Abstract: Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is useful as a build material for 3D printing, especially desktop 3D printing. Low haze and high transmission versions are a function of specific grades of styrenic block copolymer (SBC) used for impact modification.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes a polyolefin elastomer blend of at least two different polyolefin elastomers, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, and plasticizer. The compound has a Melt Flow Rate (230° C., 2.16 kg) of no less than about 5 g/10 min and a Melt Flow Rate (190° C., 2.16 kg) of no less than about 1 g/10 min. Elastomeric films formed from the compound can be used in place of elastomeric films based on styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers to make components of disposable hygiene articles.

Abstract: A tackifier to modify the Tan Delta of midblock segments of a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer in a thermoplastic elastomer compounds aids in rendering the HSBC TPE more effective as an overmolding compound having a low percentage compression set value when measured at the high temperature compression set standard. The HSBC TPE can overmold effectively upon polar polymeric substrates depending on the bonding agent chosen.

Abstract: A laminate is disclosed, made of outer layers of poly(vinyl chloride) sheet and at least one inner layer of a continuous fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol tape. Excellent physical properties result with unexpected results based on the direction of force during testing of tensile strength of the laminate.

Abstract: An overmolded thermoplastic article includes a substrate portion molded from a thermoplastic resin compound and an overmold portion molded from a thermoplastic elastomer compound. The thermoplastic resin compound includes thermoplastic polymer resin. The thermoplastic elastomer compound includes thermoplastic elastomer and polysiloxane as a mold release agent, and is free of wax. The overmold portion is bonded onto the substrate portion with a peel strength at least comparable to that of an overmolded thermoplastic elastomer compound containing wax as a mold release agent instead of the polysiloxane. Undesirable effects observed with the use of wax as a mold release agent in overmolded thermoplastic elastomer compounds such as blooming and ease of scratching/marring can be reduced, while desirable properties such as silky feel of the surface of the overmold portion and good bonding of the overmold portion onto the substrate portion can be at least maintained.

Abstract: Three different agents are used to improve hydrophilic surface active efficacy of hydrophilic surface active masterbatches, the polymer compounds these hydrophilic surface active masterbatches are let down into, and the articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A swimming pool wall, and method for forming same, including a plurality of layers of reinforced composite material. Each layer includes a thermoplastic resin and a plurality of elongate glass strands of reinforcing material. A first set of the plurality of layers has the strands miming in a first direction, and a second set of the plurality of layers has the strands miming in a second direction. The first direction is offset in angle from the second direction, and the first and second set of layers are fused together to form a unitary composite wall. The principles of hoop strength applicable to the swimming pool wall also apply to other cylindrical structures needing hoop strength arising from pressures inside or outside the cylindrical structure. The wall structure may be a plurality of interconnected panels both arcuate and arcuate and planar in shape to determine the overall shape of the composite wall enclosing an area where water or ice is retained.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes polyolefin elastomer, high softening point tackifier, and, optionally, styrenic block copolymer. When styrenic block copolymer is present, the weight ratio of polyolefin elastomer to styrenic block copolymer is no less than about 1:1. The polyolefin elastomer has a POE Tan Delta Peak Temperature, the styrenic block copolymer has a SBC Tan Delta Peak Temperature, and the thermoplastic elastomer compound has a Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature. The Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature is greater than the POE Tan Delta Peak Temperature. When styrenic block copolymer is present, Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature is also greater than the SBC Tan Delta Peak Temperature. The thermoplastic elastomer compound exhibits useful damping properties at or above room temperature and can be formed into plastic articles, including foamed plastic articles and/or crosslinked plastic articles, which can be useful for a variety of damping applications.

Abstract: Thermoplastic articles are molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including blends of aromatic polycaprolactone thermoplastic polyurethane and aliphatic polycaprolactone thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic articles can have enhanced stability against exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light relative to thermoplastic articles molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including only aromatic polycaprolactone thermoplastic polyurethane as the thermoplastic polyurethane component. Additionally, the thermoplastic articles can have good stain resistance, good clarity (i.e., low haze), and other desirable properties.

