Abstract: A carbon nanotube-infused fiber and a method for its production are disclosed. Nanotubes are synthesized directly on a parent fiber by first applying a catalyst to the fiber. The properties of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber will be a combination of those of the parent fiber as well as those of the infused carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Fine particles of crystalline polyol are provided having a cationic polymer fixed on the crystal surfaces. These fine particles can stably carry an anionically charged compound on their surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a shaped article having excellent mechanical properties, said article comprising a block copolymer PAX.Y/PE comprising polyamide (PA) blocks alternating with polyether (PE) blocks, prepared from homopolyamide blocks PAX.Y by polycondensation of linear aliphatic diamines where PAX.Y is selected from the group consisting of PA 10,12; PA 6,18; PA 10,14; and PA 12.12, reacted with polyether PE blocks in the presence of a catalyst to produce a block copolymer PAX.Y/PE, wherein said PE blocks are either PE diols, or PE blocks comprising NH2 ends. The articles formed are either a fabric, film, sheet, rod, pipe, injection-molded component, or a shoe sole; the copolymer PAX.Y/PE has an improved flexural modulus of at least 300 MPa greater than a copolymer polyamide 12/polytetrametylene with the same size of PA block and with the same size of PE block respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enables the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient delivery system for a nucleic acid, more specifically, a cationic poly(amino acid) that has a side chain having a plurality of different amine functional groups in a moiety including a cationic group and that has a hydrophobic group introduced into part of the side chain, and a polyion complex (PIC) of the poly(amino acid) and an oligo- or polynucleotide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include helmet liners, helmets, helmets with deflective structures, helmets with thermochromic features, and methods of making helmet liners, helmets, helmets with deflective structures, and helmets with thermochromic features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyamide composition including a semi-aromatic copolyamide including about 70 to about 90 molar percent of repeat units of the formula (I) —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NH(CH2)6NH—??(I) wherein m is 8, 10 and/or 12, and about 10 to about 30 molar percent of repeat units of the formula (II) Also disclosed are vehicular parts, comprising the polyamide composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds, self assembling compositions formed from the amphiphilic compounds and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Polymers that can include an end-cap selected from Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) and a recurring unit of the Formulae (III), and/or (IV). The polymers can include various substituents such as drug, targeting agents, stabilizing agents, imaging agent and polydentate ligands. Such polymer can be useful for variety of drug, targeting, stabilizing and/or imaging agent delivery applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyamide composition including a semi-aromatic copolyamide including about 68 to about 92 molar percent of repeat units of the formula (I) —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NH(CH2)6NH—??(I) wherein m is 8, 10 and/or 12, and about 8 to about 32 molar percent of repeat units of the formula (II) Also disclosed are vehicular parts, comprising the polyamide composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyamide-12 powder by anionic polymerization of lauryllactam in solution in a solvent of the lactam, the polyamide-12 powder being insoluble in this solvent, the polymerization being carried out: in the presence of a catalyst and of an activator; in the presence of a finely divided organic or inorganic filler, the proportion of this filler being less than or equal to 1.5 g per 1000 g of lauryllactam; and in the presence of an amide of formula R1—NH—CO—R2 in which R1 can be replaced by an R3—CO—NH— or R3—O— radical and in which R1, R2 and R3 denote an aryl, alkyl or cycloalkyl radical, the proportion of this compound being between 0.001 mol and 0.030 mol per 1000 g of lauryllactam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface-modified biomass which is crosslinked with an amine group-containing cationic polymer on the surface of a cell biomass, its preparation method, and a method for recovering valuable metals using the same. The surface-modified biomass of the present invention has an advantage of improving adsorption of and affinity with anionic pollutants as a result of further introducing a cationic functional group by crosslinking of the amine group-containing cationic polymer on the surface of the biomass. In addition, the method for recovering valuable metals with the present invention is environment-friendly, economical, and harmless to the human body.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses novel responsive polymers that comprise a rod segment and (or) a coil segment. This disclosure also discloses nanomaterial-polymer composite comprising the responsive polymers that are covalently linked with nanomaterials. Also disclosed are polymeric transducer materials and sensor systems that comprise the nanomaterial-polymer composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing two- and three-dimensionally structured, microporous and nanoporous webs made up of nanofibers in any form with a very high covering or depositing degree of the fibers by means of a predefined conductive mold (template) as a collector and to the use of the webs according to the invention. The three-dimensional structure formation can be influenced in a directed manner by the deposition density of the nanofibers generated by means of an electrospinning process, which deposition density is adjustable through the accumulation time of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing stabilized polymeric systems with excellent light, thermal and oxidation stability using a redox formulation containing an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, and/or nano-additives, and the polymer articles made therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds and medical devices activated with a solvophobic material functionalized with a first reactive member and methods of making such compounds and devices.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric fiber to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric fiber having a plurality of tissue reactive members linked to a surface of the fiber via a specific binding pair, and contacting the polymeric fiber to biological tissue, to covalently bond the fiber to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for trapping/capturing and/or destroying dangerous substances such as chemical and biological warfare agents. The present invention relates to dendritic polymers, specifically, to quaternary ammonium functionalized dendritic polymers and N-Halamine functionalized dendritic polymers. Such dendrimers are useful for the capture and neutralization of biological and chemical warfare agents.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: A nanodevice composition including N-acetyl cysteine linked to a dendrimer, such as a PAMAM dendrimer or a multiarm PEG polymer, is provided. Also provided is a nanodevice for targeted delivery of a compound to a location in need of treatment. The nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer, linked to the compound via a disulfide bond. There is provided a nanodevice composition for localizing and delivering therapeutically active agents, the nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer and at least one therapeutically active agent attached to the PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology and could be used in manufacturing artificial cardiac valves having one or more cusps made of a polymer composite. The method for manufacturing a cusp of an artificial cardiac valve, includes the steps of: manufacturing a casting mold, and molding a cusp from a polymer composite comprising 78 to 92% by weight of polyamide and 8 to 22% by weight of radiographic contrast medium dispersed therein. The polymer composite can comprise additionally fine acetylene black in amount of 1 to 2% by weight. The preferred radiographic contrast medium is barium sulphate. In one embodiment of the method, the casting mold is manufactured for the molding size 1 to 5% less than necessary, and the cusp is placed after molding into an anticoagulant solution and matured therein until expanding by 1 to 5%.

