Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediates and hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediates; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from a branched glycol or is comprised of at least 2 different repeating units; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 Daltons; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender; and wherein the hard segments represent from 10 to 40 weight percent of the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: In-situ plasticized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions are made by a process which involves reacting a polyol, glycol chain extender and a polyisocyanate where the reaction is conducted in the presence of a plasticizer. The reactants together with the plasticizer are added to a reaction extruder and reacted to form the in-situ plasticized TPU.

Abstract: Disclosed is a halogen-free flame retardant thermoplastic polyurethane composite resin composition. The disclosed flame retardant thermoplastic polyurethane composite resin composition is capable of improving flame retardancy and flaming-drip of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin through desirable formation of char during combustion, which uses a phosphinate, a diphosphinate and/or a polymer thereof, dipentaerythritol, talc, a melamine derivative, etc., instead of a halogen-based flame retardant, as a flame retardant.

Abstract: A blend of a cycloolefin copolymer and a thermoplastic urethane having similar indices of refraction is transparent. The cycloolefin copolymer is derived from norbornene and other monomers such that it has a processing range compatible with the thermoplastic urethane. The urethane component preferably has a polyether intermediate. A thermoplastic urethane compatibilizing agent is utilized desirably having a hydrocarbon intermediate portion. The compositions can be made to have desirable electrical dissipative properties for static control applications.

Abstract: Articles such as melt spun elastic tape and heaving denier monofilament fibers are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymers. The process to make the articles involves using a substantially horizontal cooling to cool the melt spun articles. Preferably, the cooling is accomplished by a water bath. A crosslinking agent is added to the TPU polymer melt to enhance the elastic properties of the articles.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions are disclosed comprising TPU polymer, polyisocyanate, and a salt of zirconium phosphate. The compositions have enhanced thermal properties, good processability, and good hydrolysis resistance. Processes are also disclosed to combine the ingredients by melt mixing or to prepare the compositions in-situ as the TPU is being polymerized.

Abstract: Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.

Abstract: Articles such as melt spun elastic tape and heaving denier monofilament fibers are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymers. The process to make the articles involves using a substantially horizontal cooling to cool the melt spun articles. Preferably, the cooling is accomplished by a water bath. A crosslinking agent is added to the TPU polymer melt to enhance the elastic properties of the articles.

Abstract: Multilayer articles, such as tubing and films, are disclosed which have a soft layer of aliphatic polyurethane and at least one layer of hard aliphatic polyurethane. The articles formed avoid the problem of tackiness when using only a soft aliphatic polyurethane, while maintaining flexibility. The articles are also biocompatible and biostable and are suitable for use in medical applications.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyether polyurethane polymers are disclosed which are mixed with a non-polyether crosslinking agent to achieve long run times in a melt spinning process to make elastic fibers. The crosslinking agent is preferably a polyester polyol reacted with a diisocyanate. A melt spinning process is also disclosed using a polyether polyurethane with a polyester crosslinking agent. Long melt spinning run times can be achieved without experiencing excessive pressure buildup in the spinneret and fiber breakage.

Abstract: An anti-static polymer composition comprises a thermoformable, moldable, hybrid urethane-vinyl polymer composition which exhibits relatively low surface and volume resistivities and good toughness. The hybrid polymer composition can be made without volatile organic compounds such as solvents, neutralizing amines, or both.

Abstract: Multilayer articles, such as tubing and films, are disclosed which have a soft layer of aliphatic polyurethane and at least one layer of hard aliphatic polyurethane. The articles formed avoid the problem of tackiness when using only a soft aliphatic polyurethane, while maintaining flexibility. The articles are also biocompatible and biostable and are suitable for use in medical applications.

Abstract: Pipe or tubing of crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) containing less than 2% by wt. carbon black provides improved resistance to oxidizing agents such as chlorine and hypochlorous acid in water. The pipe may be further protected with a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the carbon-containing PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A multi-layered pipe of arbitrary length and cross-section is produced by co-extrusion of a segmented thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (COPE) outer body over the exterior surface of an annular tubular core of CPVC/PVC having a wall thickness, measured in the radial direction, in the range from about 0.95 mm (38 mils) to about 1.375 mm (55 mils). The COPE is cohesively bonded to the annular core coextensively with essentially the entire length of the pipe. Though the COPE is easily degraded in contact with water, and CPVC and blends of CPVC with less than 25% by weight of PVC are typically rigid when extruded as pipe, a laminated pipe of COPE and CPVC/PVC with the specified wall thickness and overall dimensions which in the laminated pipe satisfy an applicable plumbing code (SDR-11 in the U.S.) has essentially the same performance characteristics as commercially available CPVC pipe which is a monolayer and not a laminate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyether polyurethane having high moisture vapor transmission, high melting point and static dissipative properties is disclosed. The thermoplastic polyether polyurethane is prepared by reacting a hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediate, an aromatic chain extender glycol, and a polyisocyanate. The polymers formed are useful for melt-spun fibers, fabric coatings for breathable garments, house wrap, roofing membranes, and other applications requiring high vapor transmission and high melting points.

Abstract: A multi-layered pipe of arbitrary length and cross-section is produced by co-extrusion of a lower polyolefin (C2–C4) outer body over the exterior surface of a tubular core of randomly, partially randomly, or blocky chlorinated lower polyolefin, the core having a wall thickness, measured in the radial direction, in the range from about 0.025 mm to 5 mm. The tubular core is coextensive with essentially the entire length of the pipe. The tubular core comprises a major proportion by weight of the randomly chlorinated polyolefin (r-CPO), or, partially randomly chlorinated polyolefin (pr-CPO), or, a blocky chlorinated polyolefin (b-CPO), any of which may be blended with a minor proportion by weight of a blending ingredient. The r-CPO, pr-CPO or b-CPO, or a blend thereof, each has an extrusion temperature in the same range as that for the corresponding non-halogenated polyolefin, namely in the range from about 150° C. to 250° C.

Abstract: A multilayer PEX pipe having improved resistance to oxidizing agents in water. The pipe has a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene and an outer layer of crosslinked polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane composition having a high crystalline content which advantageously can be processed in an extruder. The composition includes a crystallization retarding component of a short chain or monomeric diol which is branched, substituted or contains heteroatoms, or a combination thereof. The crystallization retarding component delays the onset of crystallization during extrusion processing until the composition has exited the extruder.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the preparation of water-soluble colorants, particularly triphenylmethane colorants and other water soluble technical dyes, is disclosed. In this process, the anode in the electrochemical cell comprises an open pore carbon material having specific void volume and surface area characteristics. A preferred electrode material is a carbon felt pad, preferably between about 1/16 inch and ¼ inch in thickness. This process provides faster reaction rates than electrochemical processes using standard electrodes, as well as higher yields compared to processes using chemical oxidizing agents.

Abstract: Breathable thermoplastic polyurethanes are prepared from the reaction of a polyol component, a polyisocyanate component, and a chain extender in the presence of a metal-free catalyst. The metal-free catalyst comprises a polyalcohol amine, a tertiary amine catalyst, or a combination thereof. The polyurethanes of the present invention are suitable for film applications as they form breathable films which are permeable to water vapor but not air or water. The polyurethane compositions are substantially metal-free, have low extractables, and excellent melt strength.