Abstract: A formwork assembly is adapted to receive concrete to produce structures such as wall structures. The formwork includes PVC tubular form elements having recessed female engagement portions. The female engagement portions are adapted to receive respective male engagement portions. An octagonal form element has a female engagement portion positioned at each vertex between adjacent sides. A recessed female engagement portion is closed to the interior of the form element but open to the exterior of the form element. Thus, the form element includes a plurality of vertices open to the exterior. The form elements also include male engagement portions at an open side. Wall panels, corner panels, and joint connectors can also include the male engagement portions. The male engagement portions and female engagement portions are adapted to mate to form a formwork arrangement having a substantially flat exterior wall. A formwork assembly can additionally include concrete flow apertures and insulation.

Abstract: A non-halogenated elastomeric latex is disclosed, using as flame retardants, an aqueous dispersion of organoclay and a conventional non-halogenated flame retardant, of which less is needed than conventionally, because of the use of the organoclay. The latex can become a film, sheet, or other article.

Abstract: A method of making a finely textured molded article is disclosed. The method utilizes properties of the compound being molded, such as impact toughness and melt flow index. Poly(vinyl halide), particularly polyvinyl chloride), articles can be custom-injection-molded using the method, in order to simulate the appearance of original metal, glass, or wood articles. Consumer, transportation, building construction, and other industries can benefit from durable plastic articles that simulate the more fragile articles.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a matrix comprising two polyolefin copolymers having different melt mass flow rates and electrically conductive functional additive particles dispersed in the matrix. The compound is useful for making extruded and molded plastic articles that need electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A liquid color concentrate is disclosed, having a liquid acrylic-based polymer carrier; colorant; and optionally other functional additives. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combinations thereof. The liquid polymer is compatible with a variety of plastic resins, especially optically clear plastic resins, such as polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and styrene-acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which has excellent compression set and adhesion to both polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 for use in two-part component polymer structures.

Abstract: Coated colored biofiber for thermoplastic articles is disclosed. The coating on the biofiber comprises film-forming polymeric binder, surfactant, and colorant. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combinations thereof. The coated colored biofiber can be used in thermoplastic compounds to simulate the appearance of natural wood while adding durability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed concerning discovering how the use of an additive in a polyolefin compound affects the weatherability of that compound, Applying that technique, a weatherable polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains UV stabilizers that filter wavelengths in a range influenced by presence of organoclay in the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Chain-extended nanonylon is made from the reaction of in-situ polymerized nanonylon and chain-extending agents. Knowing the viscosity/shear rate curve for a thermoplastic polymer to be replaced, such as nylon, the method of the present invention allows via adjustment of organoclay concentration and chain extension of the nylon polymer and other reaction factors to achieve a chain-extended, in-situ polymerized nanonylon to have a viscosity/shear rate curve that essentially matches the viscosity/shear rate curve for that neat nylon within a commercially operable shear rate.

Abstract: A pre-processed polymer composite is disclosed comprising a heat-sensitive polymer resin particle; particles of colorant or functional additive in association with the heat-sensitive polymer resin particle; and a thermoplastic encapsulant to form a film around the associated polymer and colorant or functional additive particles. The method of making the polymer composite avoids a melting of the heat-sensitive polymer resin particles, which avoids contributing to heat history of the polymer prior to extrusion or molding into the form of the final plastic article.

Abstract: A molded thermoplastic product is disclosed. The product has an outer surface with a matte finish. The matte finish is produced by the combination of an etched mold in which the product is molded to physically affect the outer surface and a colorant compounded in the thermoplastic to chemically affect the outer surface. The colorant provides a diffused translucency. The etching adds tactile texture. The product is made by blow-molding techniques. Containers such as shampoo bottles can benefit from such visual and tactile sensations for the purpose of creating a trade dress for a consumer product.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer. Optionally the compound also includes additional polymers and functional additives to modify physical properties of the compound. Molded or extruded plastic articles can be made from the compound. The compound is ductile, in comparison to the polyhydroxyalkanoate without the macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer.

Abstract: A high HDT CPVC compound that is optically clear is disclosed. The choice of CPVC resin, the use of external lubricants, and other optional ingredients achieves a threshold of optical clarity for the compound to be used to make optically clear articles via extrusion or molding. An optically clear CPVC industrial pipe is particularly useful for monitoring of fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of making a finely textured molded article is disclosed. The method utilizes properties of the compound being molded, such as impact toughness and melt flow index. Poly(vinyl halide), particularly poly(vinyl chloride), articles can be compound-injection-molded using the method, in order to simulate the appearance of original metal, glass, or wood articles. Consumer, transportation, building construction, and other industries can benefit from durable plastic articles that simulate the more fragile articles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed concerning discovering how the use of an additive in a polyolefin compound affects the weatherability of that compound. Applying that technique, a weatherable polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains UV stabilizers that filter wavelengths in a range influenced by presence of organoclay in the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Color concentrates for thermoplastic biofiber composites are disclosed. The concentrates employ three factors to achieve concentrated delivery of color to the processing machine and excellent and substantially uniform dispersion of color in the processing machine: melt flow of the concentrate exceeding at least 4 g/10 min. using ASTM D-1238; pellet size of the concentrate such that at least 50 pellets weigh less than one gram; and weight percent of the colorant ingredients in the concentrate exceeding at least 30 weight percent.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol is disclosed. The plastisol includes an effective amount of polydimethylsiloxane to increase abrasion resistance while not adversely decreasing coefficient of friction. Articles subject to friction, such as industrial power transfer belts, benefit from the abrasion resistant plastisol.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polyamide compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polyamide matrix and zinc sulfide dispersed in the matrix. Optionally, reinforcing filler or a second polymer or both is present. Optionally, thermal carbon black or the combination of thermal carbon black and colorant is present. The compound can be extruded or molded into a heat dissipating article.

Abstract: A heat stabilized polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains metal scavengers to heat stabilize the nanocomposite.

Abstract: A profile-extruded article is disclosed, made of a fiber-reinforced polymer of vinyl-chloride monomer, wherein the article has a ratio of actual specific gravity to theoretical specific gravity of nearly unity. A method of making the article is also disclosed.