Abstract: Extrusion dies may be cleaned, especially of so-called die drips, by passing a wire over the die orifices in the vicinity of the exit face of the extrusion die. The operation of the extrusion operation is not affected by the passing of the wire through the stream(s) of the extrudate, and so the extrusion operation need not be shut down for the cleaning process. The process is especially useful for cleaning dies through which polymers are extruded.

Abstract: Polyoxymethylene compositions that include 90 to 99.9 weight percent of at least one polyacetal polymer and 0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one polysaccharide substantially free of acidic material selected from the group consisting of amylopectin from maize and soluble starch where the weight percent of the polymer and the polysaccharide are based on their combined weight. Articles made from these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making polyacetal compositions and molded articles of these, which comprise at least one mineral filler that has not been previously coated before being mixed into the compositions.

Abstract: Polyoxymethylene compositions comprising (a) 20 to 80 weight percent polyacetal homopolymer, copolymer, or mixtures of these; (b) 5 to 40 weight percent glass fiber; (c) 0.1 to 2 weight percent polymeric thermal stabilizer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, and mixtures of these; (d) 0.02 to 2 weight percent allantoin; and 0.1 to 5 weight percent of an ethylene copolymer of the formula E/X/Y; wherein Y includes a glycidyl group. Articles made from these compositions.

Abstract: Polyacetal compositions and blends toughened with polyvinylbutyral having enhanced adhesive surface properties, including enhanced surface adhesion and low surface gloss, are disclosed. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising the polyacetal compositions described herein.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions which are painted (coated) have improved adhesion to the paint when these compositions comprise a hydrophilic polyether or polyester modified siloxane. These thermoplastic compositions are particularly suited for use with aqueous based paints, in uses such as automobile and appliance bodies and parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyacetal compositions comprising a mixture of (i) a polyacetal resin, (ii) p-aramid particles and (III) a vinyl-terminated dimethyl siloxane polymer. These compositions are useful in preparing molded articles exhibiting a good balance between high self-lubricating properties and wear resistance, and especially useful in articles that are in motion with respect to other parts they are in contact with.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light stabilized copolyetherester compositions that comprise at least one nanoparticulate mineral selected from titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, and zinc oxide and at least one organic ultraviolet light stabilizer. Articles formed from the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gear for an electric power steering device for reducing the rotation speed of an electric motor for steering assist with a reduction gear mechanism and transmitting the rotation to a steering mechanism, the gear being incorporated and used in the reduction gear mechanism, wherein at least the teeth of the gear are formed from a resin composition of a non-reinforced type comprising (a) a polyamide resin having a carboxyl group at least at a terminal end; (b) 0.5-5 wt. % a polycarbodiimide compound, and (c) 3-15 wt. % an elastic material modified with a reactive functional group.

Abstract: An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a lubricating oil-impregnated mesoporous powder. The compositions comprise about 0.3 to about 2 weight percent of lubricating oil, based on the total weight of the composition and are able to maintain a low coefficient of friction and minimal wear over an extended period of use.

Abstract: Polyetherester elastomers comprising about 25 to about 59 weight percent poly(trimethylene ether) ester soft segments and about 41 to about 75 weight percent hard segments, wherein the poly(trimethylene ether) ester soft segments are derived from poly(trimethylene ether) glycol having a number average molecular weight of about 600 to about 2500. Compositions thereof and articles made therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: Two acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, the genes encoding phophatidylcholine-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT2) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of oleaginous yeasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungal ?12 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (LA; 18:2). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific ?-3 and ?-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the ?12 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.

Abstract: A composition utilized in and a method for forming an electrode used in field emission type of display devices said composition is a photosensitive copper conductive composition comprising: a mixture of (a) copper powder at least 70 wt % out of 100 wt % copper powders having a particle size in the range of 0.2-3 ?m and (b) an inorganic binder with a softening point in the range of 380-580° C. in an amount of 140 wt % based on 100 wt % copper powders, said mixture being dispersed in an organic vehicle comprising (c) an organic polymer binder, (d) a phototoinitiator, (e) a photohardenable monomer, and an organic solvent; and the photosensitive copper conductive composition being fireable at a temperature in the range of 450-600° C. in a reductive atmosphere.

Abstract: A thick film composition consisting essentially of: a) electrically conductive powder; b) an inorganic binder wherein the inorganic binder is selected from TiO2 and any compounds that can generate TiO2 during firing and any one of the following compounds: Sb2O3, CO3O4, PbO, Fe2O3, SnO2, ZrO2, MnO, CuOx and mixtures thereof; and c) an organic medium.

Abstract: A composition utilized in and a method for forming an electrode used in field emission type of display devices said composition is a photosensitive copper conductive composition comprising: a mixture of (a) copper powder at least 70 wt % out of 100 wt % copper powders having a particle size in the range of 0.2-3 ?m and (b) an inorganic binder with a softening point in the range of 380-580° C. in an amount of 1-40 wt % based on 100 wt % copper powders, said mixture being dispersed in an organic vehicle comprising (c) an organic polymer binder, (d) a phototoinitiator, (e) a photohardenable monomer, and an organic solvent; and the photosensitive copper conductive composition being fireable at a temperature in the range of 450-600° C. in a reductive atmosphere.

Abstract: Thin-film capacitors are formed on ceramic substrates having high capacitance densities and other desirable electrical and physical properties. The capacitor dielectrics are annealed at high temperatures.