Abstract: Disclosed are fiber-reinforced composites having untraditionally low fiber loading and a novel form of hybridized interface. Typical examples of fiber-matrix combinations capable of developing such interfaces include surface-phosphonylated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and polypropylene (PP) yarns (or fabric constructs) and epoxy resin, acrylic resin, and cement. For further improvement of the hybridized interface and the overall composite properties, the surface-phosphonylated fiber may be post-treated with reagents that will improve the abridging of the fibers to the matrix through physicochemically hybridized interfaces. Compared with composites having unmodified fiber, those based on modified ones, with or without post-treatment, exhibit a substantial increase in physicomechanical properties at exceptionally low fiber loading, ranging from about 0.1 to 35 percent by weight, preferably from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight, most preferably less than 10 percent by weight.

Abstract: A multilayer film has a first outer layer, an inner layer, and a second outer layer. The first outer layer comprises a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The second outer layer comprises a second ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer is between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, and is chemically different from the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The multilayer film has an O.sub.2 -transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 24hr STP, and a modulus of at least 60,000 psi. The multilayer film is especially useful for the packaging of O.sub.2 -sensitive products, such as produce. The high modulus of the film enhances its performance in form-fill-and-seal operations.

Abstract: A self-sustaining system for converting organic waste feedstreams into usable solid and gas end products includes a plurality of interconnected retorts, an apparatus for flash pyrolyzing the feedstream to form intermediate gas and solid products, a source for introducing a water spray to refine and cool the intermediate products, a device for separating the gas product from the solid product and a device for regenerating, and thereby further refining, the solid product. In a self-sustaining process, wastes which would otherwise be landfilled are converted to an activated carbon product and a combustible gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and lower hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for modifying a protein or polypeptide is disclosed which includes the steps of dispersing a protein or polypeptide in an essentially non-aqueous medium and peracylating the protein or polypeptide with a cyclic anhydride having a carbon chain substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkenyl groups. Most preferably, the cyclic anhydride is succinic anhydride, although glutaric anhydride may also be employed. Preferably, the step of peracylating the protein or polypeptide is performed in the presence of an acid catalyst, most preferably .rho.-toluene sulfonic acid. The resultant modified protein or polypeptide may be employed in numerous applications including drug delivery, absorbable sutures, and thermoplastic films and molded articles.

Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a gas-permeable film weakly bonded to a gas-impermeable film, permitting the gas-impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the gas-permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. A peel initiation mechanism which is a grippable film sealed along an edge of the gas-impermeable film is provided.

Abstract: An inorganic glass having an aliphatic polymer covalently bonded to the surface thereof is disclosed for providing improved adhesion to a matrix polymer when the glass is employed as a composite filler, as well as for the formation of a composite absent a separate matrix polymer. The polymer is grafted onto the glass by a method which includes the steps of pretreating the surface of the glass with an activator which an activating moiety to the surface, functionalizing the pretreated surface by bonding functional moieties thereto, and polymerizing a cycloaliphatic monomer onto the functionalized surface in the presence of a ring opening polymerization catalyst. Also disclosed are novel inorganic glasses which contain both silicate and phosphate linkages.

Abstract: Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically activated to bond ionically the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for pretreatment using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. The resultant conductive surface imparts unique properties to the substrates and allows their use in antistatic clothing, surface conducting films for electronic components and the like, and electromagnetic interference shielding. In an alternative embodiment, metals such as gold or platinum are bonded to the chemically interactive surface of a preshaped thermoplastic or thermoset article.

Abstract: The invention provides composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene anisotropic reinforcement of high strength and modulus. The composites have superior mechanical properties relative to non-filled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, including higher strength, impact strength, increased creep resistance, and improved modulus. The composites may be sterilized for biomedical use, using gamma radiation and other techniques. Further, the composites are resistant to the effect of body fluids and have lower creep rates so that they will provide implant life. The composites may be cross-linked by exposure to an acetylene environment. Also, the composites find use in other high strength, high impact applications such as sports equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene anisotropic reinforcement of high strength and modulus. The composites have superior mechanical properties relative to non-filled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, including higher strength, impact strength, increased creep resistance, and improved modulus. The composites may be sterilized for biomedical use, using gamma radiation and other techniques. Further, the composites are resistant to the effect of body fluids and have lower creep rates so that they will provide implant life. The composites may be cross-linked by exposure to an acetylene environment. Also, the composites find use in other high strength, high impact applications such as sports equipment.

