polymer having a repeating structural unit represented by general formula (1) where R1 and R2 each independently represent —H or —CH3; m and n each independently represent an integer in the range of 0 to 3; asterisk denotes a dangling bond that bonds to one of Xa and Xb; and —H bonds to the other one of Xa and Xb.

Abstract: A durable ambient light curable waterproof liquid rubber coating with volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than 450 grams per liter made from ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) in a solvent, a photoinitiator, an additive, pigments, and fillers, and a co-agent and a method for making the formulation, wherein the formulation is devoid of thermally activated accelerators.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable resin composition comprising a polymer (A) that has a main chain comprising carbon atoms and a side chain having a polymerizing unsaturated linking group and has a cyclic structure in the main chain and/or the side chain, and a compound having a polymerizing unsaturated group. The curable resin composition has good optical characteristics, good heat resistance and good moldability.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) crosslinkable acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive comprises an acrylic copolymer and a cationic photoinitiator. The acrylic copolymer comprises pendant reactive functional groups. The pressure sensitive adhesive formed from the acrylic copolymer with the pendant reactive functional groups result in high green strength and/or high temperature holding strength of the adhesive.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an active energy ray curable resin composition exhibiting good adhesion to a polyolefin-based resin base material. More specifically, there is provided an active energy ray curable resin composition comprising: a block copolymer (C) that includes a polymer block (A) composed mainly of an olefin-based monomer unit and a polymer block (B) composed of a vinyl-based monomer unit having a carboxyl group, a carboxylic anhydride group, or a sulfonic acid group and/or a second vinyl-based monomer unit copolymerizable with the aforementioned vinyl-based monomer unit, the block copolymer (C) having a weight-average molecular weight from 5,000 to 100,000; and an active energy ray curable compound (D).

Abstract: A process for preparing a pressure sensitive adhesive using a modified planetary roller extruder is described. The process in accordance with one aspect of the invention is a continuous process that includes introducing primary raw materials comprising a non-thermoplastic elastomer into a planetary roller extruder, introducing a heat-activatable crosslinker into the planetary roller extruder for mixing with the primary raw materials, and compounding the primary raw materials and the heat activatable crosslinker to form an adhesive composition while maintaining the temperature of the adhesive composition between about 25° C. and about 100° C. The non-thermoplastic elastomer is masticated during compounding and at least some of the heat-activatable crosslinker remains generally unactivated and is available for later activation.

Abstract: A polymer and composition useful in forming an insulating film provided with a low permittivity, a high heat resistance, and a high mechanical strength and an insulating film obtained from these and an electronic device having the same are provided. The polymer for forming an insulating film according to the present invention is characterized by being obtained by polymerizing a reactive compound represented by Formula (1). The insulating film according to the present invention is formed using a composition for forming an insulating film including that polymer, has molecular spaces having an average space size of 0.7 nm to 5 nm, and has a permittivity of 2.3 or less. The electronic device according to the present invention has the insulating film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: An organic insulating material includes a prepolymer of a cage structure compound having a polymerizable unsaturated bond-containing group and a cage structure with an adamantane structure as the minimal unit. The prepolymer has a number-average molecular weight of between 2,000 and 500,000 based on polystyrene and measured by gel permeation chromatography. The prepolymer includes unsaturated bonds produced by reaction between the polymerizable unsaturated bonds and the unreacted polymerizable unsaturated bonds. The prepolymer has a residue rate of unreacted polymerizable unsaturated bonds of between 20% and 80%.

Abstract: A motor vehicle part comprising a material based on polymer(s), the material being surface treated by ion bombardment in order to improve the surface appearance of the material. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining this part and the use thereof, in particular for the manufacture of lighting and/or signaling devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanocomposites comprising nanoparticles and a thermoplastic polymer composition, said nanocomposite being characterized by improved homogeneity, and in consequence by improved properties. Further, the present invention relates to a process for the production of such nanocomposites by first dispersing the nanoparticles in a dispersant and subsequent blending with a thermoplastic polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the antioxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to polymer compositions, and more particularly to irradiated polymer compositions comprising at least one non-phenolic stabilizer. The present polymer compositions comprise an unexpected balance of properties after being subjected to irradiation treatments, including an unexpected combination of a lower melt flow rate ratio (MFRr) and high melt tension after being irradiated, while minimizing negative yellowing effects.

