Abstract: It has been discovered that certain hot melt adhesive formulations can be produced which exhibit superior lay-flat properties when used as bookbinding adhesives. The formulations incorporate copolymers of ethylene and unsaturated esters. The resulting bookbinding adhesives have viscosities of 2,000 to 8,000 cps at 177.degree. C. The bookbinding adhesives are found to impart lay-flat properties to books when the adhesives have a tensile to elongation ratio of .ltoreq.1.45.

Abstract: An effective delayed-action insecticide for use against the imported fire ant (IFA), as well as against infestations of other insects. The insecticide consists of an oil insoluble surfactant, preferably an anionic fluorochemical surfactant, as the active ingredient. The insecticide further consists of a carrier, which is a source of food for the IFA or other insect. This carrier is impregnated with the anionic fluorosurfactant to provide a toxic bait. In a preferred embodiment, the insecticide contains 0.3 to 0.5% by weight anionic fluorosurfactant; and a member selected from the group comprising dried yellow corn meal, corn grit, crushed wheat, and cracked wheat in a concentration of 94.7 to 94.5% by weight, as the carrier. Soybean oil, in a concentration of 5.0% by weight, is preferably applied as an attractant. A method for formulating the insecticide by dissolving the anionic fluorosurfactant in a solvent, such as acetone or methanol, and mixing the resulting solution with the carrier, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoformed polyolefin articles with improved gloss and method of making the same. A polyolefin such as LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE or PP is compounded with up to 3000 ppm, e.g. 800-1500 ppm, fluoroelastomer and thermoformed into an article with improved gloss. The fluoroelastomer is generally amorphous, soluble in organic solvents and has a Tg of 20.degree. C. or less, such as vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer. The article may be compositionally uniform, or formed from a coextruded sheet with a cap layer containing the gloss additive and a base layer without the additive.