The present invention provides, among other aspects, stabilized chromophoric nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are rationally functionalized with a pre-determined number of functional groups. In certain embodiments, the stable chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are modified with a low density of functional groups. In yet other embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are conjugated to one or more molecules. Also provided herein are methods for making rationally functionalized chromophoric nanoparticles.

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing low-molecular-weight polytetrafluoroethylene, comprising: a) a first step of mixing high-molecular-weight polytetrafluoroethylene with at least one additive selected from the group consisting of ethers having formula R.sup.1—O—R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected among C.sub.1-C.sub.10 straight or branched aliphatic group, C.sub.4-C.sub.10 alicyclic or heterocyclic groups, C.sub.5-C.sub.10 aromatic or heteroaromatic groups; (per)fluorinated vinyl ethers; (per)fluorinated olefins; and optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and b) a second step of irradiating the so obtained mixture with ionizing radiation, said second step b) being carried out substantially in the absence of oxygen.

A method of producing a heat-resistant chlorine-containing crosslinked resin formed body, formed from: Step (a) of melt-mixing, to a base resin containing a chlorinated polyethylene and a polyvinyl chloride and a plasticizer, an organic peroxide, an inorganic filler, and a silane coupling agent, at a specific ratio, at a temperature equal to or higher than a decomposition temperature of the organic peroxide; Step (b) of mixing a silane masterbatch obtained in Step (a) and a silanol condensation catalyst; and Step (c) of crosslinking by bringing a formed body obtained by Step (b) into contact with water; wherein, in Step (a), from 5 to 55 mass % of the plasticizer is contained in 100 mass % of the base resin to be used in the reaction with the silane coupling agent; the formed body produced therefrom; a silane masterbatch and a mixture thereof; and a heat resistant product.

A mechanically and piezoelectrically anisotropic polymer thin film may be formed by gel casting a solution that includes a crystallizable polymer and a liquid solvent. The solvent may be configured to interact with the polymer to facilitate chain alignment and, in some examples, create a higher crystalline content within the cast thin film. The thin film may also include up to approximately 90 wt. % of an additive and may be characterized by a bimodal molecular weight distribution of a crystallizable polymer where the molecular weight of the additive may be less than the molecular weight of the crystallizable polymer. In some examples, the polymer(s) and the additive(s) may be independently selected from vinylidene fluoride, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, hexafluoropropene, vinyl fluoride, etc. The anisotropic polymer thin film may be characterized by an electromechanical coupling factor (k.sub.31) of at least 0.1.

Powder including low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene having a melt viscosity of 1×10.sup.2 to 7×10.sup.5 Pa.Math.s at 380° C., having a melt viscosity of 1×10.sup.2 to 7×10.sup.5 Pa.Math.s at 380° C., having an average particle size of 1.0 to 50 μm, and containing 30 or more carboxyl groups at ends of the molecule chain per 10.sup.6 carbon atoms in the main chain, wherein the powder is substantially free from C8-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids and salts thereof.

The present invention relates to a liquid composition comprising a polymer bearing —SO3H groups and a perfluoroelastomer, a method for manufacturing said liquid composition and an article manufactured by using said composition. Preferably, said article is a proton exchange membrane, which shows at the same time good mechanical resistance and electrochemical properties and is useful for example as separator in fuel cells.

The present invention provides, among other aspects, stabilized chromophoric nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are rationally functionalized with a pre-determined number of functional groups. In certain embodiments, the stable chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are modified with a low density of functional groups. In yet other embodiments, the chromophoric nanoparticles provided herein are conjugated to one or more molecules. Also provided herein are methods for making rationally functionalized chromophoric nanoparticles.

Modified plastic surfaces with perfluoropolymers are provided, whereby plastic surfaces that are intended for use under tribological conditions have substantially improved assembly properties and/or sliding friction properties and exhibit a very low degree of wear. Accordingly, modified plastic surfaces with perfluoropolymers are provided in which modified perfluoropolymer (micro)powders are present at the surface of plastics that comprise olefinically unsaturated double bonds at least at the surface such that the modified perfluoropolymer (micro)powders are chemically covalently bonded via a radical coupling of the olefmically unsaturated double bonds with perfluoropolymer (peroxy) radicals of the modified perfluoropolymer (micro)powders after a reactive conversion under mechanical stress at room temperature.

Provided herein are membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for CO.sub.x reduction and carbon dioxide reduction reactors (CRRs) that include MEAs.

Provided herein are membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for CO.sub.x reduction and carbon dioxide reduction reactors (CRRs) that include MEAs.