These nanoengineered dispersions increase the scratch resistance and gloss retention of water-based coatings so that their performance can equal that of oil-based organic systems. The dispersions enable an applied coating to resist scratching and marring and retain high gloss by up to 80%. They produce a 300% to 400% improvement in scratch resistance compared to commercially available water-based coatings. These products come in the form of highly stable dispersions containing 30–50 wt.% nanoparticles.

Beckosol AQ alkyd latex-based resins are designed to provide alkyd-like performance in a waterborne vehicle with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Customers who employ these resins should be able to stay ahead of increased VOC regulatory constraints for the next 10 to 15 years. Reformulating products to meet new VOC regulations is often expensive. This technology requires only one formulation to meet compliance and includes two products: the AQ 100 and AQ 200. Beckosol AQ 100 is a soya-based, long-oil alkyd resin, which is provided at 55% solids.

Using the manufacturer’s proprietary laser pyrolysis process, a new class of silicon nanoscale materials has been developed for applications involving electronics, energy, display and solid-state lighting. This suite of materials offers a significant design advantage for products that require precise composition and size control at nanoscale.

SealPlate MiniStrips sealing films are now available in a multi-strip sheet format, as well as one or two 8-well rows on a strip-well or standard 96-well microplates. Each sheet contains four MiniStrips that can be peeled off individually or two-at-a-time for application to plates. The dimensions of the individual MiniStrips (which have not changed) are 19.0 by 103.2 mm, including two removable positioning tabs. SealPlate polyester sealing films minimize evaporation and prevent spillage and contamination between wells.

A flexible, tough epoxy-potting and encapsulation compound that is easily applied, EP30FL has extraordinarily low viscosity and superior electrical insulation properties. It can be used in both thick and thin cross-sections. This compound is 100% reactive and does not contain any volatiles. It generates low exotherms during curing even though it cures relatively quickly at room temperature. Shrinkage upon curing is exceptionally low. It has excellent adhesion to both similar and dissimilar substrates.

Non-corrosive to copper and lead, the Naugalube 810 is a sulfated ash-free anti-wear additive that contains no chlorine, nitrogen or sulfur, and 0.05 wt.% or less phosphorus. Its performance has been proven in rigorous wear and no-harm testing, including four-ball and Cameron-Plint engine-oil wear evaluations, Cameron-Plint friction-testing, Cu/Pb corrosion evaluation, and additive compatibility and thermal behavior tests. Typical treatment rates range from 0.5 wt.% to 1.0 wt.%.

Silsoft is an innovative, competitively priced silicone gel with outstanding sensory performance. It is suitable for use in making value-priced color cosmetics and skin-care products that deliver performance benefits comparable to high-end products. It offers enhanced compatibility with organic materials, such as UV filters, and does not have the “balling” effect associated with traditional elastomers. A crystal clear gel, it spreads easily and leaves a silky feel on the skin. It is cold-processable and can withstand high-shear conditions.

Available in black and in colors, the new B500 grade family of Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) has been developed for cold-insert overmolding applications that require a very strong bond with nylon. With high-bond-retention values and high-temperature resistance, the new grades enable the design and manufacture of nylon parts with the quality performance properties of a TPV, which include: long-term sealability; a durable slip-resistant feel; an excellent compression set; chemical, oil and heat resistance; and enhanced bond integrity to extend product life.

Duplex Polyline bag filters do not rust or corrode because they are manufactured with no metal components. Their one-piece polypropylene-molded filter housing bodies have no seams, welds or crevices to trap particles, making them easy to clean. A quick quarter-turn of the operating lever diverts flow from one filter housing to the other by means of a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic valve assembly. This feature allows the process to continuously run during bag change-outs.

Two new grades of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) contain vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a biocompatible antioxidant that provides effective oxidation stability. Prosthetic implants are often sterilized by irradiation; the vitamin E in the polymer reduces a prosthetic’s susceptibility to oxidation that normally occurs in this process. The material has high impact strength, as well as high abrasion, fatigue and crack resistance. This biocompatible thermoplastic meets the standards of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Class IV, and is approved by the U.S.