Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of aqueous polymer dispersions or of polymer powders which can be redispersed in water and which are based on protective colloid-stabilized aromatic vinyl-1,3-diene-copolymers in adhesive formulations used in the building industry, whereby the polymer dispersion and the polymer powders are produced by emulsion polymerization of a mixture containing at least one aromatic vinyl and at least one 1,3-diene in the presence of one or more protective colloids, without using an emulsifier, and by optionally drying of the aqueous polymer dispersion obtained thereby.

Abstract: A reinforced thermoplastic composition includes specific amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a homopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer, a polyolefin, a hydrogenated block copolymer with a high styrene content, an unhydrogenated block copolymer, and glass fibers. The composition exhibits very high stiffness while maintaining high impact strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing bleeding number in wax compositions comprising wax and oil, wherein said waxes are selected from petroleum and synthetic waxes and said oil is present in the range of 1 to 45% w/w, by incorporating in the composition an effective amount of an oil retention agent in the form of an elastomeric polymer. The invention has particularly useful application to wax compositions used for wax candles. The invention further provides the use of elastomeric polymers for reducing bleeding number in wax compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive material having ternary compositions. They can advantageously be used in electric cables and in terminations thereof where it serves to improve charge flow characteristics and reactions to transient electric fields. This composite material having non-linear electrical resistance comprises a polymer matrix and varistor means comprising zinc oxide, and it further includes a wetting agent.

Abstract: A blue colorant comprising a chromophore having at least one poly(oxyalkylene) chain attached, through aromatic amino group (or groups), to the 1-position, the 4-position, or both, of an anthraquinone backbone is provided. Such colorants exhibit excellent amine/base stability and thermal stability, effective colorations, excellent low extraction rates, and high lightfastness levels, particularly when incorporated within certain media and/or on the surface of certain substrates, particularly polyesters, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The poly(oxyalkylene) chain or chains can be conveniently tailored to increase the solubility or compatibility in different solvents or resins thereby permitting the introduction of such excellent coloring chromophores within diverse media and/or or diverse substrates as well as provides a liquid colorant which facilitates handling. Compositions and articles comprising such colorants are provided as well as methods for producing such inventive colorants.

Abstract: Coated particles made of particulate substrates having a coating of resin and fibrous material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The coated substrate particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The coated substrate particles are also useful for sand control, that is, acting as a filter or screen to prevent backwards flow of sand, other proppants or subterranean formation particles. Methods of making the coated particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent, flame retardant polycarbonate composition consisting essentially of an aromatic polycarbonate resin and a flame-retarding amount of a guanidine salt or derivatives thereof, wherein the amount of guanidine salt or derivatives thereof is about 1 wt. % or less.

Abstract: A composition comprising a high temperature partially aromatic polyamide, an impact modifier, a secondary aryl amine, and a copper stabilizer.

