Abstract: Methods for forming melt processable, actinic radiation polymerizable and crosslinkable adhesives are described. In certain versions, the adhesives or pre-adhesive compositions include two initiators and are polymerized and/or crosslinked by exposure to actinic radiation such as UV light or electron beam radiation. Also described are pre-adhesive compositions including polymerizable monomers, articles including the adhesives, and various methods and systems related to the adhesives and their application. In addition, various apparatuses are described for polymerizing or crosslinking the compositions.

Abstract: A functionally graded shape memory polymer (SMP) that has a range of transition temperatures that are spatially distributed in a gradient fashion within one single article. The SMP is formed by post-curing a pre-cured glassy SMP in a linear temperature gradient that imposes different vitrification temperature limits at different positions along the gradient. Utilizing indentation-based surface shape memory coupled with optical measurements of photoelastic response, the capability of this material to respond over a wide range of thermal triggers is correlated with the graded glass transition behavior. This new class of SMP offers great potential for such applications as passive temperature sensing and precise control of shape evolution during a thermally triggered shape recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape memory polymers and waterborne coating materials and, more particularly, to waterborne shape memory polymer coatings.

Abstract: According to a method of the present invention for producing a CPVC resin, the method includes the steps of: introducing chlorine into a slurry of a PVC resin in a first tank; transferring, from the first tank to a second tank, the slurry into which chlorine has been introduced; and irradiating, with UV light, the slurry in the second tank. This method improves an amount of chlorine dissolved into the slurry of the PVC resin and consequently, improves production efficiency of the CPVC resin.

Abstract: A photo-curing device includes a light source for initiating the curing of a photo-curable material. The light source has light-emitting diodes, each emitting light in a determined wavelength range, the wavelength ranges of the LEDs overlapping partially so as to cover a continuous wavelength range that is broader than the wavelength range of each LED. An activation device is provided for selectively activating each LED.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing matt and scratch-resistant coatings that takes place under exposure to actinic radiation on coating systems containing activated double bonds under radical polymerization.

Abstract: A method for producing a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin of the present invention includes chlorinating a vinyl chloride resin by irradiating the inside of a reactor, into which the vinyl chloride resin and chlorine have been introduced, with ultraviolet light, thereby producing a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin. The irradiation of ultraviolet light is carried out through use of at least one kind of light source selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet LED, an organic EL, an inorganic EL, and an ultraviolet laser. A chlorinated vinyl chloride resin that shows suppressed initial coloring during hot forming and/or improved thermal stability can be provided by the method for producing a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates an organic liquid composition comprising a mixture of a first polymer with a linear polymeric chain having two photoactive groups as endgroup; and a second polymer with a multifunctional polymeric chain having at least three photoactive groups, that can reversibly and repeatedly crosslink to form a solid polymer network wherein said liquid composition been crosslinked by irradiation with at least one wavelength L1 and been uncrosslinked at least locally by irradiating the network with at least one other wavelength L2 in order to repeatedly adjust shape and optical properties of said composition in its crosslinked state. The composition is applicable as a starting material for intraocular lenses and for other lenses and optical elements.

Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for curing a thermosetting polymer. The method comprises the steps of irradiating the thermosetting polymer with microwaves at a first power level so as to heat up the thermosetting polymer by dielectric heating, and when the thermosetting polymer reaches a first predetermined temperature, irradiating the thermosetting polymer with microwaves at a second power level, substantially higher than the first power level, to further heat up the thermosetting polymer by dielectric heating. The device comprises an enclosure for receiving the thermosetting polymer, a microwave emitter for emitting microwave radiation into the enclosure, and a control unit for controlling a microwave emission power of the microwave emitter according to the abovementioned method.

Abstract: Disclosed are intermediate products (semifinished products) for polymer materials, comprising surface-modified components, said polymer materials based on the intermediate products, a method for producing the intermediate products, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A process produces a block of polyolefin material with uniform crosslinking, which may be uniform between and within polymer chains in the polyolefin material. Steps include: providing an oven; placing the block into the oven; preheating the block to a uniform temperature above the melting point; further heating the block to a temperature at least 30 degrees Centigrade above the melting point; cooling the block to room temperature under an inert gas; and removing oxidized material from surface of the block. Optional steps include: subjecting the block to radiation before placing the block into the oven; removing the gases from the oven on a continuous or stepwise basis; controlling the purge gas flow out of the oven; and determining a heating time period for the block by subjecting control blocks to the same process and analyzing them after various heating times.

