Abstract: The invention provides a fluoropolymer composition capable of improving the characteristics of the cured material obtained therefrom. A fluoropolymer composition comprising a methylene group-containing fluoropolymer (A) and a hydrosilylation catalyst (B), wherein the methylene group-containing fluoropolymer (A) has methylene group-containing repeating units in the main chain thereof and is capable of hydrosilylation in the presence of the hydrosilylation catalyst (B) and one terminus of the chain is a carbon-carbon double bond or an Si—H group and the other terminus of the chain is an Si—H group or a carbon-carbon double bond.

Abstract: Provided is a novel fluorinated compound, a fluoropolymer, and a method for producing the compound. A monomer of the compound has a formula F2?CFCF2C(X)(C(O)OZ)(CH2)nCR?CHR, wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, or a group of formula —C(O)OZ; Z is a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 monovalent organic group, n is 0, 1, or 2; and R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 monovalent organic group.

Abstract: A polymer film substrate is irradiated with ions to make a large number of nano-sized through-holes and the substrate may be further irradiated with ionizing radiation so that a functional monomer may be grafted or co-grafted onto a surface of the film and within the holes; in addition, sulfonic acid group(s) may be introduced into the graft chains to produce a polymer ion-exchange membrane that may have high oxidation resistance, dimensional stability, electrical conductivity and/or methanol resistance, as well as may have an ion-exchange capacity controlled over a wide range.

Abstract: Antireflective film articles and low refractive index coating compositions are described that comprises a fluorinated free-radically polymerizable polymeric (e.g. intermediate) material. The free-radically polymerizable fluorinated polymeric intermediate comprises the reaction product of i) at least one multi-functional free-radically polymerizable material having a fluorine content of at least 25 wt-%, and ii) optionally other multi-functional free-radically polymerizable material. The total amount of multi-functional materials is preferably at least about 25 wt-%.

Abstract: To provide a fluorinated elastic copolymer excellent in crosslinkability irrespective of the molecular weight and a process for its production, as well as a crosslinked rubber article. A fluorinated elastic copolymer which has iodine atoms, bromine atoms, or both iodine and bromine atoms, at its molecular terminals and which comprises repeating units (a) based on tetrafluoroethylene, repeating units (b) based on a fluorinated monomer having one polymerizable unsaturated bond (provided that tetrafluoroethylene is excluded), and repeating units (c) based on a fluorinated monomer having at least two polymerizable unsaturated bonds, wherein the ratio (molar ratio) of the repeating units (a) to the repeating units (b) is (a)/(b)?40/60 to 90/10, and the proportion of the repeating units (c) based on the total amount of the repeating units (a) and the repeating units (b) is from 0.01 to 1 mol %.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical catheter is provided. The catheter may comprise one or more hydrophobic barrier layers made from an ethylene-pertfluoroethylenepropylene (“EFEP”) copolymer. Additionally, the catheter may comprise another polymer layer made from a reactive polar polymer. In at least one embodiment, the reactive polar polymer may be a modified-poly(ether block amide) (“PEBA”) copolymer, such as an amine-terminated PEBA. Moreover, in various embodiments, a composition is provided that may comprise a reactive polar polymer bonded to an EFEP copolymer.

