Abstract: A splittable introducer sheath includes a tubular body portion formed from a first material and at least one stripe extending an entire length of the main body portion, the at least one stripe being formed form a second material. The first material is one of a medium-density polyethylene modified with a friction-reducing additive or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) modified with a friction-reducing additive. The second material is a thermoplastic elastomer modified with a siloxane additive. The sheath is dividable longitudinally along the at least one stripe.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a carbonated beverage container. The preform includes a finish defining an opening. A body portion of the preform extends from the finish. A bottom portion of the preform is at an end of the preform opposite to the finish. A longitudinal axis of the preform extends through an axial center of the bottom portion. A base layer is included with the body portion and the bottom portion. The base layer has an inner portion with an inner surface at a carbonated product side of the preform. An outer portion of the base layer has an outer surface at an outer bottle side of the preform. A passive CO2 barrier layer is between the inner portion and the outer portion of the base layer. The passive CO2 barrier layer extends along the body portion to the bottom portion, and across the bottom portion. The passive CO2 barrier layer is arranged closer to the inner surface than the outer surface to increase the shelf-life of carbonated products.

Abstract: Phthalonitrile adhesive formulations are provided. Such an adhesive formulation may comprise an etherimide-phthalonitrile oligomer having formula wherein R1 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl group; R2 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group and n has a value of from 1 to 30. Also provided are methods of making and using the adhesive formulations.

Abstract: A deflection and support catheter provided for improved manipulation of elongated medical devices used during percutaneous procedures in difficult to reach situations. In particular, the deflection and support catheters can facilitate placement of guidewires, guide catheters, and intervention devices such as angioplasty balloons and stent delivery devices.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain an optically transparent nano-dispersed polymer blend extrudate and a transparent resin having a microscopic dispersion structure in which incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded, one of resins is formed into a matrix, a size of dispersed phase of the other resin is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less. Extra additive such as a compatibilizer is not added. When the incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded using a high shearing and forming apparatus having an inner feedback type screw under a condition that the screw rotation speed is 600 rpm to 3000 rpm, the rotation speed of the inner feedback type screw is increased, the kneading time is set under constant rotation speed, the high shearing forming condition is adjusted, and a structure in which a size of dispersed phase is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less is formed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for making blended polymers by utilizing fluorophilic inter-polymer associative interactions between perfluorocarbon functional groups attached on the constituent polymers. The method of the present invention is capable of forming blended polymers from otherwise incompatible polymers. Also disclosed are blended polymers obtained by the method thereof. Methods and devices utilizing novel blended polymer of the present invention including chromatography, catalysis, photonic and sensor applications are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices relating to polymer blend/bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer blend comprises PBI, PAEK, and PEI. A method of making the foregoing blend comprises the steps of intimately blending PBI, PAEK, and PEI by dissolving PBI, PAEK, and PEI in a strong acid or melt blending PBI, PAEK, and PEI.

Abstract: The present invention uses a curable resin which has: in the molecule thereof, at least two crosslinking functional groups of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of epoxy group, (meth)acryloyl group, alkenylamino group and alkenyloxy group; a glass transition temperature before curing of 50 to 150° C.; a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000 to 1,000,000; and a dielectric constant of not higher than 3.5 after curing. By use of the curable resin of the above constitution, the present invention can provide a curable resin that an insulator having an excellent thermal shock resistance and an excellent dielectric property is obtained.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions having improved mar and scratch resistance are disclosed. The coatings generally comprise one or more particles that have been modified to render the particles more surface active. The improved resistance is achieved without affecting the appearance or mechanical performance of the coatings. Methods for using the coatings, and the substrates coated therewith, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermally reversible light scattering materials are provided in accordance with the invention including a low melting, polymeric material dispersed in a polymer matrix; a first polymer which upon heating from a temperature below its melting point to a temperature above its melting point changes from a light scattering solid to a liquid, the first polymer being dispersed in a matrix provided by a second polymer to form a light scattering polymer material when cold and a less or non-light scattering material when hot; and thermally reversible light scattering materials which go from light scattering at lower temperatures to less or non-light scattering at higher temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for improving the flexibility of a cured epoxy resin. An isocyanate terminated polydimethylsiloxane urethane as a modifier is grafted to an epoxy resin. The modified epoxy resin after being cured exhibits an improved flexibility.

