Abstract: Photopolymerizable compositions that include free radically active and cationically active functional groups, and methods for polymerizing such compositions, in which the onset of cationic polymerization is controllably delayed to extend the time between formation of a moldable gel and formation of a hardened solid.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorinated materials for use in dental uses and non-dental uses, e.g., adhesives or coatings. Multifunctional monomers and prepolymers with pendant (meth)acrylate groups were prepared from epoxide ring-opening reactions. Resins based on the fluorinated monomers and prepolymers with diluent comonomers, were photocured as composites with particulate fillers. Fluorine contents of the prepolymers ranged from 15 to 65%. Composites with high transverse strength (up to 120 MPa), low water sorption (as low as 0.11 mass %) and extremely low polymerization shrinkage (as low as 3.4% by volume) were obtained. The fluorinated resins may be employed to produce hydrophobic dental composite materials with high strength and low polymerization shrinkage.

Abstract: Gels for thermotropic layers, obtainable by irradiating a mixture comprisinga) an uncrosslinked polymer in amounts of less than 5% by weight, based on the sum of a), b) and c),b) monomers which can be polymerized by means of free radicals, andc) water or an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof,with high-energy light.

Abstract: Wax coated silica matting agent wherein the silica is an amorphous silica having a pore volume of at least 1.5 cm.sup.3 /g, preferably at least 1.8 cm.sup.3 /g. The wax coating is present in the range from 6% to 15% by weight of the matting agent and comprises a synthetic polyethylene wax.

Abstract: The invention provides a conforming medium containing gels for customized fitting components, such as those used in a shoe. The invention further includes environmentally-responsive gels that are temperature-responsive so that they will react to body heat to transition from a liquid to a gel state or a gel state to a liquid state. Furthermore, the invention is directed to an article for conforming to the contours of an object having isolation means, such as a ladder of a flexible member, to contain the environmentally-responsive gel therein.

Abstract: A shoe that conforms to foot contours and provides cushioning is comprised of a shoe sole and a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole. The shoe upper is comprised of an outer layer, an inner layer and a conforming layer therebetween, wherein a first portion of the conforming layer is comprised of environmentally-responsive gel. The environmentally-responsive gel is a temperature-responsive gel that will react to the heat emanating from a foot inserted into the shoe to express a liquid.

Abstract: A magnetic composition comprising nanocomposite particles comprising from about 0.001 to about 60 weight percent of magnetic nanocrystalline particles dispersed in from about 40 to about 99.999 weight percent of a discrete phase matrix, and a continuous phase matrix, wherein the discrete phase resides in interstices within the continuous phase matrix.

Abstract: The present invention offers a production method for anisotropic resin-bonded magnets with precise dimensions in high productivity. It comprises the aligning step in which the preform is preliminary compression-molded in the preforming molding die 22 in the preforming press 20 with an applied magnetic field to align the magnetization direction of the magnet powder at a temperature in which the thermosetting resin in the compound becomes liquid state, the transferring step in which said preform is transferred from preforming press 20 to densifying molding die 32 in a densifying press 30, and densifying step in which said partly cured preform is compression-molded by applying pressure in a densifying press 30 to obtain desired shape of magnet.

Abstract: Free-radically polymerizable release coating compositions containing conductivity enhancers, which are capable of being electrosprayed onto a substrate. The compositions comprise (a) about 100 parts by weight of one or more free-radically polymerizable vinyl monomer(s), (b) from about 0.05 to about 250 parts by weight of one or more polydiorganosiloxane polymer(s) copolymerizable with the vinyl monomer(s), and (c) from about 0.10 to about 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of (a) and (b), of one or more non-volatile conductivity enhancer(s), which are soluble in the monomer(s) and which do not interfere with polymerization, wherein the composition may be electrosprayed.The composition may further comprise from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of one or more initiator(s) based on 100 parts by weight of monomer(s) and polydiorganosiloxane polymer(s).Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least 0.

