Abstract: In some embodiments, a dielectric elastomer device may include at least first and second dielectric elastomer layers, and a first layer of conductive particles disposed between the first and second dielectric elastomer layers and forming a first electrode of the device, wherein portions of the second dielectric elastomer layer are directly bonded with portions of the first dielectric elastomer layer through the first layer of the conductive particles. The dielectric elastomer layer may, for example, comprise a cured acrylic elastomer precursor with an additive including urethane, polybutadiene, or silicone. Electrodes in different layers may be interconnected by infusing a liquid or semi-liquid conductive material in contact with each of a plurality of the electrodes of the actuator or sensor device, and solidifying the conductive material to form a conductive path that interconnects the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A multilayer nonporous oxygen absorbing structure that resists delamination, e.g., humidity induced delamination, including a first layer having a first continuous polymer phase, a first water insoluble, dispersed, polyether resin phase in the first continuous polymer phase, and a water activated oxygen absorber, and a second layer having a second continuous polymer phase, bonded to the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic composition based on biodegradable and bio-based polyesters, in particular for the preparation of plastic films.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to polymer blends and molded articles including polymer blends. Embodiments of the polymer blend may include 1 to 40 wt. % of a crystalline block composite and from 60 wt. % to 99 wt. % of an ionomer formed from a partially neutralized precursor acid copolymer. The crystalline block composite may include an EP-iPP diblock polymer, an isotactic polypropylene homopolymer, and a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. The crystalline block composite may include greater than 50 wt. % of the isotactic polypropylene homopolymer. The precursor acid copolymer may include copolymerized units of ethylene and 5 wt. % to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. About 25% to about 65% of the acid groups derived from the ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid of the precursor acid copolymer may be neutralized.

Abstract: A method for producing a clay/polymer composite may include choosing an intercalating agent from among organic constituents of a polymer matrix, forming a polymer-compatible organoclay by mixing and milling an intercalating agent with a clay, and adding a polymer-compatible organoclay to a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition that gives a coating film with better abrasion resistance. The present invention relates to a coating composition including: a fluororesin; and inorganic particles, the inorganic particles having a new Mohs hardness of 10 or higher and having a substantially spherical shape.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a clay-polyacrylate composite. An aqueous solution including clay is mixed with at least one organosilane coupling agent including an acrylate moiety to form a silanized-clay suspension. The silanized-clay suspension is contacted with a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer in an inert environment, where the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer have different solubility. A polymerization initiator is added to the silanized-clay suspension before or during the contacting of the silanized-clay suspension with the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer in the inert environment to form the clay-polyacrylate composite including the first and second acrylate monomer, where the first acrylate monomer is a hydrophilic acrylate monomer including a hydroxyl (—OH) group and the second acrylate monomer is a hydrophobic acrylate monomer which repels water.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a polymeric clay composition for coating. A clay-polyacrylate composite is produced, where the clay-polyacrylate composite includes one or more layers of clay intercalated with polyacrylate, where the one or more layers of clay include at least one organosilane coupling agent including an acrylate moiety, where the at least one organosilane coupling agent is attached to a surface of the one or more layers of clay and the polyacrylate is covalently attached to the organosilane coupling agent, and where the polyacrylate consists of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer having different solubility, where the first acrylate monomer is a hydrophilic acrylate monomer including a hydroxyl (—OH) group and the second acrylate monomer is a hydrophobic acrylate monomer which repels water. Furthermore, the clay-polyacrylate composite is mixed with a solution including a polymer to form the polymeric clay composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating liquid comprising an aerogel particle, a binder resin, a fibrous substance having a fiber length of 1.5 mm or more, and a liquid medium.

Abstract: A method of exfoliating layered, shearable material is described. Examples are provided including exfoliation of graphite to form graphene nanoplatelets. Also described is a machine for preparing nanoplatelets that includes a chamber whose volume can be increased by pressure exerted by the exfoliated product. Composites of graphene nanoplatelets and polyamide exhibited improved flexural modulus compared to that of graphite composites while impact strength was unaffected.

