Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer filament for use in 3-D printing, and 3-D printed fluoropolymer articles having low warpage, excellent chemical resistance, excellent water resistance, flame resistance, and good mechanical integrity. Additionally, the articles of the invention have good shelf life without the need for special packaging. In particular, the invention relates to filament, 3-D printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) articles, and in particular material extrusion 3-D printing. The articles may be formed from PVDF homopolymers, copolymers, such as KYNAR® resins from Arkema, as well as polymer blends with appropriately defined low shear melt viscosity. The PVDF may optionally be a filled PVDF formulation. The physical properties of the 3-D printed articles can be maximized and warpage minimized by optimizing processing parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blowing agent compositions comprising at least one hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) selected from cis- and/or trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) and at least one hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO) selected from cis- and/or trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd) used in the preparation of foamable thermoplastic compositions. The blowing agent compositions are useful in the production of low density insulating foams with improved k-factor.

Abstract: An organic peroxide composition is provided which is liquid or near liquid at 25° C. or a low melting solid and which includes at least one ethylenically unsaturated organic peroxide (i.e., an organic peroxide containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond) and at least one saturated organic peroxide. The organic peroxide composition may further include at least one mono- and/or poly-unsaturated compound and at least one free-radical trap. The organic peroxide can be blended into a polymer such as a powdered or granular polyethylene resin. This peroxide-containing polymer can be used in rotational molding, wherein the polymer is added to a mold which is heated in an oven with rotation, thereby melting the polymer and coating the inside of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acrylic process aid useful in vinyl foam extrusion. The process aid is an acrylic copolymer containing from 50 to 79 weight percent of methyl methacrylate monomer units and has a Tg of less than 90° C., preferably less than 70° C., and more preferably less than 65° C. PVC and CPVC foams containing this acrylic process aid fuse faster at the same temperature, or fuse in the same time at lower temperatures than foam formulations currently used.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite polymer modifiers for thermoplastic resins, and especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The composite modifier is an intimate blend of mineral filler and polymeric process aid, which is formed by the co-powderization of aqueous emulsions, suspensions or slurries of one or more mineral filler(s) and process aid(s). The resulting composite modifier provides more effective modification of the thermoplastic resin than by the use of the dried components formed separately. The composite modifier may also contain other co-powderized components such as impact modifiers, for additional benefits.

Abstract: The wet adhesion of a coating composition may be improved through the use of voided latex particles as opacifying agents which contain a hollow interior as well as an outer shell of a polymer containing functional groups such as amino, 1,3-diketo, urea or ureido. Other types of functional groups may be introduced to the outer shell polymer in order to vary other desired characteristics of the coating. The voided latex particles are non-film-forming.

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

Abstract: Organopolysulfides such as organodisulfides, organotrisulfides and/or organotetrasulfides are useful stabilizers for polymer compositions, wherein the tendency of a polymer to degrade when exposed to environmental conditions such as heat, light and oxygen may be ameliorated by the incorporation of one or more of such organopolysulfides, optionally together with one or more additional stabilization additives such as a hindered phenol antioxidant, phosp(on)ite stabilizer or hindered amine light stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of chopped fibers in thermoplastic composite compounds, and in particular to thermoplastic fluoropolymer compounds. The fluoropolymer matrix contains thermoplastic fluoropolymers that have been grafted with a carboxylic polar functionality, such as KYNAR ADX® polymer from Arkema. The chopped fiber—grafted fluoropolymer composite has increased tensile and flexural strength compared to fluoropolymer compounds that contain no grafted carboxylic grafted fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to integrated electrode separators (IES), and their use in lithium ion batteries as replacements for free standing separators. The IES results from coating an electrode with a fluoropolymer aqueous-based emulsion or suspension, and drying the coating to produce a tough, porous separator layer on the electrodes. The aqueous fluoropolymer coating may optionally contain dispersed inorganic particles and other additives to improve electrode performance such as higher ionic conduction or higher temperature use. The IES provides several advantages, including a thinner, more uniform separator layer, and the elimination of a separate battery component (separator membrane) for a simpler and cost-saving manufacturing process. The aqueous separator coating can be used in combination with a solvent cast electrode as well as an aqueous cast electrode either in two separate process steps, or in a one-step process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a thickness of a coating on an moving object are provided. Light is directed toward the object at a predetermined location on the object such that a portion of the light interacts with the object. A 1D and/or 2D maximum intensities for at least one wavelength channel is captured that is produced by the portion of the light interacting with the object. A measured average intensity of the wavelength channel and/or intensities and their arithmetic derivatives of multi wavelength channel geometries is converted into 1D (averaged) and/or 2D thickness values. Based on these values an acceptability of the coating is evaluated and thickness calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments of organic peroxide formulations provide longer scorch time protection and require fewer additives. The peroxide formulations may include, for example, at least one organic peroxide, at least one nitroxide-containing compound (e.g., 4-hydroxy-TEMPO), and at least one quinone-containing compound (e.g., mono-tert-butylhydroquinone).