Abstract: A method for curing a silicone resin composition with heat, wherein the silicone resin composition comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxnae having, per molecule, at least two hydrogen atoms each bonded to a silicon atom, and (C) a photoactive catalyst, wherein the method is characterized by comprising a step of irradiating the silicone resin composition with light before a step of heating, the light has a maximum peak of irradiance in a region of wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm and an irradiance of light of wavelength shorter than 300 nm is 5% or less of the irradiance at the maximum peak.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing gradient composite material comprises steps of providing plural surface modified inorganic nanoparticles with functional groups or oligomers with functional groups; transferring the surface modified inorganic nanoparticles or oligomers with functional groups into an organic matrix to form a mixture; performing a photo polymerization step or a thermo-polymerization step for polymerizing and generating a gradient distribution of the surface modified inorganic nanoparticles or oligomers with functional groups in the mixture; and curing the mixture to solidify the organic matrix and form a structure with gradient composite, wherein the organic matrix is transferred into an organic polymer after curing.

Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for producing a crosslinked elastomer by radiating a polymer dispersion of at least one crosslinkable polymer with electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet (UV light) and/or visible spectral range, wherein the crosslinking is performed in at least two stages as pre-crosslinking and post-crosslinking and at least one photoinitiator is added to the polymer dispersion to trigger the crosslinking reaction prior to the pre-crosslinking. At least one photoinitiator is added once again to the pre-crosslinked polymer dispersion prior to and/or during the post-crosslinking, and the post-crosslinking is also performed with electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet (UV light) and/or visible spectral range.

Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of water-soluble or water-swellable polymers having a low content of residual monomers, particularly on the basis of acrylic acid and/or acrylamide and at least one additional water-soluble comonomer, in which process a monomer solution in a polymerizing state is treated with electromagnetic radiation at the earliest after reaching the maximum temperature of polymerization, and the gel obtained is subsequently crushed and dried, and it also relates to the water-soluble or water-swellable polymers as such, which can be obtained according to said process, to their use in the hygiene industry, packaging industry, in the agrarian technology or in agriculture and horticulture, in the cable industry and information technology, in the food industry, papermaking industry, and to their use as flocculation aids and as drilling fluid in petroleum production.

Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.

Abstract: A method of surface treating particulate materials with electromagnetic radiation that is carried out with a so-called roll reactor comprising a rotating roll and an irradiation source. Radical former molecules can be applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles, which are fed onto the surface of the roll and irradiated while moved with the rotating roll. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation is able to reach at least part of the particulate material that has been fed onto the surface of the roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation. The superabsorbent polymer particles for use in the method of the present invention have a relatively high degree of neutralization. Bronsted acids are selectively applied onto the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles to selectively facilitate a relatively high number of protonated carboxyl groups at the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles while the relatively high degree of neutralization in the core of the superabsorbent polymer particles remains substantially unaffected.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which contain at least one polymeric region. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer. Moreover, the polymeric region contains at least one surface sub-region that is crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region that is substantially non-crosslinked. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided which includes exposing a polymeric region of a medical device to energetic species such that at least one surface sub-region of the polymeric region becomes crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region remains substantially non-crosslinked. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition of adhering together first and second materials. The composition features a multi-functional reactive compound that includes a backbone group and first and second functional groups; a cross-linker, and a catalyst. The first functional group is responsive to a first actinic energy to form cross-linked molecules and to adhere a subset of the cross-linked molecules to the first material. The second functional group is responsive to a second actinic energy, differing from the first actinic energy to adhere to the second material.

Abstract: A method for curing a chemical composition, the composition containing at least one or more binders having ethylenically unsaturated groups, as well as one or more initiators for triggering a radical polymerization. The method includes a thermal curing step, in which the curing of the composition is effected by a radical polymerization of the binder, which is triggered by a thermal initiator and is carried out under protective gas. Paint films having improved mechanical properties can be produced using the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A measured fluorescence amount and a previously set threshold value ?1 are compared and when the measured fluorescence amount exceeds the threshold value ?1, a message such as “curing reaction completion” is issued. Note that when this “curing reaction completion” is issued, an irradiation end instruction is given to a light source part from a curing reaction detector, and irradiation of a curing ultraviolet ray is stopped. Along with the stop of the curing ultraviolet ray, the irradiation of an exciting ultraviolet ray is also stopped.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for forming a laminated window. The method includes: a) assembling a mold between two plies that make up a laminated window; b) filling the mold with a reaction mixture having: (1) at least one chain extender; (2) at least one polyether polyol having a molecular weight of approximately 1,000; and (3) at least one aliphatic polyisocyanate; and c) curing the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a photocurable composition that is combinable with a thermally curable clearcoat composition to form a dual curable composition that is useful for forming clearcoats with improved sag resistance. The photocurable composition of the invention includes at least one photocurable oligomer; a first photoinitiator that absorbs light in a first spectral region such that curing of the photocurable composition preferentially occurs near the surface of the of the coating; and a second photoinitiator that absorbs light in a second spectral region such that curing of the photocurable composition occurs throughout the coating. The present invention also provides a method of coating a substrate with a dual curable composition.

