What's Hot
12/5/2005*

Earlier What's Hot entries are kept here by Subject

Adhesion

Biodegradable Flame Retardant Polymers

Blow Molding

Bumpers

Carbon Nanotubes

Catalysts

Crosslinking

Entanglements

Epoxies

Fillers

Flame Retardants

Glass Transition

Grafting

Green Composites

Impact Modifiers

Injection Molding

In-Situ Fabrication

Long Fiber Composite

Membranes

Molding

Nanofibers

Pervaporation Membranes

Pressure Vessels

Recycling

Recycling Rubber

Reinforced Plastics

Rheology

Self Repairing Materials

Sensors

Shape Memory Polymers

Solar Engineering

Stabilizers

Switches

Ultrafiltration

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Roger D. Corneliussen
Editor
Telephone: 610 883 0055
rcorneliussen@4spe.org

www.maropolymeronline.com

Copyright 2010 by Roger D. Corneliussen

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Adhesion

2/12/2010

Surfaces can be joined by have protruding nanofibers from the mating surfaces.  The small fiber enable very close surface contact which can generate very large attractive van der Waal’s forces for adhesion. (Dubrow, Nanosys, Inc., 2010)

01/26/2010

7,651,769
Structures, systems and methods for joining articles and materials and uses therefor

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Biodegradable Flame Retardant Materials

3/9/2010

Flame retardants are generally not biodegradable or if they degrade, they tend to degrade the polymeric resin.  Biodegradable flame retardant materials are based on silicone-aliphatic polyester block copolymers.  In addition the copolymer controls the dropping of burning charcoal during burning.  (Yao, US Patent 7,666,922, 2/23/2010)

7,666,922
Flame-retardant biodegradable material and manufacturing method of the same, flame-retardant biodegradable polymeric composition, and molded product and disposal method of the same

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Blow Molding

2/25/2010

Multicolored patterns can be blow molded.  Colored regions in a parison are formed by multiple extruders feeding colored streams onto a stack of cylindrical rotating spools forming the cylindrical parison.  Thus multicolored with various color patterns can be produced.  (Lipson, 1010)

2/16/2010

7,661,945
Apparatus for extruding and blow molding multicolored plastic articles

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Bumpers

12/4/2009

This could really give the UHMWPE demand a boost!!

7,624,694
Resilient device

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Carbon Nanotube Composites

2/12/2010

Electric fields can be used to align carbon nanotubes in thermosets during during curing. (Duan, Kim and Jiang,  2010

Effect of external electric field on the microstructures and properties of carbon nanotubes/thermosets nanocomposites 
(p 347-358)
Polymer Composites 31 #2 (2010)
Abstract

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Catalysts

12/4/2009

Catalysts in foams seems to be a exciting, developing technology with many implications from tissue scaffolds to cleaning up the environment.

Post-consumer high-density polyethylene/agave fiber foamed composites coated with chitosan for the removal of heavy metals 
(p 2971-2980)
Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 115 #5 (2010)
Abstract

Synthesis and characterization of a polymer/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite and its application in the hydration of ethylene oxide 
(p 2946-2954)
Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 115 #5 (2010)
Abstract

Bottle-around-the-ship: A method to encapsulate enzymes in ordered mesoporous materials
(173-178) Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 128. #1-3 (2009)

7,625,840
Catalytic nanoporous membranes

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Crosslinking

1/30/2010

Crosslinking by reactive extrusion isotactic polypropylene with dicumyl peroxide and sulfur developed crosslinks and attached polyethylene chains at the expense of the polypropylene chains. The newly formed polyethylene chains are 30% crystalline  and contributes to the toughening of the material.  (Bouhelal et al.)

On polyethylene chain generation through chemical crosslinking of isotactic polypropylene 
(p 394-403)
Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 116 #1 (2010)
Abstract

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Entanglements

12/11/2009

The entanglement concept is perhaps the most important insight into polymers and their behavior.  However, definitely proving this idea is not so simple.  The insights from this paper should help.

Onset of Entanglements Revisited. Topological Analysis
(7474–7484)
Macromolecules 42 #19 (2009)

Onset of Entanglements Revisited. Dynamical Analysis
(7485–7494)
Macromolecules 42 #19 (2009)

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Epoxies

1/2/3/2009

Components for epoxies can be made from anhydro-sugars and other renewable sources.

