Abstract: A method of reducing foamed density that results in a foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) component exhibiting reduced density. The foamed PVC component contains at least a PVC resin and a process aid blend. The process aid blend contains from 1 weight % to 60 weight % (based on the weight of the blend) of a functionalized process aid, and from 99 weight % to 40 weight % (based on the weight of the blend) of a non-functionalized process aid. The functionalized process aid includes at least one base polymer functionalized with a reactive epoxy, hydroxyl, ?-keto ester, ?-keto amide, or carboxylic acid functional group. The foamed PVC component containing the process aid blend has a lower density than a reference foamed PVC component made using the same process conditions and additives, but which contains only non-functionalized process aid and not the functionalized process aid.

Abstract: Shell-and-tube devices typically require regular maintenance. Described herein is an automated method for tracking the status of individual tubes during maintenance activities and recording status data for review and analysis. Status data may optionally be reported in real-time summary format and/or used to predict time-to-completion. The method minimizes omission errors and helps to reduce the expense of performing maintenance activities in shell-and-tube devices, including shell-and-tube reactors and heat exchangers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for increasing the bulk density of low bulk density materials by gently admixing a low bulk density material and a liquid and thereafter removing substantially all of the liquid, for example, by evaporation.

Abstract: Methods of blending liquid peroxide solutions and crystalline or amorphous solid materials to provide a dry-to-the-touch peroxide containing solid materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel linear, semi-crystalline, functional fluoropolymers that have been obtained by copolymerizing a fluorinated vinylic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer chosen from vinyl alkyl acids, vinyl phosphonates, functional acrylamides, carbonates, vinyl ethers, alkoxy compounds, and double hydrophilic group monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat treatment of polymorphic semicrystalline or crystallizable polymers to increase the content of the highest melting crystalline form. Such heat treatment results in a polymer powder that has a consistent, uniform melting range, improved flow and improved durability of the powder particle size for applications that require powder flow at elevated temperatures. In addition to improved powder properties, the articles produced from the powders also exhibit better physical properties in both appearance and in mechanical properties. Thus the invention also includes polymer powders and articles produced by the described processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic filament for use in 3-D printers, in which the core of the filament is non-solid or mono-filament. The filament may contain a multitude of small micro-voids, (a micro foam), be a foam-core structure, be hollow, or have a monofilament core. The filament of the invention is especially useful with crystalline and semi-crystalline polymers, and reduces the negative effect of filament voids, formed by shrinkage during the cooling of the filament.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a low Tg compatible resin as an adhesive layer for the welding of a thermoplastic composite structure to a thermoplastic or thermoset structure. The invention is especially good for the welding of large parts, such as wind turbine halves and spar caps. A useful thermoplastic composite is one formed by the infusion and curing of long fibers by a reactive acrylic liquid resin system, such as ELIUM® resin systems from Arkema.

Abstract: A stable polyol pre-mix composition comprises a blowing agent, a polyol, a surfactant, and a catalyst composition comprising an oxygen-containing amine catalyst and a metallic salt. The oxygen-containing amine catalyst may be, for example, one or more of an alkanol amine, an ether amine, or a morpholine group-containing compound such as, for example, 2-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol or N,N,N?-trimethylaminoethyl-ethanolamine. The metallic salt may be, for example, alkali earth carboxylates, alkali carboxylates, and carboxylates of metals selected form the group consisting of zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), tin (Sn), cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), chromium (Cr), scandium (Sc), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba).

Abstract: A polyol pre-mix containing at least one halogenated hydroolefin blowing agent and having improved shelf life stability is provided, wherein each polyol combined with the halogenated hydroolefin blowing agent has an apparent pH of between 3 and 11.4. Controlling the apparent pH of the polyol(s) enables the polyol pre-mix to be stored for extended periods of time and then used in combination with organic polyisocyanate to produce foam formulations having gel times and tack free times not significantly different from those exhibited when freshly prepared polyol pre-mix is used.