Abstract: The invention is a method for increasing the molecular weight of and optionally providing branching in a polymer which has a first repeat unit, which comprises the residual of a condensation reaction of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and either a bisamide diol or a bis diamide diester, and a second repeat unit, which comprises the residual of a condensation reaction of a diol and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The invention is also the branched polymer that can be made by such a method.

Abstract: A composition comprising a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix and a macromolecular network which is prepared ex vivo is provided that is useful in the repair of a tissue injury, particularly in repair of tears or gaps between a tendon and a bone, such as in a rotator cuff tear. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix having impregnated therein a macromolecular network of hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages, so that the cross-linked network is interlocked within the extracellular matrix. The resulting HA-incorporated extracellular matrix can be supplied in the form of a patch to reinforce a tissue repair or cover a tissue defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved pultrusion process for producing semifinished products based on polymers, in particular polyesters or polyamides, which comprises adding reactive chain extenders during the process of saturation (impregnation) of the fibers.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide resin composition includes melt-kneading about 99 to about 60 wt % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) and about 1 to about 40 wt % of a polyamide resin (b), and about 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compatibilizing agent (c) per 100 parts by weight in total of the polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) and the polyamide resin (b), using a double screw extruder with two or more kneading portions at a temperature of the range from a melting peak temperature of the polyphenylene sulfide resin+10° C. to a melting peak temperature of the polyphenylene sulfide resin+70° C., wherein the polyamide resin (b) is excluded nylon 46 and has a relative viscosity of 1.5 or more measuring in concentrated sulfuric acid at a concentration of 1% and at 25° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: Random three- and four-amino acid copolymers having lengths of 14-, 35- and 50-amino acid residues are provided. Fifty-mers of FEAK were effective inhibitors of MBP 85-99- or proteolipid protein (PLP) 40-60-specific HLA-DR-2-restricted T cell clones. These copolymers efficiently suppressed the mouse disease EAE, which was induced in a susceptible SJL/J (H-2s) strain of mice with either whole spinal cord homogenate (WSCH) or with the encephalitogenic epitope PLP 139-151 (SEQ ID NO:4). YFAK 50-mer having a molar ratio of about Y 0.8:F 0.2 inhibited binding of biotinylated MBP 85-99 epitope to HLA-DR-2 molecules more efficiently than either unlabeled MBP 85-99 or Copaxone®. YFAK and FAK copolymers efficiently suppressed EAE induced in SJL/J (H-2S) mice with the encephalitogenic epitope PLP 139-151.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of polyamide block copolymers by sequential monomer addition. More particularly, it relates to catalysts capable of copolymerizing not only cyclic amides, but other monomers such as cyclic esters and epoxides as well, using sequential addition so as to produce useful and novel block copolymers.

Abstract: Curative fibre components comprise one or more fibres for filaments of curative suitable to cure curable resins such as thermoset resin. In curative fibre components comprising a plurality of fibres of curative, the fibres can be commingled, such as twisting, to form a thread or yarn. Curative fibre components can be used to form a material in the form of a sheet, fabric, layer, textile or mat of woven or non-woven curative fibres. Curative fibre components can be used to produce composite materials such as fibre reinforced resinous composite materials. The curative fibre components can be commingled, including interwoven, stitched and layered with other fibres or fibrous materials, such as fibrous reinforcement, fibrous curable resin, fibrous thermoplastic, other non-reinforcing fibres to form composite materials, prepregs, preforms and articles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides medical devices comprising poly(hydroxyalkanoates) and agents.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to thermally crosslinked polymeric compositions and methods of making thermally crosslinked polymeric compositions. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a composition comprising: a first polymer comprising a first repeat unit, the first repeat unit comprising a carboxyl group, wherein the first polymer crosslinks to a second polymer formed from a second repeat unit, and wherein the first polymer crosslinks to the second polymer without formation of an ester group.

