Abstract: A hot melt adhesive comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polybutene, polyisobutene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene random copolymer, polypropylene, olefin block copolymer, polyolefins, styrene block copolymers, and ethyl vinyl acetate polymers; a tackifying resin; and at least one precisely end-capped polystyrene (PECPS). The use of the styrene-based oligomers and polymers with the precisely controlled end-groups in hot melt adhesive formulations to improve compatibility with polymers and block copolymers frequently used in such adhesives.

Abstract: A method for making a plasticized polymer comprises polymerizing a polymerizable monomer, such as an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in a plasticizer, such as mineral oil, and in the presence of a catalyst system. The plasticized polymer may be mixed with a tackifying resin in a method for making an adhesive. A composition, which may be useful as an adhesive, comprises a polymer system comprising a first polymer; a plasticized system comprising a first plasticizer that was in the presence of the first polymer during the polymerization step to make the first polymer; and a tackifier. The method can be used to make compositions having polymers with a low density or a low molecular weight or both. The final compositions made by methods of the invention include adhesives, sealants, coating, or lubricants.

Abstract: A macromolecule comprises a ring-opened polymerized product of ?-lactone monomers of formula I: and having a structure of formula IA: wherein R1 is an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms. The macromolecule may be hydroxy-terminated, and may be copolymerized with other ?-lactone monomers having different substituting groups and/or with higher lactone monomers. The macromolecule may be used as a reactant to form an alkoxysilane-terminated polymer, a polyurethane, or a (co)polyester, or may be used as an elastomeric midblock in a triblock copolymer having hard end blocks, such as polylactic acid. Such triblock systems demonstrate two discreet regions having properties similar to styrene block copolymers and are therefore suitable for use as hot melt or pressure-sensitive adhesives. In some embodiments, such triblock polymers may be entirely bio-sourced and compostable.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive uses a blend of polymers having controlled stereoerror and comprises a stereoblock polypropylene comprising a first block having an isotactic index of between about 50% and about 95% and a second block having an isotactic index of between about 5% and 50%, wherein the difference between the isotactic indeces of the first block and the second block is at least about 10%. The hot melt adhesive exhibits improved peel and tack properties without compromising shear strength and vice versa.

Abstract: Gas turbine engines generally comprise a first-stage nozzle guide vane. Temperatures in a trailing-edge area of the suction-side wall of such vanes can exceed material and coating limits. While an insert can be used to form passages for cooling air to flow along the inner surfaces of the vane walls, design constraints prevent the insert from extending beyond a certain point into the trailing edge of the vane. Accordingly, a fin is disclosed for insertion downstream of the insert. By eliminating sudden expansion beyond the downstream end of the insert and maintaining the speed of the cooling air across the trailing-edge area of the suction-side wall, the fin improves the cooling coefficient for the trailing-edge area, so as to prevent or reduce excessive temperatures in the trailing-edge area.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition comprises a polypropylene homopolymer having a DSC melting point of less than 100° C.; a butene-based copolymer; and a plasticizer. The butene-based copolymer may comprise a butene-rich amorphous poly-alpha olefin, such as a butene-propylene copolymer, or a semi-crystalline copolymer, such as a butene-ethylene copolymer. The hot melt adhesive is especially useful for bonding substrates which swell or elongate significantly in use. Such uses include adhering superabsorbent polymers to a substrate or adhering together two substrates at least one of which having superabsorbent polymers, such as the top and bottom layer of an absorbent core of a disposable hygiene article, such as a diaper, feminine sanitary napkin, and adult incontinence pad. The hot melt adhesive composition, which does not contain a tackifier, demonstrates suitable elongation at break and stress at yield, with a sufficiently low viscosity, to stabilize an absorbent core having superabsorbent polymers.

Abstract: Gas turbine engines generally comprise a first-stage nozzle guide vane. Temperatures in a trailing-edge area of the suction-side wall of such vanes can exceed material and coating limits. While an insert can be used to form passages for cooling air to flow along the inner surfaces of the vane walls, design constraints prevent the insert from extending beyond a certain point into the trailing edge of the vane. Accordingly, a fin is disclosed for insertion downstream of the insert. By eliminating sudden expansion beyond the downstream end of the insert and maintaining the speed of the cooling air across the trailing-edge area of the suction-side wall, the fin improves the cooling coefficient for the trailing-edge area, so as to prevent or reduce excessive temperatures in the trailing-edge area.

