Abstract:
Epoxy resin polyglycoside-based cured polymers and process for the preparation are described. A particular epoxy resin precursor is the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. A particular glucose based polymer is a glucose malic acid ester-vinyl copolymer. The polymers have a degree of biodegradability because of the polyglycoside as well as elevated temperature stability and are useful in transportation vehicle settings. Natural source fillers, such as cellulose fibers, which are treated or untreated, exfoliated clays or exfoliated graphite can be used.
Abstract:
A thermoplastic polymer composition reinforced with fibers such as cellulose or other fillers, particularly from natural sources, and a process for manufacturing the composition are disclosed. The preferred process for making the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition comprises melting a high melting temperature thermoplastic polymer, mixing the melted thermoplastic polymer with an organic or inorganic salt to reduce the melting temperature of the melted thermoplastic polymer to a melting temperature which does not degrade the fibers, and then adding the fibers to the reduced melting temperature thermoplastic polymer-salt mixture to produce the natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition. The natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition can then be melted at the reduced melting temperature to manufacture a plurality of articles.
Abstract:
A method using irradiation with optical light in the presence of a chemical dissolved in a solvent which chemical reacts with the surface in the presence of the irradiation to modify the surface (12A, 104A, 202A, 304A, 402A, 502A) of a substrate (12, 104, 202, 304, 402, 502) is described. The light can be pulsed or continuous. The method is significantly enhanced by the presence of water (14, 124, 204, 306, 410, 508) as the solvent containing the dissolved chemical on the surface. The treated surfaces are more paintable and bondable.
Abstract:
A solvent-free process for making a polyol fatty acid polyester composition useful for preparation of polyurethanes is described. These compositions are preferably made by reaction of a natural oil (from plant or animal) with a multi-functional hydroxyl compound derived from a natural source, such as sorbitol, in presence of an alkali metal salt or base such as potassium hydroxide as a catalyst which also acts to saponify the reaction mixture. The hydroxyl content of the prepared composition depends on the amount of the multi-functional hydroxyl compound used in the preparation. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl groups of these compositions are reacted with an isocyanate, such as the polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (also known as 4,4null-diphenyl methane diisocyanate, or MDI) to form polyurethanes in a conventional manner.
Abstract:
Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.