Abstract: A device and process for the removal of volatile constituents from polymers is disclosed. The device entails a container having an inlet for a polymer solution, an outlet for the volatile components, an outflow for the polymer from which the volatile components have been removed and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is characterized in that it contains a plurality of specially structured channels.

Abstract: A process for making a decorated article is described. The process entails printing, using a high temperature ink, a design on a surface of transfer paper, and transferring the design by sublimation to the surface of a clear flat substrate to obtain a decorated substrate. The thus decorated surface is then placed in a mold and thermoplastic resin is injected to form an article. The placing of the decorated substrate in the mold is such that the surface carrying the design faces the inside of the mold. An additional embodiment entails forming the decorated substrate to attain a three dimensional decorated substrate prior to placing it in the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate having a low particle content, a process for producing high-purity polycarbonate and polycarbonate of maximum purity and molded products made from such polycarbonate.

Abstract: A branched polycarbonate resin suitable for making containers is disclosed. The polycarbonate is characterized in that at 260° C. and shear rate of 10 s−1 it has a melt viscosity of 5500 to 900 Pas, and in that at 260° C. and shear rate of 1000 s−1 it has a melt viscosity of 880 tom 1500 Pas, and in that it has a melt flow index (MFR) of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10 min. A container made of the polycarbonate exhibits great breaking strength.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition that contains aromatic polycarbonate and/or polyester carbonate, a graft polymer, phosphazene compound, phosphorus compound and fluorinated polyolefin is disclosed. The composition exhibits excellent flame retardance and very good mechanical properties, including weld line strength and impact strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to aromatic copolyesters comprising antimicrobially active substances in homogeneous distribution, processes for their preparation and their use in medical articles.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition suitable for preparing molded articles having improved mechanical properties is disclosed. The composition contains A) a (co)polymer of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, &agr;-methylstyrene, nuclear-substituted styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, maleic anhydride and N-substituted maleimide , and B) a graft polymer of B.1) at least one member selected from the group consisting of styrene, &agr;-methylstyrene, nuclear-substituted styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, maleic anhydride and N-substituted maleimide on B.2) a rubber having a glass transition temperature of ≦10° C. and C) a mixture of at least 3 components selected from I) metallic compounds, II) esters III) amides and IV) certain specified compounds exemplified by oil or wax.

Abstract: An energy absorbing element, that may be used with, for example, vehicles such as automobiles and trucks, is described. The energy absorbing element (2, 2′) comprises, (a) at least two oppositely arranged metal sheets (7, 8) having a multiplicity of predetermined buckling points (11, 12 and 13) which enable each sheet (7, 8) to fold up along its longitudinal direction (x-direction); and (b) a plurality of connecting ribs (9) which interconnect the oppositely arranged metal sheets (7, 8), the connecting ribs (9) being fabricated from a plastic material selected from thermoplastic materials and/or thermosetting plastic materials. Also described is a bumper system which comprises a transverse beam and at least one of the energy absorbing elements of the present invention.

Abstract: An oil pan which includes a shell of plastic material (e.g., of thermoplastic polyamide), and a support structure (e.g., of metal), having a plurality of perforations, that is fixedly attached to the exterior surfaces and/or the interior surfaces of the plastic shell, is described. More particularly, the oil pan (2) comprises: (a) a shell (11) of plastic material having interior and exterior surfaces, the interior surfaces of the shell defining a hollow interior (40); and (b) a support structure (12) in abutting relationship with and being fixedly attached to at least one of, (i) at least a portion of the exterior surfaces of the shell (11), and (ii) at least a portion of the interior surfaces of the shell (11), the support structure (12) has a plurality of perforations (20) having edges.

Abstract: A process for the production of coated planar moldings of thermoplastics is disclosed. The process entails extrusion of a molded body, cooling of the molding, applying the aqueous-based coating agent and drying. The coating agent, having a pH value of less than 6, contains a salt of sulfondicarboxylic diester, a water-insoluble oxide of metal or semi-metal and an acid/water mixture. It is applied to at least one surface of the molding immediately after the production of the molding and with the aid of an application roll.