Abstract: A method for making a plasticized polymer comprises polymerizing a polymerizable monomer, such as an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in a plasticizer, such as mineral oil, and in the presence of a catalyst system. The plasticized polymer may be mixed with a tackifying resin in a method for making an adhesive. A composition, which may be useful as an adhesive, comprises a polymer system comprising a first polymer; a plasticized system comprising a first plasticizer that was in the presence of the first polymer during the polymerization step to make the first polymer; and a tackifier. The method can be used to make compositions having polymers with a low density or a low molecular weight or both. The final compositions made by methods of the invention include adhesives, sealants, coating, or lubricants.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polybutene, polyisobutene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene random copolymer, polypropylene, olefin block copolymer, polyolefins, styrene block copolymers, and ethyl vinyl acetate polymers; a tackifying resin; and at least one precisely end-capped polystyrene (PECPS). The use of the styrene-based oligomers and polymers with the precisely controlled end-groups in hot melt adhesive formulations to improve compatibility with polymers and block copolymers frequently used in such adhesives.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition comprises a polymer blend based on a first polymer component having a low melting point and is selected from a polypropylene homopolymer and a copolymer of propylene and ethylene and mixtures thereof; a second polymer component comprising an amorphous polyolefin; and about 30% to about 75% by weight of a tackifying resin. The composition optionally further contains a plasticizer, an antioxidant, a wax, a filler, a colorant, a UV absorber, another polymer, or combinations thereof. The hot melt composition has a viscosity equal to or less than about 80,000 cP at 180° C. and is useful for a variety of industrial applications including bonding together the substrates used in disposable hygiene products, such as nonwoven layers, elastic attachments, and thermoplastic films (polyolefin, polylactic acid, etc.). The hot melt adhesive composition may be dually functional, serving as an elastic component adhesive and a construction adhesive.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition that contains a liquid crystalline polymer and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The oligomer can serve as a flow aid by altering intermolecular polymer chain interactions, thereby lowering the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix under shear. The oligomer is also not easily volatized or decomposed during compounding, molding, and/or use, which minimizes off-gassing and the formation of blisters that would otherwise impact the final mechanical properties of a part made from the polymer composition. While providing the benefits noted, the aromatic amide oligomer does not generally react with the polymer backbone of the liquid crystalline polymer to any appreciable extent so that the mechanical properties of the polymer are not adversely impacted.

Abstract: A nucleating system for a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide is provided. The nucleating system includes a combination of an inorganic crystalline compound and an aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the combination of these different types of nucleating agents result in excellent crystallization properties (e.g., rate of crystallization). Due to the improved crystallization rate, the thermoplastic composition can be molded at lower temperatures to still achieve the same degree of crystallization. In addition to minimizing the energy requirements of the molding operating, the use of lower temperatures can also decrease the production of “flash” normally associated with high temperature molding operations. The composition may also possess good viscosity properties that allow it to be readily molded into parts of a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer melt polymerized in the presence of a viscosity modifier that can help increase the “low shear” viscosity of the resulting composition is provided. The increased “low shear” viscosity can minimize drooling of the polymer composition during processing and also allow it to possess a greater melt strength, which facilitates its ability to be processed in a wide variety of applications without losing its physical integrity. Despite having a relatively high “low shear” viscosity, the present inventors have discovered that the viscosity modifier does not substantially increase the “high shear” melt viscosity of the polymer composition. In this regard, the ratio of the “low shear” viscosity to the melt viscosity is generally very high, such as within a range of from about 50 to about 1000.

Abstract: A method for forming a high molecular weight liquid crystalline polymer is provided. The method include melt polymerizing two or more precursor monomers (e.g., acetylated or non-acetylated) in the presence of an aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that such an oligomer can lower the melt viscosity of the viscous polymer as it is formed. The ability to lower melt viscosity in situ during melt polymerization enables the formation of high molecular weight polymers that display low melt viscosity and can still be removed from the reactor vessel without solidifying therein. This not only improves the ease of processing, but also allows molecular weights to be reached that are even higher than conventionally practical.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition that contains a liquid crystalline polymer and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The oligomer can serve as a flow aid by altering intermolecular polymer chain interactions, thereby lowering the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix under shear. The oligomer is also not easily volatized or decomposed during compounding, molding, and/or use, which minimizes off-gassing and the formation of blisters that would otherwise impact the final mechanical properties of a part made from the polymer composition. While providing the benefits noted, the aromatic amide oligomer does not generally react with the polymer backbone of the liquid crystalline polymer to any appreciable extent so that the mechanical properties of the polymer are not adversely impacted.

Abstract: A molded part having a predetermined shape is provided. The molded part may be formed by casting a liquid crystalline polymer composition into a mold cavity at a relatively low shear rate. Due to the use of a relatively low shear rate, the polymer composition does not generally undergo extensive shear orientation, which can allow the resulting part to be further processed using standard finishing techniques. The ability to use relatively low shear rates during casting is achieved in the present invention through the use of an aromatic amide oligomer. More particularly, the present inventors have discovered that the aromatic amide oligomer can serve as a flow aid by altering intermolecular polymer chain interactions, thereby lowering the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix to “ultralow” levels without having a significant impact on the mechanical properties.

Abstract: An aromatic amide compound having the following general formula (I) is provided: wherein, X1 and X2 are independently C(O)HN or NHC(O); G1, G2 and G3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of G1, G2 and G3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; Q1, Q2, and Q3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of Q1, Q2, and Q3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; R5 is halo, haloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl; and m is from 0 to 4.

Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer composition capable of exhibiting both a low melting temperature and good heat resistance without the use of conventional naphthenic acids is provided. The melting temperature may, for example, range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. Even at such low melting temperatures, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the ratio of the deflection temperature under load (“DTUL”), a measure of short term heat resistance, to the melting temperature may remain relatively high. The specific DTUL values may range from about 200° C. to about 300° C. The ability to form a polymer composition with the properties noted above may be achieved, at least in part, by the use of an aromatic amide oligomer.

Abstract: A method for making a polystyrene ionomer comprises: preparing a metallic comonomer within styrene monomer to form a reaction mixture; and placing the reaction mixture under conditions suitable for the formation of a polymer composition. The metallic comonomer can be a metal acrylate, formed by contacting a metal complex and an acrylate precursor.

Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.