Abstract: Provided are a ring-opening metathesis polymer and a hydrogenated product thereof that are useful as materials for an optical component, and a method for preparation thereof. The present invention relates to a ring-opening metathesis polymer comprising at least repeating structural units [A] represented by the following General Formula [1] and repeating structural units [B] represented by the following General Formula [2] at a constitutional molar ratio [A]/[B] of 0.1/99.9 to 100/0. The present invention relates to a ring-opening metathesis polymer comprising at least repeating structural units [A] represented by the following General Formula [1] and repeating structural units [B] represented by the following General Formula [2] at a constitutional molar ratio [A]/[B] of 0.1/99.9 to 100/0.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for stabilizing a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer comprising ion exchange groups, said process comprising: suspending at least one semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups [polymer (I)] in at least one fluorinated organic dispersing medium [medium (M)] so as to obtain a dispersion (D) of polymer (I) in a dispersing medium (M); contacting said dispersion (D) with fluorine under irradiation with U.V. radiation so as to obtain a stabilized polymer. Still objects of the invention are a stable semi-crystalline fluoropolymer as above defined having a low amount of unstable ends groups of —COF type, the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer obtained by the process or of the stable fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising said fluoropolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing polymer obtained by polymerizing a 1,6-diene-type ether compound represented by formula [1] and, for example, a (meth)acrylic acid compound represented by formula [2]. The fluorine-containing polymer shows high transparency, has a high glass transition point, and is soluble in a solvent and therefore has moldability. In the case where a (meth)acrylic unit has a reactive substituent, by utilizing the crosslinking reaction thereof, a thin film having high solvent resistance can be produced. In formulae [1] and [21, R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may be substituted, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a methyl group, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may be substituted, or an aromatic group having 5 to 10 ring members, which may be substituted.

Abstract: The present invention provides prepolymers based on poly(alkyl ethers) having terminal trifluorovinyl aromatic containing groups and polymers produced from such prepolymers. The prepolymers and polymers are useful as biomedical devices such as contact lenses or intraocular lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing elastomer having a copolymerization composition containing (A) 72.8 to 74.0 mol % of tetrafluoroethylene, (B) 26.8 to 24.0 mol % of perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether) or perfluoro(lower alkoxy-lower alkyl vinyl ether), and (C) 0.2 to 3.0 mol % of a perfluoro unsaturated nitrile compound, and having a Mooney viscosity ML1+10(121° C.) of 70 to 115. The fluorine-containing elastomer is compounded with a bisamidoxime compound, which is used as a vulcanizing agent, in an amount of 0.2 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the fluorine-containing elastomer to form a fluorine-containing elastomer composition. The vulcanizate of the composition, even when used under plasma irradiation conditions or at temperatures as high as 300° C., can prevent weight loss caused by plasma irradiation and exhibits excellent heat resistance at temperatures as high as 300° C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides copolymer having repeating units based on polyoxyalkylene radicals, polysiloxane radicals and perfluorocyclobutane radicals. The copolymers are useful as biomedical devices such as contact lenses or intraocular lenses.

Abstract: A foamable fluoropolymer composition containing foam cell nucleating agent is provided, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene-/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, wherein the alkyl contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer is no more than 35° C. greater than the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and/or wherein said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer each have a melt flow rate (MFR) within the range of 1 to 40 g/10 min and the MFR of one of said copolymers is at least twice that of the other of said copolymers.

Abstract: A (per)fluoroelastomeric composition curable by peroxidic way comprising: 100 phr as (per)fluoroelastomer as filler, 0.5-50 phr of silica having a pH value, determined according to the DIN ISO 787-9 standard, higher than 7, preferably higher than 8, as crosslinking agent, from 0.5 to 10 phr of a bis-olefin having general formula: wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, equal to or different from each other, are H or C1-C5 alkyls; Z is selected between a C1-C18 linear or branched alkylene or cycloalkylene radical, optionally containing oxygen atoms, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene radical.

Abstract: There is provided a novel hyperbranched polymer in which the refractive index is precisely controlled while retaining its hyperbranched structure, and a method for producing the hyperbranched polymer. Further, there is also provided an optically and thermally stable novel hyperbranched polymer in which the desired refractive index is precisely controlled, and a method for producing the hyperbranched polymer. The hyperbranched polymer has, as a branched structure, a repeating unit structure produced from two dithiocarbamate compounds each having a vinyl structure, at the polymerization initiation site having a vinyl structure. A specific example of the hyperbranched polymer can be produced by subjecting to a living radical polymerization N,N-diethyldithiocarbamylmethylstyrene in the presence of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamylethyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing polymer having: (A) a repeating unit derived from a fluorine-containing monomer which is represented by the following formula: CH2?C(—X)—C(?O)—Y—[—(CH2)m—Z—]p—(CH2)n—Rf??(I) (B) a repeating unit derived from a monomer containing no fluorine atom, and if necessary (C) a repeating unit derived from a crosslinkable monomer. This fluorine containing polymer has excellent water repellency, oil repellency and antifouling property.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinkable composition being capable of providing a molded article and a sealing material for an oxygen sensor which have excellent long-term heat resistance and satisfactory compression set. Also there is provided a molded article and a sealing material for an oxygen sensor which have excellent long-term heat resistance and satisfactory compression set. The crosslinkable composition comprises (A) a compound having at least one specific crosslinkable reaction group and (B) a nonperfluoro fluorine-containing elastomer being crosslinkable with the compound (A).

