Abstract: A germ-repellent plastic for use in a gas pathway of a respiratory device contains an anti-biofouling compound, and a basic plastic. The anti-biofouling compound is optionally selected from the group of a polyol, a polyether polyol, a polyol derivative, and a combination thereof; or the anti-biofouling compound is selected from the group consisting of a polyether, a poly(ethylene glycol) ether, a polysorbate, and a combination thereof; or the anti-biofouling compound is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitan monolaurate, poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitan monooleate, poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitol hexaoleate, ceteareth, and a combination thereof. The basic plastic is selected from the group of a blend of a low-density polyethylene polymer and an ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer, a blend of a polypropylene polymer and an ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer, a blend of polyolefin elastomer polymers and a polyvinyl chloride polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of starch or starch-based materials with polymeric materials, where the starch or starch-based material is intimately blended with the polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the starch or starch-based material in the matrix of the polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of carbohydrate-based polymeric materials with other polymeric materials, where the carbohydrate-based polymeric material is intimately blended with the other polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the carbohydrate-based polymeric material in the matrix of the other polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the other polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material, and provide for more consistent achievement of such characteristics, from batch to batch. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed. While suitable for use in a wide variety of fields, examples may include for the coating of paper cups, and as a capsule material for sustained release fertilizer.

Abstract: A preparation method of a rubber composition for a tire assures that good processability can be obtained even if a silane coupling agent having a mercapto group is blended. The preparation method of a rubber composition for a tire characterized by initiating kneading of a rubber component and a compound of the formula (1) before kneading the rubber component and a silane coupling agent having a mercapto group. (Wherein R1 represents a straight-chain or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 together with nitrogen bonded thereto form a succinimide group, a maleimide group or a phthalimide group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbonic acid-modified nitrile-based copolymer latex, a process for producing the same, a latex composition for dip-molding comprising the latex composition and a molded article produced therefrom. More specifically, modified nitrile-based copolymer latex, which can improve the stability of latex even with the use of inorganic pigments by making the inherently modified nitrile-based copolymer latex, enables the production of a dip-molded article having a smoothness of syneresis, less stickiness, and excellent tensile strength, a process for producing the same, a latex composition for dip-molding comprising the same, and a molded article made therefrom.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizing method for pelletizing brittle hydrocarbon resins with low melt viscosity. A feed material comprising the hydrocarbon resin is formed into a melt, extruded through a die into a water bath below the Tg of the hydrocarbon resin to form a plurality of extrudates and cut adjacent the die surface to form a slurry of resin pellets. A graft monomer and/or other reactants, such as a hydrosilylation agent, may be introduced into the resin melt to chemically modify the hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: A reaction product is obtained by free-radical emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium of ethylenically unsaturated monomers including at least one conjugated diene. The free-radical emulsion polymerization is conducted in the presence of a degraded polysaccharide having a DE of 38 to 70 measured according to ISO 5377 (1981 Feb. 15) and optionally an alkyl mercaptan in an amount of no more than 2.5 weight percent based on the total weight of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. A coating composition includes the reaction product, and a paper or a board can be coated with such a coating composition.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizing method for pelletizing brittle hydrocarbon resins with low melt viscosity. A feed material comprising the hydrocarbon resin is formed into a melt, extruded through a die into a water bath below the Tg of the hydrocarbon resin to form a plurality of extrudates and cut adjacent the die surface to form a slurry of resin pellets. A graft monomer and/or other reactants, such as a hydrosilylation agent, may be introduced into the resin melt to chemically modify the hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition and method incorporating a hydrocarbon polymer modifier with improved permanence. The composition comprises elastomer, filler and silane-functionalized hydrocarbon polymer modifier (Si-HPM) adapted to couple the Si-HPM to the elastomer, filler or both, wherein the Si-HPM comprises an interpolymer of monomers chosen from piperylenes, cyclic pentadienes, aromatics, limonenes, pinenes, amylenes, and combinations thereof. The method comprises melt processing a mixture to form the elastomeric composition in the shape of an article, wherein the mixture comprises elastomer, Si-HPM, silica, bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent; and curing the elastomeric composition to form the article. Also disclosed are a silylated hydrocarbon polymer modifier coupled with a bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent, and a silica-coupled hydrocarbon polymer modifier coupled to the silica via the bifunctional organosilane crosslinking agent.