Abstract: Into a mixture solution 2 of a high-refractive-index photo-curable resin A and a low-refractive-index photo-curable resin B, light capable of curing only the resin A is led through an optical fiber 1 so that a cured resin 211 of the resin A having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a core portion of the optical fiber is formed so as to extend from a tip of the optical fiber. Then, the residual mixture solution 2 is cured. In this manner, a module having the previously cured high-refractive-index resin 211 as an optical waveguide can be formed easily. On this occasion, the mixed state of the mixture solution 2 can be kept good enough to facilitate the formation of the high-refractive-index resin 211 when the solubility parameter ?A of the high-refractive-index photo-curable resin A and the solubility parameter ?B and volume fraction ?B of the low-refractive-index photo-curable resin B satisfy the following expression (4). |?A??B|<?7.5?B+6.

Abstract: A two-step method of polymerizing a composition containing a free radical photoinitiator includes the sequential steps of exposing the composition to a first radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of greater than 300 nm and, thereafter, exposing the composition to a second radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of less than 300 nm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water-absorbing shaped body that is produced easily without using a thickening agent. Light is radiated onto an aqueous solution including a photo polymerization initiator and a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer. When a desired viscosity is attained, radiation of the light is stopped temporarily. Then, the aqueous solution, which is thickened, is shaped into a desired shape. Thereafter, polymerization is completed by radiating light again.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable material is exposed to light to effect curing. A portion of the material is exposed to light in a conventional manner, while at least one other portion of the material is masked from direct exposure to the light by use of a mask (10) having at least one mask segment (11) which either completely or at least partially blocks the light. In this manner, the polymerization stress associated with the cured materials is limited or minimized due to extended molecular relaxation promoted by this controlled or hybrid curing technique. Also according to the invention, different segments (30, 31) of a material to be cured (22) are exposed to different wavelengths of light energy (21) or one such segment (30, 31) is exposed to light energy while another such segment is not.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing implant parts made of highly cross-linked polyethylene, wherein a blank made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is irradiated with ionizing radiation in order to produce radicals in the blank. To optimize the cross-linkage of the highly cross-linked polyethylene and to eliminate free radicals, the blank is subsequently treated by means of microwave radiation and/or ultrasound in such a way that free radicals, which have not recombined, are excited so as to ensure substantially complete recombination of the free radicals. The shape of the treated blank can then be adjusted by means of machining. The invention further relates to implant parts for application in human medicine that have been manufactured as described above.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus of aligning liquid crystal, a first ion beam is formed. The first ion beam is transformed into a second ion beam having transformed cross-section. The second ion beam advances toward a thin film including carbon-carbon double bond. The second ion beam forms a first angle with respect to the thin film. The second ion beam is transformed into an atomic beam. The atomic beam is irradiated onto the thin film to break the carbon-carbon double bond. The carbon-carbon double bond is broken to form a polarized functional group for aligning a liquid crystal molecule.

Abstract: A laminate and the method for its formation are provided. The laminates comprise one or more polymeric layers and a surface coating layer which has been cured utilizing a specific sequence of ultra-violet (UV) irradiation, germicidal irradiation, and heat treatment. The laminates are produced by a process which imparts an aesthetically pleasing low-gloss finish to the crosslinked surface layer. Advantageously, the laminates can be used to realistically simulate patterns, wood, and wood grain finishes as they demonstrate enhanced depth of grain and print.

Abstract: A two-step method of polymerizing a composition containing a free radical photoinitiator includes the sequential steps of exposing the composition to a first radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of greater than 300 nm and, thereafter, exposing the composition to a second radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of less than 300 nm.

Abstract: Into a mixture solution 2 of a high-refractive-index photo-curable resin A and a low-refractive-index photo-curable resin B, light capable of curing only the resin A is led through an optical fiber 1 so that a cured resin 211 of the resin A having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a core portion of the optical fiber is formed so as to extend from a tip of the optical fiber. Then, the residual mixture solution 2 is cured. In this manner, a module having the previously cured high-refractive-index resin 211 as an optical waveguide can be formed easily. On this occasion, the mixed state of the mixture solution 2 can be kept good enough to facilitate the formation of the high-refractive-index resin 211 when the solubility parameter &dgr;A of the high-refractive-index photo-curable resin A and the solubility parameter &dgr;B and volume fraction &PHgr;B of the low-refractive-index photo-curable resin B satisfy the following expression (4).