Abstract: A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.

Abstract: To provide an electret having high stability with time and thermal stability of retained electric charge and having excellent charge retention performance, and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret. This has been done by providing an electret obtained from a composition comprising a compound (A) having a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 and having at least two polar functional groups, and a polymer (B) having a number average molecular weight of more than 2000 and having reactive functional groups reactive with the above polar functional groups and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying a polymer by carrying out a thermally-induced reaction in a mixing apparatus having a high shear environment and devolatilization capabilities. Also disclosed are the resulting materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluoropolymer by which a melt-processable fluoropolymer (A) having a specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) is subjected to melt-kneading in a kneader having a stabilization treatment zone to thereby produce a fluoro-polymer (B) resulting from conversion of the specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) to —CF2H. The specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) include alkoxycarbonyl groups, fluoroalkoxycarbonyl groups and/or carboxyl group quaternary nitrogen compound salts, the melt-kneading is carried out in the absence or presence of an alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element, the content of the alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element is not greater than 2 ppm of the composition under melt-kneading, and the melt-kneading in the stabilization treatment zone is carried out in the presence of water. A fluoro-polymerised material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluoropolymer by which a melt-processable fluoropolymer (A) having a specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) is subjected to melt-kneading in a kneader having a stabilization treatment zone to thereby produce a fluoro-polymer (B) resulting from conversion of the specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) to —CF2H. The specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) include alkoxycarbonyl groups, fluoroalkoxycarbonyl groups and/or carboxyl group quaternary nitrogen compound salts, the melt-kneading is carried out in the absence or presence of an alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element, the content of the alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element is not greater than 2 ppm of the composition under melt-kneading, and the melt-kneading in the stabilization treatment zone is carried out in the presence of water. A fluoro-polymerised material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are polymers useful for forming or coating implantable medical devices and such medical devices. The polymers are biocompatible and hemocompatible and comprise PTFE surfaces modified by covalently linking a nitric oxide releasing polymer to the PTFE surface through a linking group. Further described are precursor polymers and processes for preparing such polymers and precursor polymers.

Abstract: A method for making a surface modified biomedical device is disclosed, the method comprising contacting a surface of a biomedical device with a copolymer which is the reaction product of one or more polymerizable polyhydric alcohols and one or more polymerizable fluorine-containing monomers.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups.

Abstract: A polymer useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and pendant PFSA side groups. The polymer is made by a variation of the Ullmann reaction. Ion conducting membranes incorporating the polymer are provided.

Abstract: A noncrystalline fluoroelastomer which is a copolymer consisting essentially of vinylidene fluoride and a fluoromonomer represented by the general formula (1): CH2?CFRf??(1) wherein Rf is a straight or branched fluoroalkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and has a vinylidene fluoride units/fluoromonomer units mol ratio of 78/22 to 22/78 and a glass transition temperature of not higher than 25° C.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane is prepared from a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic polymer segment and a polar polymer segment. The ion exchange membrane is formed by placing a film layer in steam, water or an electric field at a temperature greater than about 40° C. for sufficient amount of time to develop a bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane is also formed from a film layer comprising a block copolymer and a solvent. The film layer is placed in an electric field at an elevated temperature and dried therein. The film layer is thereby converted into an ion exchange membrane with bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane prepared according to these processes exhibits improved mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Abstract: A polymer useful as an ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes both main chain and side chain protogenic groups. Methods for preparing the polymer include addition of the side chains both before and after addition of the protogenic groups.