Abstract: This disclosure describes formulations, systems and methods for a novel tackifier. The novel tackifier is composed of a modified starch and an acrylamide.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automobile interior sheet using a bioresin that includes: 5 to 100 parts by weight of a bioresin prepared from a starch extracted from at least one natural plant selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, sweet potato, sugar cane, bamboo, or similarities thereof; 30 to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) resin or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin; 5 to 40 parts by weight of a compatibilizer; 0.1 to 1.5 part by weight of a lubricant; and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent. The present invention can prepare an automobile interior sheet using a bioresin that is applicable to vacuum molding and excellent in sewing performance to offer remarkable performances not only in securing the product performance, embossing quality and sensorial quality such as hand feeling as an automobile surface material required to have various mechanical characteristics but also in reducing emission of CO2 and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in prevention of discoloration of thermoplastic starch materials and their blends with other thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A styrenic composition including a polar modified styrenic co-polymer resulting from the polymerization of a combined mixture of at least one styrenic monomer and at least one comonomer and a biodegradable component is disclosed. The at least one comonomer includes a polar functional group and the polar modified styrenic co-polymer and the biodegradable component are combined to obtain a styrenic composition having a biodegradable component. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing bio-polymer miscibility in a styrenic based polymer. The polarity of a blend is manipulated by combining a styrenic monomer and a polar co-monomer to form a combined mixture and subjecting the combined mixture to polymerization to obtain a styrenic polymer blend to which a bio-polymer is added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving cationic starch. In the method is obtained an aqueous polyelectrolyte solution comprising a synthetic cationic polymer, which has a charge density value of at least 0.1 meq/g, determined at pH3, the concentration of the cationic polymer in the polyelectrolyte solution being >2.5 weight-%, and the aqueous polyelectrolyte solution is brought together with cationic starch having a degree of substitution, DS, >0.1. The cationic starch is dissolved to the polyelectrolyte solution by heating and/or mixing. The invention relates also to a papermaking agent comprising 2-40 weight-% of synthetic cationic polymer which has a charge density value of at least 0.1 meq/g, determined at p H 3, and 2.5-25 weight-% cationic starch having degree of substitution, DS, >0.1. The papermaking agent is in slurry form and has a viscosity of 50-20 000 m Pas, measured at 25° C. with Brookfield DVI+ viscometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides starch-based hot melt adhesive comprised of a composition including starch, a thermoplastic polymer, a tackifier, a plasticizer, and an adhesion promoter. The hot melt adhesive according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention contains about 25 to 55 weight % of the starch which is infinitely renewable biomass, and, thus, it is less harmful and more eco-friendly and has a reduced manufacturing costs and is less sensitive to exhaustion of petroleum-based resources, as compared with the conventional hot melt adhesive mainly containing a petroleum-based material. Further, the hot melt adhesive according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention imparts excellent adhesion strength and workability at the time of adhesion between different kinds of adherends such as a hydrophobic adherend and a hydrophilic adherend and can be applied to various fields such as packaging, bookbinding, construction, woodworking, and textile fields.

Abstract: A biomimetic surfactant polymer modified with various crosslinking embodiments is described. The crosslinking embodiments provide a biomimetic surfactant coating that is designed to resist cracking, scratching, spalling and chemical dissolution. The crosslinking embodiments comprise the use of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. The modified biomimetic surfactant adheres to different substrate surfaces, particularly the surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition (e.g., a texture composition) comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material. In some embodiments, cellulosic thickener content is reduced or eliminated from the texture composition. Also disclosed is a method of finishing a substrate comprising applying to the surface a wet composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material, and drying the composition on the substrate.

Abstract: An example starch-based material for forming a biodegradable component includes a mixture of a starch and an expansion additive. The starch has an amylose content of less than about 70% by weight. The expansion additive enhances the expansion and physical properties of the starch. A method of preparing a starch-based material is also disclosed and an alternate starch-based material for forming a biodegradable component is also disclosed.

