Abstract: An uncured epoxy adhesive comprising a resin component, a hardener component, and a microencapsulated accelerator component. The microencapsulated accelerator component comprises an infrared absorber, an accelerator and a wall that covers substantially the entire surface of the accelerator. The epoxy adhesive is cured by exposing it to infrared energy. The infrared energy is absorbed by the infrared absorber which disintegrates the wall and allows the accelerator to come into contact with the other adhesive components and initiate the curing polymerization reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsule containing a phase change material and its use, and more particularly, to a microcapsule containing a phase change material wherein phase separation and subcooling thereof cannot be produced and the size of the microcapsule can be reduced to the order of several micrometers, to a method of producing the microcapsule, to an article having enhanced heat-retention capability by comprising the microcapsule, and to a method of producing the article. The microcapsule comprises the phase change material selected from a group consisting of n-octacosane, n-heptacosane, n-hexacosane, n-pentacosane, n-tetracosane, n-tricosane, n-docosane, n-heneicosane, n-eicosane, n-nonadecane, n-octadecane, n-heptadecane, n-hexadecane, n-pentadecane, n-tetradecane, and n-tridecane; and a nucleating agent for preventing subcooling of the phase change material.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, fountain solution and agricultural compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of an acetylenic diol ethylene oxide/propylene oxide adduct of the structure where r and f are 1 or 2, (n+m) is 1 to 30 and (p+q) is 1 to 30. Use of such adducts as surfactants in photoresist developer/electronics cleaning compositions is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermal energy storage compositions comprising macrocapsules containing therein a plurality of microcapsules and to methods for producing macrocapsules containing microcapsules. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the microcapsules contain a phase change material.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Organosilicon nano/microhybrid systems or microhybrid systems having nanoscale and/or microscale oxide particles (KA—O), and an organosilicon shell with at least one organosilicon constituent of the general formula Ia wherein the organosilicon constituent of the shell B is attached to the oxide particles via one or more covalent linkages of formula Ib A process for preparing a composition comprising organosilicon nano/microhybrid systems or microhybrid systems directly in a synthetic resin composition allows in situ preparation of a curable resin. The compositions may be used as coating materials for producing scratch resistant and abrasion resistant coatings.

Abstract: A regenerated cellulose-encapsulated active substance and a method for encapsulating an active substance in a regenerated cellulose matrix are disclosed. The distribution of the active substance is preferably substantially homogeneous within the matrix of regenerated cellulose. The regenerated cellulose (i) has about the same molecular weight as the original cellulose from which it is prepared (ii) is substantially free of added substituent groups relative to the starting cellulose and is also substantially free of entrapped ionic liquid degradation products.

Abstract: A stabilized phase change composition comprises a phase change material and a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of antioxidants and thermal stabilizers. The stabilizing agent provides oxidative or thermal stabilization to the phase change material. The stabilized phase change composition may be used or incorporated in a variety of processes (e.g., melt spinning processes, extrusion processes, injection molding processes, and so forth) to form articles having enhanced reversible thermal properties. Exemplary articles that may be formed include, by way of example and not by limitation, synthetic fibers (e.g., nylon fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and multi-component fibers), fabric materials, textiles, films, foams, sheets, pellets, granules, rods, and injection molded articles.

Abstract: Microspheres for controlled release of a bioactive agent are disclosed, and in particular, blend, cross-linkable poly(propylene fumarate) for immobilization and controlled drug delivery. The microsphere includes poly(propylene fumarate), a polymeric material other than poly(propylene fumarate) (e.g., poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)), and a bioactive agent. The bioactive agent is selected depending on the physiological effect desired. For example, in bone regeneration applications, the bioactive agent may be selected from osteoinductive agents, peptides, growth hormones, osteoconductive agents, cytokines and mixtures thereof. The bioactive agent is dispersed in the microsphere, the microsphere has a diameter in the range of 1 to 300 micrometers, the poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) are distributed in the microsphere, and the microsphere releases the bioactive agent in a sustained manner after an initial burst release.

Abstract: The invention relates to microspheres with a narrow distribution of particle size and a uniform spherical shape, consisting of a partially or completely cross-linked polymer material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said microspheres and to the use thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: Microcapsules having a carotenoid content of between about 10% and 50% by weight. A crystalline form of one or more carotenoids is processed in a fluidized bed coating machine where a protective coating of a sugar or polyhydric alcohol, a starch, and optionally a protein, is applied. The carotenoid content of the finished microcapsules is in excess of 80% of the carotenoids present in the starting material.

Abstract: Disclosed are marking particles comprising a resin, a chelating agent, and a spiropyran material which is of the formula The marking particles are prepared by an emulsion aggregation process.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colorable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive color changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the color changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilized photosensitive color changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the color of the particles.