Abstract: A process is described for flame-proofing organic polymeric materials by means of a low temperature plasma treatment in the presence of at least one volatile, low-molecular compound. The process comprises subjecting a volatile compound, selected from a halogen-free phosphorus compound, to the low temperature plasma, such that a homogeneous polymeric structure forms on the organic material. A very wide range of organic materials can be effectively flame-proofed with the process of this invention without adversely affecting their other properties such as mechanical properties or photochemical stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying a polymer surface by irradiating ion particles with energy on a polymer surface, while blowing the reactive gas directly on the polymer surface under vacuum condition, to decrease the wetting angle of the polymer surface. The process for modifying the polymer surface according to the present invention can be widely used in the application fields of polymers because it provides effects of increasing the spreading of aqueous dyestuffs, increasing adhesive strength with other materials and inhibition of light scattering by decreasing the wetting angle of the polymer surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a conforming medium containing gels for customized fitting components, such as those used in a shoe. The invention further includes environmentally-responsive gels that are temperature-responsive so that they will react to body heat to transition from a liquid to a gel state or a gel state to a liquid state. The invention optionally includes thermally-sensitive dyes and other colorants in the environmentally-responsive gels. Furthermore, the invention is directed to an article for conforming to the contours of an object having isolation means, such as a bladder of a flexible member, to contain the environmentally-responsive gel therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical bonding of a polymer/or polymers onto non-metallic substrates such as cellophane by ultrasonic techniques. The cellophane film is preactivated by contacting with silver nitrate solution followed by treatment with potassium hydroxide solution whereby particles of silver and silver oxide are uniformly distributed, in situ, over the surface of cellophane film. The pretreated cellophane film when contacted with grafting solution, that contains monomers, prepolymers, catalyst, graft initiator and other ingredients of the composition, which is being agitated with ultrasonic energy results in polymerization of monomer/prepolymer onto the surface of the cellophane film.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer which can be used as a powder coating material or a hot-melt adhesive in which at least one polyolefin is subjected to a low-temperature plasma treatment with frequencies changing during the treatment in a frequency range of from 30 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: A process for producing an electrically driven mechanochemical actuator comprising:(a) immersing a mixture of poly(2-hydroxethyl methacrylate) and poly(methacrylic acid) crosslinked with 1,1,1-trimethylol propane trimethacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate into an aqueous polyelectrolyte solution to form a hydrogel;(b) applying an electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel;(c) terminating application of the electrical field and allowing the hydrogel to relax and return to its original shape;(d) reapplying the electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel.

Abstract: To provide a fluorine-containing resin molded article surface-modified by irradiating, onto a surface thereof, a laser beam having a wavelength of 150 to 370 nm through a basic solution, preferably an aqueous basic solution. The surface-modified fluorine-containing resin molded article is excellent in adhesion to not only organic materials but also metals.

Abstract: A bone inducing material comprising a piezoelectric porous membrane having through-holes of an average pore size of about 0.1 to 5 .mu.m is disclosed. When the bone inducing material according to the present invention is used, bone is rapidly regenerated, and new formation of bone occurs. The bone inducing material is particularly useful in the dental field, for example, for treatment of periodontal diseases by GTR method.

Abstract: Gels for thermotropic layers, obtainable by irradiation of a mixture comprisinga) an uncrosslinked polymer,b) monomers capable of free-radical polymerization andc) water or an organic solvent or mixtures thereof, with high-energy light.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method of its use, for recovering either devulcanized rubber or purified carbon and volatiles from a crumb rubber feed material. The apparatus comprises a chamber; a vacuum pump for providing reduced pressure within the chamber; an inlet for feeding crumb rubber into the chamber; an auger for providing continuous movement of the crumb rubber though the chamber; a battery of microtrons for providing substantially precise energy input into the crumb rubber as it is continuously moved through the chamber by the auger; at least one condenser for recovering volatiles from the crumb rubber after it has been sufficiently heated by said the microtrons; and an outlet for withdrawing either a devulcanized rubber or a purified carbon product residue from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to colored polymer moulding materials which give rise to colored markings on a dark background with a very high contrast ratio on the absorption of laser energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures comprising a composite of fluorinated particulate carbon dispersed in a polymer, the fluorinated carbon being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the dielectric constant of the composition, the structure also including electrical conductor patterns.The composite can be made conductive by irradiating it with an UV excimer laser.

Abstract: A method for increasing the slip of polyolefins and improving the adhesion of water based inks of polyolefins by incorporating into the polyolefin an effective amount of a lactamide having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkenyl having from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. Optionally, there can be included with the lactamide a finely divided inorganic material. Also disclosed are compositions of matter comprising a polyolefin, such as homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and propylene, the aforedescribed lactamide and optionally a finely divided inorganic material. Also described is the new compound, N-erucyl lactamide.

