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The dispersion processes in multilayer laminate composites of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and polycarbonate (PC) were studied utilizing the torsion pendulum. A third damping peak with a log decrement intensity of approximately one was observed at a temperature intermediate to the damping peaks corresponding to the T,'s of the two constituent phases. Variations of numerous material and experimental parameters such as composition ratio, orientation, thermal history, thermal cycling, number of layers, and layer thickness, as well as overall changes in the composition of the phases had no effect on the observance of a third peak. Only the disruption of the continuous layer structure effectively eliminated this novel transition. The origin of this transition was explained by assuming appropriate temperature dependencies for the controlling viscoelastic parameters in such a continuous layer composite.

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Key Points Question Is enrollment in a chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP) associated with improved outcomes in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)? Findings In this cohort study of 2545 C-SNP enrollees matched at the facility level to patients not enrolled in C-SNP and 1986 C-SNP enrollees matched at the county level to patients not enrolled in C-SNP, C-SNP enrollees had significantly lower hospitalization rates and mortality risk than matched patients who were not enrolled in a C-SNP. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that enrollment in a C-SNP may improve outcomes compared with standard care for patients with ESKD.

Sheets of medium density polyethylene (MDPE) were extruded through a slit die containing an internal separator. Thus, the melt stream was momentarily split before emerging from the die. A line of separation was evident in the extruded sheets. It is attributed to incomplete welding or healing. Measurements of tear energy G, revealed that the extruded sheets were anisotropic and that the weld line was extremely weak after extrusion start-up, only about V5 of the strength elsewhere. As extrusion continued, the strength of the weld line increased to reach that of the bulk material after about 10 min. This is attributed to an increasing temperature of the melt in the die region, aiding interdiffusion. A sample containing 30% by weight of short glass fibers showed less initial weld-line weakness but the weld line remained weak in this case, even after long extrusion times.