Abstract: There is provided a dispersion composition which has excellent dispersion stability and hardly sediments even after a long-term storage. This dispersion composition is a composition comprising a particulate material dispersed in an organic solvent, wherein a graft copolymer which has a particle diameter of 0.01-1 &mgr;m and self-disperses in said organic solvent is adsorbed to at least a part of the outer surface of said particulate material and a graft chain of said graft copolymer comprises a polysiloxane and an alkylene group of 1-18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compositions for sustained delivery of a biomolecule including an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer which ironically interact with each other and, optionally, with the biomolecule. Methods for making the compositions, including the step of combining the negatively charged polymer with the positively charged polymer to form an ionic complex are also provided. The biomolecule may be complexed with one of the polymers before it is complexed with the oppositely charged polymer. The complex is exposed to conditions that cause the formation of precipitated microcarriers, such as a change in pH or the addition of a complexing molecule. The compositions are preferably formulated into microcarriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized, pulverulent red phosphorus material composed of phosphorus particles whose particle size is not more than 2 mm, and whose surface has been covered with a thin layer of an oxidation stabilizer, wherein the oxidation stabilizer is silver, and also to the use of the same, and to a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A particle coated with a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material includes an internal matrix core having at least one a nanostructured liquid phase, or at least on nanostructured liquid crystalline phase or a combination of the two is used for the delivery of active agents such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, pesticides, etc. The coated particle can be fabricated by a variety of different techniques where the exterior coating is a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material.

Abstract: A reversible thermochromic composition which can be freely adjusted in its discoloration temperature even if the kind of electron donating compound and electron accepting compound to be used in combination remain the same and exhibits a remarkably improved light-fastness during quenching. A reversible thermochromic composition having an improved light-fastness comprising (a) an electron donating compound, (b) an electron accepting compound ultraviolet absorbing capacity represented by the following general formula I: wherein X represents a hydrogen atom, —CnH2n+1 or —OCmH2m+1; m represents an integer of from 1 to 9; n represents an integer of from 1 to 10; and p represents an integer of from 1 to 3, and (c) a discoloration temperature adjustor and a product comprising same.

Abstract: An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: There is provided a dispersion composition which has excellent dispersion stability and hardly sediments even after a long-term storage. This dispersion composition is a composition comprising a particulate material dispersed in an organic solvent, wherein a graft copolymer which has a particle diameter of 0.01-1 &mgr;m and self-disperses in said organic solvent is adsorbed to at least a part of the outer surface of said particulate material and a graft chain of said graft copolymer comprises a polysiloxane and an alkylene group of 1-18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method forms self-sustaining particles that comprise a hydrophobic (oleophilic) phase in particulate form, with no need for a rigid shell to encapsulate the phase, and usually with no shell present. The oleophilic phase contains a gelation agent, and preferably an organogelation agent. The particles may be stored alone or in a minor amount (e.g., less than 40% by volume) of water to assist their stability and act as a barrier against their coalescence. These water-separated compositions are not necessarily dispersions or suspensions, but may be merely particles in an aqueous storage environment. The particles have prolonged stability and can be readily, simply, and inexpensively formed. A simple method of manufacture comprises forming a solution of the ingredients (e.g., at least the oleophilic material and gelation agent) at a temperature above their gelation temperature, forming droplets or molten, or liquid or flowable particles of the solutions, and cooling the droplets to form the particulates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber additive composition which contains at least one rubber additive (a), the at least one additive (a) being encased in coating material (b) accompanied by formation of microcapsules. The additive can in particular be sulphur or another vulcanization agent, a vulcanization accelerator and/or activator.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparations useful for the permanent or substantially permanent treatment of textiles and other webs. More particularly, the preparations of the invention comprise an agent or other payload surrounded by or contained within a polymeric encapsulator that is reactive to webs, to give textile-reactive nanoparticles. By “textile-reactive” is meant that the payload nanoparticle will form a chemical covalent bond with the fiber, yarn, fabric, textile, finished goods (including apparel), or other web or substrate to be treated. The polymeric encapsulator of the payload nanoparticle has a surface that includes functional groups for binding or attachment to the fibers of the textiles or other webs to be treated, to provide permanent attachment of the payload to the textiles. Alternatively, the surface of the nanoparticle includes functional groups that can bind to a linker molecule that will in turn bind or attach the nanoparticle to the fiber.

Abstract: The incorporation of nanosized metal particles into cyclodextrin-containing material leads to a “reactive” barrier material having excellent barrier properties. Also, it has been found that the presence of nanosized metal or metal alloy particles in a barrier material such as thermoplastic material, wherein said material comprises cyclodextrin derivatives, may be advantageous in achieving excellent barrier properties. The barrier material of the present invention may provide improved barrier resistance to a variety of permeants and/or impurities. The diffusion of volatile substances through the barrier material may be prevented by adding compatible derivatized cyclodextrin and nanosized metal particles to the material used.