Abstract: Polymer systems having reversibly temperature-dependent radiation transmission which are crosslinked with radiation induction, a process for their production, and their use for reversibly temperature-dependent control of the radiation transmission of glazing systems and solar-energy devices.

Abstract: Polymer mixtures which comprise at least one thermoplastic and at least one oxidized polyarylene sulfide show particularly good tribological behaviour. The thermoplastics of the mixture are, for example, polyacetal, polyester, liquid-crystalline polymer, polyaryl ether ketone, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide or polyether imide. The oxidized polyarylene sulfide is preferably polyphenylene sulfone. The polymer mixtures are used for producing gear wheels, gear racks, bearings, chains, pulleys, rollers, wheels or gasket materials.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel process to prepare multi-block copolymers with high molecular weights from two immiscible polymer segments. In one embodiment, the two polymer segments are reacted in a solvent mixture which comprises N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and diglyme. Such polymers are useful for alignment layer applications in display devices.

Abstract: A compositional blend having from about 1 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and from about 99 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of modified poly(ethylene oxide). The modified polyolefin and modified poly(ethylene oxide) have a total of from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer grafted thereto. Included is a method for making the blend comprising using a single pass extruder to perform the steps of melt blending the polyolefin, poly(ethylene oxide), the monomer and a sufficient amount free radical initiator to graft from about 1 percent to 100 percent of the monomer onto the polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for preparing a compatibilized blend of a first polymer which is a rubber containing free nitrile groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, amide groups, amine groups or mercapto groups and a second dissimilar polymer which is a thermoplastic polymer containing nitrile groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, amide groups, amine groups or mercapto groups, which comprises reacting a rubber having pendant blocked isocyanate groups bound thereto with the first polymer and the second dissimilar polymer, wherein the compatibilized blend contains from about 55 weight percent to about 75 weight percent of the rubber containing nitrile groups, hydroxyl groups, amide groups, amine groups or mercapto groups.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyblend compositions, well suited for the production of mechanically strong and chemical-resistant shaped articles having a wide variety of chemical engineering and other applications, e.g., for the production of electrical cable for high-frequency electrical transmissions, comprise (i) a fluoropolymer, (ii) an aromatic polyester and (iii) a copolymeric compatibilizing agent therefor, the compatibilizing copolymer (iii) comprising the copolymerizate of ethylene, a glycidyl acrylate, an acrylic comonomer and, optionally, a peroxy comonomer.

Abstract: Compatible polymer blends PM, exhibiting a single glass transition temperature Tg comprise(A) 0.1-99.9 wt. % of a polymer P1 comprising at least 95 wt. % styrene; and(B) 99.9-0.1 wt % of a polymer P2 comprising(a) more than 90 wt. % and up to 100 wt. % of ethyl methacrylate, and(b) 0 wt. % up to less than 10 wt. % of at least one monomer copolymerizable with ethyl methacrylate, provided that (a) plus (b) add up to 100 wt. %.The compatible polymer blends may be formulated with another polymer P3, chemically differentiable from P1 and P2, with P3 being incompatible with P1, P2 and PM, to form compositions of better impact resistance than PM. The compatible polymer blends find use in the production of weather-resistant items; data-storage discs, especially for optically readable information; and optical gradient fibers.

Abstract: Polymer mixtures made from two different polymer components and exhibiting LCST behavior are provided for use in applications which require temperature-dependent light permeability. The polymer mixtures P are made from:P1: from 98 to 2% by weight of poly-.alpha.-methylstyrene (PAMs); andP2: from 2 to 98% by weight of polyvinyl methyl ether (PVMe).

Abstract: A film useful in tamper-evident pressure sensitive label applications comprises a blend of incompatible polymers wherein the film is melt extrusion cast and has a cohesive strength less than the adhesive strength of an adhesive material bonded to one surface of the film. The adhesive material has an adhesive strength greater than the cohesive strength of the film so that when the tamper-evident pressure sensitive label has been adhered to a substrate attempted tampering or removal of the label causes at least partial destruction of the film.

