Abstract: A method of producing a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprises providing a supply of polymer-clay mixture, exfoliating the mixture through solid-state shear pulverization in the presence of cooling sufficient to maintain the extruded mixture in the solid state during the pulverization, and discharging the resulting exfoliated mixture. The invention is also directed to a method of producing a polymer hybrid nanocomposite, wherein a component is dispersed throughout a polymer matrix by solid-state shear pulverization of a polymer mixed with the second component.

Abstract: A curable film-forming composition is provided comprising (i) 10 to 90 percent by weight based on the total weight of resin solids in the film-forming composition of a crosslinking agent; (ii) 10 to 90 percent by weight of a polymer containing a plurality of functional groups reactive with the crosslinking agent; and (iii) 5 to 85 percent by volume of particles having a mean particle size less than 100 nm. The particles comprise 1 to 99 percent by weight of at least one metal oxide wherein the metal is selected from zinc, titanium, cerium, manganese, bismuth, copper, zirconium and iron. A multi-component composite coating composition is also provided, comprising a pigmented basecoat and a clear coat. The basecoat and/or clearcoat may be derived from the curable film-forming composition described above. Also provided are coated substrates in which the curable coating compositions or the multi-component composite coating compositions described above are applied to a substrate and cured to form a cured coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser-markable transparent or translucent plastics which comprise pearlescent pigments in combination with laser-sensitive pigments which themselves do not exhibit any pearlescent effect. The pigment combination considerably improves the scanner legibility of applied laser markings. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the plastics, to the use of the plastics for producing moldings, to moldings produced in this way, and generally to the use of a mixture made from pearlescent pigment and laser-sensitive pigment in laser-markable plastics, for improving the scanner legibility of laser markings applied to the plastics.

Abstract: A self-regenerating, self-cleaning hydrophobic surface is formed when particles are secured on a carrier that is itself a mixture of particles and binder. When particles on the surface are ablated by erosion, new particles in the carrier are exposed to regenerate the self-cleaning surface, resulting in a long-lasting self-cleaning action. The self-cleaning surface may be used with particular advantage outdoors, e.g. on vehicles, where self-cleaning materials are particularly exposed to the effects of the environment.

Abstract: Laser-markable pigments which are distinguished by the fact that an absorber is coated with a marker and optionally with a diffusion barrier are described. Further, processes for the preparation of the laser-markable pigments and methods for using them are described. The absorber is preferably an inorganic pigment or a filler. The marker is preferably an intrinsically laser-markable polymer, particularly a polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, polyphenylene ether, liquid-crystal polymer or polyphenylene sulfide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising anionic organic polymeric particles and colloidal anionic silica-based particles. The anionic organic polymeric particles are obtainable by polymerising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers together with one or more polyfunctional branching agents and/or polyfunctional crosslinking agents. The anionic organic polymeric particles and the colloidal anionic silica-based particles in the aqueous composition are present in an amount of at least 0.01% by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous composition. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of the aqueous composition, uses of the aqueous composition and a process for the production or paper, in which the aqueous composition is added to a cellulosic suspension.

Abstract: Coating solutions comprising surface-modified nanoparticles, a first liquid having a vapor pressure, VP1, and a second liquid miscible with the first liquid, having a vapor pressure, VP2, that is less than VP1, wherein the nanoparticles are more compatible with the first liquid than with the second liquid, are provided. Methods of applying and drying these solutions, and articles comprising substrates coated with these solutions are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a film comprising a layered silicate cation-exchanged with an organic cation and a polyester or polycarbonate. The organic cation is represented by the following formula (I): (R)n-L+??(I) wherein R is a group represented by the following formula (I-1): wherein R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group, L+ is an ammonium ion, a phosphonium ion or a hetero aromatic ion, and n is an integer of 1 to 4, with the proviso that when L+ is an ammonium ion or a phosphonium ion, n is 4 and four Rs may be the same or different. This film has the layered silicate highly dispersed therein and is excellent in various properties such as mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser marking additive, a precursor and method of laser-marking. The method can include exposing a substrate including a high luster bismuth oxychloride to a laser creating a laser-mark, with the proviso that the substrate is not an unsaturated polyester cross-linked with a styrene monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splayed layered material comprising a layered material splayed with a highly branched polymer. Additional embodiments include a splayed layered material comprising a matrix polymer and layered material wherein said layered material is splayed with a highly branched polymer, an article comprising the splayed layered material in a matrix, and an exfoliated material.