Abstract: An elastic-thermoplastic graft polymer prepared by a multi-stage free radical polymerization is described. The elastic-thermoplastic graft polymer is prepared by polymerizing (i) one or more monomers containing vinyl groups, and (ii) at least one molecular weight regulating compound, in the presence of (iii) at least one rubber in latex form. The ratio of monomers (M) to the molecular weight regulating compound (MWR) is altered throughout the various stages of the polymerization method. The M:MWR ratio is: from 50:1 to 400:1 in the first stage; from 100:1 to 800:1 in the second stage; and from 200:1 to 2000:1 in the third stage of the polymerization. In at least one further reaction stage of the polymerization, the monomers, in the absence of the molecular weight regulating compound, are polymerized in the presence of the rubber. This further reaction stage occurs before the first stage and/or after the third stage of the polymerization.

Abstract: A flame resistant thermoplastic molding composition is disclosed. The composition contains aromatic polycarbonate, graft polymer, a specifically structured phosphorous compound, fluorinated polyolefin and inorganic compound with an average particle size no greater that 200 nm and an optional vinyl(co)polymer. The inventive composition is characterized in its improved stress cracking resistance and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A molding having at least part of its surface coated with a water-spreading coating is disclosed. The coating comprise a salt of sulfondicarboxylic diester, a water-insoluble oxide of metal or semi-metal and an acid/water mixture. It is applied to at least one surface of the molding.

Abstract: A process of calendering a sheet or a film having at least one textured surface entailing passing a web of polymeric resin through a nip between a rigid roll and a resilient roll is disclosed. The inventive process comprises slowing down the cooling rate of the web by rolling its textured surface about the resilient roll. The rate of cooling is in comparison to a corresponding process where the web is rolled about said rigid roll. Products thus produced are suitable for making thermoformed articles having low gloss.

Abstract: A foodstuffs skin based on cellulose with a water vapor impermeable layer on the outer surface and a coating consisting of at least two components on the inner surface is disclosed. The coating which reinforces adhesion to minced meat contains a cross-linked polyaminoamide/-epichlorhydrin resin, and wax as well as an optional synthetic polymer. A process for preparing these foodstuffs skins and their use for the production of sausages for boiling and/or simmering is also described.

Abstract: A molding composition comprising thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. The polyurethane is characterized in having ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (EAB) values after hot storage which are, each, at least 60% of the corresponding value before hot storage, glass transition temperature equal to or lower than −50° C., UTS and EAB values after hydrolytic storage which are, each, at least 80% of the corresponding value before hydrolytic storage, and Shore A hardness of 70 to 95. The polyurethane is a product of a reaction comprising an aliphatic diisocyanate, a mixture of polyols and a chain extender and contains a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant and an optional anti-hydrolysis agent.

Abstract: A moulded article comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that exhibits reduced fogging is disclosed. Characterized in having condensate value of <2 mg/10 g of TPU in accordance with the fogging test of DIN 75201B, the TPU is the product of reacting A) an organic diisocyanate, with B) polyester polyol that contains less than 0.2% of 1:1 ring esters of dicarboxylic acid and diol and C) a chain extender. The moulded article is particularly suitable for use in the automotive sector.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester is disclosed. The hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester has: (i) a molecular degree of substitution of the hydroxyalkyl group of less than 1.5 (MShydroxyalkyl<1.5); and (ii) a molecular degree of substitution of the 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid group of greater than 0.4 and less than 3 (0.4<MS2-hydroxycarboxylic acid<3). Also described is a method of preparing the hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, and methods of using it, e.g., as a consistency regulator in at least one of foodstuffs, cosmetics, building materials, paints and strippers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a vacuole-free polymer is disclosed. Extruded polymer resin is cooled at a rate of less than 50° C./sec. to a temperature that is 1 to 20° C. above the glass transition temperature of the polymer resin and the resin is then cut.

Abstract: An improvement to the interfacial boundary process for producing carbonic acid diaryl esters is disclosed. In the two-stage process that entails phosgene and monophenols reaction in an inert solvent, in the presence of alkali and in the presence of a nitrogen base catalyst, the improvement comprising maintaining a temperature below 50° C. in the first and second stages.