Abstract: In an embodiment, an assembly, comprising: a glazing layer; a light absorbing layer; and a thermo-responsive layer between the glazing layer and the light absorbing layer. The thermo-responsive layer comprises a matrix polymer having a glass transition temperature and an inorganic filler, wherein the matrix polymer comprises 0.5 to 10 weight percent of repeat units derived from acrylonitrile, based upon a total weight of the matrix polymer. The refractive indices of the matrix polymer and the inorganic filler differ by less than or equal to 0.05 at 25° C.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermoplastic compositions, in particular polycarbonate thermoplastic compositions containing a surface-treated talc, methods for the manufacture of such compositions, and articles formed from the compositions.

Abstract: Photoactive additives are disclosed. The additive includes a benzophenone having at least one substituent that comprises a divalent linker and a linking group, wherein the linking group is a carboxyl group, ester group, or acid halide group. The additive can be a polymer, an oligomer, or a compound. When added to a base polymeric resin, the photoactive additive permits crosslinking upon exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier; and wherein upon an impact, the energy absorber unit will absorb, e.g., up to 300 kJ of energy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool, comprising: a tool stationary portion comprising a nozzle and a film gate; and a tool movable portion comprising a shut off pin opposite the nozzle and the film gate; wherein the shut off pin prevents polymer melt in the nozzle from leaking into a cavity of the tool after injection of polymer into the tool.

Abstract: Thin walled products having good scratch resistance are disclosed, as are processes for making such products (e.g. films, sheets, and thin walled articles). The product includes a thin layer formed from (A) a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin having endcaps derived from a monohydroxybenzophenone; and (B) if desired, a base polymeric resin. When exposed to ultraviolet light, crosslinking will occur in the layer with the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin, enhancing the scratch resistance properties of the thin layer and the overall product.

Abstract: A polycarbonate composition comprises an elastomer-modified graft copolymer prepared by an emulsion polymerization process in which an elastomer phase is polymerized or copolymerized in the presence of an electrolyte to obtain latex particles that is then grafted with a monomer mixture comprising a monovinylaromatic monomer.

Abstract: Processes involving wetting fibers with an aqueous dispersion of micronized thermoplastic powders; processes for producing an aqueous dispersion of micronized thermoplastic powders; processes of chemically surface cross-linking micronized particles; and articles of produced therefrom.

Abstract: Polymeric blends having improved flame retardance properties and good ductility at low temperatures are disclosed. The blend is formed from (A) a photoactive additive that is a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin containing a photoactive group derived from a dihydroxybenzophenone; and (B) a polymer resin which is different from the photoactive additive. The additive can be a compound, oligomer, or polymer. When exposed to ultraviolet light, crosslinking will occur between the photoactive additive and the polymer resin, enhancing the chemical resistance and flame retardance while maintaining ductility.

Abstract: A impact resistant polycarbonate composition comprises an elastomer-modified graft copolymer prepared by an emulsion process in which a composition comprising the elastomer-modified graft copolymer is subjected to treatment with acid to adjust the pH to about 3.0 to about 6.8, following by coagulation of the elastomer-modified graft copolymer and admixture with an aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: An impact resistant polycarbonate composition having improved resistance to polymer degradation comprises an aromatic polycarbonate in admixture with an elastomer-modified graft copolymer that is the product of an emulsion polymerization process, wherein composition is a product of compounding the aromatic polycarbonate and the elastomer-modified graft copolymer in the presence of a buffer comprising a potassium salt of phosphoric acid.

Abstract: In various aspects, the invention relates to blended thermoplastic polymer compositions (e.g., polycarbonate or polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer compositions) comprising recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or recycled polystyrene polymer which contain at least one impurity and an acid melt flow stabilizer. The presence of the acid melt flow stabilizer improves the thermal stability of the polymer blend. In various further aspects, blended compositions further comprise a flame retardant. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Different interfacial processes for producing photoactive additives are disclosed. Generally, the photoactive additives are cross-linkable polycarbonate resins formed from a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first linker moiety, a diol chain extender, and an end-capping agent. The resulting additives can be crosslinked with other polymers upon exposure to UV radiation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprises: a high heat thermoplastic resin, glass fiber, and a particulate glass filler. The particulate glass filler, prior to forming the composition, has a coating comprising an aminosilane and a urethane groups.

Abstract: A fixture can include a test fixture that holds an object whose electrostatic charge characteristics are to be measured, means for moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object, and means for rubbing a surface of the object. A method for measuring the electrostatic charge characteristics of an object using a test fixture can include: placing the object in the test fixture, moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object and rubbing a surface of the object with the piece of rubbing material for a period of time. The rubbing causes an electrostatic charge to be built up on the surface of the object. The electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be measured and the measured electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforced composition comprising: 55 to 80 wt % of a compatibilized blend of a polyphthalamide and a poly(phenylene ether) wherein said compatibilized blend is formed from a mixture of polyphthalamide and poly(phenylene ether) in a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 7.0:1, and a functionalizing agent in an amount sufficient to effect compatibilization; and 20 to 45 wt % of a nylon glass fiber, wherein the composition contains less than 0.1 wt % of phosphinates and less than 0.1 wt % of impact modifiers and weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A housing system can comprise a plastic cover (12); a plastic base (14) comprising a floor (20) having side walls (22, 24); a first elevation (26); a second elevation (34); a first mounting column (40) located in a transformer end (32) of the plastic base (14) adjacent a major axis first sidewall (22); a second mounting column (42) located in the transformer end (32) of the plastic base (14) adjacent a major axis second sidewall (22); wherein the first and second mounting columns (40,42) have a top surface (44) that protrudes a distance from the floor (20), in the Z direction, in an amount greater than or equal to elevation walls (28,36), wherein the top surface (44) is configured to receive an attachment element (46). The housing system can also comprise a transformer (72), physically attached to the mounting columns; a capacitor (74); a fan (78), and a printed circuit board (80).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing molded polymeric articles exhibiting enhanced flame retardant properties. Also disclosed are molded thermoplastic articles manufactured by the disclosed processes and methods.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of making a heat sink assembly (10) can comprise: forming an heat sink assembly (10) comprising a polymer heat sink (14) around a metal insert (12), the polymer heat sink (14) comprising a thermally conductive polymer material, wherein the heat sink assembly (10) has a contact pressure between the polymer heat sink (14) and the metal insert (12); and increasing the contact pressure. In an embodiment, a method of making a heat sink assembly (10), comprises: heating a mold and subsequently introducing a metal insert to the mold, wherein the metal insert has an insert temperature of 30° C. to 70° C. when it is inserted into the mold; closing the mold; and in less than or equal to 10 seconds of closing the mold, over-molding the metal insert with a thermally conductive polymer material to form a heat sink assembly (10).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.