Abstract: A method for producing a graft polymer comprises the steps of: a) irradiating a base polymer with an electron beam or a source of ?-radiation, b) contacting a grafting solution with the base polymer, wherein the grafting solution contains at least one oxygen scavenger and at least one graft monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene and styrene derivatives, and c) graft polymerizing the mixture of the base polymer and the grafting solution obtained in step b).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hybrid polymer useful for alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. Hybrid polymers of this invention are prepared from a) at least one component selected from the group consisting of oligomer(s) and polymer(s) within the class of polyimides, poly(amic acids) and esters thereof wherein the at least one component comprises at least one initiator generating moiety, and b) at least one component selected from the group consisting of addition monomer(s) and addition polymer(s), wherein the two components are covalently bonded to form a copolymer. The invention further describes liquid crystal elements such as all liquid crystal display products or modes, liquid crystal devices and liquid crystal optical films comprising the novel hybrid polymer alignment layers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a block copolymer solid in which microphase-separated structures are formed with good productivity. The present invention provides a method for producing a block copolymer solid in which a microphase-separated structure is formed, or an alloy, blend or composite solid containing a block copolymer in which a microphase-separated structure is formed, which comprises the following steps (1) to (3): (1) immersing a block copolymer solid or an alloy, blend or composite solid containing a block copolymer in a solvent in which each component is insoluble; (2) putting the solid obtained in (1) above in a pressure-resistant container; and (3) irradiating the solid or the solvent in (2) above with microwave.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a near infrared absorbent dye capable of providing a near infrared shielding filter with excellent transparency as well as high heat resistance and hygrothermal resistance. The near infrared absorbent dye is characterized in that it is made of the amorphous form of diimmonium salt represented by formula (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides: a pigment dispersion composition including (A) an organic pigment, (B) a pigment derivative represented by Formula (I) below and (C) a polymer compound having a pigment-adsorptive functional group; a curable color composition including the pigment dispersion composition, a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator; and a color filter having a color region formed using the curable color composition and a method for producing the same. Q represents an organic colorant residue; A represents an ethylene group or the like; and R represents a hydroxyl group or a group represented by —NH-A-Z; Z represents —SO3H, —COOH or a salt thereof; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 4. When R represents —NH-A-Z, the structures represented by the two —NH-A-Zs bonded to the triazine ring contained in each of the n partial structures bonded to Q may be the same as each other or different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric composition comprising a first crosslinked network; and a second crosslinked network; wherein the first crosslinked network is crosslinked at a first stress and/or a first strain and the second crosslinked network is crosslinked at a second stress and/or a second strain; where the first stress and/or the first strain is different from the second stress and/or the second strain either in magnitude or direction. Disclosed herein is a method comprising subjecting a polymeric mass to a first stress and/or a first strain level; crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a first crosslinked network; subjecting the polymeric mass to a second stress and/or a second strain level; and crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a second crosslinked network; where the first stress and/or the first strain level is different from the second stress and/or the second strain level.

Abstract: A surface-modified blade rubber includes a surface modified by being subjected to irradiation treatment that generates radical active sites in the blade rubber and polymerization for graft polymerization starting from a generated radical active site. A method for modifying a blade rubber surface includes subjecting rubber of a blade rubber to irradiation treatment that generates radical active sites and polymerization for graft polymerization starting from a generated radical active site.

Abstract: An insulating film formed by a method comprising: coating a film-forming composition containing a compound having a cage structure; and drying the coated composition, wherein the coated composition is irradiated with a light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less in at least one of during the drying and after the drying; a process for producing the same; and an electronic device having the same.

Abstract: Farnesene interpolymer comprises units derived from a farnesene (e.g., ?-farnesene or ?-farnesene) and units derived from at least one vinyl monomer. The farnesene interpolymer can be prepared by copolymerizing the farnesene and at least one vinyl monomer in the presence of a catalyst. In some embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism. In other embodiments, the at least one vinyl monomer is ethylene, an ?-olefin, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl halide, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylamide or methacrylamide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for extruding transparent and/or translucent article is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a propylene-based polymer comprising propylene derived units and one or more dienes, the propylene-based polymer having a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g, extruding the propylene-based polymer in the absence of processing oil into an article; and then crosslinking the extruded article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an electret material, to a new class of electret materials and to a device comprising such electret materials.

