Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyurethane compositions; and more preferably to thermoplastic polyurethane compositions. In one embodiment, the polyurethane compositions of the present invention have high moisture vapor transmission rates and are suitable for film applications (e.g., breathable films). In one embodiment, the polyurethane compositions of the present invention are prepared from the reaction of a mixed polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, a chain extender, and optionally at least one suitable catalyst, wherein the mixed polyol component is formed by a combination of one or more poly(ethylene oxide) polyols and one or more copolymer polyols, where the resulting mixed polyol component comprises from about 3 to about 30 weight percent of a copolymer polyol and about 70 to 97 weight percent of poly(ethylene oxide) polyol.

Abstract: A liner for repairing damaged pipes, such as underground sewer or gas pipes is disclosed. The liner comprises a TPU coating on a fibrous mat of non-woven fabric. The TPU coating is a high heat resistance polyester TPU which allows an epoxy resin/amine to be saturated in the non-woven fabric and the cure initiated by the use of steam or hot water. The cured epoxy resin converts the liner from a flexible state to a rigid state as the liner is cured in place inside the pipe. The TPU containing liner may also be used with thermoset resins other than epoxy resins, such as polyester resins and vinyl ester resins.

Abstract: A hanging file folder having fold-up label features can be comprised of a sheet of flat, foldable material having two doubled over ends. A first hanger member can be disposed within one of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to a hanging file drawer rail. A second hanger member can be disposed within the other of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to the hanging file drawer rail. A plurality of tab members formed of the flat, foldable material can be attached to at least one of the doubled-over ends and have pairs of ears extending to the sides of the tab members. The tab members can be positioned to be extended beyond an edge of the doubled over end to which they are attached by folding the tab members and inserting the ears into pairs of slots formed in the doubled over ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides an offset printing blanket or sleeve including one or more layers that are made with a soft thermoplastic polyurethane composition that provides excellent compression set and excellent resistance to apolar solvents, such as naphthenic mineral spirits. The subject invention more specifically reveals a printing blanket comprising: a base layer; a compressible layer, and a printing surface layer, wherein the compressible layer and/or the printing surface layer is comprised of a thermoplastic polyurethane composition, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane composition made by reacting (a) at least one polyester polyol intermediate with (b) at least one diisocyanate and (c) at least one chain extender; wherein the polyester polyol intermediate comprises an intermediate derived from at least one dialkylene glycol and at least one dicarboxylic acid or an ester or anhydride thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printing blankets, pipe liners, conveyor belts, inflatable articles, collapsible containers, protective clothing, and other types of coated fabrics that are manufactured with a thermoplastic block copolymer (TBC). This TBC can be a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a copolyester (COPE), a copolyamide (COPA) or a polyurethaneurea (TPUU). The subject invention more specifically discloses a printing blanket or printing sleeve and a cured in place liner for a passageway or pipe. The TBC is (I) the reaction product of (1) a hydrophobic polyol or polyamine, (2) a polyisocyanate or an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and (3) a linear chain extender containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or (II) the reaction product of (1) a hydrophobic polyol or polyamine, and (2) a carboxylic terminated telechelic polyamide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyurethane elastomer compositions; and more preferably to thermo-plastic polyurethane elastomer compositions. In one embodiment, the polyurethane elastomer compositions of the present invention have low melting points while still behaving in an elastomeric manner. In one embodiment, the polyurethane elastomer compositions of the present invention are prepared from the reaction of a polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, and a diol chain extender. In another embodiment, the polyurethane elastomer compositions of the present invention are prepared from the reaction of a polyester polyol component, a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) component, and a linear diol chain extender having either 5 carbons or 7 or more carbons between the OH groups of the diol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrostatic dissipative thermoplastic polyurethane composition made by reacting (a) at least one polyester polyol intermediate with (b) at least one diisocyanate and (c) at least one chain extender. The polyester polyol intermediate, may be derived from at least one dialkylene glycol and at least one dicarboxylic acid, or an ester or anhydride thereof. The invention further provides for methods of making said thermoplastic polyurethane composition, polymer blends containing said thermoplastic and polymer articles made from said thermoplastic.

Abstract: A liner for repairing damaged pipes, such as underground sewer or gas pipes is disclosed. The liner comprises a TPU coating on fibrous mat of non-woven fabric. The TPU coating contains a barrier layer to retard the migration of styrene from the liner to the media used to force the liner against the damaged pipe and to activate the thermoset resin. The thermoset resin converts the liner from a flexible state to a rigid state as the liner is cured in place inside the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft, semicrystalline, thermoplastic elastomer composition which is comprised of (I) a hydrophobic thermoplastic block copolymer which is comprised of (I) the reaction product of (1) a hydrophobic polyol or polyamine, (2) a polyisocyanate or an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and (3) a chain extender containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or the reaction product of (1) a hydrophobic polyol or polyamine, and (2) a carboxyl terminated telechelic polyamide sequence; wherein the hydrophobic polyol or polyamine has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 1,000 to 4,000 Daltons; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 50,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons; and (II) from 1 to 80 weight percent of a mineral oil, wherein the soft, semicrystalline, thermoplastic elastomer composition has a Shore A hardness which is within the range of 20 to 80.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a semicrystalline, thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydrophobic polyol, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a linear chain extender containing 5 carbon atoms or 7 to 12 carbon atoms; wherein the hydrophobic polyol has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 1,000 to about 4,000; wherein the semicrystalline, thermoplastic polyurethane has a weight average molecular weight which is within the range of 50,000 to 1,000,000; and wherein the semicrystalline, thermoplastic polyurethane has a melting point which is within the range of 80° C. to 150° C. This hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane offers a unique array of characteristics that are highly desirable for utilization in manufacturing a variety of products. For instance, it can be used in overmolding soft grips onto consumer products, in adhesives, and in protective coatings.

