Abstract: A thermoplastic composition having incorporated metal is provided in accordance with the invention. The thermoplastic composition can be processed at low temperatures, readily absorbs water, and is processable into a form suitable for use as a plant container. The thermoplastic composition and plant containers made therefrom are useful for promoting root branching in plants.

Abstract: A highly flame retardant, impact modified polyolefin alloy is described, the composition of which includes: at least one polyolefin; at least one halogenated organic flame retardant; at least one semi-crystalline ethylene copolymer impact modifier, the copolymer optionally being functionalized, at least one oxygen-containing metal compound wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of Group III, IV, V, and VI of the Periodic Table; and at least one fluorocarbon, at least a portion of which is fibrillated or fibrillatable. Optionally, the alloy will contain at least one of a functionalized silicone polymer, a hydrated metal silicate, a hydrated metal borate, a primary antioxidant, and a secondary antioxidant. Such thermoplastic polymer blends/alloys can be produced by combining all ingredients in a melt and applying shear to the melt through means of a high shear internal/continuous mixer or an extruder.

Abstract: A shaped article is formed of thermoplastic sheeting which consists of a pair of sheets of thermoplastic material spaced apart and interconnected by longitudinally extending ribs. The combination of the sheets and the ribs form elongated passageways in the sheeting. Individual sections of the sheeting have the ends of the passageways sealed closed so that a gaseous medium, such as air, is trapped in the passageways. The sheeting is formed in an extrusion process with one of the sheets having a greater thickness than the other. The individual sections of the sheeting are formed into a shaped article with the sealed character of the passageways being maintained so that the sheets remain in spaced relation in the shaped sections. The difference in thickness between the sheets is selected so that, following the shaping operation, both sheets have substantially the same thickness.