Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) having good load bearing construction and held together without mechanical fasteners, includes deck boards (30). The deck boards include ridges (24) on an upper side (32) and a lower side (34) thereof. Deck boards are positioned transversely on stringers (12) and joined thereto by either an adhesive or thermoplastic welding processes. The stringers and deck boards may be provided with end caps (26, 42) which seal interior areas of the stringers and deck boards and prevent tearing thereof. The stringers and deck boards have interior reinforcement ribs (22,40). The cross sectional profiles of the stringers, deck boards, and end caps provide a cost effective and light weight pallet. Openings which extend between the stringers allow for either two way fork entry and/or four way fork entry. The stringers and deck boards provide flexibility in constructing pallets of various designs. The plastic pallet preferably is highly durable and fully recyclable.

Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) having good load bearing construction and held together without mechanical fasteners, includes deck boards (30). The deck boards include ridges (24) on an upper side (32) and a lower side (34) thereof. Deck boards are positioned transversely on stringers (12) and joined thereto by either an adhesive or thermoplastic welding processes. The stringers and deck boards may be provided with end caps (26, 42) which seal interior areas of the stringers and deck boards and prevent tearing thereof. The stringers and deck boards have interior reinforcement ribs (22,40). The cross sectional profiles of the stringers, deck boards, and end caps provide a cost effective and light weight pallet. Openings which extend between the stringers allow for either two way fork entry and/or four way fork entry. The stringers and deck boards provide flexibility in constructing pallets of various designs. The plastic pallet preferably is highly durable and fully recyclable.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus for automated dispensing high-viscosity fluids for mixing applications, such as dispensing of pigment concentrates for mixing screen printing inks and paints includes a rotatable carousel containing a plurality of different pigment concentrate supplies. The carousel is selectively rotated into a dispensing position in alignment with a dispensing pump and the pump is actuated to dispense through a dispensing valve assembly associated with each pigment concentrate supply. The dispensing valve assembly includes a pair of dispensing valves having different valve orifices so that the pigment concentrates may be dispensed in coarse and fine iterations into a container for mixing.

Abstract: Copolymers of vinyl or vinylidene halides and vinyl esters of fatty acids having low molecular weights, good particle characteristics, and improved melt flow are made by aqueous polymerization utilizing an effective amount of a mercaptan as a chain transfer agent, wherein the chain transfer agent is admixed with the vinyl esters to form a chain transfer composition, and the composition be added before the start of the polymerization.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for manufacturing chlorinated hydrocarbon by way of a once-through air-based oxychlorination process which yields reduced levels of environmental toxins such as chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. The process involves fixed bed or fluid bed catalyzed oxychlorination of a hydrocarbon reactant containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The oxychlorination process consists of contacting the hydrocarbon reactant with air or oxygen enriched air and hydrogen chloride in the presence of the oxychlorination catalyst in a heated reaction zone operated at from 150.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. and recovering chlorinated hydrocarbon from the effluents of the reaction zone. The improvement consists of the use of air which is pretreated before use in the operated oxychlorination process by a means for removal of the aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Opacified Pearlescent Compounds for Making an elongate louver or assembly of louvers having an improved multi-layer louver configuration comprising an opacified pearlescent outer layer having a claimed range of opacity which substantially or completely occludes an base layer, the increased opacity substantially reduces or eliminates perceptible non-uniformity in coloration, shade change and thickness of the outer layer, while improving resistance to yellowing, processing characteristics, and raw material cost economics.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for making and using an improved chromium catalyst which is useful in oxidation of combustible materials such as hydrocarbons, chloro-carbons, chlorohydrocarbons, polymers and other combustible materials. The process for the catalytic oxidation of combustible material, comprises: contacting a combustible material in a heated reaction zone in the presence of oxygen and a chromium impregnated catalyst prepared by impregnating a supporting material with a chromium compound and calcining the solid material at a temperature and for a time at least sufficient for the supporting material to reach a temperature of at least 725.degree. C. By the method the catalyst exhibits reduced loss of chromium to the environment.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane. The process comprises contacting a mixture of ethylene, oxygen or oxygen containing gas and hydrogen chloride with a fixed or fluidized catalyst composition in a reaction zone and recovering 1,2-dichloroethane from the effluents of the reaction zone.The invention is embodied in a process for the oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane by contacting a mixture of ethylene, oxygen containing gas and hydrogen chloride with a catalyst composition in a reaction zone and recovering 1,2-dichloroethane from the effluents of the reaction zone the process comprising introducing ethylene, HCl and oxygen containing gas into said reaction zone in a ratio of 1.8 and 2.2 moles of HCl per mole of ethylene and from 0.5 to 1 mole of oxygen per mole of ethylene, the oxychlorination process taking place at a temperature of from 215.degree. C. to 230.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of rigid PVC profile other than pipe is disclosed in a twin conical screw extruder, equipped with high shear screws. The process includes extruding a compound specially adapted for the process, the compound contains a polyvinyl chloride resin with an average particle size of from 130 to about 200 microns, a lubricant system containing no more than about 3.5 parts of one or more lubricants, an organo metal salt, from 0 to less than 0.75 parts of a polymeric processing aid, at least one filler/pigment, and a stabilizer for PVC. The process achieves extrudate surfaces characterized by a smooth, dull finish. The process advantageously operates at high extrusion output rates under the conditions specified.

