Abstract: The invention relates to polymer modified inorganic particles with a layer structure with an average particle diameter of 5 nm to 20,000 nm, containing 20 to 5000 mass % interlamellarly, in relation to the anhydrous inorganic particle, of a mixture of aminoplasts and water. These polymer modified inorganic particles are produced by swelling the inorganic particles with aldehydes and then reacting the inorganic particles with multifunctional C1–C30 amino compounds. The invention also relates to plastic containing polymer modified particles with a layer structure and to semi-finished products and moulded material produced from the same.

Abstract: A liquid concentrate of mineral fillers including an aqueous or organic solvent, mineral fillers useful for making paints, with a dry extract of mineral fillers not less than 65%, and a grafted copolymer of: 1) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 15 to 35 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 30 wt. % of anchoring sequences of a linear copolymer formed from at least two different monomer units including: a first ethylene monomer unit of at least a basic nitrogenous group, and a second unsaturated ethylene monomer unit of an aromatic group, preferably a phenyl, with the weight content of the first monomer units relative to th second monomer units is from 40 to 60 wt. %, preferably about 50 wt. %; 2) 25 to 90 wt. %, preferably 40 to 80 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 70 wt. % of organo-soluble hydrophobic sequences to disperse the particles in a polar medium; and 3) 5 to 70 wt. %, preferably 15 to 30 wt. %, more preferably 10 to 20 wt. % of hydrophilic sequences of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a film comprising a layered silicate cation-exchanged with an organic cation and a polyester or polycarbonate. The organic cation is represented by the following formula (I): (R)n-L+??(I) wherein R is a group represented by the following formula (I-1): wherein R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group, L+ is an ammonium ion, a phosphonium ion or a hetero aromatic ion, and n is an integer of 1 to 4, with the proviso that when L+ is an ammonium ion or a phosphonium ion, n is 4 and four Rs may be the same or different. This film has the layered silicate highly dispersed therein and is excellent in various properties such as mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention describes an intercalated clay intercalated with a polyether block polyamide copolymer. An article is included comprising a matrix polymer and an intercalated clay comprising clay intercalated with polyether block polyamide copolymer. The present invention also includes an article comprising polyether block polyamide copolymer and intercalated clay.

Abstract: The present invention provide methods for producing a low moisture organophyllosilicate composition using monomers, oligomers, or polymers to displace water associated with the organophyllosilicates in an aqueous organophyllosilicate slurry or filter cake. The invention additionally provides methods for producing organophyllosilicate nanocomposites from the concentrated organophyllosilicate compositions by dispersing the compositions in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Polymer-phyllosilicate nanocomposites that exhibit superior properties compared to the polymer alone, and methods-for producing these polymer-phyllosilicate nanocomposites, are provided. Polymeric surfactant compatabilizers are adsorbed onto the surface of hydrophilic or natural phyllosilicates to facilitate the dispersal and exfoliation of the phyllosilicate in a polymer matrix. Utilizing polymeric glycol based surfactants, polymeric dicarboxylic acids, polymeric diammonium surfactants, and polymeric diamine surfactants as compatabilizers facilitates natural phyllosilicate and hydrophilic organoclay dispersal in a polymer matrix to produce nanocomposites.

Abstract: Provided are a gas-barrier film which is a laminate comprising a substrate layer comprising a thermoplastic resin film and a gas-barrier layer comprising a hydrolysate of a silicon alkoxide, a stratified silicate and a polyvinyl alcohol base resin, wherein a radius (Rg) of gyration of a scattering matter which is measured by light scattering in the gas-barrier layer described above is 2.4 ?m or less, and the silicon alkoxide and/or the hydrolysate thereof are present between the layers of the stratified silicate present in the above gas-barrier layer. The above film shows an excellent gas-barrier property even under such a high humidity as exceeding 90% RH.

Abstract: There is provided a polyester resin composition excellent in mechanical properties, heat deformation temperature, surface appearance, dimensional stability and mold releasing ability, and a process for preparing the same. The polyester resin composition contains a thermoplastic polyester resin and layered phyllosilicate, wherein the layered phyllosilicate in the resin composition satisfies at least one of the following conditions (a) to (c): (a) ratio of layered phyllosilicate having equivalent area circle diameter [D] of at most 3,000 ? is at least 20%; (b) a mean value of equivalent area circle diameter [D] is at most 5000 ?; (c) the number of particles [N] per unit ratio of layered phyllosilicate present in 100 ?m2 of a resin composition is at least 30.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising at least 18% surfactant and colloidal inorganic clay. This composition is stable with regard to phase separation at 40° C. for at least three months and exhibits increased low-shear viscosity relative to a composition without clay. The composition comprises at least one lipophilically-modified copolymer containing acrylic acid residues and C2–C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues.

