Abstract: Salts of fatty acids such as calcium stearate and lithium stearate are added to olefin polymer-based rotational molding compositions to provide rotational moldings with pinhole-free surfaces.

Abstract: Vulcanizable ethylene polymer based compositions which are susceptible to scorching when processed at elevated temperatures, prior to vulcanization, in the presence of certain organic peroxide compounds, are protected against such scorching by the incorporation therein of monomeric vinyl compounds having the structure ##EQU1## wherein R'" is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 hydrocarbon and A is phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 hydrocarbon substituted phenyl, or ##EQU2## wherein R.sup.o is a C.sub.4 to C.sub.20 hydrocarbon radical. The hydrocarbon radicals are devoid of allyl or vinyl unsaturation.

Abstract: A deformation resistant semi-conducting composition is formed from low density thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, carbon black, thermoplastic crystalline high density ethylene polymer or propylene resin and a thermoplastic elastomer.The composition is useful as insulation shielding material or as conductor shielding material in high voltage wire and cable.

Abstract: An environmentally degradable polymer composition comprising an ethylene polymer base resin, and a synergistic combination of an auto-oxidative polymer or low molecular weight organic compound; certain polyvalent transition metal salt; and an antioxidant additive for the ethylene polymer. A product of this composition when discarded to the environment is caused to deteriorate by the action of the elements, thereby hastening the deterioration of litter.

Abstract: Novel blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, e.g., poly(alkylene adipate), and additional material such as naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark; and to the novel shaped articles therefrom. In one aspect, the invention is directed to novel shaped containers fabricated from material comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, said containers possessing a germination medium, and optionally, a seed or seedling in such medium.

Abstract: Blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic oxyalkanoyl polymer, e.g., epsilon-caprolactone polymer, and naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark. These novel blends are useful in the production of shaped articles such as mulch film, transplanter containers, package containers, and the like.