11/17/2009

7,619,056
Thermoset epoxy polymers from renewable resources

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Fillers

12/15/2009

The mobility of nanofiller particles is reduced by extending the length of branches or side chains in transparent conductive composites.  (RDC)

10/20/2009

7,604,757
Transparent conductive material and transparent conductor

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Flame Retardants

12/8/2009

A review on flame retardant technology in China. Part I: development of flame retardants 
(p 1-26)
Polymers for Advanced Technologies 21 #1 (2010)
Abstract

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The Twinkling Theory of the Glass Transition

12/21/2009

This theory of the glass transition is based on the fluctuation or interchanges between rigid and flexible percolation clusters using fractals.

Twinkling fractal theory of the glass transition: Rate dependence and time-temperature superposition 
(p 2578-2590) Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics 47, #24 (2009)
Abstract

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Grafting
12/8/2009

A glow discharge stream is an effective way to graft to PTFE.

Plasma-Induced Direct-Grafting on Polytetrafluoroethylene Films by Quasi-Glow Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure 
(p 825-830)
Plasma Processes and Polymers 6 #12  (2009)
Abstract

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Green Composites
12/11/2009

Yes, all green composites are possible outside of living cells.  

Fabrication and characterization of 100% green composite: Thermoplastic based on wheat flour reinforced by flax fibers 
(p 1595-1600)
Polymer Composites 30 #11 (2009)
Abstract

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Impact Modifiers

1/16/2009

Copolymers of polyrotaxane have been used as toughening agents in brittle thermosets.  The rotaxane molecule gives the extra energy absorbing capability.
Click on Rotaxenes for more information.
(Ito and Kidowaki, US Patent 7,622,527, 11/24/2009)

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Injection Molding

12/15/2009

Spring loaded nozzles are used for sealing and alignment. 

7,604,477
Molding machine and melt channel interface

12/5/2009

The final mold closing cycle can be used to complete the filling of fine mold structures.

7,592,388
Long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositions, articles made therefrom and methods of making the same

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In-Situ Fabrication

2/13/2010

Dispersions of ceramic and metal nanoparticles can be uniformly dispersed by forming the nanoparticles in a monomer solution and in which monomers are simultaneously polymerizing and crosslinking.  (Nakashima, Satoshi and Ebine, DIC Corporation)

01/26/2010

7,652,088
Organic-inorganic composite material and method for producing the same

2/3/2010

Composites can be formed by forming internal lamellae with metal ion intercalated between the layers.  The metal ions are reduced later to form fine metal particles dispersed in the polymer,  Examples were silver particles in polymuconate formed by UV irradiation of silver polymuconate  (Matsumoto and Odani)

1/12/2010

7,645,811
Polymer with dispersed fine metal particles, process for producing same, metal ion-containing polymer for use in the production, and process for producing same

2/3/2010

This is a new wrinkle in compounding --- synthesizing the additive within the polymer matrix.

11/20/2009

SYNTHESIS OF AZOMETHINES IN THE POLYMER MATRIX
(T/9-10)
International Polymer Science and Technology 36, #6 (2009)

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Long Fiber Composite

12/5/2009

Improved fluidity makes making long fiber reinforced composites easier.

7,592,388
Long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositions, articles made therefrom and methods of making the same

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Selective Membranes

1/18/2009

Nanoporous membranes are designed so that and applied voltage will selectively select electrolytes to pass through the membrane.  They can be used to selectively remove undesirable ions from the water such as nitrates. (Wilson et al, Lawrence Livermore National Security, US Patent 7,632,406, 12/15/2009)

12/15/2009

7,632,406
Smart membranes for nitrate removal, water purification, and selective ion transportation

Responsive Membrane

1/18/2010

Smectic liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) with patterned electrodes have been developed.  The resultant system experiences a reversible shape change when exposed to an electric field.  This is useful in robotics, microfluidics, and deformable fins for underwater vehicles. (Naciri et al ,US Navy,  US Patent  7,628,935, 12/8/2009)

12/8/2009

7,628,935
Controlled actuated membranes and methods of making same

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Molding

12/23/2009

Minegishi and Koseko of the Ricoh company in Japan, use an electric field to orient components during curing.

11/03/2009

7,611,655
Molding metal mold and method for producing a molded item
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Pervaporation Membranes

12/19/2009

Adding polymides to silicone membranes improves strength, stability and selectivity.