Abstract: Polyolefin compositions filled with high amounts of inorganic fillers comprising, by weight: (I) 20 to 60% by weight of an heterophasic polyolefin composition comprising: A) from 8 to 25% by weight of a crystalline polymer fraction selected from propylene homopolymer, propylene copolymers and mixture there; and B) from 75 to 92% by weight of an elastomeric fraction comprising at least an elastomeric copolymer of propylene or ethylene with 15 to 45% of at least one alpha-olefin, having solubility in xylene at room temperature greater than 50% by weight, the intrinsic viscosity of the xylene soluble fraction ranging from 3.0 to 6.5 dl/g; and (II) 40 to 80% by weight of an inorganic filler selected from flame-retardant inorganic fillers and inorganic oxides or salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exfoliating agent and to a process for producing random form of nanoscale silicate plates. Two types of exfoliating agents are applied in the present invention, which respectively have the formula: wherein R is a polyoxybutylene group, polyoxypropylene group, poly(oxyethylene/oxypropylene) group, or polyoxyethylene group. In this invention, layered silicate clays are exfoliated into random silicate plates by acidifying AMO or AEO with inorganic acid, adding the acidified AMO or AEO to layered silicate clay with agitation, and adding sodium hydroxide or chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, in ethanol, water and a hydrophobic organic solvent to the intermediate product and repeating phase separation procedures to isolate random silicate plates from water phase.

Abstract: Processes for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay, wherein the process comprises: providing a clay dispersion comprising at least one unmodified clay wherein said clay has a first exchangeable cation; adding a second cation to the clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified clay dispersion; and combining at least one polar containing agent with the modified clay dispersion to provide a modified clay.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clay/amine complex which is an excellent surfactant and a good reinforcing agent of polymers. The complex of the present invention can be produced by modifying layered inorganic silicate clay such as montomorillonite, with an intercalating agent, AMO (amine terminal-mannich oligomer). The AMO can be obtained by polymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1000, p-cresol and formaldehyde. The present invention further discloses a nanosilica plate, which can be obtained by extracting the above complex with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, and consequently, the AMO intercalating agent can be recycled for reusing.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures include (a) a non-butyl elastomeric polymer; (b) an acid or base treated dispersed, substantially exfoliated silicate filler material that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. The coating retains its permeability properties under strain and has a strain to first damage of at least 5% biaxial elongation at 0% RH.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barrier coating that shows decreased moisture sensitivity compared to conventional coatings, and provides high barrier properties, as well as a rapid method for producing the coating. These improvements are generated through use of a boric acid chelating agent in the composition and curing the composition with UV/NIR radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, and a method of preparing and using the same. The composition contains at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer or combinations thereof, and one or more filler particles that includes WDP gypsum particles. The WDP gypsum particles are obtained from waste gas-desulphurization plants and have a particles size distribution mean diameter ranging from 13 ?m to 500 ?m. The composition is particularly useful as a surface coating, a surfacing compound, a sealing compound, an adhesive or a molding composition.

Abstract: A novel non-wax superior gloss polishing compound formulation is disclosed. The polishing compound comprises: a) a water repelling and film forming acrylic resin; b) silicone fluids; c) finely divided abrasives; d) a hydrocarbon and alkanol solvent; and e) water, acrylic polymer emulsifer, preservation and fragrance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clay-containing mixture or blend capable of forming a moisture resistant gel, which comprises a powdered or ground smectite and/or a smectite-containing natural rock and at least 0.8–10% by weight, calculated for the smectite content, of an at least partially water-soluble and/or water swellable polymer and optionally at least 0.5% by weight of a solid activating agent. Such a mixture may also additionally comprise as a diluting agent more than 0.5% by weight of one or more solid inert filler(s); this diluted version is termed in the specification as a blend.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exfoliative clay and a derivative thereof and a method for producing the same. The exfoliative clay is formed by emulsion exfoliating an inorganic layered silicate clay with an amphibious intercalating agent by powerfully stirring at 60–180° C. and not less than 14.7 psig. The amphibious intercalating agent is obtained by copolymerizing polyoxyalkylene amine having molecular weight over 1,800 and polypropylene-grafting-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Before emulsion exfoliation, the intercalating agent is acidified with an inorganic acid. The acidification is the key step for obtaining nanoscale of emulsifying particles less than 100 nm for the exfoliation. The exfoliative clay can be further extracted with a hydroxide or a chloride of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal to obtain a derivative in the form of nanosilica plates which is free of organic portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to improved nanocomposite compositions and processes for preparing same. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing an aqueous nanocomposite dispersion, wherein the process comprises: providing at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer; providing an aqueous clay dispersion comprising an at least partially exfoliated aqueous clay having a first exchangeable cation and, optionally, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer; adding a second cation to said aqueous clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified aqueous clay dispersion; combining the first ethylenically unsaturated monomer and the modified aqueous clay dispersion; and polymerizing at least a portion of the first or second monomer to form the aqueous nanocomposite dispersion wherein at least one of the first or the second monomers comprises a polar monomer.