Abstract: A modular apparatus for coating glass articles with a chemical compound includes a coating hood section (10a) including a series of interconnected walls (12) defining an interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (44), a blower (24) positioned at least partially in the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) to carry air from the inlet (32) towards the outlet (44); and a connector (50) for connecting the coating hood section (10a) to an identical coating hood section (10b). The connector (50) for connecting being defined on at least one of the interconnected walls (12) of the coating hood section (10a).

Abstract: The invention relates to very high melt flow fluoropolymer compositions, having low melt viscosities. The fluoropolymers have low molecular weights of from 5 kDa to 200 kDa and melt viscosities of less than 2 kilopoise (kP) at 232° C. and 100 s?1. One use for the high melt flow fluoropolymers is in the formation of very small diameters fibers, useful for melt-blown non-woven materials. Fiber diameters of less than 9 microns, and preferably 500 to 2000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers, specifically polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymers stabilized against color degradation due to high thermal exposure. The fluoropolymers are produced with free-radical initiators in the presence of surfactants containing acid end groups. The fluoropolymer resins are melt processed into final articles at high temperatures, above the melting point of the polymer. While the fluoropolymer is stable, residual acid surfactant causes discoloration during thermal processing. Stabilization is achieved by the addition of small amounts of ammonium or phosphonium cations to the fluoropolymer composition. It is believed the cations react with any residual acid to form a less reactive salt. These salts do not adversely affect the color of a melt processed product. The phosphonium or ammonium ions can be added to the fluoropolymer at any point from the polymerization step up to the thermal processing step. A preferred family of salts are quaternary alkyl ammonium halides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blowing agent compositions of carbon dioxide and at least one hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO). The HCFOs can include, but are not limited to, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd), 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) and mixtures thereof. The blowing agent compositions are useful in the production of low density insulating foams with improved k-factor made from thermoplastic resins. The blowing agent compositions may also optionally include one or more hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes formed from long chain branched fluoropolymers, and especially long chain branched homopolymers and copolymers of polyvinylidene fluoride such as KYNAR resins. The novel membranes retain all the advantages of a fluoropolymer membrane (excellent chemical resistance especially to strong acids and oxidizing agents, and good mechanical strength), and additionally offer improved permeability, improved strain hardening, and even better resistance to caustic attacks. The improvements are believed to be related to an improvement to the microstructure of the membranes, producing a more open structure due to the long chain branched fluoropolymers. Further improvements in the mechanical properties of the membranes can be induced by strain hardening.

Abstract: Emulsion polymers and coating compositions made therefrom that exhibit exceptional stain resistance to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic stains. The emulsion polymers include, as polymerized units: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic monomer in an amount ranging between about 85 wt. % to less than 100 wt. % based on the overall weight of the polymer composition; b) a first acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the first monomer being a strong acid monomer selected as a phosphorus-based acid monomer, a sulfur-based acid monomer, or a mixture thereof, and c) a second acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the second monomer being one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having at least one carboxyl or carboxylic anhydride functional group. The relative amounts of the first and second acid monomers are such that the ratio of b/c is greater than 0.7.

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.