Abstract: A process for preparing a pressure sensitive adhesive using a modified planetary roller extruder is described. The process in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes introducing primary raw materials including a non-thermoplastic elastomer into a feeding section of the modified planetary roller extruder, conveying the raw materials from the feeding section to a compounding section of the modified planetary roller extruder, continuously mixing the primary raw materials in the compounding section to produce a homogeneous adhesive composition. The adhesive composition may be applied to a web-form material. The compounding section of the modified planetary roller extruder includes a main spindle surrounded by and intermeshed with a plurality of planetary spindles at least one of which is a double transversal mixing spindle having a plurality of back-cut helical flights.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical/medical rubber compound contains the following components: (A) a composition obtainable by crosslinking (a) 100 parts by weight of an isobutylene polymer having terminal alkenyl groups with (d) a hydrosilyl-containing compound in the presence of (b) from 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin and (c) from 5 to 100 parts by weight of polybutene during melt kneading, and (B) an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powder. Compared with conventional thermoplastic elastomers, the pharmaceutical/medical rubber compound and its molded article are free from deformations and have sufficient permanent set resistance even under high temperature conditions, have excellent mechanical properties, low water absorption property, low reactivity and superb gas barrier properties, and can withstand high-temperature sterilization.

Abstract: A polypropylene for a film capacitor or a polypropylene sheet for a film capacitor which exhibits excellent stretchability when stretched into a film and provides a film having high breakdown voltage and small thermal shrinkage ratio, and which is suitable for a polypropylene film for a film capacitor and a film capacitor comprising the film. The polypropylene for a film capacitor of the present invention is obtained by irradiating a propylene homopolymer with a radiation with an absorbed dose of 0.1 to 500 kGy, the propylene homopolymer having (1) a melt flow rate (MFR) within a range of 1 to 10 g/10 min as determined at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg in accordance with ASTM D1238, (2) an isotactic pentad fraction (mmmm fraction) of not less than 94% as determined using 13C-NMR, (3) an ash amount of not more than 30 ppm as obtained by completely burning the propylene homopolymer in air, and (4) a chlorine amount of not more than 10 ppm as determined by ion chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A flexible material that comprises one or more types of polymers and may be used for drawing surface-adhesive rules having a pre-defined cross-section profile. Wherein the flexible material has attribute to reserve a shape of a profile of an orifice through which it is deposited from.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: A method of forming carbon nanotube-polymer composites includes the steps of forming a mixture solution including a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a co-solvent. The co-solvent includes an organic solvent and a second solvent being a short chain fluorinated carboxylic acid having a boiling point below 150° C. which is less oxidizing than nitric acid, and is soluble in both the organic solvent and water. The first polymer is mixed with the mixture solution to form a polymer including mixture. The co-solvent is removed from the polymer mixture to form a dispersed nanotube-polymer composite. The second solvent can be trifluoroacetic acid.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to processes for irradiating visbroken propylene polymer compositions or extrudates of propylene polymer compositions containing a propylene polymer having a low polydispersity index and a non-phenolic stabilizer.

Abstract: A transparent flexible film is provided, formed by curing a composition, comprising: about 40-75 parts by weight of a clay; about 15-45 parts by weight of a water-soluble polymer; about 1-10 parts by weight of a mono-functional acrylic oligomer of formula (I), wherein n1 is an integer 2-25, R1 is C1-10 alkyl or H, and R2 is H or CH3; and about 10-45 parts by weight of a bi-functional acrylic oligomer of formula (II), wherein n2 is an integer 3-50, R3 and R4 are H or CH3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser-weldable polymers which consist of a laser-transparent part and a laser-absorbent part and can be welded to one another by means of laser light and are distinguished by the fact that the laser-absorbent part comprises, as absorber, copper hydroxide phosphate and/or copper phosphate.

Abstract: A technique for imparting latent elasticity to components of an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, a latent elastic film that contains a crosslinkable semi-crystalline polyolefin is initially incorporated into an absorbent article. The film is not highly elastic prior to crosslinking and is thus dimensionally stable. Consequently, the film need not be maintained in a mechanically stretched condition during attachment to other components of the absorbent article, which provides for greater freedom in the location and manner in which the components are attached together. Once incorporated into the absorbent article, the semi-crystalline polyolefin is crosslinked to form a three-dimensional network having elastic memory. The film may also be heat activated, either through crosslinking or an additional step, to cause the film to shrink and further improve its stretch characteristics.

Abstract: An ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints has molecular orientation or crystal orientation in the molded article, and is low in friction and is superior in abrasion resistance, and therefore is available as components for artificial joints. Further, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints can be used as a component for artificial hip joints (artificial acetabular cup), a component for artificial knee joints (artificial tibial insert) and the socket for artificial elbow joints, and in addition to the medical use, it can be applied as materials for various industries by utilizing the characteristics such as low friction and superior abrasion resistance.