Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a very low melt viscosity (high melt flow index) polymer resin, suitable for use in spunbond or meltblown processing. According to the process of the current invention, a high melt viscosity (low melt flow index) resin is subjected to post-reactor molecular weight alteration by extrusion with a chemical prodegradant. The process produces a very low melt viscosity resin that can be used in spunbond or meltblown processing without further treatment to reduce the average molecular weight of the resin. Further, the very low melt viscosity resins produced according to the process of the current invention contain very little or no residual prodegradant.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing inorganic polymer hybrids with improved mechanical properties and even dispersion of the inorganic material in the hybrids. Nanoscale exfoliation of inorganic materials having layered structures is induced, and said inorganic materials are combined with an emulsion comprising one or more molten polymers. The method provides nanoscale dispersion of inorganic material throughout the emulsion of one or more polymers without the use of compatibilizers.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizing system for improving the melt viscosity of polyolefin resin during fiber processing. The addition of a liquid phosphite melt processing stabilizer to polypropylene homopolymer powder improves processing stability during spinning. The present invention covers spraying the liquid phosphite onto the powder along with octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate which is applied via mineral oil solution in a steamer.

Abstract: The present invention provides additive packages for polyolefins The additive packages of the present invention comprise at least one non-phenolic antioxidant and a hindered amine light stabilizer. The additive packages may contain other additives as needed, and may optionally include an acid scavenger. Articles made from the resultant polymers, such as radiator surge tanks, exhibit enhanced stain and discoloration resistance upon exposure to high temperatures and harsh chemicals such as those experienced in “under the hood” spaces of modern automobiles.

Abstract: Polypropylene resin compositions are provided that are useful in the production of biaxially oriented polypropylene films (BOPPs). The resins of the present invention are blends of high crystalline (low solubles) polypropylene homopolymer and an ethylene/propylene random copolymer (RCP). These blends can be used to replace standard high solubles BOPP grade polypropylene homopolymers. In addition, the use of high crystalline polypropylene homopolymers in the blends imparts improved stiffness to the finished films while maintaining good processability of the blends.

Abstract: A method of conducting a fantasy sports game is provided which includes increasing the points available for winning picks in later rounds and allowing participants to trade teams. The points awarded for picking the winning team may also be based on the Round of the tournament and the “seed” of the winning team. The number of trades available to participants may be decreased in later rounds, or discontinued in the final round. The game is also applicable to Internet based fantasy sports competitions.

Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of phenol extracted into an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide uses a measurement of the pH of the solution, from which the equivalents of phenol relative to alkali metal hydroxide in solution is determined. A method for optimizing the use of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide in a phenol recovery process uses pH measured to regulate the feed rate of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Polypropylene impact copolymers and methods of making them are provided. These impact copolymers achieve a balance between stiffness and impact strength and additionally higher gloss by the inclusion therein of a bimodal distribution of rubber particles.

Abstract: A process for producing polymers of &agr;-methylstyrene uses tin IV chloride as a polymerization initiator. Use of tin IV chloride as an initiator allows polymerization to proceed without purification of the monomer prior to processing. Polymerization can be carried out at ambient temperatures with mild exotherms and good polymer yields. The process uses solvents commonly found in a plant producing &agr;-methylstyrene.

Abstract: An improved method for the recovery of phenol from aqueous streams comprises adding a relatively non-polar solvent to a phenol containing aqueous stream to improve the separation of the phenol form the aqueous stream. The improvement results in a phenol stream with a reduced level of salt carried over from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypropylene made by dispersing at least one, cracking-resistant polymer therein for controlled rheology treatment to yield a polypropylene polymer with a high melt flow rate and good molding characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypropylene films and methods of making these films using high melt strength &bgr;-crystalline polypropylene. The films of the present invention are opaque, porous and have good physical properties, such as being capable of cold drawing to a thin gauge without breaking.

Abstract: A method for producing a derivatized aldehydic support matrix material includes activating surface hydroxyl groups on the support matrix material and reacting the activated hydroxyl groups with an aldehydic alkoxy silane. The derivatized aldehydic support matrix material produced is useful for immobilizing bio-molecules in biological applications.

Abstract: With a scanning electron microscope having an electron gun and a specimen chamber between which one or more pressure stage apertures are arranged, through whose orifices a primary electron beam can be deflected to a specimen in the specimen chamber, where the lowest pressure stage aperture (18) nearest the specimen, through which the primary electron beam strikes the specimen, is set up to shield an elevated pressure in the specimen chamber with respect to the remaining microscope column of the scanning electron microscope and to allow secondary electrons emanating from the specimen to pass through their orifice to reach at least one detector, the detector is a high-sensitivity detector (74) biased at a positive potential with respect to the specimen.

Abstract: Polypropylene impact copolymers and methods of making them are provided. These impact copolymers achieve a balance between stiffness and impact strength and additionally higher gloss by the inclusion therein of a bimodal distribution of rubber particles.

Abstract: A housing is described for use in preparing a sample for chemical analysis, the housing having a sample entrance, a sample exit, and a passageway therebetween; the housing further comprising at least three ridges, the ridges integral with the housing, depending into the passageway, and defining a supporting profile for holding a sorbent retaining member.

Abstract: The invention provides process and apparatus for conducting an endothermic reaction of an organic compound in the presence of molecular hydrogen and of multicomponent solids. The process comprises contacting the compound with a solid catalyst for the endothermic reaction and a hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent intermixed with the solid catalyst. Organic products of the endothermic reaction are produced, with evolution of molecular hydrogen. The solid catalyst becomes gradually deactivated by formation of carbonaceous deposits thereon. The evolved hydrogen undergoes an exothermic reaction with the hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent to form a reduction product which comprises deactivated hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structural laminate comprising: (a) a first layer of composite material comprising x1 plies; wherein at least 0.5x1 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; (b) a second layer of composite material comprising x2 plies; wherein at least 0.5x2 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; and (c) a viscoelastic layer disposed between the first and second layers such that shear strains are substantially distributed throughout the viscoelastic layer when a load is applied to the structural laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for boiling a liquid includes an audible alarm for notifying an individual when the liquid is boiling. The audible alarm makes use of steam generated by the boiling liquid to drive a turbine which is connected to a means for ringing a bell to notify an individual that the liquid is boiling.