What's Hot
12/5/2005*
Earlier What's Hot entries are kept here by Subject
Biodegradable Flame Retardant Polymers
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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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Biomaterials
6/29/2010
Helmus, Richard and Dixon of Boston Scientific Scimed have developed a material to facilitate wound healing based on biocompatible polymers grafter to a bioactive polymer.
7,709,439
Biomaterials for enhanced healing
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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)
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Biodegradable Resins
3/19/2010
Materials with controlled or designed biodegradation are based on polyester/polyether copolymers with variable copolymer structures.
3/9/2010
7,674,285
Polyanhydride polymers and their uses in biomedical devices
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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!!
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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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Disposal
8/17/2010
Vera has developed a method for converting solid wastes to carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon, metals and slag using a generated plasma.
7/13/2010
7,752,983
Method and apparatus for plasma gasification of waste materials
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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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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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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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Golf Balls
4/9/2010
A smart golf ball consists of ferromagnetic layers between an inner core and outer cover. This enables a ball whose playability differ markedly depending on magnetic conditions during teeing off.
3/23/2010
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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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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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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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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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Injection/Rotational Molding
7/29/2010
Pechtold, Hermann and Lindner produced a fiber reinforced tank for hydrogen by injection molding the shell followed by rotational molding a liner inside the shell with the matrix of the shell still molten.
6/15/2010
7,736,566
Manufacturing process for hydrogen pressure tank
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Insert Molding
3/26/2010
Sayers et al of the Illinois Tool Works have developed injection molds capable of molding structures with a stretched fabric.
3/16/2010
7,677,873
Apparatus and method for molding onto a stretched blank
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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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Laser Machining
4/9/2010
Low energy laser machining is used to thin down at least a portion of a valved jugular vein. The thinned down vein may then be sutured to a stent to make a percutaneous heart valve.
3/23/2010
7,682,304
Composite heart valve apparatus manufactured using techniques involving laser
machining of tissue
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Living Hinges
4/21/2010
McClellan has developed a living hinge based on converting the molecular motion during flexing from tension and compression to non-destructive molecular torsion or twisting. This is done by cutouts which convert the hinging elements into long torsion elements.
3/30/2010
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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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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
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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Microwave Chemistry
8/17/2010
Mitra and Zafar have added functional groups to carbon nanotubes with microwaves induced reactions such as amidation and cycloaddition.
7/13/2010
7,754,054
Microwave induced functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes and
composites prepared therefrom
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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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Nanocomposites
6/29/2010
Kim from South Korea has formed a nanofiber reinforced material by electrospining with two different nozzles. One nozzle is spinning a fiber forming material while the other nozzle is spinning a non-fiber forming material as a matrix.
05/04/2010
7,708,930
Composite material reinforced with nanofiber and method of manufacturing for the
same
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Nanoextrusion
5/1/2010
Guillemette et al has developed an extrusion method for producing high strength plastics. During extrusion is divided into several smaller parallel melt streams several times by fixed die plates to form nanodiameter rectangular melt streams which are recombined to form a finely laminated melt stream.
4/6/20100
7,690,908
Method and apparatus for forming high strength products
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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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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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Polymerization
Bulk Polymerization
8/19/2010
Rolfe and Allen have developed a method of polymerizing in bulk a mixture of monomers. This is made possible by attaching certain groups to terminal diene groups. The properties of the final material is controlled by varying the initial monomer composition.
7/6/2010
7,750,062
Method of producing a polymeric material, polymer, monomeric compound and method
of preparing a monomeric compound
Supercritical Polymerization
8/9/2010
Brant has developed a method for polymerizing olefins in a fluorocarbon solvent under supercritical conditions.
6/22/2010
7,741,420
Polymer production at supercritical conditions
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Porous Teflon
5/1/2010
Hayashi et al of Sumitomo Electric Industries has developed a porous Teflon artifical blood vessels by ram extruding PTFE powders with a liquid lubricant followed by stretching and sintering.
4/6/20100
7,691,299
Process for production of expanded polytetrafluoroetylene products
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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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Pushtrusion
7/8/2010
A process in which the plastic material is pushed forward as plug flow through orientation, shaping and cooling. In conventional extrusion, the pressure is released after shaping and cooled under no external pressure. In pultrusion the material is pulled through a shaping die.
5/11/2010
7,713,460
Method and apparatus for manufacturing of plastic-based composite product
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Quantum Dots
3/19/2010
Quantum dots can be used for precision labeling materials.
3/9/2010
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Radiation Protection
6/2/2010
Bonnabaus has developed a material based on a suspension of colloids containing modulated and treated polymers protecting the wearer from radiation by resonance decoupling.
4/20/2010
7,700,681
Resonance decoupling device for protecting a human or animal body and method of
protecting against electromagnetic signals
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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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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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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-Reinforced Polyethylene
4/7/2010
Self-reinforced HDPE formed by vibration assisted injection molding
consists of shish kabob structures formed during the molding process. The shish
kabob structure is believed be a crystalline extended chain core attached at the
outside to folded chain kabobs. (RDC 4/6/2010)
Youbing and Kaizhi, (242 – 249) Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B -
Physics 49 #2 (2010)
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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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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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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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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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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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Superabrasives
5/1/2010
Sung has developed a superabrasive materials based on properly oriented abrasive particles carefully bonded to an organic matrix.
4/6/20100
7,690,971
Methods of bonding superabrasive particles in an organic matrix
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Supramolecular Polymers
8/19/2010
Tournilhac et al has developed a series of supramoleuclar polymers based on polarprepolymers. Supramolecular polymers are chains or networks of low molecular weight polymers or oligomers connected together by hydrogen bonds.
7/6/2010
7,750,113
Supramolecular polymers
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Sustainable Polyurethanes
6/2/2010
Greg of Sleep Innovations has developed a sustainable polyurethane based on a vegetable oil based polyol.
4/20/2010
7,700,661
Prime foam containing vegetable oil polyol
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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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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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