Abstract: The method of molding a refrigerator door by preheating a pair of plastic sheets and thence placing the first sheet and the second sheet on a lower female mold and on a plug assist female mold, respectively. The preheated sheet in the lower mold has a full vacuum drawn thereon to mold such first sheet into the final form of the front door panel. A partial vacuum is drawn on the second sheet to partially form the plastic sheet into the configuration of the final form of the inner door panel and thence the preformed second sheet is transferred to an upper male mold by drawing a full vacuum on the upper mold to effect such transfer and molding to a finished inner door configuration. The two panels thence have their outer perimeters fusion bonded to form a closed chamber that is filled with foam insulation after cooling of the formed and joined door panels.

Abstract: Multilayered extruded thermoplastic profiles are disclosed. The profiles are useful for decorative extruded louvers exhibiting a polished metal-look. The metal-look is achieved by the use of a limited amount of powdered aluminum metal having particle size of 50 microns or less, combined with an effective amount of nacreous pigment. The invention provides a multi-layer extrudate having the appearance of polished metal in the appearance layer in combination with an opaque or clear base layer. The preferred embodiment is a co-extruded polyvinyl chloride.Preferably, the appearance layer comprises 100 weight parts of rigid polyvinyl chloride as the thermoplastic matrix, a combination of from 0.05 to about 4 parts by weight of aluminum particles having an average particle size of from 10-40 microns, from 0.1 to 5 weight parts of titanium dioxide coated mica pigment or colored version thereof, and optional organic or inorganic coloring pigment(s).

Abstract: A shaped rigid thermoplastic cradle and leveler for vessels such as sanitaryware is disclosed. The cradle and leveler are separately formed or integrally shaped from a single thermoformed sheet of rigid thermoplastic material. The rigid thermoplastic material has a flexural modulus of at least about 300,000 psi to provide sufficient rigidity in the sidewall of the cradle. The leveler includes an integral floor leveling means for providing a designed pitch so as to conform to the desired pitch of the floor region of the vessel toward the drain hole. The floor region comprises a plurality of tapering, alternating upper and lower contacting regions. Between each adjacent upper contacting region is defined unsupported span regions having the shortest distance between adjacent upper contact regions of not more than 12 inches (30.5 cm). Preferably the shortest distance between adjacent upper contact regions defining the unsupported span is from 2.5 inches to about 6 inches.

