A stiffness control and systems for the same are disclosed herein. A first plate and a second plate can be connected with rigid support, a hydraulic actuator and a high roughness surface. Upon actuation, the actuator can force the high roughness surface against the first plate, thus increasing rigidity through hydraulic pressure against the first plate and the second plate. Thus, the stiffness of the surface can be altered in a variable and reversible fashion.

Multilayer thermoplastic films, and laminates and articles comprising the films, wherein the film comprises at least one inner layer and at least two outer layers, wherein the inner layer comprises a polymeric composition comprising from about 55% to about 95% of one or more non-hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers, olefinic block copolymers, or combinations thereof; and each outer layer comprises at least 20% polypropylene and has a thickness of from about 5% to about 15% of the total film thickness, and further wherein the film has a constant force tear propagation of about 20% or less.

This disclosure relates to a composite comprising (a) a rubber layer comprising a cured rubber and optionally a first copolymer having carboxyl groups or anhydride groups; and (b) a foam layer comprising a crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate and optionally a second copolymer having carboxyl groups or glycidyl methacrylate groups; wherein the foam layer has at least one surface adhering to the rubber layer directly, and provided that either the first copolymer or the second copolymer is present, and the composite is free of glues or adhesive films in the interface between the rubber layer and the foam layer.

This disclosure relates to a composite comprising (a) a rubber layer comprising a cured rubber and optionally a first copolymer having carboxyl groups or anhydride groups; and (b) a foam layer comprising a crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate and optionally a second copolymer having carboxyl groups or glycidyl methacrylate groups; wherein the foam layer has at least one surface adhering to the rubber layer directly, and provided that either the first copolymer or the second copolymer is present, and the composite is free of glues or adhesive films in the interface between the rubber layer and the foam layer.

A thermal shield system with wireless control capabilities including a multi-layer shield, a housing containing a power source and processor, and a programmable control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is in communication with the processor to facilitate direct or remote manual programming of time and temperature of the shield system. The multi-layer shield includes a perimeter having a first layer comprised of reflective material, a second layer comprised of a plurality of conductive pads arranged in a plurality of rows within a structural support sheet, a third layer comprised of thermal material, an electrical wire running through and connecting said conductive pads of the second layer, and a surround spanning the perimeter of the shield. The surround of the shield has flexibility to allow folding or rolling for compact storage of said shield and having rigidity to provide structural integrity of said shield. The electrical wire connects each of the plurality of conductive pads in a series to generate consistent and uniform heat while minimizing depletion of the power source.

A method of installing a roof system includes providing a first membrane composite; adhesively securing the first membrane composite to a roof surface through a UV-cured pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; providing a second membrane composite; adhesively securing the second membrane composite to the roof surface through a UV-cured pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, where the second membrane composite is positioned adjacent to and partially overlapping a lap area of the first membrane composite; and adhesively securing the second membrane composite to a first planar surface of the first membrane composite along a primer layer through the UV-cured pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the second membrane composite.

The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse in direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 μm. The dielectric elastomeric composites may be used, for example, in dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and in energy harvesting.

A method for fabricating wetsuit garment including wetsuits, boots and gloves for water sports uses, comprising preparation of at least a substantially elastic joining member made of hot melt adhesive, and joining at least two interconnected panels of rubber foam or sponge by the substantially elastic joining member to cover and seal the seam between the two interconnected panels for firmly bonding the two interconnected panels for making a strong, elastic and flexible wetsuit garment.

A method for fabricating wetsuit garment including wetsuits, boots and gloves for water sports uses, comprising preparation of at least a substantially elastic joining member made of hot melt adhesive, and joining at least two interconnected panels of rubber foam or sponge by the substantially elastic joining member to cover and seal the seam between the two interconnected panels for firmly bonding the two interconnected panels for making a strong, elastic and flexible wetsuit garment.

A hose is provided capable of meeting fireproof requirements per AS1055 under no flow condition. The hose has multiple layers of fire protection comprising a silicone rubber layer impregnated with additives including zinc borate and expandable graphite.