11/13/2009

Pervaporative studies using polyimide-filled PDMS membrane 
(p 1967-1974)
Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 115 #4 (2010)
Abstract

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Nanofibers

Supersonic Drawing

2/25/2010

Poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) nanofiber was prepared by a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser supersonic drawing.  This is done by irradiating the as-spun fiber in a low temperature supersonic jet formed by blowing air into a vacuum chamber containing the fibers.  Draw ratios reached over 400 000 times.  (Suzuki and Yamada, 2010)

2/19/2010

Poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalate) nanofiber prepared by carbon dioxide laser supersonic drawing 
(p 1913-1919)
Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 116 #4 (2010)
Abstract

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Pressure Vessels

1/25/2009

Reliable fiber reinforced pressure vessels are prepared with mixture of fibers either together or in separate winding layers separated by fabric layers. 

 

1/5/2009

7,641,949
Pressure vessel with improved impact resistance and method of making the same

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Recycling

12/13/2009

It seems to me, this is the ultimate answer to recycling.  i.e. after we have extracted the most use possible from any material including plastics and ceramics, it can be degraded, pulverized and used as aggregates in highway materials. (RDC)

10/6/2009

7,597,754
Asphaltic compositions and methods of their manufacture

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Recycling Rubber

3/6/2010

Highly-active rubber powder is obtained from old tires by 2-stage pulverisation in a special extruder pulsating with an amplitude of 5-20 MPa and a frequency of 5-600 Hz at 90-380 C.  (Valdimir and Gorelik, Deutsche Gumtec AG)

3/2/2010

7,669,791
Method and device for producing highly active rubber powder from rubber wastes

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Reinforced Plastics

12/25/2009

A thermoplastic contains an unpolymerized reinforcing agent during processing and the reinforcing agent is polymerized after processing. 

11/10/2009

7,615,588
Reinforced thermoplastic compositions with enhanced processability

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Rheology

12/22/2009

This is an important review of the basic concepts of rheology --- an activity that is always important to anyone concerned with rheology.

11/20/2009

The Great Myths of Polymer Melt Rheology, Part I: Comparison of Experiment and Current Theory
(1143 – 1189) Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B - Physics 48  #6 (2009)

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Self Repairing Materials

12/25/2009

Small magnetic particles within thermoplastics polymers will oscillate at the frequency of an applied magnetic field, melting the surround polymer and repairing cracks or defects.   (Corten, Urban and Thames, University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg)

Repairing Polymers Using Oscillating Magnetic Field
(p 5011-5015)
Advanced Materials 21 #48 (2009)
Abstract  

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Sensors

12/11/2009

Sensors are formed by crosslinking hydrogels with antigen-antibody bindings.

Structural design of stimuli-responsive bioconjugated hydrogels that respond to a target antigen 
(p 2144-2157)
Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics 47, #21 (2009)
Abstract

12/5/2009

Polymers with special groups can form specialized sensors.

7,592,151
Redox polymers for use in electrochemical-based sensors

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Shape Memory Polymers

12/22/2009

Polymers can be conditioned to be a reversible valve responding to a particular signal.

10/27/2009

7,607,634
Shape memory polymer conduits and methods of use

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Solar Engineering

12/4/2009

This could the major break through promised by nanotechnology.

“Plastic” Solar Cells: Self-Assembly of Bulk Heterojunction Nanomaterials by Spontaneous Phase Separation
(1700–1708)
Accounts of  Chemical  Research 42 #11 (2009)

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Stabilizers

12/31/2009

The oxidative stability of polyimides  from oxygen plasma or atomic oxygen in space is improved by copolymerizing with silsesquioxane.

11/17/2009

7,619,042
Polyimide polymer with oligomeric silsesquioxane

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Switches

1/12/2010

A polymeric chemosensor (PNa) containing naphthalimide signal groups and piperazinyl ring recognition groups showed enhanced fluorescence in low  and suppressed fluorescence suppression in high proton concentration.   

11/27/2009

{Jiang et al “Off-On-Off” fluorescent proton switch synthesized by RAFT polymerization, (5681-5684)  Polymer 50 #24 (2009)}

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Ultrafiltration

12/15/2009

Gin, Zhou and Noble have developed a way to precisely control porosity on the molecular level.  (RDC)

10/20/2009

7,604,129
Lyotropic liquid crystal nanofiltration membranes

12/13/2009

A wearable ultrafiltration device.  Are we getting closer to an artificial kidney?

10/6/2009

7,597,677
Wearable ultrafiltration device

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