Abstract: In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-radiation curable. Heat energy may be employed to lower the viscosity and improve the wetting ability of the applied treatment and/or to increase the molecular weight of, or otherwise cure, the treatment with essentially no generation of solvent vapor. The treated fibers are used to form a composite strand, which may be subsequently processed in-line or off-line into a composite article having fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Another general aspect relates to encased composite strands, in thread or pellet form, and to wire-coating methods and apparatus for making them. The strands are moldable into fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite articles.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic monomers useful for forming polyesters are disclosed. Cost effective steps employed in the processes permit small amounts of process-related materials typically removed from monomer to remain in an aromatic monomer product. In many cases, the presence of the process-related materials left in the monomer product by the cost effective process steps can enhance the performance of the monomer in certain applications.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic monomers useful for forming polyesters are disclosed. Cost effective steps employed in the processes permit small amounts of process-related materials typically removed from monomer to remain in an aromatic monomer product. In many cases, the presence of the process-related materials left in the monomer product by the cost effective process steps can enhance the performance of the monomer in certain applications. Aromatic monomer products and polymers produced therefrom having these advantages also are disclosed, as well as products such as pasteurizable bottles made from these polymers.

Abstract: The invention addresses Group 5 metal compounds suitable as polymerization catalysts characterized by comprising one Group 15 element polyanionic ancillary ligand and three single or multidentate univalent ligands comprising Group 14-16 elements bound to the Group 5 metal, but excluding cyclopentadienyl ligands. The invention Group 5 metal compounds can be generically represented by the chemical symbols [RJ]MR′3,   (1) and [(RJ)Yn(X)]MR′2  (2) where M is a Group 5 transition metal, preferably vanadium; J is a Group 15 heteroatom ligand covalently bound to M, preferably nitrogen; R is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, hydrocarbyl or organometalloid group covalently bound to J; each R′ is, independently, a uninegative ligand, e.g.

Abstract: A vacuum extrusion line of the horizontal barometric leg type includes a vacuum chamber 10 having an extrusion die 18 at one end and a water baffle immersion cooler 20 at the other end for extracting the extrudate to atmosphere, extrudate shaping and sizing equipment downstream of the die 18, a large diameter fixed bulkhead 16 a the die 18, and first 44 and second 46 large diameter movable sections surrounding the shaping and sizing equipment, a smaller fixed section of the chamber. The first section sealing against the second section and the fixed section and telescoping over the fixed section to form a gap 68 with the second section being movable within the limits of the gap 68. The second section also seals against the large diameter fixed bulkhead 16. In this manner the downstream equipment can be fully exposed by movement of one or both movable sections and adequate volume and spatial working environment is provided for large through-put.

Abstract: An integrated process for vent gas treatment for the abatement of volatile emissions is disclosed. The vent gas comprises dioxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other organic compounds comprising one or more alkyl halide compound of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. In the preferred embodiment, the vent gas is heated and mixed with an amount of combustible fluid. Then the mixture is directed to a catalytic oxidation reactor having a suitable oxidation catalyst disposed therein, wherein the mixture is catalytically oxidized. The effluent from the catalytic oxidation reactor is directed to heat the incoming vent gas and subsequently to a scrubber wherein the effluent is scrubbed of soluble compounds and the resultant treated gas stream is vented. Importantly, the amount of combustible fluid supplied to the vent gas stream is controlled so at to provide sufficient reactants for the catalytic oxidation to maintain reaction temperatures from 200° C. and 600° C.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product involving the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a polymer comprising about 10% to about 90% monomers of at least one of meta-substituted styrene and para-substituted styrene and 0% to about 90% monomers of styrene, and (2) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product.

Abstract: An extruder such as a reclaim extruder includes a feed section with a throat into which a force feeder is positioned to compact and feed reclaim material at a higher and more productive rate. The force feeder includes three side-by-side augers pointed at the extruder screw axis. An AC variable frequency drive motor drives a double sided cog belt in serpentine fashion around respective pulleys or sheaves for the augers. Two of the augers are of one hand rotated in one direction, and one of opposite hand rotated in the opposite direction. The pulleys or sheaves are of different size so that each auger rotates progressively faster moving down stream of the extruder screw. Each auger is positioned in a closely fitting compression tube each provided with an inlet opening. The force feeder is conveniently angularly positioned through the wall of a collection box between a hopper and the throat of the extruder.

Abstract: This development is a method for accelerating thermoset resin cure and enhancing adhesions of coatings to thermoset articles comprising the steps of providing a thermoset article having at least one surface and corona treating the thermoset article to increase the surface energy thereof. The corona treating allows for painting in line with the pultrusion process for producing thermoset articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to single site catalyst systems comprising activated bimetallocyclic transition metal compounds, and the use of these catalyst systems for the polymerization of ethylenically and acetylenically unsaturated monomers. The bimetallocyclic compounds comprise two metal atoms, selected from the group consisting of Group 4 or Group 5 metal atoms, connected through two covalent bridging links so as to form a cyclic compound having delocalized bonding in the cyclic structure. The exemplary bimetallocyclic compound bis-M-(trimethylsilyl-methylidyne) tetrakis-(trimethylsilylmethyl) ditantalum activated with alumoxane and borate compounds is shown to be useful for preparing ethylene polymers having M.sub.n of at least 267,000 and MWD of about 2.3.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing foam board or sheet including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a major amount of a styrenic polymer having a high melt index, (2) a minor amount of a low melt index styrenic polymer, and (3) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture, and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form a foam product.