Abstract: The present invention describes an intercalated clay intercalated with a polyether block polyamide copolymer. An article is included comprising a matrix polymer and an intercalated clay comprising clay intercalated with polyether block polyamide copolymer. The present invention also includes an article comprising polyether block polyamide copolymer and intercalated clay.

Abstract: The present invention provide methods for producing a low moisture organophyllosilicate composition using monomers, oligomers, or polymers to displace water associated with the organophyllosilicates in an aqueous organophyllosilicate slurry or filter cake. The invention additionally provides methods for producing organophyllosilicate nanocomposites from the concentrated organophyllosilicate compositions by dispersing the compositions in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of delaminating a graphite structure. The method comprises diffusing a coating agent in a supercritical fluid between layered particles of a graphite structure defining contacted graphite particles and catastrophically depressurizing the supercritical fluid to form delaminated graphite particles.

Abstract: A composite of a polyester, e.g., a polycarbonate, and a nanoclay (layered silicate) cation exchanged with a quaternized copolymer of styrene and 2-(dimethylamine) ethyl methacrylate is provided, the composite being useful for preparing injection molded objects and after injection molding being transparent and without coloration and has enhanced modulus and strength compared to neat polyester and does not have loss of elongation and toughness compared to neat polyester.

Abstract: Functionalized, structurally modified silicas with 3-methacryloxypropylsilyl and/or glycidyloxypropylsilyl groups on the surface are prepared by mixing the silicas with the silane and heat-treating, destructuring and grinding the mixture. The silicas are employed in radiation-curing coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocomposite blend composition having superior barrier properties, and more particularly to a nanocomposite blend composition comprising a polyolefin resin; one or more nanocomposites having barrier properties, selected from an ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/intercalated clay nanocomposite, a polyamide/intercalated clay nanocomposite, an ionomer/intercalated clay nanocomposite, and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/intercalated clay nanocomposite; and a compatibilizer. This nanocomposite blend composition has superior mechanical strength and superior barrier properties to oxygen, organic solvent, and moisture. Also, it has superior chemical barrier properties and is applicable to single/multi-layer blow molding and film processing.

Abstract: There is provided a polyester resin composition excellent in mechanical properties, heat deformation temperature, surface appearance, dimensional stability and mold releasing ability, and a process for preparing the same. The polyester resin composition contains a thermoplastic polyester resin and layered phyllosilicate, wherein the layered phyllosilicate in the resin composition satisfies at least one of the following conditions (a) to (c): (a) ratio of layered phyllosilicate having equivalent area circle diameter [D] of at most 3,000 ? is at least 20%; (b) a mean value of equivalent area circle diameter [D] is at most 5000 ?; (c) the number of particles [N] per unit ratio of layered phyllosilicate present in 100 ?m2 of a resin composition is at least 30.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making clay/wax nanocomposites and coatings and films of same with improved chemical resistance and gas barrier properties. The invention further provides methods for making and using emulsions of such clay/wax nanocomposites. Typically, an organophillic clay is combined with a wax or wax/polymer blend such that the cohesion energy of the clay matches that of the wax or wax/polymer blend. Suitable organophilic clays include mica and phyllosilicates that have been surface-treated with edge or edge and surface modifying agents. The resulting nanocomposites have applications as industrial coatings and in protective packaging.