Abstract: Polymer particles in a size range between 2 and 15 micrometers, and having a refractive index close to, but not identical with, that of a matrix polymer and optionally having one or more enclosing shells, the outer shell being compatible with the matrix polymer, impart light-diffusing properties to the matrix polymer without degrading its physical properties, while the particles having a closer refractive index match to the matrix polymer impart gloss reduction to the surface of the matrix polymer.

Abstract: Polyketone polymers can be stabilized and rendered more processable by the inclusion of a liquid crystalline diglycidyl compound, e.g., the diglycidyl ether of a 1,4-bis(p-hydroxybenzoyloxy) cyclohydrocarbon.

Abstract: A film useful in tamper-evident pressure sensitive label applications comprises a blend of incompatible polymers wherein the film is melt extrusion cast and has a cohesive strength less than the adhesive strength of an adhesive material bonded to one surface of the film. The adhesive material has an adhesive strength greater than the cohesive strength of the film so that when the tamper-evident pressure sensitive label has been adhered to a substrate attempted tampering or removal of the label causes at least partial destruction of the film.

Abstract: Compatibilized blends of polypropylene, linear low density polyethylene and a low molecular weight plastomer are disclosed. The blend preferably contains at least about 50 percent by weight of crystalline polypropylene, from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of LLDPE dispersed in a matrix of the polypropylene, and a compatibilizing amount of an ethylene/alpha-olefin plastomer having a weight average molecular weight between about 5,000 to about 50,000, a density of less than about 0.90 g/cm.sup.3, and a melt index of at least about 50 dg/min. The blend is useful in the formation of melt spun and melt blown fibers. Also disclosed are spun bonded-melt blown-spun bonded fabrics made from the blends.

Abstract: A two phase adhesive matrix for use in an electrically powered iontophoretic delivery device is provided. The adhesive matrix comprises an adhesive hydrophobic polymer phase and about 15 to 60 wt % on a dry weight basis of a hydrophilic polymer phase distributed through the hydrophobic polymer phase. The hydrophilic phase forms upon hydration an interconnecting network of aqueous pathways for passage of the agent through the adhesive. The adhesive can be used to adhere an electrode assembly of an iontophoretic delivery device to a body surface such as skin or a mucosal membrane. Alternatively, the adhesive can be used to adhere together two or more elements of an iontophoretic delivery device.

Abstract: An adhesive composition suitable for use as an in-line contact adhesive for electrotransport drug delivery systems.

Abstract: An epoxy composition suitable for adhesives, coatings and sealants is prepared from (a) at least one reaction product of an epoxy and amine-capped oligomer, (b) an epoxy adduct of dimer acid, (c) dicyandiamide and (d) a catalyst which yields a dimethyl amine radical upon being heated. When the epoxy composition is cured, it exhibits two glass transition temperatures and good adhesion properties at and below room temperature. The epoxy is particularly suitable for adhesives used in the manufacturing of automobiles.

Abstract: Novel water-soluble compositions are described. In particular, water soluble polyamide-acrylic, polyamide-styrene acrylic and polyamide-styrene maleic resins are disclosed as well as novel methods for their production.

Abstract: Blends of polymers of vinyl acetate and polymers derived from acrylic acid have been discovered which exhibit thermodynamic miscibility. These polymer blends exhibit excellent mechanical compatibility, provide enhanced toughness and strength superior to the sum of the weight averaged properties of the constituent polymers and are useful in molding structures such as films and in compounded formulations such as coatings, emulsions and adhesives.

Abstract: A coating composition contains:(i) a mixture of copolymers comprising (a) 20% to 80% by weight, in terms of the resin solid content, of at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of silicon-containing copolymers and fluorine-containing copolymers comprising 40 to 60 mol % of fluoroolefin, 45 to 5 mol % of cyclohexylvinyl ether, 15 to 5 mol % of alkylvinyl ether, and 0 to 30 mol % of other comonomers, having an active hydrogen group and (b) 80% to 20% by weight, in terms of the resin solid content, of an acrylic copolymer resin having a solubility parameter greater by 0.5 to 1.5 than that of the copolymer (a) and having an active hydrogen group, and(ii) a curing agent having a solubility parameter greater by 0.5 to 1.5 than that of the copolymer (a).