Abstract: Semicrystalline polymers are heat-sealed with metals under pressure and at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature of the polymer by prior exposure of the polymer surface to UV radiation produced by the decomposition of excimers in the wavelength range of from 120 to 400 nm and with an energy density below the ablation threshold.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable resin is formed from between about 50% to 90% by weight of a polymerizable base component, between about 1% and 20% by weight of a cross-linker, between about 0.5% and 6% by weight of a photoinitiator, and between about 0.5% and 20% by weight of a viscosity control agent. Preferably the resin has a viscosity above 25 and below 130 centistokes at 68.degree. F. In a preferred embodiment, the resin includes between about 0.5% and 3.0% by weight of fumed silica or fine mesh silica as a viscosity control agent, and is cured under the combined influence of heat and actinic radiation to form a clear, hard, plastic optic having a refractive index of greater than or equal to 1.50 and a scratch resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 in a Bayer abrader and hazemeter. A method and apparatus for forming improved ophthalmic lenses is also included.

Abstract: A carboxyvinyl polymer having Newtonian viscosity, ophthalmic preparations containing the polymer, a process for preparing the polymer, and a vehicle for ophthalmic preparations containing the polymer. By using the polymer in a vehicle, an ophthalmic preparation having a low viscosity and a desirable permeability of a drug can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of improving the electromagnetic (EM) shielding performance of a mposite material is provided. The composite material has conductive and semi-conductive filler particles suspended in a non-conductive resin. The filler particles can be up to 40 weight percent of the composite material. The composite material is electroplated with a conductive material onto a portion of its surface to improve the electrical connection between the conductive material and a portion of the filler particles. EM shielding performance can be further enhanced by injecting an exponentially decaying electromagnetic pulse through the composite material that has been electroplated.

Abstract: A process for flocking cured or uncured elastomeric substrates comprising the steps of applying to the substrate an aqueous adhesive comprising 10 to 100% (dry weight) of an alkaline dispersion of an ethylene carboxylic acid copolymer and 0 to 90% of an aqueous elastomeric dispersion; electrostatically applying flocking fibers thereto; and drying the thus flocked substrate.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of non-stringy hydrogels that are comprised of a homogeneous uniform mixture of water and at least one water-soluble high molecular weight polymer. Suitable mixtures may be derived from poly(ethylene oxide) and water or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), a viscosity enhancing hydrophilic polymer and water, and further, may optionally contain an effective amount of a water-soluble electrolyte to provide conductive non-stringy materials. These polymeric mixtures are crosslinked by exposure to radiant energy to provide gel-like solids which are sufficiently tacky and adhesive to adhere to the subjects' skin and yet are substantially non-stringy and non-aggressive such that contact with such hydrogels imparts less discomfort to the user. In addition, the consumer utilizing the products of this invention would not experience the objectionable sticky, stringy sensation associated with existing adhesive gels.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.

Abstract: An improved silicone composition is disclosed, which comprises:a) at least one silanol chain-stopped polydiorganosiloxane polymer;b) an acyloxy, alkoxy, or aryloxy-functional crosslinking agent; andc) a catalytic amount of an onium salt photocatalyst.These materials are characterized by enhanced cure properties, such as short tack free time; and they can also include various other components, such as fillers, plasticizers, condensation cure catalysts, and adhesion promoters.

Abstract: A heat curable resin composition consists essentially of a thermosetting resin, a curing agent chemically reacting with the resin for curing the resin upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat for a predetermined period of time, and an additive system consisting of a chemically inert salt which is soluble in the resin and carbon blacks for increasing the dielectric loss factor of the composition without a significant increase in viscosity of the composition to accelerate the dielectric heating rate. A method of preparing the heat curable resin composition includes the steps of mixing the thermosetting resin and curing agent which chemically reacts with the resin for curing the resin upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat for a predetermined period of time and mixing an additive system consisting of a chemically inert salt and carbon blacks in the resin and increasing the dielectric loss factor of the composition without a significant increase in viscosity of the composition.