Abstract: A method for preparing exfoliated clay nanocomposites by in-situ polymerization comprising the steps of (a) providing a mixture of at least one type of monomer and at least one type of organophilic clay; and (b) initiating an in-situ polymerization reaction in the mixture so as to cause the at least one type of monomer to polymerize thereby forming the exfoliated clay nanocomposite. The exfoliated clay nanocomposite produces an x-ray diffraction pattern that is substantially devoid of an intercalation peak. The exfoliated clay nanocomposite may then be used as a masterbatch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exfoliating agent and to a process for producing random form of nanoscale silicate plates. Two types of exfoliating agents are applied in the present invention, which respectively have the formula: wherein R is a polyoxybutylene group, polyoxypropylene group, poly(oxyethylene/oxypropylene) group, or polyoxyethylene group. In this invention, layered silicate clays are exfoliated into random silicate plates by acidifying AMO or AEO with inorganic acid, adding the acidified AMO or AEO to layered silicate clay with agitation, and adding sodium hydroxide or chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, in ethanol, water and a hydrophobic organic solvent to the intermediate product and repeating phase separation procedures to isolate random silicate plates from water phase.

Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition comprises 10 to 300 parts by weight of a flame retardant (B) and 1 to 200 parts by weight of an inorganic filler (C) (a glass fiber and/or a glass flake), relative to 100 parts by weight of a base resin (A). The flame retardant (B) comprises a polyphenylene oxide-series resin and/or a polyphenylene sulfide-series resin (B1), a phosphoric ester (B2), and a nitrogen-containing cyclic compound (B3) (for example, a polyphosphate of an amino group-containing triazine compound). The inorganic filler (C) has been treated with a surface-treatment agent or sizing agent containing a novolak epoxy resin. Such a resin composition is useful for obtaining a shaped article which has been inhibited from dripping and to which flame retardancy is highly imparted.

Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: Processes for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay, wherein the process comprises: providing a clay dispersion comprising at least one unmodified clay wherein said clay has a first exchangeable cation; adding a second cation to the clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified clay dispersion; and combining at least one polar containing agent with the modified clay dispersion to provide a modified clay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material comprising a polyamide matrix and mineral fillers of submicron size. The filler used comprises at least one core and a surface layer for modifying its dispersibility in the matrix or in the medium for synthesizing the matrix. The filler allows the thermomechanical properties of the polyamide to be modified.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clay/amine complex which is an excellent surfactant and a good reinforcing agent of polymers. The complex of the present invention can be produced by modifying layered inorganic silicate clay such as montomorillonite, with an intercalating agent, AMO (amine terminal-mannich oligomer). The AMO can be obtained by polymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1000, p-cresol and formaldehyde. The present invention further discloses a nanosilica plate, which can be obtained by extracting the above complex with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, and consequently, the AMO intercalating agent can be recycled for reusing.

Abstract: The invention provides nanocomposites comprising a clay and an organic compound, in which the clay is a clay bridged by a metal compound, preferably iron oxide and/or aluminum oxide. The organic compound is preferably a polymer. The clay-based nanocomposites of the invention have good mechanical properties and good heat resistance. The invention also provides cables comprising such a nanocomposite, preferably in their sheath or outer coating. Finally, the invention provides a process for producing said nanocomposite.

Abstract: Particulate composite material with an average particle size of 20 to 50 ?m and a maximum content of particles with a size of <10 ?m of 10 wt.-% and its use for the preparation of dental materials.

Abstract: A treatment for particulate inorganic solids is provided. This treatment, which uses certain organophosphinic compounds, imparts improved physical and chemical qualities including lacing resistance, improved dispersion and decreased chemical reactivity when these treated particulate inorganic solids are incorporated into polymeric matrices. The addition of the organophosphinic compounds of the present invention may flexibly be incorporated into known processes at varying points, and are preferably added downstream of any filtering steps or to a dry particulate inorganic solid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous mold for use in a pressure casting process, which mold is manufactured of a polymeric material forming a matrix into which a clay and a block copolymer or a graft copolymer have been incorporated, wherein the block copolymer or graft copolymer comprises one or more first structural units (A), which are compatible with the clay, and one or more second structural units (B), which are compatible with the polymeric matrix. The invention further relates to a process for producing said mold and to the use of said mold in a pressure casting process.

