Abstract: An article, such as a polymeric film, sachet, purge control pad, or label, includes a sulfur scavenger. In some embodiments, an oxygen scavenger is also included. A method includes providing an article, including a sulfur scavenger and an oxygen scavenger; and subjecting the article to a dosage of actinic radiation effective to trigger the oxygen scavenger. A method of reducing the sulfur content of a package containing a food product includes either (1) providing a film including a layer including a zinc ionomer, and a layer including an oxygen scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours; or (2) providing the food product at a temperature of ?40° F.; providing a film including a layer including a sulfur scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours.

Abstract: A method of increasing the gas transmission rate of a packaging film comprises providing a packaging film that comprises at least about 0.001 weight % of fullerene material selected from spherical fullerenes, bowl-shaped fullerenes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanocones, and carbon nano-onions. The packaging film is exposed to an amount of radiation energy effective to increase the oxygen transmission rate of the packaging film by at least about 100 cc (STP)/m2. day (1 atm, 0% RH, 23° C.).

Abstract: A method of activating the shrink characteristic of a film comprises two steps. First, a film comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and at least about 0.01 weight % photothermic material is provided. Second, the film is exposed to an amount of non-ionizing radiation effective for the photothermic material to generate heat to cause an effect selected from one or more of: 1) shrinking the film by at least about 5% in at least one direction, and 2) increasing the tension in the film by at least about 50 pounds per square inch in at least one direction.

Abstract: A laminate comprises a core layer and one or more acoustic layers adhered to the core layer. The core layer is at least about 30 mils thick and comprises one or more materials selected from wood and wood composite. The total thickness of the one or more acoustic layers is greater than about 5 mils. The one or more acoustic layers define a plurality of apertures, and either have a glass transition temperature of at most about 0° C. along with a crystallinity of at most about 39 weight %, or comprise at least about 40 weight % elastic polymer, or both. The laminate may be useful in flooring systems.

Abstract: An intercalated layered silicate comprises a layered silicate and an intercalating agent sorbed between the silicate layers of the layered silicate. The amount of intercalating agent is effective to provide an average interlayer spacing between the silicate layers of at least about 20 ?. The intercalating agent has a formula selected from formulas I through VII described herein. The intercalated layered silicate may be exfoliated by mixing it with a matrix medium and adding sufficient energy to form a dispersed-particle composition. A packaging film, such as a food packaging film, may comprise the dispersed-particle composition.

Abstract: An article, such as a polymeric film, sachet, purge control pad, or label, includes a sulfur scavenger. In some embodiments, an oxygen scavenger is also included. A method includes providing an article, including a sulfur scavenger and an oxygen scavenger; and subjecting the article to a dosage of actinic radiation effective to trigger the oxygen scavenger. A method of reducing the sulfur content of a package containing a food product includes either (1) providing a film including a layer including a zinc ionomer, and a layer including an oxygen scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours; or (2) providing the food product at a temperature of ?40° F.; providing a film including a layer including a sulfur scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours.

Abstract: A laminate comprises a core layer and one or more acoustic layers adhered to the core layer. The core layer is at least about 30 mils thick and comprises one or more materials selected from wood and wood composite. The total thickness of the one or more acoustic layers is greater than about 5 mils. The one or more acoustic layers comprise one or more polymers, have a glass transition temperature of at most about 0°C., and have a crystallinity of at most about 39 weight %. The laminate may be useful in flooring systems.

Abstract: A method of shrinking a film comprises the steps of providing a shrink film and exposing the film to an amount of radiation energy effective to activate the shrink characteristic of the film. The film comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers and at least about 0.001 weight % of single-walled carbon nanotube material based on the weight of the film.

Abstract: A method of increasing the gas transmission rate of a packaging film comprises providing a packaging film that comprises at least about 0.001 weight % of single-walled carbon nanotube material based on the weight of the film. The packaging film is exposed to an amount of radiation energy effective to increase the oxygen transmission rate of the packaging film by at least about 100 cc (STP)/m2. day (1 atm, 0% RH, 23° C).

Abstract: A closed-cell foam comprises at least about 50 weight percent thermoplastic polymer and from about 5 to about 50 weight parts of particles dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer per 100 weight parts of the thermoplastic polymer. The particles have an average size in the longest dimension of from about 5 to about 300 microns. If the particles are electrically conductive, then the foam has a surface resistivity of at least about 1×106 ohms. The foam is useful in sound dampening applications.