Abstract: An unsaturated, elastomeric ABC block copolymer comprised of the monomer units of 40 to 80% of 1,3-butadiene, 5 to 40% of isoprene and 2 to 30% of styrene, said copolymer comprising i) 40 to 75% of block A which contains styrene and butadiene units or isoprene and butadiene units with a content of distributed vinyl or isopropenyl groups of less than 15%, iia) up to 25% of a block B which contains styrene and butadiene units or isoprene and butadiene units with a vinyl or isopropenyl content of more than 70%, or iib) up to 25% of a block B' which contains styrene, isoprene and optionally butadiene units with a content of homogeneously distributed isopropenyl or vinyl groups of less than 15%, and iii) 20 to 55% of a block C which contains styrene and isoprene units and optionally butadiene units with an isopropenyl or vinyl content of more than 70%.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composition, having a high toughness and a wear resistance, comprises a synthetic resin with solubility parameter .delta.9.5 cal1/2 cm.sup.31 3/2 or higher and a modifier with solubility parameter .delta.8.5 cal.sup.1/2 cm.sup.-3/2 or lower and dispersed therein, characterized in that a silicon containing copolyester, being a block copolymer consisting of 1.about.90% by weight of siloxane segment represented by the undermentioned general formula (A) and 99.about.1% by weight of polyester segment represented by the undermentioned general formula (B), the degree of polymerization of siloxane segment being 1.about.2,000, and that of polyester segment 1.about.1,000, is added to be mixed therewith as a dispersibility improver: ##STR1## (In this formula, m denotes a number of 1.about.2,000.) ##STR2## (In this formula, R.sub.1 designates one or two or more members selected from among aromatic divalent radicals having 6.about.12 carbon atoms or aliphatic divalent radicals having 4.about.

Abstract: There are disclosed a light-diffusing methacrylic resin comprising a dispersion of crosslinked fine particles in a substrate polymer comprising mainly methyl methacrylate and having the characteristics mentioned below:(1) the difference between the refractive indexes of the crosslinked fine particles and the substrate polymer is 0.02 to 0.15.(2) the concentration by weight of the poly-functional monomer used as starting material in the crosslinked fine particles is 5 to 20%,(3) the average particle diameter of the crosslinked fine particles in the light-diffusing methacrylic resin is 5 to 20.mu., the percentage of particles having a particle diameter of 2.mu. or less being less than 1% by weight in the total amount of the crosslinked fine particles to be mixed, and(4) the concentration by weight of the crosslinked fine particles in the light-diffusing methacrylic resin is 0.08 to 10%, and a process thereof.

Abstract: A composition of improved strength, stiffness, or toughness consisting essentially of a blend of at least two incompatible thermoplastic polymers, at least one of which has a flexural modulus of less than 150 kpsi, and at least one isocyanate reacting agent having functionality less than three. The composition, an engineering plastic that is impact resistant, is useful as, for example, a molding resin, an automobile bumper or door, or high pressure tubing.

Abstract: Miscible compositions comprising from about 1 part by weight to about 99 parts by weight of an aromatic polyetherimide and from about 99 parts by weight of about 1 part by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole. Preferably, the composition comprises from about 5 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of an aromatic polyetherimide and from about 95 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole. In a composition mostly comprised of an aromatic polybenzimidazole, it is preferred that the aromatic polyetherimide be present in the composition in an amount sufficient to make the aromatic polybenzimidazole more thermally processable and also less susceptible to moisture. More preferably, such compositions are comprised of from about 65 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole and from about 35 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of an aromatic polyetherimide.

Abstract: Miscible compositions comprising from about 1 part by weight to about 99 parts by weight of an aromatic polyimide and from about 99 parts by weight to about 1 part by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole. Preferably, the composition comprises from about 5 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of an aromatic polyimide and from about 95 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole. In a composition mostly comprised of an aromatic polybenzimidazole, it is preferred that the aromatic polyimide be thermoplastic and be present in the composition in an amount sufficient to make the aromatic polybenzimidazole more processable for molding purposes and also less susceptible to moisture. More preferably, such compositions are comprised of from about 65 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of an aromatic polybenzimidazole and from about 35 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a thermoplastic aromatic polyimide.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition having excellent gas barrier properties and transparency which comprises 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyester resin (A), 1 to 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin having metaxylylene group (B) and 0.01 to 50 parts by weight of a compatibilizing agent (C); and a polyester hollow molded article in the form of a single or multi-layered hollow molded article, wherein at least one of the layers is made of the above polyester resin composition.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition suitable for tires comprising(A) 5 to 50% by weight of copolymer block (A) of an aromatic vinyl compound and a conjugated diene and containing 52-90% wt of vinyl compound and having an average mol. wt. >20,000 and a vinyl content in the diene units of <20% wt, and(B) 95-50% by weight of a block (B) which is a homopolymer of a conjugated diene or a copolymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound and a conjugated diene, block (B) containing <20% wt. of aromatic vinyl compound and having a Tg <-40.degree..degree.C.,after vulcanization blocks (A) and (B) being incompatible.