Abstract: Copolymers having a substantially heterogeneous composition distribution and strong UV absorption comprise the direct reaction product of an isoolefin and at least one terpene having the molecular formulae of (C5H8)n where n is equal to or greater than two, and optionally additional monomers. More specifically, the invention relates to copolymers of isobutylene and alloocimene that exhibit thermoplastic elastomeric properties and exhibit strong filler interaction. The present invention also relates to methods for producing copolymers of at least one isoolefin and at least one terepene by a two-phase living polymerization that produces a substantially linear diblock, triblock, and multiblock copolymer having substantially heterogeneous distribution of the isoolefin and terpene units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising very low density polyethylene having a density of less than 0.905 g/cm3, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer and thermoplastic starch and/or the constituent components thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stable aqueous disersion suitable for application to different substrates and especially to paper substrates for producing a barrier layer against compounds of the saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon type. The said aqueous dispersion are characterised in that they comprise destructurized starch in a complexed form. The present invention refers also to the use of said aqueous dispersion as a coating composition for paper based substrates, as microencapsulant of fragrances and as film-forming component for paints.

Abstract: A solvent free method for making an ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex by blending water with 1 weight percent to 50 weight percent surfactant; blending solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer with the water and surfactant at a low pressure to form a terpolymer mixture; high shear mixing the terpolymer mixture at 0.5 atm to 1.5 atm for 5 minutes to 24 hours at a temperature from 20 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius to form a solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex formation, wherein the solvent free ethylene propylene diene terpolymer latex formation has a viscosity from 1 centipoise to 2000 centipoise; a density from 0.8 to 1.1; and a shelf life of from 7 days to 365 days without separating or stratifying.

Abstract: A powder composition includes starch, acrylic acid homopolymer salt, and clay. The powder composition forms an aqueous dispersion having a neutral pH when added to water and is capable of clinging to a surface.

Abstract: A coating slip includes water, at least one pigment and at least one modified starch, exhibiting: a weight-average molecular weight ranging from 250 000 to 2 000 000 Da; and a solubility, measured according to a test A, ranging from 50 to 85%. A process for the preparation of the slip, and a process for coating paper using this slip are also described.

Abstract: A non-aqueous liquid concentrate includes starch, an acrylic acid homopolymer salt, vegetable oil, and clay. The non-aqueous liquid concentrate forms an aqueous dispersion when added to water and is capable of clinging to a surface.

Abstract: Polysaccharide filaments and fibrous structures containing such polysaccharide filaments and more particularly polysaccharide filaments that exhibit birefringence are provided.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, for example fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, and more particularly to fibrous elements that contain an ammonium alkylsulfonate salt, fibrous structures made therefrom, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: Fibrous structures, for example sanitary tissue products, containing a plurality of filaments that employ one or more filament-forming materials, such as one or more hydroxyl polymers, and one or more hueing agents, present within the filaments such that the fibrous structures exhibit a Whiteness Index of greater than 72 as measured according to the Whiteness Index Test Method described herein.

Abstract: Molded articles formed from compositions comprising thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic polymers, and oils, waxes, or combinations thereof are disclosed, where the oil, wax, or combination is dispersed throughout the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Bio-based and biodegradable polymer of the type used in the manufacture of films and injected or moulded products, for example, for applications of containers, bags, healthcare products and films for agriculture or other applications in which the biodegrading characteristic is of interest, has a biodegradable polymer, thermoplastic starch in the co-continuous or continuous phase and at least one polymer that comes from a stable dispersion of the polymer in water or latex. This increases the thermoplastic starch content and thus decreases the biodegradable polymer and obtains films of a greater width by blow extrusion, with similar tensile properties. This provides the added advantage of a lower cost in raw materials, less impact on the environment and greater production.

Abstract: Compositions comprising thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic polymers, and oils, waxes, or combinations thereof are disclosed, where the oil, wax, or combination is dispersed throughout the thermoplastic polymer. Also disclosed are methods of making these compositions.

Abstract: The object of the process of the invention is to increase the retention of starch in the sheet of paper in order to reduce operating costs and increase the physical characteristics of the paper. To that end, it has been envisaged that trivalent cationic salts are added, metered into the slurry or in the process for obtaining starch in powder form or by mixing a percentage of trivalent salts in powder form with the starch in powder form, seeking the solution of said salts in the slurry, so that they dissolve during the dispersion of the slurry in the process for obtaining the sheet of paper. Organic polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyvinylamides and polydadmacs could optionally be applied in addition to said salts.