Abstract: To provide a structure that has both drug holding capability and sustained releasability a liposome and mechanical strength of polyhydroxyalkanoate, is excellent in holding capability for hydrophilic drugs and other water-soluble substances as well as liphophilic drugs and other hydrophobic substances, and is capable of controlling the sustained releasability. To coat with polyhydroxyalkanoate at least part of the outer wall of the liposome.

Abstract: A particle coated with a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material includes an internal matrix core having at least one a nanostructured liquid phase, or at least on nanostructured liquid crystalline phase or a combination of the two is used for the delivery of active agents such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, pesticides, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to hemostatic therapeutic compositions and, more particularly to methods for bringing about rapid, painless hemostasis intraorally, for dermatological applications or all other hemostasis applications. 100 to 300 micron microcapsules comprising a granular astringent hemostatic agent micro-encapsulated with a biocompatible polymer are applied to a wound. The microcapsules are applied to the wound until the outermost layer of microcapsules remain white, a visible indication that the hemostatic action is complete. Upon observation that the hemostatic action is complete the microcapsules are flushed from the wound, the wound blotted and dressed. The rapid clotting times achieved with the 100 to 300 micron size microcapsules together with the visual indication that hemostasis is complete gives the practitioner the ability to irrigate the wound and apply a protective dressing much more quickly than the prior art and excess microcapsules are not wasted.

Abstract: Microencapsulated particles having improved resistance to moisture and extended release capabilities are produced by microencapsulating the particles in a film-forming, cross-linked, hydrolyzed polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochromic nanocapsule and its preparation method thereof, and more particularly, to a core/shell type photochromic nanocapsule comprising a photochromic diarylethene compound encompassed by polymers and its preparation method thereof, wherein a diarylethene compound, a monomer or a mixture of monomers, an emulsifier and a initiator are emulsified followed by the polymerization at a predetermined temperature thus resulting in a photochromic nanocapsule which is not only reduced in size from &mgr;m of the conventional ones to nm but also has an excellent thermal stability, transparency, and an excellent photochromic property thereby enabling to be used as optical materials such as an optical recording material, an optical switch, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides deodorant and deodorant-antiperspirant cosmetic stick and roll-on products with an organic matrix having a dispersed phase of discrete particles of an encapsulated bicarbonate salt such as sodium bicarbonate, and discrete particles of an encapsulated fragrance compound such as musk ketone. The particle surfaces are coated with a polymer such as maltodextrin starch. When this type of cosmetic product is applied to underarm surfaces, the deodorizing activity is signaled by the release of a fragrance aroma.

Abstract: Disclosed are silica-coated nanoparticles and a process for producing silica-coated nanoparticles. Silica-coated nanoparticles are prepared by precipitating nano-sized cores from reagents dissolved in the aqueous compartment of a water-in-oil microemulsion. A reactive silicate is added to coat the cores with silica. Also disclosed are methods for functionalizing silica-coated nanoparticles for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-insoluble solid particles, especially pigments, which characteristically are coated with at least one layer of at least one product resulting from the reaction between at least one molecule capable of becoming hydrated in contact with water and at least one lipophilic molecule. It further relates to cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agricultural compositions comprising such particles and to the manufacture and use of said particles.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: A microcapsule composition comprising a core material in a matrix of polymorphic shell material, releases said core material in an aqueous environment in accordance with zero order linear release profile. A preferred composition comprises a core material having a degree of water solubility entrapped in a beta crystalline matrix of water insoluble shell material which matrix may, optionally, be surrounded by a contiguous core material-free layer of water insoluble shell material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of microcapsules comprising subjecting a flowable mixture of core material and a first amount of water insoluble shell material to a pressure force to form a pressure-treated mixture, and passing said pressure-treated mixture through a spray nozzle into a chilling zone to form a solidified composition.

Abstract: A medicine tablet is described as a new article of manufacture. The tablet is enrobed in a gelatin coating formed by application of respective layers of elastic gelatin film to opposite sides of the tablet. The applied gelatin layers conform tightly to the tablet surface, bond securely to the tablet, and are sealed together in essentially edge-to-edge manner at a seal line which extends around the tablet at a desired place on the tablet. The gelatin layers can be colored differently from the tablet and differently from each other. A range of formulations are described for film which can be peelable from a tablet or other product core, and for films which bond to the core.

Abstract: Crosslinked fine particles having a Tg of 100° C. or higher and an amount of remaining double bonds of 0.01 mmol/g or more, which are obtainable by polymerizing a compound (a1) having one or two radical-polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated groups in the molecule and a compound (a2) having three or more (meth)acryloyl groups in the molecule.