Abstract: Disclosed are maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, methods for preparing maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, low temperature methods for laminating anodes comprising the maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, and anodes and alkali ion batteries that comprise the maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a clay-polyacrylate composite comprising layers of clay intercalated with polyacrylate, wherein the layers of clay comprises at least one organosilane coupling agent comprising an acrylate moiety; and wherein the polyacrylate comprises a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer having different solubility. A surfactant-free method of synthesizing the said clay-polyacrylate composite and a method for coating are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the first acrylate monomer is a hydrophilic acrylate monomer, e.g. 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and the second acrylate monomer is a hydrophobic acrylate monomer, e.g. 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. The clay-acrylate composite can be used for forming a barrier coating, which exhibits low water and low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer composites having a fluoropolymer matrix containing a functionalized fluoropolymer composition, and reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be chopped fibers, long fibers, or a mixture thereof, and the fluoropolymer matrix preferably is based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Any type of fibers, sized or unsized may be used with the functionalized fluoropolymer matrix composition to form the fluoropolymer composite.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly is provided, the configuration of which effectuates artificial tropism. The solar cell assembly may include a combination of at least one transparent solar cell and at least one opaque solar cell. The at least one transparent solar cell may transmit some wavelength(s) of incident sunlight while the at least one opaque solar cell may transmit some wavelength(s) of incident sunlight and absorbing some other wavelength(s) of incident sunlight. The transmitted wavelength(s) of incident sunlight excite or cause one or more shape-changing elements that support the at least one transparent solar cell and the at least one opaque solar cell to actuate in a manner that causes the solar cell assembly to re-orient itself towards a direction of the incident sunlight.

Abstract: A paperboard structure that includes a paperboard substrate which includes a first major side and a second major side along with at least one barrier coating layer on the first major side. The barrier coating layer(s) may include a binder and a pigment, wherein the binder has a glass transition temperature of at least 20° C., wherein a ratio of the binder to the pigment is at least about 1:2 by weight.

Abstract: A rubber composition based on at least: from 50 to 100 phr of one or more diene elastomers, referred to as very low glass transition temperature (Tg) diene elastomers, having a Tg within a range of from ?110° C. to ?70° C., selected from butadiene homopolymers, copolymers of butadiene and of a vinylaromatic monomer, having a content of vinylaromatic units of between 0 and 5% by weight, and mixtures thereof a reinforcing filler a crosslinking system; and from 50 to 150 phr of at least one hydrocarbon resin predominantly composed of units derived from terpene and phenol monomers, the resin having a content of aromatic protons of greater than 15%.

Abstract: Disclosed are maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, methods for preparing maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, low temperature methods for laminating anodes comprising the maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers, and anodes and alkali ion batteries that comprise the maleic anhydride-grafted cyclic olefin copolymers.

Abstract: A polymer composition including: a filler (A); a polymer (B) having a repeating unit derived from a conjugated diene compound, having a peak temperature of a tan ? temperature dispersion curve of ?110° C. or more and less than ?30° C., and having a functional group capable of interacting with the filler (A); and a polymer (C) having a repeating unit derived from a conjugated diene compound and a repeating unit derived from an aromatic vinyl compound, having a peak temperature of a tan ? temperature dispersion curve of ?30° C. or more and 10° C. or less, and having a functional group capable of interacting with the filler (A), wherein the polymer (B) and the polymer (C) are incompatible with each other, and a concentration of functional groups per unit mass of the polymer (B) is higher than a concentration of functional groups per unit mass of the polymer (C).

Abstract: Thermochromic displays that accomplish a thermochromic transition in less than 100 milliseconds are described. This rapid response time is accomplished by including conductive structures within the thermochromic display and placing the conductive structures in direct contact with and/or proximate to a thermochromic layer. The conductive structures can be disposed between the thermochromic layer and a film that carries the message to be produced. Because of the high thermal conductivity of the conductive structures, heat can be conducted to and/or conducted away from the thermochromic layer much more rapidly than in the absence of conductive structures.

Abstract: A first playback device is configured to perform functions comprising: detecting sound, identifying a wake word based on the sound as detected by the first device, receiving an indication that a second playback device has also detected the sound and identified the wake word based on the sound as detected by the second device, after receiving the indication, evaluating which of the first and second devices is to extract sound data representing the sound and thereby determining that the extraction of the sound data is to be performed by the second device over the first device, in response to the determining, foregoing extraction of the sound data, receiving VAS response data that is indicative of a given VAS response corresponding to a given voice input identified in the sound data extracted by the second device, and based on the VAS response data, output the given VAS response.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an orodispersible self-supporting film free from hydrocolloids comprising: a) a film-forming substance consisting of a maltodextrin in an amount comprised between 40 and 80% by weight; b) a plasticizer in an amount comprised between 15 and 55% by weight; e) a surfactant System in an amount comprised between 0.5 and 6% by weight; d) an active ingredient for food or therapeutic use in an amount between 0.05 and 30% by weight, characterised in that it contains a homopolymer or a copolymer of vinyl acetate in a quantity comprised between 2 and 10% by weight where the percentages are calculated on the total weight of said film.

