Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate and (iii) 14-40 wt. % starch, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and starch are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resinous, flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate, (iii) 14-40 wt. % cellulosic material and (iv) an amount of between 0.1 parts per 100 parts resinous components (phr) and 10 phr of at least one metal stearate, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and cellulosic material are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resinous, flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate, (iii) 14-40 wt. % cellulosic material and (iv) an amount of between 0.1 parts per 100 parts resinous components (phr) and 10 phr of at least one metal stearate, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and cellulosic material are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant composition comprising (i) 40-66 wt. % alkenyl aromatic resin, (ii) 9-33 wt. % ammonium polyphosphate and (iii) 14-40 wt. % starch, wherein all weights are based on the total weight of the composition and wherein ammonium polyphosphate and starch are present in a weight % ratio effective to provide molded articles exhibiting at least V-1 flame rating as determined according to the UL-94 protocol. Processes to prepare the composition and articles comprising a composition of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for substantially diminishing or essentially eliminating a visible knitline in an article derived from a resinous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one special visual effect additive, which comprises the steps of (i) including in the composition an effective amount of at least one chemical foaming agent, and (ii) forming the article in a process that produces a knitline, wherein the article exhibits a substantially diminished or essentially no visible knitline compared to a similar article prepared without chemical foaming agent. Also disclosed are resinous compositions related thereto. Articles made from the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising (i) a rigid thermoplastic resin comprising structural units derived from a (C1-C12)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and optionally a second monomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl aromatic monomer, a monoethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer and mixtures thereof, and (ii) 2 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight of a fluoropolymer; wherein the composition is free of both any rubber component and any filler. Articles made from the compositions and a method to improve physical properties in the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A translucent composition comprises an aromatic polycarbonate (PC) and poly(1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxcylate) hereinafter referred to as (PCCD), with the weight ratio of PC to PCCD in the range of 30 to 85 PC to 70 to 15 PCCD and a glass fiber at least about 0.75 mm in length with quantity of glass fiber from about 1 to about 50 wt. % of the composition wherein the refractive index of the PC/PCCD mixture and the glass fiber matched between the range of about 1.540 to about 1.570.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) at least one polycarbonate; (ii) optionally, at least one additional thermoplastic resin different from polycarbonate; and (iii) an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) type resin comprising a discontinuous elastomeric phase dispersed in a rigid thermoplastic phase, wherein at least a portion of the rigid thermoplastic phase is grafted to the elastomeric phase, and wherein the elastomeric phase comprises a polymer having structural units derived from at least one (C1-C12)alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer, and wherein the rigid thermoplastic phase comprises structural units derived from at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer, and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (C1-C12)alkyl- and aryl-(meth)acrylate monomers.

Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed, which comprises a matrix polymer, a fluoropolymer that may be at least partially encapsulated by an encapsulating polymer, and a filler. Methods for making the polymer compositions and articles made of such compositions are also disclosed. The compositions and article can have improved tensile modulus, ductility, and/or impact properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing stringiness during hot plate welding of an article comprising at least one rubber modified thermoplastic resin, which comprises the step of including an effective amount of a polyamide in the composition of the article to be welded; wherein said resin comprises a discontinuous elastomeric phase dispersed in a rigid thermoplastic phase, and wherein at least a portion of the rigid thermoplastic phase is grafted to the elastomeric phase. The method also results in improved cycle time for preparation of the final article. Final articles made by the said method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising: (i) a rubber modified thermoplastic resin comprising a discontinuous elastomeric phase dispersed in a rigid thermoplastic phase, wherein at least a portion of the rigid thermoplastic phase is grafted to the elastomeric phase; (ii) at least two additives selected from the group consisting of glass beads; fluoropolymers; ethylene bis-stearamide; a mixture of at least one metal salt of a fatty acid and at least one amide; a homopolymer comprising structural units derived from at least one (C1-C12)alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer; and mixtures thereof; and optionally (iii) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a silicone oil and a linear low density polyethylene; wherein said composition has a critical shear rate value of greater than about 50 reciprocal seconds as measured at 190° C. in a capillary rheometer with 10 mm length and 1 mm diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising: (i) a rubber modified thermoplastic resin comprising a discontinuous elastomeric phase dispersed in a rigid thermoplastic phase, wherein at least a portion of the rigid thermoplastic phase is grafted to the elastomeric phase, and wherein the elastomeric phase comprises a polymer having structural units derived from at least one (C1-C12)alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer; (ii) a second polymer consisting essentially of structural units derived from at least one (C1-C12)alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer; and optionally (iii) a third polymer comprising structural units derived from at least one alkenyl aromatic monomer and at least one monoethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer prepared in a separate polymerization step and added to the composition. In other embodiments the present invention comprises articles made from said compositions.

Abstract: A non-opaque thermoplastic alloy comprising a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase, wherein the discontinuous phase is immiscible with the continuous phase. The non-opaque alloy may be translucent or transparent. The continuous phase is preferably polycarbonate, the discontinuous phase is preferably a transparent ABS.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition is disclosed which comprises a matrix polymer, and a combination of a fluoropolymer that can be at least partially encapsulated by an encapsulating polymer, and a filler. Methods for making the thermoplastic resin composition and articles made of such compositions are also disclosed. The composition and article can have improved tensile modulus, ductility and impact properties.

Abstract: Multi-layer composite structures offer improved weatherability and adhesion to fiber-reinforced plastic substrates when compared to structures now available. These composites have an outer layer made from a polyacrylate, a second layer made from an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate rubber terpolymer; a third layer made from an ABS polymer; and optionally a fourth layer made from a polyacrylate. The layers include one or more layers having an improvement selected from among: (a) the improvement wherein the second layer is made from an acrylate-modified acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate rubber terpolymer; (b) the improvement wherein the third layer is a modified ABS that further includes a polymer modifier that decreases the softening of the ABS on contact with styrene, and an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate rubber terpolymer; and (c) the improvement wherein the fourth layer is present and is a polyacrylate. This composite can be applied to a fiber-reinforced plastic substrate such as fiberglass as a coating.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is provided which exhibits desired levels of viscosity, dart impact strength, and flame retardancy. The composition includes respective amounts of a bulk vinyl aromatic-vinyl cyanide-rubber graft copolymer, an emulsion vinyl aromatic-vinyl cyanide-rubber graft copolymer and a flame retardant which contains an amount of a halogenated epoxy compound. The compositions are useful for making molded articles which exhibit desired levels of flame retardancy and impact strength. The thermoplastic compositions may also further contain respective amounts of non-epoxy halogenated compounds, flame retardant synergist such as antimony compounds, and drip suppressants such as fluoro polymers.

Abstract: Multilayer sheets of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin layer and a relatively high rubber acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin layer are provided which are thermoformable. The multilayer sheets exhibit resistance to halogenated blowing agents which escape from foamed-in-place insulation. The multilayer sheets can be thermoformed to provide equipment liners such as refrigerator liners, dishwasher liners, car interior panels, and appliance housings.