Abstract: A microcapsule having a mean diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm, a membrane and a matrix containing at least one active principle wherein the microcapsule is the product of the process comprising the steps of (a) forming an aqueous matrix by heating an aqueous solution comprised of a gel former, a chitosan and active principle; (b) adding the aqueous matrix to an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer selected from the group consisting of a salt of alginic acid and an anionic chitosan derivative.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked polymer particles in situ from polymer precursors such as monomers or oligomers, comprising exposing a composition comprising at least one polymer precursor, a solvent or solvent mixture, and an antisolvent or antisolvent mixture to photoradiation under conditions whereby particles are formed are provided. The polymer precursor may be photosensitive, or a separate polymerization initiator may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer precursor is insoluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture and the solvent or solvent mixture is soluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture at the concentrations used. Crosslinked polymer particles and crosslinked polymer particles comprising a polymer and a bioactive material are also provided. The polymer may be erodable, and the polymer particles formed may be used in a variety of applications, including controlled release of bioactive materials such as drugs.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a material which takes on a color or which changes its colors when selectively sensitized by ionizing radiation (especially by low doses of radiation) and which is not sensitive to visible and ultraviolet light etc. This is achieved by microcapsules containing a radiation sensitive composition comprising leuco compounds (a) and organic halogen compounds (b) as indispensable components.

Abstract: A lightweight panel construction in which a thin layer or veneer of gypsum board is laminated as a facing sheet onto a backing of lightweight open cell reinforcing material to form a composite panel that has the same surface characteristics and appearance as a sheet of conventional gypsum board and is suitable as a lightweight but strong substitute for conventional gypsum board. Portions of the open cell reinforcing material may be removed or omitted to form raceways or channels for utilities or the like.

Abstract: Two or more hydrophilic polymers that are not soluble in each other at a particular concentration and temperature, but which have a positive spreading coefficient in solution, are used to form multi-layered polymeric microspheres. The multi-layer microspheres produced by the method are distinguished by extremely uniform dimensioned polymer layers and actual incorporation of a substance to be delivered into the polymer layers. In the preferred embodiment of the method, two polymers are dissolved in an aqueous solvent, the substance to be incorporated is dispersed or dissolved in the polymer solution, the mixture is suspended in an organic solvent or polymer/water mixture and stirred, and the solvent is slowly evaporated, creating microspheres with an inner core formed by one polymer and an outer layer formed by the second polymer.

Abstract: High concentration drag reducing agents may be prepared by microencapsulating and/or macroencapsulating polymer drag reducing agent. The encapsulation may be performed prior to, during, or after the polymerization of monomer into effective drag reducing polymer. If encapsulation is done before or during polymerization, a catalyst may be present, but little or no solvent is required. The result is very small scale bulk polymerization within the capsule. The inert capsule or shell may be removed before, during or after introduction of the encapsulated drag reducer into a flowing liquid. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing slurry into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic or otherwise) of the polymer necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent.

Abstract: A one-part curable epoxy adhesive composition is provided. The adhesive comprises curable epoxy resin, a latent curative system comprising (a) at least one first curative encapsulated in thermoplastic polymeric microcapsules and (b) a second latent curative admixed in the curable epoxy resin, and sufficient particulate thermoplastic polymeric material to at least partially regionally plasticize the cured epoxy resin wherein up to all of the particulate thermoplastic polymeric material may be provided by the walls of the microcapsules. A method of curing the adhesive by heating the composition is also provided. A joint made by adhering members together with the adhesive composition and a method of making the joint are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: A composition including: a plurality of microcapsules each including one to five particles in a liquid droplet, and a complex coacervation induced shell encapsulating the liquid droplet and the one to five particles.

Abstract: An encapsulation process including: (a) forming an emulsion composed of a continuous phase comprising a first liquid, a cationic material, and an anionic material, and a disperse phase composed of a plurality of droplets of a second liquid, wherein a number of the droplets includes therein one to five particles; and (b) inducing complex coacervation of the cationic material and the anionic material to form a shell around each of the droplets.

Abstract: A medicine tablet is described as a new article of manufacture. The tablet is enrobed in a gelatin coating formed by application of respective layers of elastic gelatin film to opposite sides of the tablet. The applied gelatin layers conform tightly to the tablet surface, bond securely to the tablet, and are sealed together in essentially edge-to-edge manner at a seal line which extends around the tablet at a desired place on the tablet. The gelatin layers can be colored differently from the tablet and differently from each other. A range of formulations are described for film which can be peelable from a tablet or other product core, and for films which bond to the core. A presently preferred formulation for producing tablets having a bonded tamper-evident coating comprises a water-based gelatin preparation having about 45% gelatin and about 9% plasticizer (glycerin and/or sorbitol) by weight, Method and apparatus for producing such new products are also described.