Abstract: A blend of two different compounds may be applied together to form a nucleating agent additive composition. This additive composition is useful as an additive in thermoplastics, polyolefins and/or polymer resins. A blend of a bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salt and a dicarboxylate calcium metal salt provide useful and beneficial physical property effects in molded polymeric articles in terms of shrinkage and crystallization temperature of polymer resin compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of compounds and compositions and synthetic methods related to lactone antioxidant 3-arylbenzofuranones. The compounds may be useful to prevent yellowing and deterioration of organic materials preferably polymers, such as polyurethane foams as one example. The lactone antioxidants may be polymeric, and may also be liquid or paste in physical form at room temperature. Although it is not necessary for its stabilizing properties, the compositions may, in some species, bear one or more reactive primary OH groups on the polymer chains. The chains may also contain oligomeric oxyalkylene ether and aliphatic ester functional groups, in one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A manifold comprises a conduit for conveying a fluid stream, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of valves. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding port in the conduit, and each valve is connected to a corresponding nozzle. The ports can be disposed at discrete locations on two or more transverse planes of the conduit and such that no longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any one of the ports is coplanar with a longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of a longitudinally adjacent port. Alternatively, the ports can be disposed at discrete locations on the conduit such that no longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any one of the ports is coplanar with a longitudinal, diametrical plane of the conduit passing through the center point of any other port.

Abstract: Nucleating agent compounds are used in polymers, such as polypropylene, to improve both the properties and processing characteristics of the polymer. Some nucleating agents may be used also as clarifiers to reduce the visual haze in finished polymeric articles, thereby increasing clarity of finished polymeric articles. Compounds of a carboxylate salt which employ a combination of an amide group and a metal cation salt perform well as nucleating agents, and provide substantial clarity benefits in a polymer. Other compounds of the invention may employ metal carboxylate salts in combination with an ester group. In other embodiments of the invention a dimer of such compounds may be employed.

Abstract: Clarified polyolefins such as polypropylene are used widely to make polymer articles, containers, and the like. Such articles may be manufactured by the injection of molten polymer into a mold or forming device in manufacturing processes at high rates. A clarified composition is provided to achieve optimized clarity and organoleptic performance at lower processing temperatures and/or within a polypropylene resin having a higher melt flow rate.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hexahydrophthalate (HHPA) metal salts may be useful as nucleating agents in polyolefins. Masterbatch compositions containing such salts and silica and/or hydrotalcite are particularly useful in reducing haze and improving properties of manufactured polyolefin articles or film. Such compositions may be dispersed effectively and efficiently into resin during manufacturing operations in the form of a masterbatch, thereby providing excellent polymer crystallization temperatures, improved polymer physical properties, improved dimensional stability, and improved transparency.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing in-trench smearing during polishing. The method comprises providing a substrate comprising a first layer comprising an insulating material, a second layer comprising a filling material, and a plurality of field and trench regions. A polymeric material is infiltrated over the substrate, wherein the polymeric material fills the trench regions and covers the field regions. The polymeric material optionally is removed from the field regions, followed by baking of the substrate such that the polymeric material in the trench regions becomes recessed below the insulating material of the field regions. The substrate is then subjected to a temperature of about 100° C. or more for about 30 minutes or longer, such that during polishing of the substrate, smearing of the filling material in the trench regions is reduced as compared to polishing of the substrate under the same conditions except for subjecting the substrate to the temperature of about 100° C.