Abstract: A container which is useful for safely storing and transporting compositions, such as liquid organic peroxide-containing compositions, which may be flammable, combustible, susceptible to exothermic decomposition, explosive and/or otherwise hazardous, is provided. The container includes a containment vessel having thermoset polymer-containing walls, as well as a vent mechanism. The containment vessel may be manufactured by a rotational molding process using a thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyethylene, which is crosslinked to provide the thermoset polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a blend of at least two fluoropolymers. The first fluoropolymer has from 0 to 30 weight percent of a monomer J selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropene (HFP), fluorinated or perfluorinated vinyl ethers, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, trifluoropropene, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro propene or combinations thereof. The second fluoropolymer has at least 30 weight percent, preferably at least 35 weight percent, of monomer T selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropene (HFP), fluorinated or perfluorinated vinyl ethers, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, trifluoropropene, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro propene or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compatible thermoplastic material (film, sheet, or raft) as the base sheet or layer for 3-D printing an article. The use of the base film provides a means of printing a large article, and of reducing warpage by printing directly on the film. The printed article adheres to the film better than to traditional printer surfaces (glass, metal, glue, or reusable films), because the printed article and film weld together by forming chain entanglements, due to being compatible, miscible, or semi-miscible in the melt.

Abstract: Continuous photochemical production of high purity linear mercaptan and sulfide-containing compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates a resin composition containing a polymer matting agent, that improves the aesthetic appearance of an article formed by Material Extrusion 3D printing. The composition contains 30-99.9 wt % thermoplastic resin and 0.1-50 wt % of one or more spherical or near-spherical polymeric matting agents (PMAs) such as Altuglas Acryperl® beads from Arkema. Objects 3D printed from the composition have hidden layer lines (a.k.a. “build lines”) and is more uniform in appearance, compared to an object printed from the same thermoplastic resin without PMAs.

Abstract: A dispersion of an alkyd-containing polymer dispersed in water is used to form a waterborne coating composition; the alkyd-containing polymer being an acrylic-modified alkyd polymer, a silicone-acrylic-modified alkyd polymer, or a mixture thereof. The resulting waterborne coating composition includes about 2 to about 30% by weight of one or more thermal insulating fillers with the remainder being the alkyd-containing dispersion, such that the coating composition contains about 30 to about 80% by weight of the water and about 2 to about 50% by weight of the alkyd-containing polymer. The coating applied therefrom exhibits at least one of the following properties: a thermal conductivity that is less than 100 mW/mK; a weight retention of at least 70% after being heated up to 400 C as measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with a heating rate of 20 C/min.; or a weight loss of less than 50% up to a temperature of 470 C as measured by the TGA.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compatible thermoplastic material (film, sheet, or raft) as the base sheet or layer for 3-D printing an article. The use of the base film provides a means of printing a large article, and of reducing warpage by printing directly on the film. The printed article adheres to the film better than to traditional printer surfaces (glass, metal, glue, or reusable films), because the printed article and film weld together by forming chain entanglements, due to being compatible, miscible, or semi-miscible in the melt.

Abstract: An alkyd polymer composition for fast-drying, low VOC applications is provided. The alkyd polymer incorporates a minimum required level of a cyclic ether- and hydroxyl-containing composition formed from a sugar alcohol during the alcoholysis step while synthesizing the alkyd polymer. The disclosure also relates to the cyclic ether- and hydroxyl-containing composition which must have a minimum required level of cyclic ether structure incorporated therein in order to produce a sufficiently fast-drying alkyd polymer. Methods of making the cyclic ether- and hydroxyl-containing composition and the alkyd polymer comprising, as polymerized units, the cyclic ether- and hydroxyl-containing composition and a poly acid and/or an anhydride compound, as well as an optional polyol, other than the sugar alcohol, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous fluoropolymer hybrid composition having superior weathering resistance while maintaining excellent mechanical properties in coatings, paints, caulks and adhesives. The composition is comprised of: a) a vinylidene fluoride polymer, such as KYNAR® polymers from Arkema, b) a first vinyl polymer immiscible with the vinylidene fluoride polymer and having a Tg of less than 0° C., and c) a second vinyl polymer of a different composition, also having a Tg of less than 0° C., and containing groups capable of crosslinking. The invention also relates to waterborne coatings or paints containing the aqueous fluoropolymer hybrid composition, and an article, object, or structure coated with the fluoropolymer hybrid composition on at least one surface, either in a factory or in the field, to confer protection and decorative properties. Free films made from the waterborne compositions of the invention have a dynamic mechanical analysis loss tangent, tan (?), of greater than 0.