Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of delaminating a layered silicate to provide improved mechanical properties to select materials such as polymers. The method includes providing particles of the layered silicate and a supercritical fluid. The method further includes contacting the layered silicate particles with the supercritical fluid to define contacted layered silicate particles and catastrophically depressurizing the contacted layered silicate particles to exfoliate the layered particles so that the layered particles are substantially dispersed, defining treated silicate particles.

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.5% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 6% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to spherical or approximately spherical ionomer particles, comprising an inner area and an outer area which contains silicon ions. The cations of said outer area comprise a) at least one element which can occupy lattice sites of the silicon in silicate compounds, producing a negative excess of charge and b) at least one element which is selected from the elements of the first and second main groups and those that can appear in a divalent form and which can compensate for the negative excess of charge. Suitable methods for producing the inventive particles are all those methods for producing spherical or approximately spherical particles from a suspension dispersion, emulsion or similar and separating them from the surrounding solvent. Aerosol methods and especially, spray drying of suitable solutions, gels, sols or dispersions/suspensions can also be used.

Abstract: Nanoparticle composites and nanocapsules for guest encapsulation and methods for synthesizing same. One synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to form a nanoparticle composite defined by the shell and the nanoparticle template. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template; and dissolving the nanoparticle template to thereby form a hollow nanocapsule defined by the shell. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template carrying a guest molecule; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to thereby encapsulate the guest molecule.

Abstract: A process for high speed melt extrusion onto wire conductors of fluoropolymer pigmented with oxide-coated titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Particles are hydrophobicized by treatment with a compound containing amino and silane groups, followed by treatment with a silane compound containing a hydrophobic group. The invention is particularly useful for treating hydrophilic mineral particles. The treated particles can be used, for example, as fillers in polymer masterbatches.

Abstract: A process for preparing silica-filled rubber powder is provided, which includes contacting a salt-containing silica-precipitation suspension with at least one selected from the group including a rubber latex, rubber solution, and rubber emulsion, to form a mixture; and precipitating to produce a silica-filled rubber powder. A silica-filled rubber powder prepared by the process, and compositions and uses containing the same, are also provided.

Abstract: High levels of treated fumed silica, processing fluid and high molecular weight silicone polymer are continuously compounded into a homogeneous silica filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition by forming a premix in a continuous annular layer mixer and continuously discharging the premix into a compounding apparatus for compounding to form the filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition.

Abstract: Pigment preparations, having a solid content of 10 to 60 wt-%, obtainable by mixing together, in the presence of at least one water-miscible organic solvent, pigments coated with a silicon-oxygen-matrix with at least one resin having carboxyl groups sufficient to provide an acid value of 10 to 100 mg KOH/g resin and having an number average molecular mass of 500 to 5000, wherein the ratio of pigment to resin is in the range of 1:0.3 to 1:10, can be used for the preparation of water-borne effect base coats with shear stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process in which no surfactant is used, or even if the surfactant is used the amount thereof is as small as possible, thus stably obtaining a suspension to carry out a crosslinking reaction. A production process for a crosslinked polymer particle, comprising the steps of: forming a suspension in which liquid drops of a first phase are dispersed in a second phase by stirring both phases in the presence of an inorganic particle, wherein the first phase includes a high-molecular compound and a crosslinking agent, and wherein the first phase and the second phase are insoluble in each other, and wherein the affinity of the inorganic particle for water is different from that of the high-molecular compound; and carrying out a crosslinking reaction. Furthermore, an approximately spherical crosslinked polymer particle, which is free from a surfactant.

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: Functionalized silicas with 3-methacryloxypropylsilyl and/or glycidyloxypropylsilyl groups on the surface are prepared by mixing the silicas with the silane and heat-treating the mixture. The silicas are employed, for example, in solvent-containing coatings.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by reacting the layered material with a coupling agent and co-intercalating an onium ion and an oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/compatibilizing agent. The intercalation of the oligomer or polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å, and provides a nanocomposite having increased tensile strength, flexibility, and ductility (less brittle).

Abstract: Composite particles having an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process, which includes:

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups, (B) finely divided silica, (C) a metal powder or an electrically conductive metal-plated powder, (D) an adhesive aid, and (E) a curing agent cures into silicone rubber having a low volumetric resistivity and a stable high conductivity, exhibiting improved adhesion to resin and metal substrates, and thus suitable as electrically conductive parts and electrical contacts in electrical equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a nanocomposite material based on a polymeric matrix and a layered double hydroxide, comprising the steps of: a) providing a layered double hydroxide which contains an amount of anions of at least 20%, based on the total number of anions of the layered double hydroxide, which anions are compatible and/or reactive with the polymeric matrix: b) mixing the layered double hydroxide with a monomeric material for forming the polymeric matrix, in an amount such that the polymeric matrix is present in the nanocomposite material in an amount of at least 50% by weight, based on the nanocomposite material; c) polymerizing the monomeric material to form the polymeric matrix. The invention further relates to a nanocomposite material obtainable by such method and to a shaped article manufactured from such nanocomposite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanocomposite material based on a polymeric matrix and a layered double hydroxide, wherein the polymeric matrix is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight, based on the nanocomposite material, and wherein the layered double hydroxide contains an amount of anions of at least 20%, based on the total number of anions of the layered double hydroxide, which anions are compatible and/or reactive with the polymeric matrix, and wherein at least 5% of the above amount of anions contain a second charge-carrying group. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such a nanocomposite material and to a shaped article from such a nanocomposite material.

Abstract: A highly filled polymer composition with improved properties comprising: a continuous matrix material; a filler material in an amount of 10 to 80 wt. % of said composition; a polymer plasticizer dispersed in said continuous matrix material in an amount of 0.5 to 15 wt. % of said filler; a filler coating material which coats said filler particles in the form of a continuous coating layer thus forming coated filler particles; a diffusion zone around said coated filler particles where said filler coating and said continuous matrix material are mutually diffused into one another wherein said filler coating material is distributed with concentration decreasing in the direction outward from said continuous coating layer.

Abstract: A modified particle or aggregate is disclosed wherein a particle has an attached group having the formula: wherein the substituents are defined in the disclosure. Modified particles with attached polymers are also disclosed as well as methods of making the modified products.

Abstract: A material system for use in a 3D-printing, which exhibits a higher form stability. The material system contains binder and solvent as well as optional filler materials. The binder is soluble in the solvent, as well as two complementary polyelectrolytes, and/or an initiator for a cross linking reaction of the binder. The advantage of such a mixed material system is comprised in the essentially higher binder force between the individual particles. This enhanced binder force results either from the acid-base linkages, which form between the complementary polyelectrolytes, or from the supplemental networking initiated by the initiators, or from both. Substantially higher binding forces between the individual particles means at the same time a substantially higher shape stability of the 3D-printing product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly orientated flaky pigment being excellent in plane orientation (leafing effect), wherein a hydrated metal oxide and one or more fluorine-containing phosphates represented by the general formulae (A) and (B) shown in below or salts thereof are covered on the surface of a flaky pigment with a pearl gloss. The general formulae: (A) (RfCnH2nO)mPO(OM)3−m (B) (RfSO2NRCnH2nO)mPO(OM)3−m wherein Rf is the same or different and represents linear or branched C3 to C21 perfluoroalkyl group or perfluoroxyalkyl group, n is 1 to 12, m is 1 to 3, M represents hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium group or substituted ammonium group, and R represents hydrogen or C1 to C3 alkyl group. A process for producing said pigment in a wet process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Finely divided powdered rubbers containing filler which remain free-flowing even after exposure to mechanical stresses and to a process for the production thereof, in which the rubber powder is obtained in two precipitation steps, and to the use of these powders for the production of vulcanizable rubber compounds. The fillers used, which are both precipitated silicas and carbon blacks known in the rubber art, are surface-modifed by organosilicon compounds.

Abstract: A modified particle is disclosed wherein a particle has an attached group having the formula: wherein A represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group; R1 represents a bond, an arylene group, an alkylene group, wherein R4 is an alkyl or alkylene group or an aryl or arylene group; R2 and R3, which can be the same or different, represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, —OR5, —NHR5, —NR5R5, or —SR5, wherein R5, which is the same or different, represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and SFR represents a stable free radical.

Abstract: A process for high speed melt extrusion onto wire conductors of fluoropolymer pigmented with oxide-coated titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer composite comprising a polymer and a layered clay mineral dispersed in the polymer, the layered clay mineral being a layered clay mineral organized by an organizing agent in an amount of 25% to 85% based on total cation exchange capacity of the layered clay mineral, or by an organizing agent comprising an organic polyonium compound. In such a polymer composite, even when the polymer employed is a polar polymer, the dispersibility of layered clay mineral is favorable, and physical properties such as mechanical properties and gas barrier property are excellent.

