Abstract: Thermoplastic articles are molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including blends of aromatic polycaprolactone thermoplastic polyurethane and other aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane selected from aromatic polyester thermoplastic polyurethane, aromatic polyether thermoplastic, and combinations thereof. The thermoplastic articles exhibit enhanced stain resistance, as represented by achieving a rating of 2 or better according to Blue Jean Abrasion Test, relative to thermoplastic articles molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including either aromatic polyester thermoplastic polyurethane or aromatic polyether thermoplastic only, while also having good clarity (i.e., low haze) and other desirable properties. The thermoplastic articles can be especially useful as protective cases for handheld electronic devices.

Abstract: Thermoplastic articles are molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including blends of aliphatic poly-caprolactone thermoplastic polyurethane and aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane selected from aromatic polyester thermoplastic polyurethane, aromatic polyether thermoplastic polyurethane, and combinations thereof. The thermoplastic articles exhibit enhanced stain resistance, as represented by achieving a rating of 2 or better according to Blue Jean Abrasion Test, relative to thermoplastic articles molded from thermoplastic polyurethane compounds including either aromatic polyester thermoplastic polyurethane or aromatic polyether thermoplastic only, while also having good clarity (i.e., low haze) and other desirable properties. The thermoplastic articles can be especially useful as protective cases for handheld electronic devices.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compounds include (a) hydrogenated styrene-farnesene-styrene block copolymer, (b) thermoplastic polyester elastomer having a bio-based content of at least about 45%, (c) polyolefin having a bio-based content of at least about 95%, (d) secondary styrenic block copolymer such as styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, and (e) plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomer compounds have a bio-based content of at least about 40%. Additionally, the thermoplastic elastomer compounds have an adhesion of at least about 10 pli according to a 90° Peel Test on at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polycarbonate. The thermoplastic elastomer compounds can be especially useful for making overmolded thermoplastic articles.

Abstract: Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is useful as a build material for 3D printing, especially desktop 3D printing.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compounds in the form of a pellet include thermoplastic resin and conductive fibers. The conductive fibers are enveloped by the thermoplastic resin and distributed within the pellet such that each of at least a portion of the conductive fibers is substantially surrounded by the thermoplastic resin and thereby substantially separated from physical contact with any other of the conductive fibers. Additionally, at least a portion of the conductive fibers includes long fibers. The thermoplastic compound, when molded at a thickness of about 3.2 mm, has an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness across a range of frequencies from about 0.5 GHz to about 2.0 GHz of at least about 60 dB according to ASTM D4935, which makes the thermoplastic compound useful for molding thermoplastic articles for shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compounds include (a) at least about 40 weight percent of thermoplastic polyurethane selected from polycaprolactone-type thermoplastic polyurethane, polyether-type thermoplastic polyurethane, and combinations thereof, and (b) at most about 5 weight percent of polysiloxane. The thermoplastic elastomer compounds can be molded into thermoplastic articles which exhibit substantially no blooming after weathering, while also exhibiting good processability, useful functionality, and desirable aesthetics. The thermoplastic compounds can be especially useful for making overmolded thermoplastic articles.

Abstract: A continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) tape is disclosed, made of continuous, unidirectional glass fibers embedded in polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG) containing a polyphosphonate homopolymer non-halogenated flame retardant (NHFR). With formulations balancing the spread of flame and the detection of smoke, the tape achieves a Class A value when tested in accordance with ASTM E84.

Abstract: Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP) are useful as support material for 3D printing of high temperature polymers, such as polyimides.

Abstract: Pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite is disclosed, having a blend of conventional pultrusion resins and a rigidsol. The replacement of some of the conventional pultrusion resin with the rigidsol does not adversely affect mechanical properties but does enhance affinity of the pultruded part to a polyvinyl chloride-containing capstock.

Abstract: Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is useful as a build material for 3D printing, especially desktop 3D printing.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer having a polyisoprene soft block, styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer, tackifier having a softening point of at least about 80° C. according to ASTM 6493, and, optionally, one or more additional thermoplastic elastomers. The compound has a Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature (at 10 Hz) of at least 10° C. and a Compound Tan Delta Peak Height (at 10 Hz) of at least 0.85 if no thermoplastic polyurethane is present and at least 0.60 if additional thermoplastic elastomer is present and includes thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic elastomer compound exhibits superior damping properties across a broad range of temperatures, including at or above room temperature, and across a broad range of vibrational frequencies. The compound in sheet form can be used as a layer in an article of a structure susceptible to forceful impact of any item.