Abstract: A film prepared from a compatibilized resin blend comprising an olefin polymer, a polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a compatibilizing amount of a graft copolymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and an EPDM rubber exhibits improved properties making it highly desirable in such end uses as grocery and trash bags.

Abstract: The invention relates to compatible polymer blends comprised of a polymer component containing cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate as a monomer, and further comprised of a polymer component containing styrene as a monomer.

Abstract: A compatible polymer mixture, comprising:(I) 0.1-99.9 wt. % of a polymer P1, comprised of monomer units of formula I ##STR1##wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a methyl group; and(II) 99.9-0.1 wt. % of a copolymer P2, comprised of:30-90 parts by wt. of a methacrylic acid ester monomer of formula II ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is methyl or ethyl; 70-10 parts by wt. of a methacrylica acid ester monomer of formula III ##STR3## wherein R.sub.3 is a hydrocarbon group with 3-24 carbon atoms; and 0-10 parts by wt. of a third monomer M which is copolymerizable with but different from the monomers of formulas II and III.

Abstract: A compatible polymer blend consisting of:(I) 0.1-99.9% by weight of a polymerisate P1, which is formed from monomers of formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, and (II) 99.9-0.1% by weight of copolymerisate P2, which is formed from (a) 5-40% by weight of cyclohexyl methacrylate, (b) 30-70% by weight of a methacrylic ester of formula II: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is methyl or ethyl, (c) 10-50% by weight of a methacrylic ester of formula III: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.3 is a hydrocarbon group having 4-18 carbon atoms, and (d) 0-10 parts by weight of a monomer M which is copolymerizable with monomers of (a)-(c), yet different from these monomers.

Abstract: A novel adhesive is described, consisting of a matrix-matrix polyblend of polymer components useful in an adhesive tie layer to bond incompatible polymer layers. The adhesives are a blend of the components making up the incompatible polymer layers themselves, or polymers substantially similar to these, and are melt processed to produce a matrix-matrix morphology with mechanical interlocking of the polymer components that is maintained upon cooling. Additives may be provided in one or both adhesive components to improve the cohesive strength of the adhesive formed by the mechanical interlocking.

Abstract: The melt viscosity of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is reduced by blending it with small amounts of low molecular weight polystyrene type polymers. Such blends also exhibit good mechanical compatibility.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thermoplastic polymer blend of two normally incompatible polymers by treating one polymer such that it contains repeating units of pendant cyclic iminoether groups and treating the other polymer such that it contains coreactive groups which are capable of reacting with the iminoether group to form linkages between the polymers. The compatibilized blend formed by the subject process is also provided.

Abstract: A resin composition having a nacreous gloss comprising (i) a polyvinyl chloride resin and (ii) a polystyrene resin or a high impact polystyrene resin is provided. This composition can be advantageously molded into any article and provide an excellent nacreous gloss thereto.

Abstract: A homogenous blend is formed of different water soluble polymer types, for instance of particular addition and condensation polymers, by forming one of the polymers from its monomeric starting material by polymerisation in a solution of the other polyer. The resultant solution has a concentration of above 10% but is homogenous. It can be used as a bulk solution or can be dried to powder or can be present as a reverse phase dispersion.

Abstract: Blends of poly(ethylenenaphthalene 2,6-dicarboxylate) with olefin/vinyl alcohol copolymers having improved resistance to oxygen permeability are disclosed. Also disclosed are shaped articles such as biaxially oriented containers produced therefrom.

Abstract: Blending a minor proportion of a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene with a major proportion of a methacrylate polymer such as polymethylmethacrylate improves the toughness of the methacrylate polymer and gives compositions suitable for molded articles.