Abstract: There is provided a silicone-polyoxamide process additive for use in high clarity applications, articles made using the silicone-polyoxamide process additive, and methods for making these articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition which comprises at least one polymer and at least one ionic liquid, the cations of which are derived from polycyclic amidine bases, and a process for isolating cellulose from cellulose-containing sources using at least one such ionic liquid.

Abstract: Compositions comprise phase separated polyetherimide/polyphenylene ether sulfone blends. The dispersed phase has an average cross sectional size of 0.1 to 10 micrometers. The composition retains has good hydrolytic stability and is capable of withstanding steam autoclaving at temperatures of 130 to 138° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides branched polymers which can be used as lubricants or shock absorbers in vivo. For example, the inventive polymers can be used as viscosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and sport-injured knee joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a ?-parameter of 1.3 or more at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature, and an image-forming apparatus comprises: a latent-image supporting member, and an intermediate transfer member that supports a toner image transferred thereon from the latent-image supporting member and transfers the supported toner image onto an image-receiving material, wherein the intermediate transfer member comprises a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a ?-parameter of 1.3 or more at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer of styrene and an unsaturated cyclic anhydride, such as maleic anhydride, a process for making a copolymer using controlled free radical polymerization in which certain parameters are adjusted to control the microstructure and molecular weight of the copolymer, and a method for using the block copolymer, including as a compatibilizer. Microstructure and molecular weight in the block copolymer can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of stable free radical to initiator. The copolymer can be made in a one step process and has a controlled microstructure that allows one block to be reactive toward several chemical moieties available in engineering polymers and the other block to be fully miscible with polystyrene or polymers miscible with polystyrene or polymers miscible with polystyrene such as polyphenylene ether.

Abstract: Tailorable polyimide resin systems suitable for processing by resin transfer molding (RTM) and resin infusion (RI) methods. An exemplary resin system includes first and second prepolymer components present in respective amounts to provide the desired processibility. The cured polyimide system exhibits high glass transition temperature and other properties required for gas turbine engine applications. The first and second prepolymer components independently comprise a monomeric mixture or a reaction product of a diamine component, a dianhydride component, and an end group component.

Abstract: A method of sealing an end of a polymer with a carbodiimide compound without liberating an isocyanate compound. A compound including a cyclic structure having one carbodiimide group whose first nitrogen and second nitrogen are bonded together by a bond group is used as an end-sealing agent for the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional powder-based production process using powders based on cyclic oligomers, and to moldings produced by this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modified polyaminoamides which are useful as dispersing agents for particulate inorganic solids, especially for inorganic pigments such as clay minerals. The new polyamides are also useful as graying inhibiting additives and detergency boosting additives in washing composition for laundry.

Abstract: The invention relates to semi crystalline, melt processible, partially aromatic copolyamides, producible by condensation of at least the following monomers or the precondensates thereof: a) terephthalic acid b) at least one dimerised fatty acid with up to 44 carbon atoms and c) at least one aliphatic diamine of the formula H2N—(CH2)x—NH2, wherein x means a whole number from 4-18.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced composites fabricated using a low-temperature, solution-based growth of nanowires such as ZnO nanowires on the surface of the reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers and functionalized aramid fibers. The composites with nanowire interphase may have an enhanced fiber/matrix interface strength and a comparable in-plane strength, as compared to similar composites without such nanowire interphase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically bonded carbon nanotube-polymer hybrid and the nanocomposite thereof, having the following advantages: functionalizing carbon nanotubes and also effectively having the carbon nanotube covalently bonded with a wide variety of polymers, even for stable and non-reactive polymers, such as commercially available polymers and high performance engineering plastics. The nanocomposite material according to the invention, compared to its matrix polymer, has higher mechanical strength, conductivity, proton conductivity, and heat stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic belt excellent in surface lubrication property and smoothness. The electrophotographic belt includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene terephthalate and a polyalkylene naphthalate, and a thermoplastic silicone elastomer having a specific structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising a polysulfone(A) having oxygen-containing groups selected from among hydroxyl groups and oxyanion groups, a fluororesin(B) and a thermoplastic resin (C) other than the polysulfone (A) and the fluororesin (B). The composition has high slidability. By molding the composition, a molded article with high slidability can be obtained.

Abstract: Particulate materials useful as fillers, reinforcing agents, radioopacifiers, or impact modifiers. The particulate material has an average particle size range of about 10,000 nm or less and comprises an organic-inorganic hybrid material that has a ceramic material network having organic polymer segments distributed throughout the ceramic network. The ceramic network may be prepared by a sol-gel technique. The particulate material may be compounded in thermoplastic polymer compositions useful in a variety of applications such as preparation of medical device components.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a ?-parameter of less than 1.3 at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature, and an image-forming apparatus comprises a latent-image supporting member, and an intermediate transfer member that supports a toner image transferred thereon from the latent-image supporting member, transfers the supported toner image onto an image receiving material, the intermediate transfer member comprising a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a ?-parameter of less than 1.3 at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a use of a composition containing a partly crystalline, partly aromatic polyamide for producing at least a part of an adjusting device of a motor vehicle. The composition is impact-modified by addition of at least one elastomer with a proportion of 1% to 10% in the composition.