Abstract: An exemplary hanging file folder retainer is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a first attaching member, a second attaching member, and a retaining member. The first and second attaching members couple to a hanging file drawer rail in order to secure the hanging file folder retainer to the hanging file drawer rail. The second attaching member is linearly disposed from the first attaching member such that the hanging file folder retainer is secured to the hanging file drawer rail in at least two locations. The retaining member has a length sufficient to at least span the distance between said first and second attaching members. The retaining member can also be increased or decreased upon installation along the hanging file drawer rail depending on the length of the hanging file drawer rail. In at least one functional position, the retaining member inhibits hanging file tabs from disengaging from the hanging file drawer rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyurethane compositions; and more preferably to thermoplastic polyurethane compositions. In one embodiment, the polyurethane compositions of the present invention have high moisture vapor transmission rates and are suitable for film applications (e.g., breathable films). In one embodiment, the polyurethane compositions of the present invention are prepared from the reaction of a mixed polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, a chain extender, and optionally at least one suitable catalyst, wherein the mixed polyol component is formed a combination of one or more poly(ethylene oxide) polyols and one or more poly(alkylene oxide) polyols, where the resulting mixed polyol component comprises from about 20 mole percent or less of one or more C3 to C15 alkylene oxides, the balance being ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Breathable thermoplastic polyurethanes are prepared from the reaction of a polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, and a chain extender in the presence of a metal-free catalyst. The metal-free catalyst comprises a polyalcohol amine, a tertiary amine catalyst, or a combination thereof. The polyurethanes of the present invention are suitable for film applications as they form breathable films which are permeable to water vapor but not air or water. The polyurethane compositions are substantially metal-free, have low extractables, and excellent melt strength.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethanes exhibiting slowed annealing, reduced crystallinity, reduced viscosity sensitivity to shear, and improved hydrolytic stability are provided by utilizing small amounts of a polyether co-polyol with a polyester polyol and a symmetrical linear chain extender with small amounts of a different size chain extender.

Abstract: A means to improve thermoplastic formulations in terms of the physical properties they exhibit, such as impact strength and ductility, have been developed. The addition of a block chlorinated polyolefin (b-CPO) to polymer blends in which at least one component comprises a halogen-free hydrogen-bond acceptor polymer, achieves the desired enhancement. The synergetic effect of the b-CPO with the selected polymer blend is demonstrated. Blends of thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonates, copolyesters and copolyamides with a blend partner such as thermoplastic polyolefins, styrenic copolymers such as styrene acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymers, high rubber graft copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers, methylmethacrylate butadiene styrene copolymers and the b-CPO have enhanced ductility and impact resistance. The addition of 0.5 wt.

Abstract: Breathable thermoplastic polyurethanes are prepared from the reaction of a polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, and a chain extender in the presence of a metal-free catalyst. The metal-free catalyst comprises a polyalcohol amine, a tertiary amine catalyst, or a combination thereof. The polyurethanes of the present invention are suitable for film applications as they form breathable films which are permeable to water vapor but not air or water. The polyurethane compositions are substantially metal-free, have low extractables, and excellent melt strength.

Abstract: A polymer blend composition made by reacting a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer and another polymer such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) polymer, having a functional group capable of reacting with an isocyanate. The polymers are reacted using a polyisocyanate compound during melt blending. Preferably, the melt blending occurs in an extruder. The polymer blend has improved tensile strength, improved abrasion resistance and higher melt strength, thus giving improved processability.

Abstract: A means to improve thermoplastic formulations in terms of the physical properties they exhibit, such as impact strength and ductility, have been developed. The addition of a block chlorinated polyolefin (b-CPO) to polymer blends in which at least one component comprises a halogen-free hydrogen-bond acceptor polymer, achieves the desired enhancement. The synergetic effect of the b-CPO with the selected polymer blend is demonstrated. Blends of thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonates, copolyesters and copolyamides with a blend partner such as thermoplastic polyolefins, styrenic copolymers such as styrene acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymers, high rubber graft copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers, methylmethacrylate butadiene styrene copolymers and the b-CPO have enhanced ductility and impact resistance. The addition of 0.5 wt.

Abstract: A multilayer composite pipe structure is described. The multilayer composite pipe comprises a hollow inner conduit, a first layer of adhesive, a metallic intermediate layer, a second layer of adhesive, as well as, the outer thermoplastic layer, respectively. The hollow inner conduit is made from any rigid thermoplastic material. The outer thermoplastic layer is made from a rigid, amorphous thermoplastic polymer. This multilayer composite pipe is pressure bearing. In one embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is solvent cementable; whereas in another embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is heat fusible. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the multilayer composite pipe is bendable. Furthermore, the multilayer composite pipe can be used in a fluid conduit system with fittings with an optional insert.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a gasket around a substrate from a novel polyurethane/urea composition via the RIM process. Window gaskets may be produced by this method. These novel polyurethane/urea compositions comprise the reaction product of a (cyclo)aliphatic polyisocyanate having a viscosity of less than about 25,000 mPa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and a NCO functionality of 2.0 to 4.0 with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising b1) a relatively high molecular weight organic compound containing hydroxyl groups, amine groups, or mixtures thereof; and b2) a low molecular weight chain extender selected from the group consisting of diols, primary amines, secondary amines, aminoalcohols, and mixtures thereof; in the presence of a catalyst. The isocyanate and isocyanate-reactive components are selected such that the crosslinking density of the resultant polyurethane/urea composition is at least 0.3 moles/kg.