Abstract: An extrusion system utilizes single or tandem extruders and a mixer-cooler to extrude a foamable extrudate through a die in a sealable chamber. The foamable extrudate is shaped and calibrated within the chamber. The die is mounted on the end of a gel tube projecting through a gland seal in a fixed bulkhead forming the upstream end of the chamber. The gel tube and mixer-cooler are mounted on a movable carriage, movement of which may be used to adjust the die with respect to shaping and calibrating equipment inside the chamber. The mixer-cooler achieves a selected narrow range of uniform viscosity of the melt at the die depending on the size of the product and density. The chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber producing low density foams. The product exits the chamber to atmosphere on a continuous basis through a submerged orifice in a water baffle immersion seal.

Abstract: An extrusion system utilizes single or tandem extruders and a mixer-cooler to extrude a foamable extrudate through a die in a sealable chamber. The foamable extrudate is shaped and calibrated within the chamber. The die is mounted on the end of a gel tube projecting through a gland seal in a fixed bulkhead forming the upstream end of the chamber. The gel tube and mixer-cooler are mounted on a movable carriage, movement of which may be used to adjust the die with respect to shaping and calibrating equipment inside the chamber. The mixer-cooler achieves a selected narrow range of uniform viscosity of the melt at the die depending on the size of the product and density. The chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber producing low density foams. The product exits the chamber to atmosphere on a continuous basis through a submerged orifice in a water baffle immersion seal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) an alkenyl aromatic polymer and (2) a blowing agent under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product, wherein the difference between the glass transition temperature of the foamable mixture and the foaming temperature is less than about 62.degree. C.

Abstract: An extrusion system utilizes single or tandem extruders and a mixer-cooler to extrude a foamable extrudate through a die in a sealable chamber. The foamable extrudate is shaped and calibrated within the chamber. The die is mounted on the end of a gel tube projecting through a gland seal in a fixed bulkhead forming the upstream end of the chamber. The gel tube and mixer-cooler are mounted on a movable carriage, movement of which may be used to adjust the die with respect to shaping and calibrating equipment inside the chamber. The mixer-cooler achieves a selected narrow range of uniform viscosity of the melt at the die depending on the size of the product and density. The chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber producing low density foams. The product exits the chamber to atmosphere on a continuous basis through a submerged orifice in a water baffle immersion seal.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to supported metallocene catalyst systems and to methods for their production which comprising combining inorganic porous support material having an average particle size of from about 30.mu. to about 40.mu., metallocene, and alumoxane wherein the amount of metallocene is in the range of 0.005 to 0.06 mmoles transition metal/g support material and the ratio of aluminum to transition metal is in the range of 10:1 to 300:1. Specifically, this invention relates to supported metallocene catalyst systems having improved metallocene loading and optionally reduced support particle size. These catalyst systems are particularly useful for the polymerization of ethylene polymers.

Abstract: A vacuum extrusion line of the horizontal barometric leg type includes a vacuum chamber having an extrusion die at one end and a water baffle immersion cooler at the other end for extracting the extrudate to atmosphere, extrudate shaping and sizing equipment downstream of the die, a large diameter fixed bulkhead at the die, and first and second large diameter movable sections surrounding the shaping and sizing equipment, a smaller fixed section of the chamber. The first section sealing against the second section and the fixed section and telescoping over the fixed section to form a gap with the second section being movable within the limits of the gap. The second section also seals against the large diameter fixed bulkhead. In this manner the downstream equipment can be fully exposed by movement of one or both movable sections and adequate volume and spatial working environment is provided for large through-put. A simplified lock mechanism facilitates the quick opening and closing of the chamber.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: The invention addresses Group 5 metal compounds suitable as polymerization catalysts characterized by comprising one Group 15 element polyanionic ancillary ligand and three single or multidentate univalent ligands comprising Group 14-16 elements bound to the Group 5 metal, but excluding cyclopentadienyl ligands. The invention Group 5 metal compounds can be generically represented by the chemical symbols(1) ?RJ!MR'.sub.3, and(2) ?(RJ)Zn(Q)!MR'.sub.2where M is a Group 5 transition metal, preferably vanadium; J is a Group 15 heteroatom ligand covalently bound to M, preferably nitrogen; R is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, hydrocarbyl or organometalloid group covalently bound to J; each R' is, independently, a uninegative ligand, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytic hydrogenation processes for hydrocarbon molecules of number-average molecular weight greater than about 180, and to use therein of an inert catalyst support comprising porous refractory substrate particles having: a) a pore volume distribution wherein i) pores having diameters >150,000 .ANG. constitute greater than about 2% of the total volume, ii) pores having diameters >20,000 .ANG. and <150,000 .ANG. constitute greater than about 1% of the total volume, iii) pores having diameters >2,000 .ANG. and <20,000 .ANG. constitute greater than about 12% of the total volume; and, b) a total pore volume of from about 45% to 86% of the total volume of the substrate particles. Using the invention increased resin productivity of 150% or more can be achieved in industrial operations.