Abstract: A heat-conductive sheet comprising a cured or semi-cured binder wherein a carbon fiber is orientated in the direction of the thickness of the heat-conductive sheet. This heat-conductive sheet exhibits a high anisotropic heat conductivity along the direction of the thickness thereof to thereby enable efficiently releasing heat from a heating element such as a semiconductor element or semiconductor package. Moreover, the heat-conductive sheet is excellent in not only heat resistance, durability and mechanical strength but also adherence to the heating element.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a surface covering product having a gloss controlled surface wearlayer coating and a curable composition used in that method. The preferred curable composition is a polymerizable coating which includes a di-isocyanate and/or isocyanurate structure, a polyester polyol, a hydroxy and acrylyl functional polyester, mono, di, or tri-functional acrylates, and a flatting agent and/or hard particulates. The preferred surface covering product is a floor covering product produced as a vinyl film that is precoated with preferably a wearlayer coating that is adhered to the vinyl film, and the surface of the film is preferably embossed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, multi-stage irradiation process for the production of an acrylic-based adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The first irradiation step or stage employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively low average intensity (i.e., 0.1 to 20 mW/cm2) and the subsequent step employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively higher average intensity (i.e., greater than 20 mW/cm2.) Also disclosed are acrylic-based psa tape materials made by the novel process.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for curing polymeric materials including dental composites. Preferably, modulated light is used to control the formation of polymer chains in the polymeric material so that a cured polymeric material that has the desired physical characteristics for its intended function is formed. Formation of short chain and long chain polymers from monomers in the polymeric material is initiated and controlled by using a light source with a wavelength suitable for one or more initiators found in the polymeric material.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable material is exposed to light to effect curing. A portion of the material is exposed to light in a conventional manner, while at least one other portion of the material is masked from direct exposure to the light by use of a mask (10) having at least one mask segment (11) which either completely or at least partially blocks the light. In this manner, the polymerization stress associated with the cured materials is limited or minimized due to extended molecular relaxation promoted by this controlled or hybrid curing technique. Also according to the invention, different segments (30, 31) of a material to be cured (22) are exposed to different wavelengths of light energy (21) or one such segment (30, 31) is exposed to light energy while another such segment is not.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, multi-stage irradiation process for the production of an acrylic-based adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The first irradiation step or stage employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively low average intensity (i.e., 0.1 to 20 mW/cm2) and the subsequent step employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively higher average intensity (i.e., greater than 20 mW/cm2.) Also disclosed are acrylic-based psa tape materials made by the novel process.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a surface covering product having a gloss controlled surface wearlayer coating and a curable composition used in that method. The preferred curable composition is a polymerizable coating which includes a di-isocyanate and/or isocyanurate structure, a polyester polyol, a hydroxy and acrylyl functional polyester, mono, di, or tri-functional acrylates, and a flatting agent and/or hard particulates. The preferred surface covering product is a floor covering product produced as a vinyl film that is precoated with preferably a wearlayer coating that is adhered to the vinyl film, and the surface of the film is preferably embossed.

Abstract: A method of making improved optical quality polymers by normalizing the polymerization rates of the components of the monomer mix used is presented. The polymers produced by this process minimize the formation of separate domains and decrease the level of grit in contact lenses made from the polymers. Monomer reaction rates can be normalized by conducting the polymerization at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A photocurable prepreg sheet for waterproofing includes (1) a fiber-reinforced resin layer which comprises a sheet-shaped inorganic or organic fibrous reinforcing material impregnated with a resin composition comprising: (A) an unsaturated polyester resin and/or vinyl ester resin: 100 parts by weight, and (B) at least two photopolymerization initiators having photosensitivity in different wavelength ranges from ultraviolet range to near infrared range: 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, and which is treated with light of a specific wavelength to thereby undergo prepolymerization which causes at least one of the polymerization initiators and radical-polymerizable unsaturated groups to remain partially intact; and (2) film which covers an upper surface and a back surface of the fiber-reinforced resin layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of curing a waterborne coating composition comprising the steps of: a) applying the waterborne coating composition, which comprises polymer solids of which at least 5% by weight thereof is UV curable, to a substrate; b) irradiating the coated substrate with microwave radiation; and c) irradiating the coated substrate with UV radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, multi-stage irradiation process for the production of acrylic-based compositions such as adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes. The first irradiation step or stage employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively low average intensity (i.e., 0.1 to 20 mW/cm2) to effect a relatively low extent of monomer conversion, and the subsequent step employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively higher average intensity (i.e., greater than 20 mW/cm2) to complete the photopolymerization. Also disclosed are acrylic-based psa tape materials made by the novel process.