Abstract: This work develops a novel microfluidic method to fabricate conductive graphene-based 3D micro-electronic circuits on any solid substrate including, Teflon, Delrin, silicon wafer, glass, metal or biodegradable/non-biodegradable polymer-based, 3D microstructured, flexible films. It was demonstrated that this novel method can be universally applied to many different natural or synthetic polymer-based films or any other solid substrates with proper pattern to create graphene-based conductive electronic circuits. This approach also enables fabrication of 3D circuits of flexible electronic films or solid substrates. It is a green process preventing the need for expensive and harsh postprocessing requirements for other fabrication methods such as ink-jet printing or photolithography. We reported that it is possible to fill the pattern channels with different dimensions as low as 10×10 ?m. The graphene nanoplatelet solution with a concentration of 60 mg/mL in 70% ethanol, pre-annealed at 75° C. for 3 h, provided ˜0.

Abstract: Compositions of compatibilized blends of polyamides in polyesters, methods and resins for forming such compositions, and containers made from such compositions which higher burst pressure, crystallization at higher temperatures during production and reduced haze as compared to than containers made from previous blends are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a vinylidene chloride polymer composite comprising a vinylidene chloride polymer and clay materials. The process comprises polymerising vinylidene chloride and clay materials and the resulting vinylidene chloride polymer particle is surrounded by a plurality of clay platelets. The clay materials according to the present invention function as a solid stabilizer in the process for preparing a vinylidene chloride polymer composite of the present invention. The present invention further relates to the vinylidene chloride polymer composite obtainable from the process, to use of the vinylidene chloride polymer composite for the preparation of films, and to films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-step method for the selective, environmentally friendly and economical recovery of non-ferrous metals from industrial wastewater. The method is based on the principle of the complexing of the non-ferrous metals, separating out of the complexes and subsequent decomplexing of the non-ferrous metals. Siderophores are used as complexing agents. The siderophores are recovered within the process. The method can be used in particular even in the case of low non-ferrous metal concentrations. The method is efficient, environmentally friendly and economical.

Abstract: A spiral wound gasket includes a resilient sealing element including spirally wound, alternating layers of metal banding and winding fill material that incorporates a significant quantity of talc with quantities of fiber and binder. Either or both of an outer guide ring and inner guide ring may extend from peripheral outer and inner surfaces of the sealing element. Embodiments of the gasket overlay one or both axial faces of the sealing element with a layer facing material that incorporates a significant quantity of talc with quantities of fiber and binder.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hollow mineral tubes comprising one or more essential oils (EOs) are disclosed. A process is provided for generating hollow mineral tube comprising one or more essential oils (EOs) and incorporating same in and/or on a substrate. Further disclosed are articles and methods, which are useful in inhibiting, reducing and/or retarding biofilm formation.

Abstract: A through electrode substrate includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface; through electrodes penetrating through the substrate; and a first capacitor including a first conductive layer, an insulating layer, and a second conductive layer, arranged on the first surface side of the substrate, and electrically connected with at least one of the through electrodes. The first conductive layer is arranged on the first surface side of the substrate and is electrically connected with the through electrode. The insulating layer includes a first part and a second part and is arranged on the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is arranged on the insulating layer. The first part is arranged between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The second part covers at least a part of a side surface of the first conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives and polymer compositions that comprise compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives. The invention also relates to compositions produced by these processes, and articles formed from polymer compositions of this invention. The barrier additives provide passive barriers to gas molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide minimizing transit of such molecules through sidewalls of polymer articles containing the barrier additives.

Abstract: Process for reducing fogging from high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP) obtained by heat treating polypropylene at a temperature between 150° C. and 300° C. in the presence of a dialkyl peroxydicarbonate, said process involving the introduction of an anhydride to said high melt strength polypropylene.