Abstract: To provide a cross-linkable fluoroelastomer, a cross-linkable fluoroelastomer composition and a cross-linked rubber molded products thereof. A cross-linkable fluoroelastomer having a Mooney viscosity of from 20 to 300, obtainable by heat treating a mixture of a fluoroelastomer (A) and an organic peroxide (B) at a temperature of from 110 to 380° C. for from 10 seconds to 3 hours; a fluoroelastomer composition comprising the cross-linkable fluoroelastomer, a cross-linking agent (C) and a cross-linking assistant (D); and cross-linked rubber molded products thereof.

Abstract: A blend composition comprises a fluorine-containing polymer electrolyte and a fluoro-rubber. An electrolyte membrane may be prepared from the blend composition. The electrolyte membrane may be used in electrochemical cells such as electrolyzers, batteries and fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active-energy-ray-curable coating composition containing, as essential components, a radical-polymerizable resin (I) containing a polymer structure (?) of a radical-polymerizable unsaturated monomer and a poly(perfluoroalkylene ether) chain (?), and having a resin structure in which a plurality of the polymer structures (?) are linked to each other with the poly(perfluoroalkylene ether) chain (?) therebetween and the polymer structures (?) each have a radical-polymerizable unsaturated group at a side chain thereof; and a polymerization initiator (II). The active-energy-ray-curable coating composition can be used as a coating material that imparts surface properties such as stain-proof properties.

Abstract: To provide an amorphous fluorinated polymer which is soluble in a fluorinated solvent having a boiling point of at most 70° C., and a fluorinated polymer composition containing it. An amorphous fluorinated polymer characterized by having a fluorine content of at least 50 mass % and an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.03 g/dL and less than 0.05 dL/g as measured in perfluoro(2-butyltetrahydrofuran) at 30° C.

Abstract: A composition for aqueous coating material which has a low content of an organic solvent and presents little burden on the environment and which is excellent in storage stability. A composition for aqueous coating material, which comprises a synthetic resin containing a fluorinated copolymer (A) comprising from 40 to 60 mol % of a fluoroolefin unit, from 3 to 50 mol % of an alkyl vinyl ether or alkyl vinyl ester unit, from 4 to 30 mol % of a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl ether unit and 0.

Abstract: A composite membrane for fuel cell applications includes a support substrate with a predefined void volume. The void volume is at least partially filled with an ion conducting polymer composition. Characteristically, the ion conducting polymer composition includes a first polymer with a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer that is different than the first polymer.

Abstract: An ion conducting polymeric structure suitable for fuel cell applications is provided. The polymeric structure comprises a non-homogenous polymeric layer. The non-homogeneous layer is a blend of a first polymer comprising cyclobutyl moiety; and a second polymer having a non-ionic polymer segment. The weight ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer varies as a function of position within the non-homogenous layer. The blend composition may be cast into an electrolyte membrane that can be used to prepare electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is to provide an organic thin film transistor with a small hysteresis. The means for solving the subject is a resin composition for an organic thin film transistor gate insulating layer comprising (A) a macromolecule that comprises at least one repeating unit selected from the group consisting of repeating units represented by Formula (1), repeating units represented by Formula (1?), and repeating units represented by Formula (2) and contains two or more first functional groups in its molecule, wherein the first functional group is a functional group that generates, by the action of electromagnetic waves or heat, a second functional group that reacts with active hydrogen, and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of low-molecular compounds containing two or more active hydrogens in each molecule and macromolecules containing two or more active hydrogens in each molecule.

Abstract: A method of forming an ionomeric membrane includes a step of reacting a first polymer in chlorosulfonic acid to form a first precipitate. The first precipitate comprising a polymer including a polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl moiety attached thereto and includes a step of dissolving the first precipitate in a polar aprotic solvent to form the first solution. A polymeric membrane is then formed from the first solution such that the membrane includes the polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl. The polymer including a polymer unit a polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl is then reacted with a nucleophilic compound to form the polymeric membrane.

