Solvay

About: Solvay is a company organization based out in Brussels, Belgium. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Polymer. The organization has 6083 authors who have published 7004 publications receiving 105745 citations.

Multilayer composites coextruded with the use of impact-reinforced impervious resin compositions and their use for the manufacture of fuel storage vessels

Abstract: Multilayer composites coextruded with the use of polyolefins and of impact-reinforced impervious resin compositions based on hydrolysed copolymers of vinyl acetate and ethylene comprising, as an additive improving the impact strength, elastomeric copolymers of ethylene and propylene which are modified by grafting an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and, preferably, by maleic anhydride. The coextruded multilayer composites are very particularly suitable for the manufacture of fuel storage vessels combining impact strength and high imperviousness to petrol and to petrol/alcohol mixtures.

Surface properties of fluorinated hybrid coatings

Abstract: A commercial perfluoropolyether containing alkoxysilane functionalities was employed to prepare organic–inorganic hybrid coatings by using the sol-gel process in the presence of tetraethoxysilane. Contact angle analysis revealed a strong hydrophobic and oleophobic character of the coatings almost independently from the molecular weight of the starting fluorinated oligomer. Surface tension values were in the range of 14–16 mN/m, suggesting a preferential segregation of fluorinated segments onto the surface of the coating. Atomic force microscopy showed the presence very smooth surfaces permitting to neglect the contribution of the surface roughness to wettability. Friction coefficient values were markedly lower with respect to the value of uncoated glass substrate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1483–1488, 2006

Differential effects of oral estrogen versus oral estrogen-androgen replacement therapy on body composition in postmenopausal women

Abstract: A decrease in lean body mass and increased fat characterize menopause, related to both aging and likely decreased hormone secretion. Estrogen/androgen (E/A) treatment not only relieves vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women but demonstrably reduces fat mass while increasing lean body mass. This 16-week, double-blind trial randomly assigned 40 postmenopausal women (mean age 57 years) to receive either esterified estrogen alone (Estratab) in a dose of 1.25 mg daily (E group) or E/A therapy in the form of esterified estrogen plus 2.5 mg daily of methyltestosterone. The 37 women completing the study all had received estrogen for 3 months or longer. A double-dummy design was used to blind the study medication. In addition to anthropometric measurements, bone density was measured by dual-energy x-ray densitometry at the spine, hip, and forearm. The same technique provided estimates of fat mass, percentage of fat tissue, and lean body mass of the trunk and extremities. Muscle strength was estimated by weight lifting. The two treatment groups were demographically comparable. E/A treatment increased lean body mass in the trunk and extremities significantly more than estrogen alone. Body fat percentage declined significantly in the E/A group only. The difference between groups was significant for lean body mass and percentage of fat tissue when analyzing changes in the arms, legs, and trunk simultaneously. Body weight increased with E/A treatment by 2.7 pounds on average, and skin-fold thickness decreased. Upper- and lower-body strength increased with E/A treatment. Lower-body strength did not increase significantly with estrogen alone. Serum estradiol levels increased similarly in the two groups after 16 weeks. Percentage of free testosterone increased more in the E/A group, and luteinizing hormone and sex hormone-binding globulin values decreased significantly more in this group than in women given estrogen alone. Women given E/A therapy had significant reductions in total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, with no substantial change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fell significantly in the estrogen-only group. Several measures of sexual function demonstrated increases in frequency of sex, pleasure, and orgasms in women given E/A treatment. Changes were significantly more marked than in the estrogen group. Women in both groups exhibited an improved quality of life in several domains, including cognition, anxiety, depression, and vasomotor/sleep problems. Three women withdrew because of side effects, but no clinically significant liver dysfunction was observed. Postmenopausal women in good general health gained an improved body composition in this trial after 4 months of estrogen/androgen therapy. Muscle strength also improved, and these women seemed to have an improved quality of life and better sexual function compared with those given estrogen alone.