Showing papers by "Cabot Corporation published in 2016"

Cellulose nanocrystal interactions probed by thin film swelling to predict dispersibility

Abstract: The production of well-dispersed reinforced polymer nanocomposites has been limited due to poor understanding of the interactions between components. Measuring the cohesive particle-particle interactions and the adhesive particle-polymer interactions is challenging due to nanoscale dimensions and poor colloidal stability of nanoparticles in many solvents. We demonstrate a new cohesive interaction measurement method using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a model system; CNCs have recently gained attention in the composites community due to their mechanical strength and renewable nature. Multi-wavelength surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) was used to monitor the swelling of CNC thin films to elucidate the primary forces between CNCs. This was achieved by measuring swelling in situ in water, acetone, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropanol, and ethanol and relating the degree of swelling to solvent properties. Films swelled the most in water where we estimate 1.2-1.6 nm spacings between CNCs (or 4-6 molecular layers of water). Furthermore, a correlation was found between film swelling and the solvent's Hildebrand solubility parameter (R(2) = 0.9068). The hydrogen bonding component of the solubility parameters was more closely linked to swelling than the polar or dispersive components. The films remained intact in all solvents, and using DLVO theory we have identified van der Waals forces as the main cohesive interaction between CNCs. The trends observed suggest that solvents (and polymers) alone are not sufficient to overcome CNC-CNC cohesion and that external energy is required to break CNC agglomerates. This work not only demonstrates that SPR can be used as a tool to measure cohesive particle-particle interactions but additionally advances our fundamental understanding of CNC interactions which is necessary for the design of cellulose nanocomposites.

Materials development for lowering rolling resistance of tires

Abstract: Many countries are implementing regulatory programs to promote the use of transportation technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel economy of vehicles. These regulatory programs create a need for more durable and fuel-efficient tires. The increased cost of fuel for motor vehicles creates another driving force for improving the fuel economy of vehicles. Commercial vehicle operators recognize that fuel cost is a major driver of the total operating cost; therefore, they increasingly demand tires that are optimized for reducing the fuel cost of a trucking fleet. Rolling resistance of truck tires accounts for about one-third of the power required to move a heavy-duty truck and is the second most important contributor, after engine loss, to the total energy loss of heavy-duty trucks. Other than tire designs, rubber compound hysteresis contributes to the rolling resistance of tires, which affects vehicle fuel economy. There is a significant market demand, due to governmental...

Urea sequestration compositions and methods

Abstract: Graphene-based materials for sequestering urea from aqueous solutions are provided. The graphene-based materials include graphene aggregates as well as graphene oxides.

Oxidized carbon blacks and applications for lead acid batteries

Abstract: An electrode composition comprising: an oxidized carbon black having a BET surface area ranging from 80 to 2,100 m2 / g, where the oxidized carbon black has at least one of the following properties: (a) a content volatile of at least 3% by weight relative to the total weight of the oxidized carbon black, as determined by weight loss at 950 ° C; (b) a total oxygen content of at least 3.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the oxidized carbon black; (c) a total titratable acid group of at least 0.5 µmol / m 2, as determined by the Boehm titration method; and (d) a total titratable acid group of at least 0.5 μmol / g, as determined by the Boehm titration method.

Carbon coated particles

Abstract: Core particles produced in situ or introduced as preformed core particles are coated with a layer of carbon. Non-carbon as well as some carbon-based core materials can be utilized. The resulting carbon coated particles can find applications in rubber products, for instance as reinforcement for tire components.

Sorbent blend compositions for mercury removal from flue gases

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blend compositions comprising: a hydrated lime having a Ca(OH) 2 content of at least 94% by weight, the hydrated lime being present in an amount ranging from 1% to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition; and an activated carbon present in an amount of at least 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed are methods of mercury removal from flue gases, such as flue gases generated from coal-fired power plants.

Inkjet ink compositions

Abstract: Disclosed herein inkjet ink compositions comprising: (a) a carbon black having the following properties: OAN ≥ 170 mL/100g; and STSA ranging from 160 to 220 m2/g; (b) at least one polymeric dispersant selected from polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block copolymers, styrene-acrylic resins, styrene-methacrylic resins, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers; (c) at least one surfactant selected from ethoxylated siloxanes, succinic acid esters, and succinic acid salts; and (d) at least one polyurethane.

Carbonaceous materials for lead acid batteries

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, which can be used to coat electrode plates, comprising at least one carbonaceous material and at least one additive, wherein the at least one additive comprises a metal ion selected from calcium, barium, potassium, magnesium, and strontium ion, and wherein the metal ion is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt. % to 3 wt. % relative to the total weight of carbonaceous material. Also disclosed are electrodes and lead acid batteries comprising such compositions, and methods of making the compositions.

Amphoteric polymers and use in inkjet ink compositions

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inkjet ink compositions comprising a polymer comprising the repeat units (A), (B), and (C), wherein: (A) is selected from— N + (R 1 )(R 2 )— and— N(R 1 )—; (B) is selected from C 1 -C 10 alkylene; C 3 -C 20 cycloalkylene; C 3 -C 20 heterocycloalkylene; arylene; heteroarylene; C 2 -C 20 ether; C 2 -C 20 thioether; C 2 -C 20 ester; C 2 -C 20 acetal; C 2 -C 20 amide; bisphenols; and oligomer and polymer moieties selected from polyether, polyester, polyamines, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polythioether, polyester amide, polyurethane, polyacrylate, polyolefin, and polyalkylsiloxane, and (C) comprises at least one group selected from : (i) -C(R 3 )(R 4) -C(R 5 )(OH)-(C(R 6 )(R 7 ))m-, (ii)-C(R 3 )(R 4 )-C(R 5 )(H)-C(0)-, and (iii)— C(R 3 )(R 4 )— C(R 5 )(H)— S(O)(O)—; and (A) is bonded to the— C(R 3 )(R 4 )— group of (C), and (B) is bonded to (C).

Sulfur removal from petroleum fluids

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur containing compounds from petroleum liquid. The method includes contacting the petroleum liquid with an activated carbon that has a high ash content, a high metal content and a significant amount of meso and macro porosity.

Response to the Reply on behalf of the ‘Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area’ (MAK Commission) by Andrea Hartwig Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Abstract: Calculation error in the MAK Commission’s document on GBS [3] when using the rule of three in Pauluhn’s volumetric model (we emphasize that the comment did not dispute the arithmetical error lowering Model B’s GBS limit value erroneously from 2.0 mg/m to 0.5 mg/m). Use of an MPPD2 program version in [3] that is outdated and no longer available to enable to replicate the MAK Commission’s conclusions. Input values in [3] that cannot be reproduced from the references listed in [3] or are not state-of-the-art. Inconsistent use of varying input data by the MAK Commission in [3] although explicitly specified as guideline in the same document [3].