Abstract: This invention is related to a polyester resin composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyester resin and a polyether compound-treated layered material having layers respectively exfoliated by one another, which satisfies at least one of the conditions (i) to (v) given below: (i) That said polyether compound has a hydroxyl value of not more than 30 mg KOH/g; (ii) That said polyether compound has a cyclic hydrocarbon group: (iii) That said polyester resin composition comprises a phosphorus-containing compound; (iv) That said polyester resin composition comprises an epoxy-containing compound; (v) That said polyester resin composition is obtainable by melt-kneading the thermoplastic polyester resin and the polyether compound-treated layered material having layers respectively exfoliated by one another and then treating the mixture for increasing the molecular weight of the polyester resin.

Abstract: High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100–150° C. to over 450° C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10% inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosilicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave-absorbing composition is obtained by dispersing in a base polymer a magnetic powder coated with electrically insulating inorganic fines and optionally, a heat conductive powder. The composition has a high breakdown voltage, and can be applied to any adequate site within electronic equipment without a need to pay substantial attention to short-circuits.

Abstract: Composite particles having an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 10.0 ?m, comprise: white inorganic particles as core particles; a gluing agent coating layer formed on surface of the white inorganic particle; and an organic pigment coat formed onto said gluing agent coating layer in an amount of from 1 to 500 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the white inorganic particles. The composite particles are substantially free from desorption of an organic pigment from the surface thereof and contain no harmful element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exfoliative clay and a derivative thereof and a method for producing the same. The exfoliative clay is formed by emulsion exfoliating an inorganic layered silicate clay with an amphibious intercalating agent by powerfully stirring at 60–180° C. and not less than 14.7 psig. The amphibious intercalating agent is obtained by copolymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1,800 and polypropylene-grafting-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Before emulsion exfoliation, the intercalating agent is acidified with an inorganic acid. The acidification is the key step for obtaining nanoscale of emulsifying particles less than 100 nm for the exfoliation. The exfoliative clay can be further extracted with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal to obtain a derivative in the form of nanosilica plates which is free of organic portions.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions incorporate, by dry blending, a wax-coated silica additive in finely divided form. Further additives that may be incorporated by dry blending include aluminum oxide and/or aluminum hydroxide. The compositions offer advantages, for example, in terms of fluidity and in terms of first-time deposition of fine particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic part having lustrous pigments and filler particles. Moldings of this plastic part exhibit a pronounced glitter effect.

Abstract: Described are hydrophobic particulate inorganic oxides useful for reinforcing polymeric composition, e.g., rubber. The materials are characterized by: (a) the substantial absence of functional groups capable of chemical reaction with rubber; (b) a BET surface area of in the range of from 40 to 350 m2/g; (c) a hydroxyl content in the range of 2 to 15 OH/nm2; (d) a carbon content in the range of from 0.1 to 6 percent by weight that is substantially non-extractable; (e) a pH in the range of from 3 to 10; (f) an M1 Standard White Area less than 0.4 percent and (g) a methanol wettability of from 15 to 45 percent. Compositions such as polymers, cured organic rubber articles, master batches and slurries containing the hydrophobic fillers are also described.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition, comprises a thermoplastic resin (A) and thermoplastic resin fine particles (C) carrying a colloidal inorganic substance (B), and contains the colloidal inorganic substance (B) in a proportion of 0.01–0.8 wt. % of the total of the thermoplastic resin (A), the colloidal inorganic substance (B) and the thermoplastic resin fine particles (C). The thermoplastic resin composition effectively prevents the plateout without impairing inherent properties of the base thermoplastic resin, by containing the colloidal inorganic substance (B) showing a plateout-prevention effect in a small amount and in a good dispersion state.

Abstract: A silica-based material that includes a silica-based substrate and a polymerized organic material disposed thereon. The polymerized organic material is made from reactive organic moieties bonded to the silica-based substrate.

Abstract: Antibacterial powder paint composition consisting mainly of polyamide, characterized in that zinc and/or silver/zinc composite compound is incorporated in polyamide as antibacterial agent. This powder coating composition can produce a film with improved antibacterial activity, discoloration and endurance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is superior in homogeneity, transparency, mechanical properties, and in swelling and shrinking properties, a manufacturing method therefor, and a dry body of the organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is obtained by removing water from said hydrogel. The organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel comprises a water soluble polymer (A), a water swelling clay mineral (B) which can be homogeneously dispersed in water, and water (C), and water (C) is included in a three-dimensional network formed by (A) and (B).

