Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend is disclosed comprising a polyester, a polycarbonate, and a minor amount of a flow enhancer selected from non-sulfonated phosphonium salts. Optionally, impact modifiers and other conventional additives are included.

Abstract: A tri-block copolymer is disclosed for use as an impact modifier in polyamide compounds also containing a compatibilizer, preferably also having reinforcing organoclay exfoliated and dispersed therein. The tri-block copolymer comprises an aromatic monomer, an olefin monomer, and a alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer.

Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed for containers for beverages, films and sheets for food. The composition comprises (a) polyester, (b) an acetaldehyde scavenger, (c) an acid absorber, and (d) an antioxidant. The acetaldehyde scavenger is characterized as small molecules, such as anthranilamide, that include at least two hydrogen-substituted heteroatoms bonded to carbons of the organic additive compound such that the organic additive compound is reactive with acetaldehyde in the polyester to form water and a resulting organic compound comprising an unbridged 5- or 6-member ring including the at least two heteroatoms. The acid absorber is a hydrotalcite-like composition. The polymer compound can be concentrated in a masterbatch or fully let-down. Optional ingredients include colorants, and optical brighteners. Discoloration of the polyester is reduced during the performance of acetaldehyde scavenging.

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: A cathodic protection compound is disclosed. The coating includes sacrificial metallic particles less noble than metal in the metal substrate to be protected. The coating also includes inherently conductive polymer in an amount of less than 1 weight percent of total solids of the coating. A concentrate of the metallic particles and inherently conductive polymer can also be prepared.

Abstract: nuc-PP nanocomposite is made from the mixing of nuc-PP with olefin elastomer and organoclay, and optionally, a dispersion agent. Unexpectedly, processing properties such as higher melt flow, and performance properties such as higher toughness and higher stiffness, are obtained when compared with commercially available PP nanocomposite.

Abstract: Use of an exothermic additive in a polyphenylene sulfide compound results in an extruded or molded thermoplastic article that is electrically conductive and exothermic when connected to a source of electrical energy. Electronic devices benefit from these articles, particularly where ink must be melted for imaging of commercial graphics on a substrate.

Abstract: A cathodic protection coating is disclosed that unexpectedly protects a treated metal substrate, notwithstanding the presence of a phosphate-containing conversion coating between the metal substrate and the cathodic protection compound. The cathodic protection coating includes sacrificial metallic particles less noble than metal in the metal substrate to be protected. The coating also includes inherently conductive polymer.

Abstract: Chain-extended nanonylon is made from the reaction of oligomeric nanonylon and chain-extending agents. Such chain-extended nanonylon contains concentrations of organoclay exceeding 10 weight percent. High concentrations of organoclay permit the chain-extended nanonylon to be used as either a concentrate or a compound that provides good barrier properties for thermoplastic articles made from the chain-extended nanonylon.

Abstract: HDPE nanocomposite is made by mixing HDPE with organoclay. Such HDPE nanocomposite contains concentrations of organoclay less than 4 weight percent. Unexpectedly, using less organoclay than that conventionally recommended, results in superior oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for HDPE compounds. The HDPE nanocomposite is useful for packaging films and containers for food or other perishables.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is disclosed comprising a continuous phase of at least one thermoplastic polymer; and a non-polymeric precursor polymerizable to provide a polymerized reinforcing phase dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer. The precursor is polymerized after dispersion into the continuous phase of thermoplastic polymer. The flexural modulus of the thermoplastic polymer is thereby increased. Methods of making and using the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixture of inherently conductive polymer and plastisol is disclosed. Articles made from the mixture can be used as electrostatic dissipative (ESD) articles.

Abstract: A coating system for ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. The coating system is formed by a process that includes premixing of the inherently conductive polymer with the anodic metal particles to form an inherently conductive polymer/metal particle complex.

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 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.

Abstract: A cathodic protection polymeric compound is disclosed. The compound has flowable material to serve as a binder, carbonaceous conductive media dispersed in the flowable material, sacrificial metal particles also dispersed in the flowable material. The carbonaceous conductive media serve as a carbon-based electron transfer agent and are in the form of particles, platelets, fibers, tubes, or combinations thereof. A galvanic circuit is formed by the metal particles serving as anodes, a metal substrate to be protected serving as the cathode, and the conductive media serving as the electron transfer agent. The flowable material can also include an ionically conductive or an inherently conductive polymer to further enhance the galvanic circuit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of using external polymeric analytical techniques to predict in-vivo polymeric performance, more particularly, viscoelastic property characterization for performance modeling of biomedical devices that incorporate a polymeric component and are load-bearing during service. Time-Temperature Superposition can be used to accelerate external testing of pertinent properties. Boltzmann's superposition provides a mathematical methodology for determining the time-dependent strain that develops in response to an imposed stress history. The modeling of the present invention provides an opportunity to describe and predict behavior of the device during in-vivo service, as well as it providing a basis for evaluating alternate “candidate” polymers for use in the construction of the device.

Abstract: A flame-retardant compound is disclosed, comprising a polyolefin alloy and a combination of frame-retardant agents. The polyolefin alloy comprises at least one polyolefin and a metallocene-catalyzed olefin copolymer. The flame-retardant agents comprise a nanoclay and at least one inorganic flame-retardant. An essentially halogen-free flame-retardant compound is preferred. Surface coverings for mammalian-occupied spaces benefit from the properties of the flame-retardant compound.

Abstract: Poly(vinyl chloride) is compounded with a chalk-like, essentially pure calcium carbonate to provide improved weathering resistance of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) articles subjected to external exposures of heat and sunlight. Blends and alloys are also disclosed. Optionally, one can add either zinc alkyl ester scavenger, organotin stabilizer, or both to further improve the effectiveness of the essentially pure calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A flame-retardant compound is disclosed, comprising a polyolefin alloy and a combination of flame-retardant agents. The polyolefin alloy comprises at least one polyolefin and a metallocene-catalyzed olefin copolymer. The flame-retardant agents comprise a nanoclay and at least one inorganic flame-retardant. An essentially halogen-free flame-retardant compound is preferred. Surface coverings for mammalian-occupied spaces benefit from the properties of the flame-retardant compound.

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.