Abstract: A compatibilized thermoplastic polymer composition having from 5% to 95% bio-based content and comprising thermoplastic starch; polyolefin; and an effective amount of compatibilizer. The compatibilizer can include polar homopolymers and copolymers with inherent polyolefin compatibility; non-polymeric materials with both polar and non-polar functionality; low molecular weight materials with both polar and non-polar functionality; and bulk phase/in-situ compatibilizers. Alternatively, polyolefin can be modified to function as the compatibilizer. The composition is suitable for making flexible thin films and packaging components, such as those used for packaging consumer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in prevention of discoloration of thermoplastic starch materials and their blends with other thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch-based binder for carpet backings and carpets made therewith. The binder comprises water, a polymer and an oligomeric or polymeric starch hydrolysate compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starch based biodegradable material comprising starch, polyvinyl-alcohol-co-vinylacetate copolymer and at least one plasticizer and to articles obtained therefrom particularly suitable to be injection molded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a play composition including a polymeric binder and oil. In an embodiment, the binder is a hydrogenated triblock copolymer including styrene. The oil is a mineral oil. The composition may further include a plasticizer, a release agent, and one or more fillers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in prevention of discoloration of thermoplastic starch materials and their blends with other thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: Molded articles formed from compositions comprising thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic polymers, and oils, waxes, or combinations thereof are disclosed, where the oil, wax, or combination is dispersed throughout the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Starch-thermoplastic polymer-grease compositions comprising intimate admixtures of thermoplastic polymer and grease. Methods of making and using starch-thermoplastic polymer-grease compositions.

Abstract: Starch-thermoplastic polymer-soap compositions comprising intimate admixtures of thermoplastic polymer and soap. Methods of making and using starch-thermoplastic polymer-soap compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of processing thermoplastic polymers, particularly the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing compacted material suitable for the use in thermoplastic polymers without a compounding step, comprising the steps of a) providing at least one primary powder material; b) providing at least one molten surface treatment polymer; c) simultaneously or subsequently feeding the at least one primary powder material and the at least one molten surface treatment polymer into the high speed mixer unit of a cylindrical treatment chamber; d) mixing the at least one primary powder material and the at least one molten surface treatment polymer in the high speed mixer, e) transferring the mixed material obtained from step d) to a cooling unit, as well as the compacted material obtained by this process and its use in thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of processing thermoplastic polymers, particularly the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing compacted material suitable for the use in thermoplastic polymers without a compounding step, comprising the steps of a) providing at least one primary powder material; b) providing at least one molten surface treatment polymer; c) simultaneously or subsequently feeding the at least one primary powder material and the at least one molten surface treatment polymer into the high speed mixer unit of a cylindrical treatment chamber; d) mixing the at least one primary powder material and the at least one molten surface treatment polymer in the high speed mixer, e) transferring the mixed material obtained from step d) to a cooling unit, as well as the compacted material obtained by this process and its use in thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of mixtures containing bitumen and thermoplastic polymer at a high concentration, stable during storage, with particular characteristics of easy processability and movability which, once diluted, allow modified bitumens to be obtained with high performance characteristics. In particular, the process allows mixtures containing bitumen, thermoplastic polymer and wax, to be prepared, wherein the polymer is in a quantity varying from 5 to 30% by weight with respect to the weight of the mixture consisting of bitumen and polymer, and the wax is in a quantity varying from 4.7 to 16.7% by weight with respect to the weight of the total mixture, and comprises reacting a concentrated mixture (A), stable during storage, containing bitumen and from 5 to 30% by weight of thermoplastic polymer, with a hydrocarbon wax containing at least 40 carbon atoms and having a melting point of at least 700 C.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions, in particular derived from one or more styrenic block copolymers wherein at least one styrenic block copolymer comprises a controlled distribution copolymer block including a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, a plurality of biorenewable materials, preferably a softener and one or more synergistic additives such as a polar polymer; a synergistic block copolymer such as a relatively high molecular weight styrenic block copolymer; and/or filler. Numerous desirable articles can be formed from the compositions. Processes for preparing the compositions and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions, in particular derived from one or more styrenic block copolymers, a plurality of biorenewable materials, preferably a softener and one or more synergistic additives such as a polar polymer; a synergistic block copolymer such as a relatively high molecular weight styrenic block copolymer; and/or filler. In one preferred embodiment, the styrenic block copolymer comprises a controlled distribution copolymer block including a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene. Numerous desirable articles can be formed from the compositions. Processes for preparing the compositions and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and fibrous product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous dispersion comprising adding a rheology modifier to the aqueous dispersion, and then adding a water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant to the aqueous dispersion. The rheology modifier may be selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, semi-natural polymers, synthetic materials and combinations thereof. The water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant may be selected from the group consisting of water soluble anionic polymers, cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, nonionic polymers, and combinations thereof.