Abstract:
In one embodiment, the invention provides an air movement device having a matrix polymer and nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an air movement device having dry-mixing about 30% to about 80% by weight matrix polymer and about 2% to about 15% by weight layered clay to form a dry mixture, extruding the mixture to form a polymer nanocomposite, and molding the polymer nanocomposite into an air movement device. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an air movement device having about 30% to about 80% by weight polypropylene, about 3% to about 10% by weight layered clay, and about 1% to about 10% by weight maleic anhydride grafted polystyrene, wherein the air movement device has a UL 94 5VA flame retardant rating.
Abstract:
A method of compatibilizing immiscible polymers using the mechanical deformation of quaternary amine treated organoclay particles is described. The mechanism decreases the interstitial energy resulting from immiscible polymer domain interfaces into stored mechanical energy. The polymer domains in the immiscible blend get smaller and the resulting compatibilized microcomposite/nanocomposite blend has superior mechanical properties over non compatibilized blends controls of the same materials.
Abstract:
Nanocomposite thermoplastic blends are disclosed made from a thermoplastic resin, an organoclay and a diphosphate. There blends so formed have superior properties compared to blends of a thermoplastic, an organoclay and a maleic anhydride graft copolymer.
Abstract:
Blends of a non-halogenated, formaldehyde-cured silicone rubber are described. The blend includes magnesium oxide and zinc borate. The compositions exhibit thermal stability at high temperatures as well as improved chemical resistance.
Abstract:
A series of binder clips are liked together by a flexible rod, or series of rods which can be joined at their extremities to make a ball like lattice for use with the drier. The clips have tactile identifiers for Braille and Non Braille users. They can be removed from the rod and re-attached after socks or pantyhose, or handkerchiefs have been clipped in the attachment points. The clips hold one article each and have raised geometric-figures for non Braille reading users, and Braille beneath for the blind. The rods with clips allow for visually segregated articles of clothing to be washed together, dried together, and arranged together. The tactile identifiers allow for use in the dark without the need for visualization.
Abstract:
A centrally tracked artificial currency is provided within the context of an enterprise. This currency serves as a unit of account, medium of exchange, and store of value in a corporate “attention economy.” Users (typically coworkers) in the enterprise are allotted a base number of currency units, which they can earn, exchange, and spend in a variety of ways to signal importance and “purchase” attention of others, or priority for other organization resources. In one aspect, senders of messages can specify an amount of currency to be associated with the message, so that recipients can see the specified amount before deciding whether to read the message. Once such a system is in use, it facilitates exchange of value based on user-created transactions regarding behavior, communication, resources, incentives, and priorities.
Abstract:
A centrally tracked artificial currency is provided within the context of an enterprise. This currency serves as a unit of account, medium of exchange, and store of value in a corporate “attention economy.” Users (typically coworkers) in the enterprise are allotted a base number of currency units, which they can earn, exchange, and spend in a variety of ways to signal importance and “purchase” attention of others, or priority for other organization resources. In one aspect, senders of messages can specify an amount of currency to be associated with the message, so that recipients can see the specified amount before deciding whether to read the message. Once such a system is in use, it facilitates exchange of value based on user-created transactions regarding behavior, communication, resources, incentives, and priorities.
Abstract:
Methods of forming a multi walled or single walled carbon nanotube with one or more amine groups on the surface thereof are described. The method includes reacting a carbon nanotube having a hydroxyl surface group or a carboxyl surface group with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of about 300° C. or more.
Abstract:
A method of forming a compatibilized blend of a polymeric material and one or more additives and/or fillers is disclosed. The method includes blending the polymeric material and or more additives and/or fillers with an exfoliated clay.
Abstract:
A fire retardant composition that includes: a polyolefin and an additive package that includes a brominated polystyrene or decabromodiphenyl ether; a nanoclay; and metal oxide fillers in the nanometer particle range. The compositions can have high weight percentages of the additive package because of the compatibilizing effect of the nanoclay. The nanoclay is preferably a quantenary amine treated nanoclay, wherein the quantenary amine causes exfoliation of the nanoclay. The polyolefin is a polyethylene or a polypropylene and the preferred metal oxide is antimony oxide.