Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments between approximately 1 weight percent and 9 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.0 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 700,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to continuously remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: A blend of ethylene homopolymers contains at least one blend component having a very low molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution. The blend has surprisingly high density and low hexane extractables. The blend is suitable for the manufacture of a wide variety of plastic goods including extruded goods and molded goods. Plastic film prepared from the blends of this invention have a low Water Vapor Transmission Rate (“WVTR”).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming compounds of Formula HO—C(?O)R1—X—R2—X—R1—C(?O)—O—H wherein compound (I) can be polymerized to provide a polymer that contains therapeutically active compounds. In the compounds of the invention, each R1 is group that will provide the therapeutically active compound upon hydrolysis of the polymer; each X is independently an ester linkage or an amide linkage; and R2 is a linking group.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ehtylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprised of (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene ether, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, (b) at least one elastomer selected from the group consisting of butadiene-isoprene copolymer rubbers, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an methacrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylonitrile monomer, blends of polyisoprene rubber with styrene-butadiene rubber, wherein the elastomer is at least partially crosslinked, wherein the repeat units in the elastomer are distributed throughout the elastomer in an essentially random manner, and (c) oil.

Abstract: A powder system for use in solid freeform fabrication. The powder system includes at least one polymer having reactive properties and fusible properties. The at least one polymer is reactive with a liquid binder and is fusible at a temperature above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the at least one polymer. The at least one polymer may be a single co-polymer having at least one reactive portion and at least one fusible portion or may be a mixture of polymers including at least one reactive polymer and at least one fusible polymer. A method of forming an object by solid freeform fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cycloolefinic polymer compositions exhibiting an advantageous balance of dimensional stability, improved impact resistance and superior optical properties are provided. The cycloolefinic polymer compositions of the invention generally include at least one cycloolefinic polymer and an effective amount of an elastomeric copolymer having an aromatic vinyl content of from 14 to 39 weight percent. The cycloolefinic polymer compositions may be incorporated into a variety of products, including multilayer films.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition which can be stably adjusted in biodegradation rate, and has greatly improved resistance to hydrolysis and weather, in particular the former, and durability resulting from the improved resistances; a molded article thereof; and a method for controlling biodegradation rate using the same composition. The biodegradable plastic composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of biodegradable plastic, (B) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a carbodiimide compound and (C) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole-, triazine- and hydroxylamine-based compounds; the molded article thereof; and the method for controlling biodegradation rate using the same composition.

Abstract: Cured articles are prepared from a composition that comprises a blend of a perfluoroelastomer and 51-300 phr of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic copolymer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and 5-12 weight percent of a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether). The semi-crystalline copolymer is present as particles having an average particle size greater than 100 nm.

Abstract: Processable rubber compositions comprising a vulcanized elastomer dispersed in a matrix of a thermoplastic polymeric material. In one embodiment the matrix forms a continuous phase and the vulcanized elastomeric material is in the form of particles forming a non-continuous phase. The compositions are made by combining a curative, an uncured fluorocarbon elastomer, and a reactive oligomer, and heating the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect vulcanization of the elastomeric material and polymerization of the oligomer, while mechanical energy is applied to mix the mixture during the heating step. Shaped articles such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, and hoses may be readily formed from the rubber compositions according to conventional thermoplastic processes such as blow molding, injection molding, and extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biodegradable system for the controlled release of bioactive substances. This system comprises novel biodegradable and biocompatible polyphosphoesters that carry positive charges. Process for making these polyphosphoesters, compositions containing these polyphosphoesters and biologically active substances, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using this system are described. A controlled gene delivery system based on these polyphosphoesters is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. The release rates can be manipulated by adjusting the charge ratios of polyphosphoesters to nucleic acids. This gene delivery system yields a higher gene expression in muscle when injected intramuscularly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyethylene composition with a bimodal molecular weight distribution, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom, such as high topload blow moldings and transmission and distribution pipes. The composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene homopolymer component and a homogeneous, high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene interpolymer component, wherein the LMW component is characterized as having a molecular weight distribution, MWDL, of less than about 8. In some embodiments, the HMW component is characterized by a reverse comonomer distribution.

Abstract: A polymer composition suitable for rotomoulding comprising I) An ethylene homopolymer or copolymer with at least one other C3-10 ? olefin, having a melt flow rate of 0.5 to 30, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than 4, an Mw of 50,000 to 110,000, a density of 0.940 g/cm3 to 0.970 g/cm3 and a melting point of 100 to 145° C.; or I) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer with at least one other C2-10 ? olefin, having a melt flow rate of 0.5 to 30, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than 4, an Mw of 150,000 to 300,000, and a melting point of 100 to 170° C.; and II) an ethylene homo or copolymer with at least one other C3-10 ?-olefin, having a melt flow rate of within 40% of the melt flow rate of component (I), a molecular weight distribution of (Mw/Mn) of less than 4, an Mw of within 30% of the Mw of component (I), a density of 0.880 g/cm3 to 0.940 g/cm3 said density being at least 0.010 g/cm3 less than the density of component (I) and a melting point of at least 5° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable copolyester of high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The copolyester has a Mw of 100,000-600,000 g/mol, and a molecular weight distribution of 1.2-3.

Abstract: Styrene-free unsaturated polyester resin compositions are provided which contain low amounts of hazardous air pollutants, good mechanical and physical properties and good weathering characteristics. A process for the manufacture of these resin compositions is also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten stat of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition, which contains particles of a superabsorbent material having angle-lacking shapes. The composition is particularly suitable to be used in absorbent articles for personal hygiene, specifically in disposable absorbent articles, which have one or more transparent regions.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing a sensitive substance; (a) plating a sensitive substance onto a solid carrier under a controlled atmosphere to reduce loss of the sensitive substance; (b) encapsulating the plated material under controlled atmosphere and airflow to reduce volatilization during the process and stabilize the sensitive substance.

Abstract: A conductive fluoro-resin composition of the addition reaction curing type is provided comprising (A) a reactive fluorinated polyether compound comprising fluorinated polyether units and having at least two aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals in a molecule, (B) a compound having at least two hydrogen atoms each directly attached to a silicon atom, (C) a platinum group metal catalyst, and (D) silver particles. The composition cures into rubbery parts having improved heat resistance, weather resistance and solvent resistance and optionally forming firm bonds to various substrates.