Abstract: An active energy ray-curable antistatic coating composition contains (A) inorganic oxide fine particles having a side chain having a molecular weight of at least 300 and having a functional group and (B) an antistatic agent containing at least a quaternary ammonium salt group-containing polymer, a quaternary ammonium salt group-containing silane coupling agent and/or a hydrolysis condensate of the silane coupling agent, and optionally contains (C) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate having at least 3 (meth)acryloyl groups in a molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process, which includes: coating at least a portion of a surface of at least one silica particle with at least one wax, wherein the coating is carried out in at least one gas at a temperature above the melting point of the wax and below the decomposition temperature of the wax, to obtain at least one wax-coated silica particle. Other embodiments of the present invention provides processes for impregnating the silica particle with wax and uses of the wax-coated or wax-impregnated particles.

Abstract: A resin composition to be used as a material for a various part of an automotive vehicle. The resin composition comprises a copolymer (A) formed by copolymerization of a first unsaturated monomer (a) and a second mononer (b). The first unsaturated monomer has a functional group which is bondable by hydrogen bond to a hydroxyl group. The second monomer is copolymerizable with the first unsaturated monomer. A metal oxide (B) is dispersed in the copolymer and having hydroxyl groups and hydrophobic groups at surface of the metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are capable of being dispersed in a target medium. The compositions include characteristic use particles entrapped within a physical entrapment phase, wherein the physical entrapment phase is dispersible in the target medium. Accordingly, the compositions of the present invention physically prevent the agglomeration or self-association of the characteristic use particles. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing compositions that are capable of being dispersed in a target medium.

Abstract: A resin composition of the present invention comprises a polymer having functional groups and a metal oxide surface modified to form functional groups at a surface of the metal oxide and dispersed uniformly in the polymer. The functional groups of the polymer and the functional groups of the metal oxide are ionically bondable to the metal oxide and the polymer, respectively, so that the polymer and the metal oxide are bonded by ionic bonds to each other.

Abstract: A thermosetting fluorine-containing resin powder coating composition prepared by mixing a fine powder of silicon oxide having an average particle size of {fraction (1/100)} or less of that of a powder of fluorine-containing resin powder coating composition in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the powder of fluorine-containing resin powder coating composition. The thermosetting fluorine-containing resin powder coating composition of the present invention can be used as a coating composition in various fields where weather resistance is required, and can protect a substrate, particularly a metallic substrate sufficiently.

Abstract: A rubber composition for tire and a pneumatic tire in which the rubber composition is used improve steering performance on snowy and icy roads as well as traction performance in the forward and backward directions while reducing the recycling and manufacturing cost. The rubber composition for tire contains from 0.5 to 12 parts by weight of paper relative to 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, and preferably further contains from 5 to 100 parts by weight of silica and from 2 to 15 parts by weight of short fiber relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component. The paper is newspaper waste. From 10 to 100 parts by weight of carbon black may further be contained relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire with a carcass ply and/or circumferential carcass belt component comprised of a natural rubber-rich diene-based rubber composition which contains a dispersion of precipitated silica reinforcement, with coupling agent, to a substantial exclusion of carbon black.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composition of matter from components includes combining the components to produce a blend and combining the blend with a crosslinking system to produce the composition. The components include a polymer base, a silica reinforcing filler, a silica-binding agent, and further product and process additives. Combining the components is carried out in a closed mixer comprising a piston and a pair of rotors. While combining the components, values of at least two indirect parameters and at least two direct parameters are measured at least every two minutes. The at least two indirect parameters comprise blend temperature and power absorbed by the rotors. The at least two direct parameters comprise pressure exerted by the piston and rotations of the rotors. The at least two indirect parameters are maintained within respective ranges of predetermined values by controlling one or more of the at least two direct parameters.