Abstract: Surface characteristics of a molded article formed by a composition comprising at least two kinds of engineering plastics and a functionalized polyolefin resin or a composition comprising the said composition and an inorganic filler or a rubbery substance incorporated therein can be improved without deteriorating such characteristics as rigidity, impact resistance, heat resistance, dimensional stability and moldability, by radiating an ultraviolet light not longer than 300 nm in wavelength to the molded article, the said functionalized polyolefin resin containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid group-, carboxylic ester group- or acid anhydride group-containing monomers, epoxy group-containing monomers, hydroxyl group-containing monomers, amino group-containing monomers, alkenyl cyclic iminoether derivatives and polyfunctional monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cladding composition suitable for a plastic clad silica or glass core optical fiber of a good light transmittance. The cladding composition comprises (A) a fluorinated monofunctional acrylate or .alpha.-fluoroacrylate composition, (B) a polyfunctional acrylate or .alpha.-fluoroacrylate having at least two acryloyl or .alpha.-fluoroacryloyl radicals in the molecule, (C) a photoinitiator, and if desired, (D) a stabilizer selected from thiodicarboxylic acid diesters and hindered phenols. The fluorinated monofunctional acrylate or .alpha.-fluoroacrylate comprises 1-60 weight % of a highly fluorinated acrylate or .alpha.-fluoroacrylate of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Y is H or F, X is H or F, l is 1 to 12 and n is 5 to 12, and 40-99 weight % of a lowly fluorinated acrylate or .alpha.-fluoroacrylate of the formula: ##STR2## wherein X and Y are as defined above, and m is 1 to 3.

Abstract: A method of processing cellulose sausage skins is disclosed in which sausage skins are filled with contents to make sausages, the cellulose sausage skins are removed from the sausages, the removed sausage skins are dissolved to form a recycled cellulose dope, and new sausage skins are formed from the recycled cellulose dope. Dissolving sausage skins under soda cellulose Q condition for subsequent reuse is specifically described. In addition, forming a dissolved cellulose feed stock for use in producing sausage skins employing cavitation and a solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: A far infrared ray radiating transparent resin composition is disclosed. The composition is composed of a transparent resin and a far infrared ray radiating ceramic material. The ceramic material which is added to the resin in the amount of 1-30 weight parts, has an SiO.sub.2 purity of over 96.0%, and an average particle diameter of 0.1-15 .mu.m. The resin composition according to the present invention not only radiates far infrared rays, but also maintains transparency at an acceptable level. Therefore it can be applied to various products where the both transparency and extended freshness of food are required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating reinforcing elements preferably in fiber form, wherein said material is treated, between two electrodes, by the field obtained by means of a direct electric current of voltage included between 50 and 150,000 V and/or by means of an alternating electric current of frequency between 50 and 1,000 Hz and of voltage included between 10,000 and 30,000 V, and said element is placed in contact with a powder of a conductive or semi-conductive material.

Abstract: A process for producing a slow-release powder which permit various active ingredients such as perfumes, insect control agents, rust inhibitors, mold inhibitors and antibacterial agents to be slowly released over a prolonged time, the process comprising the steps of mixing a long-chain compound with the ingredients, mixing the resulting mixture with urea, and exposing the resulting urea adduct to radiation.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention transforms naturally occurring or synthetic waxes into a state characterized by the fact that when the waxes solidify, they do so in forms different from those forms into which they would solidify except for the transformation. The transformation is achieved by subjecting the waxes to force. As examples of apparatuses which can supply the force to effect the transformation, a piston apparatus and an ultrasonic apparatus are disclosed. The triglyceride waxes are one type of wax which may be transformed by the method and apparatus of this invention. Transformed triglyceride waxes form superior shells when the waxes are used in an encapsulation process.

Abstract: A method for increasing the slip of polyolefins and improving the adhesion of water based inks of polyolefins by incorporating into the polyolefin an effective amount of a lactamide having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkenyl having from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. Optionally, there can be included with the lactamide a finely divided inorganic material. Also disclosed are compositions of matter comprising a polyolefin, such as homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and propylene, the aforedescribed lactamide and optionally a finely divided inorganic material. Also described is the new compound, N-erucyl lactamide.

