Polymeric interlayers for use in making multiple layer panels having a unique balance of properties are provided. Single and multiple layer interlayers according to various embodiments of the present invention can be used to form multiple layer panels that exhibit both enhanced rigidity and improved impact resistance, while still retaining desirable optical performance. Interlayers and multiple layer panels of the present invention may be particularly suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including, for example, in many indoor and outdoor architectural and structural applications.

Polymeric interlayers for use in making multiple layer panels having a unique balance of properties are provided. Single and multiple layer interlayers according to various embodiments of the present invention can be used to form multiple layer panels that exhibit both enhanced rigidity and improved impact resistance, while still retaining desirable optical performance. Interlayers and multiple layer panels of the present invention may be particularly suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including, for example, in many indoor and outdoor architectural and structural applications.

Disclosed herein are a metal-polymer laminate structure having an enhanced flame protection function as well as a method for preparing the same. The metal-polymer laminate structure includes a metallic layer, at least one polymeric layer provided on the metallic layer, and a backing layer provided on the at least one polymeric layer. The at least one polymeric layer includes an intumescent material, and a first functional layer is interposed between the metallic layer and the at least one polymeric layer. The first functional layer is a thermoplastic layer constructed from a material selected from polyamide, thermoplastic polyurethane, hotmelts, preferably polyamides such as PA6, PA6/6.36, PA6/66, PA12, PA6.12, PA6.10, PA6I/6T, copolymers of caprolactam or lauryllactam, thermoplastic polyurethane, and polyether block co-polyamides or combinations thereof.

A laminated or single layer glass cylinder and its method of making are disclosed. The laminated cylinder glass is a precursor component to enable making subsequent drawn tubing having high optical quality. The laminated cylinder glass may comprise a first layer of glass as a clad glass and a second layer of glass as a core glass. The second layer of glass may be bound to the first layer of glass. The second layer may have a higher CTE from about 5×10.sup.−7/° C. to about 100×10.sup.−7/° C. than the first layer of glass. The first layer and second layer of glass may have different softening points within about 200° C. of each other. In some embodiments, the first layer and second layer of glass may have different softening points from about 50° C. to about 200° C. of each other.

A glass article includes a central layer including a first crystalline phase having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a surface layer surrounding an entirety of the central layer and including a second crystalline phase having a second coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Accordingly, the strength of the glass article may be improved.

A glass article includes a central layer including a first crystalline phase having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a surface layer surrounding an entirety of the central layer and including a second crystalline phase having a second coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Accordingly, the strength of the glass article may be improved.

Provided are an article including a joint portion of a fluororesin having sufficient strength, and a method of producing the same. The article includes a joint portion including: a porous first layer of a first fluororesin; a second layer of a second fluororesin having a melting point lower than a melting point of the first fluororesin; and a non-porous third layer formed between the first layer and the second layer, the non-porous third layer including the first fluororesin.

A passivating flexible insulation blanket positionable about a pipe includes an insulation core, an enclosing fabric, and a non-consumable passivator. The insulation core is substantially hydrophobic and includes a microporous material. The enclosing fabric fully encapsulates the insulation core to form a capsule or pouch about the insulation core. The non-consumable passivator is non-consumable such that there is no appreciable change to a mass of the non-consumable passivator after an extended time of activation. The non-consumable passivator is deposited into the insulation core and has a composition soluble in water. The non-consumable passivator includes a leachable component that leaches from the insulation core and is capable of neutralizing acidic components. The leachable component is water soluble and is capable of reacting with a surface of the pipe to form a protective coating on the pipe to aid in inhibiting corrosion formation on the surface of the pipe.

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sandwich panel as a semi-finished product where at least one layer of a non-metallic material is positioned between at least two metallic layers. At least one of the metal layers is shaped into a three dimensional layer, and the metal layers are in direct mechanical contact to enable resistance weldability of the semi-finished product in order to connect the semi-finished product to a desired combination of solutions in a subsequent manufacturing process.

A bi-metal actuator includes a shape memory alloy layer thermally actuated, a superelastic alloy layer fixed along to at least a part of the shape memory alloy layer, and at least one deformation sensor. The shape memory alloy layer has an initial shape at or below a transition start temperature T.sub.S and a final shape at or above a transition end temperature T.sub.E, has transitional shapes between the initial shape and the final shape which is formed according to the temperature between the transition start temperature T.sub.S and the transition end temperature T.sub.E of the shape memory alloy layer. The at least one deformation sensor is provided along at least a part of the superelastic alloy layer for measuring strain values of the superelastic alloy layer indicating the current form of the shape memory alloy layer.