Abstract: Elastomeric composites comprising natural rubber, a filler and nanofiller, which exhibit improved performance are disclosed. The elastomeric composite comprise a filler in an amount of less than 50 parts, yet exhibit high elastic modulus, high elasticity and reduced relaxation and/or creep. Articles and devices for dispensing fluid materials and comprising elastomeric composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an effect pigment dispersion comprising water, a flake aluminum pigment, and a cellulose-based rheology control agent, wherein the effect pigment dispersion contains 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of solids based on 100 parts by mass of all components thereof, the viscosity measured using a Brookfield type viscometer is 400 to 10000 mPa·sec at a rotational speed of 6 revolutions per minute, and the solids content of the flake aluminum pigment is 30 to 200 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of components other than the flake aluminum pigment in the total solids content.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of jewelry with a druzy or geode effect, the method including: forming an adhesion mixture by mixing metal particles with a silica, shell, and/or clay with polymer, optionally in a liquid to form an adhesion paste; applying the adhesion mixture to an article of jewelry; applying a plurality of gemstones to the applied adhesion mixture to form a gemstone layer; melting the adhesion mixture without significantly melting the article of jewelry; and cooling the adhesion mixture to bond the gemstone layer to the article of jewelry.

Abstract: A polyisoolefin-based polymer composition having a multimodal molecular weight distribution is described, which can be prepared by the late addition of a chain transfer agent to the polymerization process. The polymer composition has a low molecular weight fraction having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of less than about 100,000 g/mol and a high molecular weight fraction having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of greater than about 250,000 g/mol, the low molecular weight fraction present in the composition in an amount less than the high molecular weight fraction. Cured articles produced from the polyisoolefin-based polymer composition exhibit improved processability while maintaining physical properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition having at least one elastomer component selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polymers (A) each of which has a side chain (a) containing a hydrogen-bond cross-linkable moiety having a carbonyl-containing group and/or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle and has a glass-transition point of 25° C. or below, and elastomeric polymers (B) each of which contains a hydrogen-bond cross-linkable moiety and a covalent-bond cross-linking moiety in a side chain and has a glass-transition point of 25° C. or below; and a clay, wherein an amount of the clay contained is 20 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the elastomer component.

Abstract: A tyre for vehicle wheels, includes a carcass structure including at least one carcass layer, a belt structure applied in a radially outer position with respect to the carcass structure, a tread band applied in a radially outer position with respect to the belt structure, and at least one layer of elastomeric material applied in a radially inner position with respect to the tread band; in which the at least one elastomeric material layer includes inorganic fibres of magnesium and/or aluminium silicates of nanometric dimensions.

Abstract: Provided are a method for manufacturing polycarbonate polyol and a composition including the polycarbonate polyol. The composition includes polycarbonate polyol; a plurality of nanoscale silicate platelets having 10,000 to 20,000 (units/per platelet) of metal cations on surfaces thereof, wherein the polycarbonate polyol has a viscosity of from 265 to 1520 cps.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymeric nanocomposite particle made by a method comprising: forming a polymer by polymerizing a reactive mixture comprising at least one of a monomer, an oligomer, or combinations thereof; said monomer and oligomer having two reactive functionalities, said polymerizing occurring in a medium also containing dispersed nanofiller particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction, wherein said nanofiller particles comprise at least one of dispersed fine particulate material, fibrous material, discoidal material, or combinations of such materials, whereby said nanofiller particles become incorporated into the polymer.

Abstract: An optical laminate includes a translucent substrate, and at least one optical functional layer provided on of the translucent substrate. The optical functional layer has a concave-convex shape on at least one surface. The optical functional layer contains two types of inorganic fine particles, and resin particles. The optical laminate has an internal haze X and a total haze Y satisfying (1) Y>X, (2) Y?X+17, (3) Y?57, and (4) 19?X?40. The optical laminate has a transmitted image clarity of 30% to 70% as measured using a 0.5-mm width optical comb. The number of projections having a height of not smaller than 0.1 ?m is not less than 600 per mm2 of measurement area in the concave-convex shape as measured by optical interferometry at an outermost surface of the optical functional layer.

Abstract: A package (e.g., a wafer level package (WLP)) including one or more redistribution layers to fan out the contact pads of the one or more dies within an integrated circuit structure. An example package includes a die having a contact pad exposed at a frontside thereof. The package also includes a redistribution layer disposed over the frontside of the die. The redistribution layer includes metallization extending through a nano-composite material, which may be formed from a dielectric material with a nano-filler material disposed therein. The metallization is electrically coupled to the contact pad of the die. By incorporating the nano-composite material in the redistribution layer, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the redistribution layer more closely matches the CTE of the die, which prevents or eliminates undesirable warpage of the redistribution layers.