Abstract: The invention provides polyamide resin compositions with good mechanical properties and dimensional stability during water absorption. Polyamide resin composition, comprising 100 parts by weight of resin contents composed of (A) 60 to 98% by weight of polyamide resin, (B) 40 to 2% by weight of polyolefine resin having dicarboxylic acid anhydride groups, as well as (C) 0.3 to 30 parts by weight of triazine-containing layered silicate with intercalated triazine compound derivatives with at least one positive charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of rubber mixtures containing 1 to 500 parts by weight of one or more water-repellent fillers with a methanol wettability of ≧5 wt. % to 100 parts by weight of rubber, characterized in that said water-repellent fillers are blended with one or more rubber latices and the mixture is then processes jointly, and also to rubber mixtures that can be produced with this process. The present invention relates furthermore to the use of the rubber mixtures produced by the process according to the invention for the production of tires, treads or molded articles of all kinds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a systematic method for “engineering” hybrid inorganic/organic compounds (IOCs) to exhibit specific physico-chemical properties as may be desired for a particular materials application. Such hybrid inorganic/organic compounds comprise, in some embodiments, an organic phase in the form of a polymer matrix and an inorganic phase that is chemically linked thereto. In one embodiment of the method, given a specific application, (i) desired physico-chemical properties to be possessed by the hybrid IOC are defined; (ii) candidate inorganic and organic phases are selected; (iii) the morphology of those phases is controlled via “microstructural engineering” such that the phases collectively exhibit the physico-chemical properties required of the hybrid IOC; and (iv) the morphology of the hybrid IOC is controlled via “macrostructural engineering” such that the physico-chemical collectively possessed by the phases are exhibited by the hybrid IOC.

Abstract: Disclosed are elastomeric compounds including an elastomer and a silicon-treated carbon black, and optionally including a coupling agent. The elastomeric compound exhibits poorer abrasion resistance in the absence of a coupling agent, lower hysteresis at high temperature and comparable or increased hysteresis at low temperature compared to an elastomer containing an untreated carbon black. A variety of elastomers and formulations employing such elastomers are contemplated and disclosed. Elastomeric compounds incorporating an elastomer and an oxidized, silicon-treated carbon black are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for preparing elastomers compounded with the treated carbon black.

Abstract: A colorant composition capable of giving a coating film excellent in heat resistance and weather resistance which not only can have a single clear color, such as, blue, green, yellow, or the like, and be used for forgery prevention based on discrimination by means other than visible light rays, but also does not suffer color fading even at a high temperature of 350° C. to 600° C. The colorant composition comprises at least a powder comprising a base particle coated with a multilayered film comprising layers differing from each other in refractive index to make the base particle have an interference color, wherein the powder is dispersed in a dispersion medium.

Abstract: A silica powder surface-treated with and epoxy compound having a plurality of epoxy groups, in which at least one epoxy group of the epoxy compound is ring-opened to bind to the surface of the silica powder and at least a portion of the remaining epoxy groups of the epoxy compound are bonded to amine compounds. The silica powder may be produced by the surface treatment of a silica powder with an epoxy compound and an amine compound successively or with both these compound simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a rubber composition containing silica-based filler reinforcement through the utilization of a organosilane disulfide compound mixed with a rubber composition in at least one preparatory, non-productive, mixing stage followed by utilization of an organosilane polysulfide compound mixed with the rubber composition in a subsequent, productive, mixing stage. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and use thereof in tires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser-markable plastics of which a feature is that they comprise as dopant

Abstract: A coating agent comprising 50 to 99 parts by weight of a monomer or monomer mixture (M) composed of 50 to 100% by weight of a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomer (m-1) having two or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups and 0 to 50% by weight of a monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer (m-2), and 1 to 50 parts by weight of colloidal silica, wherein the colloidal silica contains colloidal silica in a narrow and long form having an average diameter of 5 to 20 nm and an average length of 40 to 300 nm in an amount of 5 to 100% by weight based on the total colloidal silica weight; and a resin molded article having a coated layer obtained by hardening this coating agent, are disclosed. This colloidal silica-containing coating agent is excellent in appearance, hardness, abrasion resistance, weather resistance, adhesion with a substrate, no need of a solvent, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser-markable plastics of which a feature is that they comprise as dopant anthracene- or pentaerythritol-coated effect pigments or a mixture comprising one or more effect pigments and anthracene and/or pentaerythritol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive compositions for rubbers and rubber mixtures which contain at least one solid, powdery substance and at least one dispersant, the at least one additive substance being coated with the at least one dispersant. The compositions are present as granulate and are prepared by means of a multi-stage fluidized-bed process. The invention also relates to the use of the additive compositions in the preparation of rubber and products obtained using them.

Abstract: A filler material comprising a fibrous material and one or more forms of surface-modifying particles for use in dental composites and dental restorations. The surface-modifying particles are bonded to the fibrous material to increase the surface area of the fibrous material and improve the bonding properties of the fibrous material to enable it to better bond to a resin matrix material in a dental composite. In accordance with the present invention, the fibrous material possesses a lower melting temperature than the surface-modifying particles. The surface-modifying particles and the fibrous material are heated to a temperature below the softening temperature of the fibrous material but at a temperature and time sufficient to soften the surface of the fibrous material in order to bond the surface-modifying particles thereto.