Abstract: A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer having a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer include a sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for detecting interactions between lipid complexes and lipid binding agents. More specifically, the invention provides materials and methods for displaying lipid complexes, particularly those containing two or more different lipid molecules, on a hydrophobic surface so as to mimic their in vivo environment more closely than in other analytical methods. This allows more accurate detection of lipid complexes and even identification of lipid complexes which are not detected by other methods. The invention lends itself particularly well to array or microarray formats.

Abstract: A fluororubber composition including a polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber; a cross-linking accelerator comprising a quaternary ammonium salt; and a polyol crosslinking agent; wherein the weight ratio X (quaternary ammonium salt/polyol crosslinking agent) between the cross-linking accelerator and the polyol crosslinking agent is in a range of 0.40 to 0.60; and a production method of a cross-linked fluororubber product, comprising the steps of: previously polyol-crosslinking, as required, the fluororubber composition; and subsequently heat treating the polyol-crosslinked composition, in a temperature range of 200° C. to 300° C. for 0.1 to 48 hours. The fluororubber composition has surface has a lower friction coefficient, and the surface roughness of the cross-linked fluororubber product can be increased without applying a treatment to a mold.

Abstract: To provide a fluorinated polymer which enables to reduce the amount of residual ink on partition walls and to form an ink layer having high uniformity in film thickness, and a negative photosensitive composition. A fluorinated polymer which is a copolymer made of at least two monomers each having an ethylenic double bond, and which has a side chain having a C20 or lower alkyl group in which at least one of its hydrogen atoms is substituted by a fluorine atom (provided that the alkyl group may contain an etheric oxygen atom between carbon atoms) and a side chain having at least two ethylenic double bonds per side chain.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups and a pendant side chain having a protogenic group.

Abstract: A composition comprising a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer having the subunits of: —(CH2CF2)x-, —(CF2CF(CF3))y-, and —(CF2CF2)z-, wherein x is from 1 to 40 or 60 to 80 mole percent, z is greater than 40 to no more than 89 mole percent, and y is such that x+y+z equals 100 mole percent; wherein the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer is crosslinked with an organic primary amine. The composition may be formed by curing an aqueous coated composition of the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer and a water soluble organic primary amine, such as triethylenetetraamine (TETA). A fuser member comprises a substrate having an outer substrate surface, and an outer layer disposed over the outer substrate surface where the outer layer comprises such a composition.

Abstract: Tensile strength after heat aging of articles molded from melt-fabricable perfluoropolymer is improved by incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene as dispersed submicrometer-size particles into the melt-fabricable perfluoropolymer.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of fluoroelastomers, a water-soluble polymeric coagulant is employed that is an aqueous solution of polyethyleneimine or its copolymers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer comprising sulfonating a perfluorocyclobutane polymer with a sulfonating agent to form a sulfonated perfluorocyclobutane polymer, wherein the sulfonating agent comprises oleum, SO3 or a combination thereof is provided. A process for preparing proton exchange membranes and fuel cells comprising the proton exchange membrane are also provided.

Abstract: A process for molding an article is provided that includes applying a permanent release coating to a surface of a mold cavity. The permanent release coating is over layered with a top coat that upon filling the mold cavity with a polymer or a polymer precursor under conditions to form the article, the top coat is transferred to the resultant article to form a top coat skin without appreciably removing the permanent release coating from the surface of the mold cavity. Articles having curved surfaces and high aspect ratios are particularly well suited for forming a top coat skin thereon through the process. An unsaturated top coat material is noted to react with the polymer or polymer precursor during molding to form a top coat skin that is covalently bonded to the remainder of the article. The process detailed herein is particularly well suited for forming covalently bonded coatings on elastomeric articles.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fluorinated polymer and related methods.

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl halide polymers such as PVC are rendered compostable by a prodegradant system of a monomeric adduct of an organotitanate or zirconate and an organotin. PVC sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.