Abstract: Provided are a halogenated butyl rubber composition which can be made low in hardness, being excellent in damping property and having excellent balance of the physical properties among kneading, roll-processing and crosslinking, and a vibration-insulating grommet using the halogenated butyl rubber composition. The halogenated butyl rubber composition contains 100 parts mass of halogenated butyl rubber and 3 to 20 parts mass of liquid unsaturated polybutadiene, and preferably further contains 0.1 to 5 parts mass of fatty acid amide. The halogenated butyl rubber composition is suitable for producing a vibration-insulating grommet.

Abstract: A mixer system for producing topcoat compositions and filling compounds which has a volumetric or gravimetric metering plant as a mixing apparatus and at least the following components (a) to (d): at least one pigment-free component (a) for producing at least one topcoat composition (A); at least one component (b) different from (a), for producing at least one coating composition (B) used as a filling compound; a plurality of different pigment pastes (c) different from the components (a), (b), and (d), which in each case independently of one another include at least one binder (c1), at least one organic solvent (c2), and at least one pigment (c3); and a plurality of different, binder-free dye solutions (d). A process for producing topcoat compositions and/or filling compounds with the mixer system, and a method of repairing defects on or in wood with the topcoat compositions and/or filling compounds.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to barrier compositions. The barrier composition can comprise a copolymer formed by polymerizing monomers comprising derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and a second monomer selected from the group consisting of butadiene, alkyl (meth)acrylates, and mixtures thereof, and a solid grade oligomer. In some embodiments, the vinyl aromatic monomer and the second monomer are polymerized in the presence of the solid grade oligomer. Paper products and methods of making the paper products comprising the barrier composition are also described herein. The barrier compositions disclosed herein can be used to impart water, moisture, grease, oil, and/or oxygen resistance to the paper product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing exfoliated clay platelets from a swellable clay material. In embodiments, the method for producing exfoliated clay platelets includes providing an exfoliating agent comprising an anionic extractant, and exposing the swellable clay material to the exfoliating agent, wherein the exfoliating agent produces exfoliated clay platelets from the swellable clay material. Methods for treating paper precursors and paper sheets are also disclosed, as are paper products formed from such paper precursors or paper sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to low density compositions useful for making automotive components, such as molded parts, as well as other articles of manufacture; such compositions comprise (a) a polyolefin comprising polypropylene, a propylene-ethylene block copolymer, or combinations thereof, wherein the polyolefin blend is present in an amount ranging from about 53 wt. % to about 65 wt. %, based on a total weight of the composition; (b) a first elastomer, a second elastomer, and an impact-modifying compatibilizer, wherein the combined weight percent of components (b) ranges from about 27 wt. % to about 32 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; (c) a filler present in an amount ranging from about 5 wt. % to about 12 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) an additive package present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %.

Abstract: Multilayer film prepared by a layer-by-layer process that is an effective barrier for humidity and oxygen.

Abstract: A self-healing polymer is described herein, including a first carbon nanotube filled with at least a first healing agent, wherein the first carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the first carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the first carbon nanotube, and a second carbon nanotube filled with at least a second healing agent, wherein the second carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the second carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the second carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing Group I base stocks having high viscosity and also having one or more properties indicative of a high quality base stock. The resulting Group I base stocks can have a viscosity at 100° C. and/or a viscosity at 40° C. that is greater than the corresponding viscosity for a conventional Group I bright stock formed by solvent processing. Additionally, the resulting Group I base stocks can have one or more properties that are indicative of a high quality base stock.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing Group II base stocks having high viscosity and also having one or more properties indicative of a high quality base stock. The resulting Group II base stocks can have a viscosity at 100° C. and/or a viscosity at 40° C. that is greater than the corresponding viscosity for a conventional Group II base stock. Additionally, the resulting Group II base stocks can have one or more properties that are indicative of a high quality base stock.

Abstract: The present invention is a crystalline polyamide resin composition, comprising 100 parts by mass of a crystalline polyamide resin and 1 to 10 part(s) by mass of a modified polyolefin resin. The crystalline polyamide resin composition of the present invention can provide a molded product which has so excellent sliding durability that changes in surface appearance against repeated slidings for tens of thousands times with high load are small and which has excellent mechanical strength and moldability, while keeping excellent characteristics inherent to a crystalline polyamide resin.