Abstract: A composition comprising a filler material, a chemical compound and a polymer. A preferred filler material comprises carbon black and preferred polymers include ethylene-containing polymers such as ethylene-propylene copolymer or ethylene-propylene terpolymers. The present invention also includes articles of manufacture incorporating the polymer compositions.

Abstract: A wet friction material contains a fibrous base, a filler, a friction adjuster and a binder. The binder contains a material having siloxane bond. For example, the binder is a product of hardening of a hydrolytic solution of a silicon alkoxide.

Abstract: Scaly silica particles having a laminated structure, consisting essentially of secondary particles of foliar silica, each formed by a plurality of flaky primary particles of scaly silica which are overlaid one on another and aligned face-to-face in parallel with one another, said secondary particles being present independent of one another.

Abstract: A rubber composition which contains substantially hollow, irregularly-shaped particles, and/or fragments thereof derived from a surface-modified carbon black aggregate from the which the carbon black core has been removed. For example, an irregularly-shaped carbon black aggregate may be surface-modified to have interconnecting domains of at least one inorganic material on its surface and the carbon black core removed by an oxidation process leaving an irregularly-shaped, substantially hollow particle and/or fragments thereof of said inorganic materials. An article having a component of such rubber composition is also provided such as, for example, a tire or an industrial product.

Abstract: An electrically conducting member (2) is insulated with a thin coating (6) of a resinous insulation composition containing a resin interactive with and bonded to an oligomer containing a metal of at least one of Cr, Sn and Zn, where the oligomer is within a silicate type mica or clay structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-modified fillers obtained by mixing a filler with water, adding an water-based organosiloxane composition with very thorough mixing, wherein the organosiloxanes are soluble in water and contain, in addition to OH groups, at least one amino-functional group and optionally a functional group from the series consisting of alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, glycidyl ether alkyl, acryloxyalkyl and methacryloxyalkyl, and wherein a functional group is bonded to each silicon atom of the organosiloxane, and drying the mixture. The present invention also provides a process for the surface modification of fillers, their use and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer compositions which include the surface-modified fillers.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hydrophilic silica gels with high pore volume. In the preferred method a hydrophilic silica hydrogel treated with an organosilicon compound to effect hydrophobing of the silica hydrogel is heated in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature sufficient to reduce the hydrophobicity imparted by the surface treatment thereby producing a hydrophilic silica gel having high pore volume.

Abstract: A method for rapidly manufacturing “green-state” ceramic matrix composite components, components made from this method, and a resin/catalyst precursor mixture used in the method. The method includes manufacturing a component by preparing the precursor mixture by mixing a requisite quantity of a polymer-derived ceramic precursor resin, a catalyst, a discontinuous reinforcing fiber and filler material, and then loading this precursor mixture in a preheated mold. The precursor mixture then is cured in the mold to form the component which is porous. Thereafter, the component is reinfilitrated with a resin to at least partially fill the pores of the component. This method yields a ceramic matrix composite component that is cured in approximately one minute as well as a resin/catalyst precursor mixture that can be stored in excess of four weeks.

Abstract: Sulfanylsilanes of the formula X1X2X3Si—A—S—SiR1R2R3 are prepared by reacting mercaptosilanes of the formula X1X2X3Si—Alkyl—SH with chlorosilanes Cl—SiR1R2R3. They are used as coupling agents in rubber mixtures.

Abstract: Emulsion delivery systems for applying anti-stick additives to polymer particles, provide free-flowing particles of polymers or polymer blends, that without the anti-stick additives tend to agglomerate. The agglomeration presents storage and handling difficulties. The anti-stick additives are selected from the group consisting of primary amides, secondary amides, ethylene bisamides, waxes, talc and silica.

Abstract: A phyllosilicate material is exfoliated by admixture of the phyllosilicate with water, and a solvent for a water-insoluble oligomer or polymer that is sorbed or electrostatically bonded to the inner surfaces of the phyllosilicate platelets after exfoliation of the phyllosilicate. Intercalation and exfoliation can be achieved via contact of the phyllosilicate with an organic solvent and water to electrostatically bond one or more polar moieties from the organic solvent to a metal cation on the platelet inner surfaces, so that after evaporation of the water used for intercalation of the organic solvent between phyllosilicate platelets, the platelets do not then collapse together, but remain exfoliated. After exfoliation of the phyllosilicate, the exfoliated platelets are contacted with a polymer/carrier composition that includes a water-insoluble polymer or water-insoluble oligomer, and a solvent for the water-insoluble polymer or oligomer.

Abstract: Composite material with high mechanical strength and excellent high-temperature characteristics comprising a polymer matrix containing polyamide and layers of a silicate uniformly dispersed in the order of molecules in the polymer matrix, each of said silicate layers being 7 to 12 Å thick and the interlayer distance being at least 20 Å; and a process for manufacturing such composite material.