Abstract: Nylon-intercalated (concentrate nylon), layered silicates, in concentrated form, containing at least 6% to about 40% by weight layered silicate, preferably about 8% to about 30% by weight layered silicate, intercalated with a nylon that is polymerized while in contact with the clay, during ring-opening polymerization of the nylon reactants (monomers) and melt processing. The in-situ nylon polymerization reaction to form the concentrate nylon is continued until the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the nylon is about 25,000 or less, preferably 15,000 or less, more preferably about 5,000-10,000, to maintain melt processability of the resulting concentrate.

Abstract: Nanocomposites may be produced by mixing dispersions of polymers and dispersions of clay minerals. After mixing, the dispersions may be destabilized with the addition of appropriate compounds. The flocculated solid material exhibits characteristics of a nanocomposite, such as exfoliation of the clay mineral platelets as indicated by x-ray diffraction analysis.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invetion is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix oplymer and a layered clay material having decreased levels of extractable material, such as extractible salts of organic cations. This invention is also derected to processes for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, intercalates, exfoliates, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a fiberglass binder comprising an aqueous solution of a polycarboxy polymer, a polyol and at least 30 weight percent of a filler material, preferably clay. The clay filler material is generally present in the aqueous solution as a suspension of particles having an average size of 3 &mgr;m or less. The clay filler extended fiberglass binder of the present invention is more cost effective without significantly altering the appearance or function of the binder.

Abstract: Composite particles capable of an excellent dispersibility and an excellent light resistance of the present invention have an average particle diameter of 0.001 to 12.0 &mgr;m, comprise: white inorganic particles as core particles; a gluing agent-coating layer formed on at least a parts of the surface of said white inorganic particle; and a black pigment coat composed of carbon black, aniline black or both carbon black and aniline black, formed onto at least a part of the gluing agent-coating layer in an amount of from 1 to 500 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of said white inorganic particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent-free pigmented formulation comprising I) a binder based on at least one copolymer P in an aqueous polymer dispersion obtainable by free-radical aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture containing a) from 45 to 69.95% by weight of at least one monomer a) whose homopolymer has a glass transition temperature Tg of less than 20° C., b) from 30 to 54.95% by weight of at least one monomer b) whose homopolymer has a glass transition temperature Tg of more than 50° C., c) from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of itaconic acid and/or its anhydride and/or its salts, as acidic monomer c), and d) from 0 to 2% by weight of at least one further monomer d), the sum of the % by weight of a) to d) being 100% by weight, II) at least one pigment, III) at least one pigment dispersant having an acid number to DIN 53402 of less than 600, IV) if desired, an inorganic filler, and V) customary auxiliaries.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, in part, polymer clay nanocomposites having an acid containing monomer and clay. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing an aqueous polymer clay nanocomposite dispersion, wherein the process comprises: providing an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one clay, optionally at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and optionally at least one surfactant; providing a monomer mixture comprising at least 10% by weight of an acid containing monomer within the monomer mixture and optionally a surfactant; mixing the aqueous dispersion and the monomer mixture; and polymerizing the monomer to form the nanocomposite dispersion wherein the clay is at least partially exfoliated within the nanocomposite dispersion. The present invention also relates to the use of these compositions such as thickeners, dispersants, plastics additives, adhesives, coatings, flexographic inks, overprint varnishes, and dry cement powder modifiers.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated, lightly modified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated, lightly modified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer nanocomposite and the process for preparation of the same, wherein a positive-electric polyelectrolyte, a layer-structured inorganic material, such as silicate clay, and a polymer latex comprising an negative-electric surface are “co-agglutinated” to result in a polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is superior in homogeneity, transparency, mechanical properties, and in swelling and shrinking properties, a manufacturing method therefore, and a dry body of the organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is obtained by removing water from said hydrogel. The organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel comprises a water soluble polymer (A), a water swelling clay mineral (B) which can be homogeneously dispersed in water, and water (C), and water (C) is included in a three-dimensional network formed by (A) and (B).

