The present invention provides a sponge roller comprising a shaft body and an elastic layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, wherein the elastic layer is formed of a millable silicone rubber, unexpanded microballoon cells and chemical blowing agent cells, and an image forming apparatus comprising the sponge roller. The sponge roller has high durability, excellent surface smoothness and small permanent compression set.

Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a high energy return foam having improved abrasion resistance. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness and an improved abrasion resistance. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.

The invention relates to the production of PMI foams, more particularly to their formulating ingredients, which lead to particular facility in adjusting the density at given foaming temperature.

A composition including a photoinitiator and an azo compound are cured with the formation of bubbles. The method can also be carried out in a multi-stage method involving irradiation and heating.

An adhesive free self-fusing material being either of open or closed cell polymer (silicone) based material that can be used to create a permanent elastic band for compression and support dressings. The proprietary polymer material upon contact with itself, initiates a room temperature reaction of self-vulcanization with the contact surfaces of itself. This eliminates the need for any adhesives which some patients experience negative reactions. In an example embodiment, the material comprises Vinyl stopped polydimethyl siloxane, amorphous silica, and dimethylpolysiloxane.

The present invention provides a phase transition material fluid and a proppant formed therefrom, wherein the components for preparing the phase transition material fluid comprise in percentages by mass: a supramolecular building block 10 to 60 wt %, a supramolecular functional unit 20 to 50 wt %, a dispersant 0.1 to 2 wt %, an inorganic co-builder 0.1 to 1 wt %, an initiator 0.1 to 1 wt %, the balance being a solvent. The supramolecular building block comprises a melamine-based substance and/or a triazine-based substance; the supramolecular functional unit comprises a dicyclopentadiene resin; and the dispersant includes a hydroxyl-bearing polysaccharide substance and a surfactant. After the phase transition material fluid enters the reservoir, it may form a solid substance to prop the fracture under the action of supramolecular chemistry and physics.

The invention relates to a structural adhesive formulation, which is heat activatable at a heat activation temperature; meltable without heat activation at an application temperature above its melting point and below the heat activation temperature; and solid at ambient temperature; wherein upon heat activation the structural adhesive formulation is capable of expansion with a volumetric expansion of up to about 250 vol.-%; wherein the heat activatable structural adhesive formulation comprises (a) an epoxy resin component; (b) an adhesion promoter component; (c) a cross-linking component; (d) a blowing component; (e) optionally, an impact modifier component; (f) optionally, a thixotropic filler component; and (g) optionally, a non-thixotropic filler component. The structural adhesive formulation is particularly useful for application by means of a hot melt applicator, preferably a hand held hot melt gun.

Foam compositions are provided including a polylactic acid polymer; second (e.g., polyvinyl acetate) polymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of at least 25 C.; and plasticizer. Also described are articles comprising the foam compositions, such as a sheet or hearing protection article. Methods of making and using the foam compositions are further described herein.

Compositions are provided including a free-radically reactive component, a photoradical generator, and either a crosslinker having a photodegradable linkage or a chemical blowing agent, an epoxy component, and a photoacid generator. Polymeric films including reaction products of the compositions are also provided. A debondable article including a polymeric film containing a crosslinker having a photodegradable linkage is further provided, as well as a method of debonding the article. Foam compositions are also provided, including foamed matrices including the reaction products of the compositions. Further, articles and foam adhesives are provided including a substrate and a composition or foam composition disposed on the substrate. A method is additionally provided, including dispensing a composition onto a substrate; subjecting the composition to light radiation having a wavelength band of 50 nanometers or less to initiate polymerization of the composition; and subjecting the composition to light and/or heat radiation, wherein the light radiation has at least one wavelength that is outside the wavelength band of the light radiation of step b) to initiate foaming of the composition. A crosslinker is further provided, including a photodegradable linkage.

Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a high energy return foam having improved abrasion resistance. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness and an improved abrasion resistance. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.