Abstract: This invention provides:(i) an acitve energy beam-curable composition for coating the surface of optical fibers therewith, the composition comprising about 100 parts by weight of an active energy beam-curable substance, about 0.5 to about 100 parts by weight of a particulate substance having a mean particle size of about 0.2 to about 200 .mu.m and optionally a photopolymerization initiator;(ii) a coated optical fiber prepared by applying the composition of item (i) to the surface of an optical fiber and curing the coating;(iii) a bundle-type optical fiber cable prepared using the coated optical fiber of item (ii);(iv) an optical fiber unit of the tape type prepared by applying the composition of item (i) to optical fibers and curing the coating; and(v) an optical fiber prepared using the optical fiber unit of item (iv).

Abstract: A method of preparing a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel contains the steps of charging an aqueous solution of a polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of hydrolysis of not less than 95 mol % and an average polymerization degree of not less than 500 into a container, the aqueous solution containing the polyvinyl alcohol in a concentration of not less than 5 wt. %, cooling the aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature of from - (minus) 9.degree. C. to - (minus) 3.degree. C., subjecting the aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol to physical stimulation, and then maintaining the aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature of from - (minus) 5.degree. C. to + (plus) 5.degree. C. The polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel may be contained in a plastic container. An MRI phanton is composed of the plastic container containing such polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for producing polymerized beads containing actives such as perfumes and pesticides, by forming droplets from a solution of monomers and the actives. The solution is subjected to ultraviolet light to initiate polymerization. The droplets are caused to fall through a reaction vessel as polymerization continues so as to polymerize substantially spherical beads containing the actives. In one embodiment, the droplets are irradiated as they fall through the reaction vessel. In a second embodiment, the solution is irradiated prior to droplet formation and the fall. The beads are collected and can be cured if necessary. The process is preferably performed in an inert gas environment which most preferably is nitrogen. A nitrogen stream can serve as a carrier for the monomers and active ingredients. The nitrogen environment is maintained in the reaction vessel, and in the curing structure, if present.

Abstract: Cyclic polycarbonate oligomers are polymerized by ultrasonic cavitation, either using a positive pressure of the ultrasonic probe or in combination with the action of at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer polymerization catalyst. Polymerization by this method may be effected on neat cyclic polycarbonate oligomers or on mixtures thereof with reinforcing agents such as glass fibers.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable dental compositions are proposed which are curable with visible light and which apart from usual auxiliary substances and additives contain polymerizable monomers of the group of the poly-thiol compounds and of the group of the poly-ene compounds and a photoinitiator and which, in order to obtain a curing free from any smeary layer, contain at least 10% by weight poly-thiol compound(s), at least 10% by weight poly-ene compound(s) and 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one acyl phosphine compound as photoinitiator. The compositions can advantageously be used as dental impression compositions.

Abstract: Ionized crosslinked polyacrylamide gels are provided that are capable of drastic volume changes in response to minor changes in solvent concentration, temperature of pH or salt concentration of the solvent. The gels can contain a metal ion.

Abstract: A heat curable resin composition consists essentially of a thermosetting resin, a curing agent chemically reacting with the resin for curing the resin upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat for a predetermined period of time, and a chemically inert salt which is soluble in the resin for increasing the dielectric loss factor of the composition without a significant increase in viscosity of the composition to accelerate the dielectric heating rate.A method of preparing the heat curable resin composition includes the steps of mixing the thermosetting resin and curing agent which chemically reacts with the resin for curing the resin upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat for a predetermined period of time and dissolving a chemically inert salt in the resin and increasing the dielectric loss factor of the composition without a significant increase in viscosity of the composition.

Abstract: A process for removing diene from ethylene propylene diene monomer resin by subjecting said resin containing diene monomer to microwave energy in an amount for a time sufficient to evolve diene vapors while simultaneously passing a gas through said resin to removing said evolved diene vapors.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable coating composition comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of a vehicle consisting essentially of a urethaneacrylate oligomer;(B) from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an acylphosphine oxide compound as a photoinitiator;(C) from 1 to 100 parts by weight of a color pigment; and(D) from 20 to 300 parts by weight of a transparent glass powder having an average particle size of not larger than 100 .mu.m and an index of refraction which does not differ more than 0.3 from the index of refraction of the composition excluding the color pigment.

Abstract: Ionized crosslinked polyacrylamide gels are provided that are capable of drastic volume changes in response to minor changes in solvent concentration, temperature of pH or salt concentration of the solvent. The gels can contain a metal ion.