Abstract: This invention provides a light white mineral oil-based fluidized polymer suspension (FPS) composition for use as a rheology modifier in paper coatings. It has been found that by using a selected composition of low viscosity oil as a carrier, high solids content and environmental friendly fluidized polymer suspensions of water soluble cellulose derivatives, synthetic water soluble polymers, guar gum and derivatives, starch and derivatives and mixtures thereof, can be prepared. The FPS of the present invention was found to provide unexpected beneficial performance properties when added as a rheology modifier to a paper coating containing standard binders, pigment, and water. The oil-based fluid polymer suspension composition of the present invention for use as a rheology modifier in the paper coating comprises: a hydrophilic polymer, b) an organophilic clay, c) a surfactant stabilizer, and d) a light white mineral oil having selected properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising a substrate and an image layer comprising smectite clay particles intercalated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and dispersed in polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic nanocomposites comprising a) a thermoplastic (A), in which from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the monomer units present in component (A) bear ionic groups, and b) at least one phyllosilicate (B), uniformly dispersed in component (A). The invention further relates to a process for preparing these nanocomposites, and also to their use.

Abstract: The invention concerns polyolefin compositions with high flame resistance. The compositions comprise (percent by weight): A) from 20 to 60% by weight of a heterophasic olefin polymer composition comprising a crystalline olefin polymer (a) and an elastomeric olefin polymer (b), said composition (A) being optionally modified with at least one functional monomer in an amount from 0.005% to 0.6% by weight with respect to the total weight of the total composition; B) from 15 to 40% by weight of one or more than one inorganic hydrated fillers; C) from 12 to 40% by weight of one or more than one organic flame retardants containing nitrogen in the molecule; D) from 0 to 40% by weight of one or more than one inorganic anhydrous fillers. Possible applications include the use as insulating material in electric wires and cables and the use as waterproofing sheets for roofs and tunnels.

Abstract: In the preparation of aqueous cement compositions containing a plasticizer, such as an EO/PO polymer-containing plasticizer, or EO/PO comb polymer-containing plasticizer, and further containing clay, such as a smectite clay, which expands when in contact with water, the step of providing an agent operative to modify the clay whereby the plasticizer absorbing capability of the clay is reduced. In exemplary methods of the invention, the plasticizer is an EO/PO (e.g., oxyalkylene) plasticizer and preferably an EO/PO comb polymer, and the clay-activity-modifying agent may comprise an inorganic cation, an organic cation, a polar organic molecule capable of being absorbed by the clay, a clay dispersant (such as a polyphosphate), or a mixture thereof. For clay-activity-modifying agents which comprise a cation or a polar organic molecule, the agent is preferably added to the clay before water is introduced to the clay.

Abstract: An adhesive useful in making recyclable carpet is prepared from a copolymer dispersion and a filler. The copolymer dispersion is prepared in an emulsion polymerization of a mixture of monomers comprising styrene, butadiene, an alkylacrylic acid monomer, in which the alkyl radical of the alkylacrylic acid monomer is a C1 to C6 branched or unbranched hydrocarbyl radical, and a combination of a second ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid with an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, in which the alkylacrylic acid monomer is present in a quantity predominating the combination of the second ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid with the ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. The adhesive can be completely removed from the face fibers by applied shear in the presence of aqueous alkaline solution. Recyclable carpets made with the adhesive exhibit high delamination strength, both when wet and when dry.

Abstract: A vinyl alcohol polymer composition (II) is produced by a process of providing a reaction liquid comprising a solution containing a vinyl carboxylate polymer and, a first metal alkoxide (I) having at least one functional group and/or an oligomer (I) having at least one functional group obtained from said metal alkoxide (I); a step of simultaneously effecting (a) saponification of said vinyl carboxylate polymer and (b) reaction in which at least part of the functional groups of said metal alkoxide (I) and/or said oligomer (I) participates, thereby obtaining a vinyl alcohol polymer composition (I); and a step of preparing a solution (A) containing said vinyl alcohol polymer composition (I), followed by adding to the solution (A) a second metal alkoxide (II) and/or an oligomer (II) obtained from the metal alkoxide (II) or another solution (B) containing the metal alkoxide (II) and/or the oligomer (II) derived from the metal alkoxide (II), to prepare an intermediate product solution (C), and then removing the sol