Abstract: Compositions, composite articles and process for producing same are provided from a reinforced polyvinyl halide composition (A) comprising a high molecular weight polyvinyl halide resin, a plasticizer, and a reinforcement material, such as glass fibers, in combination with (B) a composition having adhesion to (A). Preferably (B) comprises a thermoplastic compound selected from the group consisting of PVC, plasticized PVC, styrene derivatives, urethane derivatives, acrylic derivatives, acrylonitrile derivatives, polyester derivatives, and mixtures thereof, with the most preferred composition being an unreinforced, plasticized polyvinyl halide composition. The composition article exhibits good strength, low sag at high use temperatures, and lowered coefficient of thermal expansion for use in contact with metal or polymeric substrates such as panels.

Abstract: The present invention to a method of synthesizing poly(vinyl halide) by means of a free radical polymerization which mimics a "living" radical polymerization in the presence of an iodine containing chain transfer agent containing at least one iodine atom bonded to a primary carbon atom and having the formula:R--CH.sub.2 I (I)R--CHX I (II),R--CH(X)--CH.sub.2 I (III),R--CH(X)--CHX I (IV), orR--CH(X)--CH.sub.2 --CHX I (V),wherein X is fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, R is hydrogen, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 alkyl, any of which are linear or branched, cyanoalkyl, cyclohexyl, methyl cyclohexyl, phenyl, benzyl, and halogenated or oxygenated derivatives thereof.In accordance with the invention there is further provided a method of synthesizing 1-halo-1-iodoethane by reacting hydrogen iodide with vinyl chloride or vinyl fluoride in the presence of an iodine generating catalyst under certain specified conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing 1-chloro-1-iodoethane by reacting hydrogen iodide with vinyl chloride monomer in the presence of an iodine containing catalyst under certain specified conditions. The resulting product of the reaction is a high yield, high purity 1-chloro-1-iodoethane which is useful as a chain transfer agent in the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. The 1-chloro-1-iodoethane formed by the instant invention can be made separately in a conventional synthesis apparatus or the compound can be synthesized in situ in the reaction vessel used for polymerization of vinyl chloride.

Abstract: Rigid thermoplastic articles are disclosed which have reduced surface gloss. The reduced gloss is achieved by the use of a mixture of polymers having different viscoelastic properties. The preferred embodiment is a mixture of PVC and crosslinked PVC.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to catalyst compositions for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalysts comprise copper chloride, at least one alkali metal, at least one rare earth metal, and at least one Group IIA metal on a high surface area support for fluid bed applications or on a high or low surface area support for fixed bed applications. The catalyst compositions are prepared by depositing the metals on a support. The use of the catalyst compositions of the invention in the oxychlorination of ethylene to EDC results in high percent ethylene efficiency, high EDC product purity and high percent HCl conversion without exhibiting catalyst stickiness. A process for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride-acrylate copolymers are plasticized with plasticizers to produce a composition having low hardness values. For example, Shore A values of 55 or less can be readily achieved. Such low values are often achieved by utilizing low amounts, for example less than 100 parts by weight, of the plasticizer for every 100 parts by weight of the PVC-acrylate copolymer. Low Shore A hardness values are also aided by the use of high amounts of acrylate units in the copolymer, that is amounts of at least 45 percent by weight based upon the total weight of the copolymer. The copolymer is made from a vinyl constituent which is a vinyl chloride monomer with an optional vinyl component comonomer and one or more acrylate monomers having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an aliphatic, an aromatic, or combinations thereof, having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or a halogen derivative thereof, or hydrogen, and R.sup.

Abstract: A method for improving the miscibility of vinyl halide polymer based resins with one or more essentially immiscible polymer resins is disclosed. This method comprises adding a polyimide polymer to a mixture containing the vinyl halide resin and the immiscible polymer. Articles made from these compositions are useful for medical applications.

Abstract: An elongate substantially rectangular louver or assembly of louvers each comprising an elongate conformable web sleeve or web envelope which substantially or completely surrounds and conforms generally to the periphery of a slat inserted therein and which said louver has a depending means for removable attachment to a louver assembly support means and said slat is removably attached to said web sleeve or web envelope.