Abstract: Polyamide resin pellets which comprise: 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin; from 0.01 to 1.0 part by weight of lubricant A, which comprises at least one ester of a higher aliphatic carboxylic acid with a higher alcohol; and from 0.01 to 1.0 part by weight of lubricant B. which comprises at least one higher aliphatic carboxylic acid metal salt, wherein lubricant A is present inside the pellets. Also disclosed are the polyamide resin pellets further comprising lubricant C, which comprises a higher aliphatic carboxylic acid amide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition and its molded product wherein the biodegradable resin composition exhibits excellent biodegradability and excellent mechanical strength, and further, is inexpensive, easy to process by molding, and usable for a wide range of purposes. The biodegradable resin composition comprises a biodegradable resin, a filler, and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Methods of making gel materials are disclosed including mixing a water soluble crosslinkable matrix polymer, a particulate polymer material which has been crosslinked to a gel content of at least 55% and an aqueous solvent, and crosslinking the matrix polymer to form a gel matrix of the matrix polymer in which the particles of particulate polymer material are dispersed, each of the crosslinked matrix polymer and the crosslinked particulate polymer material being capable of absorbing water. Gel materials are also disclosed including particles of a particulate polymer material capable of absorbing water and which is crosslinked so that it has a gel content of at least about 55% dispersed in a matrix of a polymer which has been crosslinked to reduce its solubility in water so that it swells rather than dissolves in water, the size of at least 60% by weight of the particles of particulate polymer material being less than about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An oil-in-water coating agent is described. The coating agent emulsion is prepared from a composition comprising: a) 5.0 to 50 wt. % of cellulose substance; b) 5.0 to 50 wt. % of at least one hydroxyl group-containing lacquer resin; c) 2.0 to 25 wt. % of at least one polyisocyanate having more than one free isocyanate group; d) 10.0 to 65 wt. % of water; e) 0.5 to 30 wt. % of plasticiser; f) 0.0 to 20 wt. % of emulsifier; and g) 0.0 to 45 wt. % of at least one organic solvent. The sum of components a) to g) of the composition is 100 wt. %, and the weight ratio of hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyl group-containing lacquer resin b) to NCO groups of the polyisocyanate c) is 1:0.05 to 1:5. Also described is a method of using the coating agent emulsion, and its application to the surface of materials, such as wood and metal.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder excellent in powder flowability which comprises fine particles (the primary particle) having a mean particle diameter of 0.05 to 1 &mgr;m, an apparent density of 0.52 to 0.70 g/ml, a standard specific gravity (SSG) of 2.14 to 2.23, and a secondary mean particle diameter of 100 to 1000 &mgr;m, antidripping agent using the above polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder, flame resistive resin composition containing this powder, and composition for inhibiting dust characteristics containing this powder.

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses water-responsive, and optionally flushable compositions with improved stability to aqueous fluids comprising water or water vapor. The compositions of the 10 present invention comprise a water-responsive polymer and organically modified clay particles. In one embodiment, the water-responsive polymer is a polymer of ethylene oxide, specifically poly(ethylene oxide) and specific graft copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide). Films of the present invention are water-responsive and breathable and are especially useful for personal care applications including disposable diapers, feminine pads, pantiliners and training pants. Advantageously, compositions of the present invention have reduced melt viscosity and are more easily melt processed into films, fibers and other articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) a layered clay material that has been cation-exchanged with an organic cation salt represented by Formula (I): wherein M is nitrogen or phosphorous, X− is a halide, hydroxide, or acetate anion, R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms, and R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen or a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one expanding agent, wherein the cation-exchanged clay material contains platelet particles and the expanding agent separates the platelet particles. The present invention also relates to a composite comprising a polymer having dispersed therein a composition of this invention. Preferred polymers for use in the composite include polyesters. The composite of the present invention shows vastly improved platelet separation as evidenced by higher than previously reported basal spacing.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising (A) an aqueous dispersing material which is a copolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 80° C. or less which is obtained by the copolymerization a specific unsaturated carboxylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester, and other monomers and (B) a specific aminoalcohol compound in a specific proportion. The aqueous coating composition is safe due to absence of heavy metals, produces excellent gloss and has a fine external appearance when coated, and exhibits superior durability and water resistance which are represented by black heel mark resistance and anti-scuff properties. The composition is particularly useful as a floor coating material.

Abstract: A stable, non-aqueous gum slurry which can be readily pumped or metered into a given formulation without swelling the gum or causing an excessive increase in viscosity, comprising a gum, a low molecular weight liquid polyethylene glycol as a non-solvent, and dissolved therein, a high molecular weight, solid polyethylene glycol as viscosifier.

Abstract: A process for enhancing biodegradability of a shaped article, includes the steps of providing a dimensionally stable shaped article; and contacting said article with a degradability triggering agent selected from the group consisting of chemical agents, enzymatic agents and biological agents selected from the group consisting of microbes and fungi. In a preferred embodiment the shaped article is an agricultural film that includes a cellulose ester having a degree of substitution greater than about 1.5.

Abstract: Talc is combined with polyurethane to facilitate crystallization of a polyurethane composition, particularly a polyester-based polyurethane composition. The addition of talc can allow for more rapid formation of products by, for example, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, and film formation techniques.