Abstract: TPE compounds having at least 35 weight percent of bio-renewable content are disclosed as candidates for use as overmolding layers on to polypropylene substrates.

Abstract: Copolymers of a polyvinyl butyral backbone with polylactic acid grafts and their compounds are disclosed, which can be used to produce clear, flexible and ductile bio-based films. The copolymers are amorphous and have been shown to maintain clarity, flexibility, and ductility after continuous exposure to thermal aging at 80° C. for one week.

Abstract: Surface structure modification is achieved for an acrylate block copolymer thermoplastic elastomer by the addition of an organo-functional polydimethyl siloxane but also without loss of clarity.

Abstract: Aliphatic polyimides are synthesized by a reaction of 2 moles of an unsaturated monoanhydride or an unsaturated diacid with both one mole of a diamine and one mole of a monoamine. Imidization of intermediates so formed from those reactions resolve to 6 possible bicyclic imidic structures bridged by monoamidic or saturated hydrocarbon spans, more likely the latter. Bio-derived monomers are particularly useful in the synthesis of the aliphatic polyimides.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes acrylic block copolymer and functionalized polysiloxane. Polymeric articles formed from the thermoplastic elastomer compound can have improved stain resistance, while also achieving other desirable properties such as low tackiness (i.e., low coefficient of friction) and good clarity (i.e., low haze).

Abstract: A polyvinyl halide compound, alone or alloyed with thermoplastic polyurethane, is used as a flexible layer for over-molding a rigid polymer substrate. Selection of types and amounts of calcium carbonate for the overmolding layer improves peel strength to achieve cohesive failure of the flexible overmolding layer rather than adhesive failure of the interface between the flexible overmolding layer and the rigid polymer substrate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes polyester-type thermoplastic polyurethane and no greater than about 30 weight percent of styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer. The compound has good clarity, as exhibited by a haze of no greater than about 60%, or 50%, or 30%, according to ASTM D 1003. Additionally, the compound has good damping properties, as exhibited by a resilience or vertical rebound of less than about 25% according to ASTM D2632.

Abstract: A polyvinyl halide compound has thermal conductivity and includes polyvinyl halide resin, natural or synthetic graphite of flake or spheroid form, and at least 0.5 weight percent of epoxidized vegetable oil. Selection of types and amounts of graphite and epoxidized vegetable oil provide thermal conductivity while other desirable properties of the compound are suitably maintained. The compound can be used for making any end use article that needs flame retardance and good thermal management and is especially useful as a thermally conductive material to replace die cast or extruded aluminum heat sinks in industrial applications, such as LED lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polyamide compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polyamide matrix, boron nitride, and a laser direct structuring additive dispersed in the matrix. The compound can be extruded, molded, calendered, thermoformed, or 3D-printed into a heat dissipating and laser direct structured article.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer having a polyisoprene soft block, styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer, tackifier having a softening point of at least about 80 C according to ASTM 6493, and, optionally, one or more additional thermoplastic elastomers. The compound has a Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature (at 10 Hz) of at least 10 C and a Compound Tan Delta Peak Height (at 10 Hz) of at least 0.85 if no thermoplastic polyurethane is present and at least 0.60 if additional thermoplastic elastomer is present and includes thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic elastomer compound exhibits superior damping properties across a broad range of temperatures, including at or above room temperature, and across a broad range of vibrational frequencies. The compound in sheet form can be used as a layer in an article of a structure susceptible to forceful impact of any item.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes styrenic block copolymer and high softening point tackifier. The styrenic block copolymer has a Copolymer Tan Delta Peak Temperature and the thermoplastic elastomer compound has a Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature. The Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature is greater than the Copolymer Tan Delta Peak Temperature. The thermoplastic elastomer compound exhibits useful damping properties at or above room temperature while also advantageously possessing improved stability for processing and/or applications at high temperatures and upon exposure to weathering.