A polymer gel may comprise a polymer gel base material and superparamagnetic nanoparticles. At least 25 wt. % of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles may have diameters in a first size range between a first diameter and a second diameter. At least 25 wt. % of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles may have diameters in a second size range between a third diameter and a fourth diameter. The Brownian relaxation time of the portion of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the first size range may be at least 5 times the Neel relaxation time of the portion of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the first size range. The Neel relaxation time of the portion of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the second size range may be at least 5 times the Brownian relaxation time of the portion of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the second size range. Methods for monitoring gel integrity in a wellbore are further included.

This invention relates to compositions and medical devices comprising anti-microbial active particles, for inhibiting microbial growth. This invention further provides methods of making such compositions and medical devices.

Disclosed is a non-destructive universal method of functionalization of graphitic carbonaceous materials that enables their alignment, cross-linking, and effective integration into composite materials.

Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a functionally graded polymer material. The methods comprise preparing a melted polymer mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a magnetic filler dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer, molding the melted polymer mixture and applying a magnetic field to a portion of the melted polymer mixture to form a functionally graded polymer material. The resulting functionally graded polymer material has a magnetic filler gradient formed through a thickness of the material.

A method of manufacturing a polymer coated single ferromagnetic particle is provided. The method includes hydrophobizing one single hydrophilic ferromagnetic particle by absorbing an aliphatic acid having a hydrophobic aliphatic group and a hydrophilic acid group onto the single ferromagnetic particle to obtain a single hydrophobic ferromagnetic particle; emulsifying the one single hydrophobic ferromagnetic particle with a monomer liquid comprising a nonionic surface activating agent which re-hydrophilizes the one single hydrophobic ferromagnetic particle, to obtain an emulsified liquid; adding a radical addition initiator to the emulsified liquid; and emulsion polymerizing the monomer by radical addition polymerization.

A glove that is X-ray detectable prepared from a latex formulation comprises a base polymer, an accelerator, a vulcanizing agent, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, an antifoaming agent and a thickener characterized in that the latex formulation further includes radiocontrast filler, wherein the radiocontrast filler comprises a radiocontrast agent, a surfactant, a thickener and a solvent, wherein the radiocontrast filler is used in an amount of at least 10 phr of the latex formulation and wherein the radiocontrast filler has total solid content of 45%.

This invention also relates to monodisperse coated hydrogel polymer particles comprising a polymer formed from (a) a hydrophilic vinylic monomer having a log P.sub.oct/wat (log P) of less than about 0.6; and (b) a crosslinker comprising at least two vinyl groups; and a coating. Also provided are methods of forming the monodisperse coated hydrogel polymer particles.

A polymer composition comprises at least one substantially non-conductive polymer binder and at least first and second electrically conductive fillers, wherein the first electrically conductive filler is comprised of particles having a void bearing structure, and the second electrically conductive filler is comprised of particles which are substantially spherical in shape.

A sand additive for use in a “no bake” foundry mix composition having a polyurethane-based binder system reduces the amount of smoke emitted when molds and cores formed from the composition are exposed to molten metal, as compared to when the sand additive is not used. The sand additive comprises yellow iron oxide having the chemical formula Fe(OH).sub.3. It can also comprise at least one of red iron oxide, black iron oxide and wüstite. In such cases, the yellow iron oxide accounts for about 10 to about 40 weight percent of the combined weight of the yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide and wüstite, and preferably, about 20 to about 30 weight percent of the combined weight of the yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide and wüstite.

A method of formulating and using pastes, inks or adhesives made of electrically conductive and magnetically polarizable materials bound by a polymeric matrix includes depositing a paste, ink or adhesive at a low temperature, and using the paste, ink or adhesive as an electrically and magnetically and thermally active component, either in a wet or dried state. The polymer matrix provides the deposited product with mechanical properties, which integrate with the electrical and magnetic functions expressed by the other materials in the product. The product can be deposited both on a flexible and a rigid substrate, and can be used directly on the substrate, or in a form released from the substrate. The deposited product may be used as an electromagnetic and thermal component and device, such as an electromagnetic welder, electromagnetic heater, multifunctional material and coating passivating a static electric charge, magnetoresistive sensor, electromechanical relay, or electromechanical actuator.