Abstract: A crystalline polylactone is produced having reactive acrylate end groups. When incorporated into a thermosetting resin which includes reactive C.dbd.CH.sub.2 sites, the present functionalized polylactone acts as a toughener, greatly increasing the impact resistance of the final cured product. Also disclosed are carboxyl-bearing polylactones as tougheners for epoxy resin systems.

Abstract: A crystalline polylactone is produced having reactive acrylate end groups. When incorporated into a thermosetting resin which includes reactive C.dbd.CH.sub.2 sites, the present functionalized polylactone acts as a toughener, greatly increasing the impact resistance of the final cured product. Also disclosed are carboxyl-bearing polylactones as tougheners for epoxy resin systems.

Abstract: Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically activated to bond ionically the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for pretreatment using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. The resultant conductive surface imparts unique properties to the substrates and allows their use in antistatic clothing, surface conducting films for electronic components and the like, and electromagnetic interference shielding.

Abstract: A multi-layer, oriented, heat shrinkable thermoplastic film comprising: (i) a layer composed of a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer; (ii) a layer composed of (a) a linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer; (b) a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and ethylene-n-butyl acrylate copolymers; and (c) a narrow molecular weight linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc; (iii) a layer composed of a vinylidene chloride copolymer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which the acetate moieties have been partially or completely hydrolyzed; and (iv) a layer composed of a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate or a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer with long chain branching. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved processability as well as improved physical properties such as resistance.

Abstract: A method for making a film which is useful in the packaging of newly formed blocks of cheese and demonstrates flexibility, extensibility, and improved sealing strength comprises extruding an ethylene vinyl acetate/very low density polyethylene sealing layer. In addition to barrier properties, flexibility and extensibility are, preferably, also provided by coextruding a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer containing at least 32% by weight of ethylene with the sealing layer.

Abstract: A self-sustaining system and process for converting organic waste feedstreams into usable solid and gas end products includes a plurality of interconnected retorts, an apparatus for flash pyrolyzing the feedstream to form intermediate gas and solid products, a means for introducing a water spray to refine and cool the intermediate products, a means for separating the gas product from the solid product and a means for regenerating, and thereby further refining, the solid product. In a self-sustaining process, wastes which would otherwise be landfilled are converted to an activated carbon product and a combustible gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and lower hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate comprises a first perforated film of propylene homopolymer or copolymer, oriented heat set polyester or oriented heat set polyamide and a second film bonded to the first film and including a bonding layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer or chemically modified ethylene unsaturated ester copolymer, a core layer of a heat resistant, breathable polymeric material, and an outer heat sealable layer. One or more filler layers may be included in the structure, located between the outer heat sealable layer and a polymeric adhesive layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for atmosphere-modifying and sealing individual trays includes a film disposing roller disposed closely adjacent the top of the tray to define a nip region and an elongated gas injection nozzle spanning the nip region for injecting gas through the nip region between the film and the tray. A split conveyor belt advances the trays past the film disposing roller to a sealing unit utilizing band sealers for the longitudinal tray edges and reciprocal "hot bar" sealer for the leading and trailing tray edges. The gas injection nozzle injects the gas substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction, down and into the individual trays. An optional second gas nozzle provides a gas flow curtain across the tray leading edge.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable, oriented film having two layers of different very low density polyethylenes is disclosed. The melt index of the polyethylenes differs by about 1 or more decigrams/minute. The films have good shrink and good puncture resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure foot designed to help maintain imbricated bags in a lined up relationship at the open mouth end of a dispensing container carton, as the bags are being dispensed from the open mouth end of the container carton, and a method therefor.