Abstract: A hardener for use in urea-formaldehyde and urea-melamine-formaldehyde based adhesives comprises a polyvinyl acetate emulsion together with a metal chloride and an ammonium salt. The adhesive composition comprising a urea-formaldehyde or urea-melamine-formaldehyde resin, and the above hardener provides an increased curing rate, an acceptable viscosity, better adhesion and greater tolerance towards substrate type.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix polymer and a layered clay material having decreased levels of extractable material, such as extractable salts of organic cations. This invention is also directed to processes for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: The invention comprises a granulate comprising a) a micronized silicic acid gel (A) with an average particle size from 2 to 15 microns, a specific pore volume from 0.3 to 2.0 ml/g, a specific surface (BET) from 200 to 1000 m2/g, in a concentration from 5 to 60% by weight or b) a hydrated or dehydrated aluminosilicate (B) which contains sodium and/or potassium and/or calcium cations, with a particle size between 1 and 25 microns in a concentration from 5 to 75% by weight and c) an organic additive composition (C) in a concentration from 25 to 95% by weight, but at least 5% more (measured by the oil adsorption process) than that which is necessary to fill all pores of the silicic acid and the spaces between the silicic acid particles and the aluminosilicate and the aluminosilicate particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for both a composition and method for producing a scratch resistant coating applied to an acoustical panel. The coating primarily comprises binder, filler and mica and is typically applied as a spray. The coating can be characterized as a discontinuous film, whereby sound can pass through the coating to the panel for attenuating sound. The coating is thus enabled to provide a finish and color without compromising the acoustical performance of the substrate. The process primarily comprises combining and mixing the dry components of filler, binder and mica and then combining the same with water and mixing to create an aqueous mix that can be applied to the acoustical panel and dried.

Abstract: The invention provides for sprayable powder comprising friable granules of agglomerated primary particles of non-fibrillatable fluoropolymer and, optionally, at least one other component, the powder having a bulk density of at least 20 g/100 cc and average particle size of 5 to 100 micrometers. The sprayable powder is preferably free of water immiscible liquid, and more preferably free of halocarbon liquid. Included among the other components are inorganic fillers, pigments, high temperature resistant polymer binders. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a sprayable powder comprising friable granules of agglomerated primary particles of a first non-fibrillatable fluoropolymer and at least one other non-fibrillatable component. The invention further provides for a process for preparing the sprayable powder by spray drying a liquid dispersion. In a preferred embodiment, the process includes densifying the granules of agglomerated primary particles that result from spray drying.

Abstract: This invention relates to a colorant composition comprising a layered clay material intercalated with at least one cationic colorant, optical brightener or a mixture thereof. This invention also relates to a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and (ii) a layered clay material intercalated with at least one cationic colorant, optical brightener or a mixture thereof, wherein the clay-cation colorant/optical brightener intercalate is incorporated into the matrix polymer. The invention further relates to articles produced from the polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer-clay nanocomposite having an improved gas permeability comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and incorporated therein (ii) a layered clay material intercalated with a mixture of at least two organic cations. The invention also relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite and articles produced from a nanocomposite.

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.5% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 6% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the loss of solar reflectivity over time of an exterior elastomeric coating composition comprising an organic binder and at least one inorganic additive comprises: replacing at least a part of the at least one inorganic additive with a solid, particulate, organic polymer having a Tg greater than 70° C. An improved exterior elastomeric coating composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous sespension, comprising; (1) water, (2) at least one mineral substance, and (3) a copolymer which comprises the following monomers in polymerized form: (a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one carboxyl function, (b) optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one sulphonyl function or phosphoryl function, (c) optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer having no carboxyl function, (d) at least one ethylenically unsaturated oxyalkylated monomer terminating with a specified hydrophobic group, where the copolymer has a specific viscosity at most equal to 50. The suspension is useful in, for example, paper manufacturing and in the manufacture of coating colors for paper.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by reacting the layered material with a coupling agent and co-intercalating an onium ion and an oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/compatibilizing agent. The intercalation of the oligomer or polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å, and provides a nanocomposite having increased tensile strength, flexibility, and ductility (less brittle).

Abstract: Improved compositions of the present invention are made from a rubber latex component (A) and an oil carrier component (B) having hygroscopic and vulcanizing agents. Upon intermixing of the components A and B, an elastomeric composition is formed that can undergo a rheological transformation from a flowable liquid to a solidified elastomeric solid. An improved linear slope between fluidity and temperature is achieved by using naphthenic oil in the oil carrier component (B) with an organic rheology modifier, such as a modified castor oil and/or a polyamide. Further exemplary compositions comprise an inorganic rheology modifier such as an activated clay.