Abstract: The present invention is directed at a binder for a battery electrode comprising an ethylene oxide-containing copolymer including a first monomer of ethylene oxide (EO) and at least one additional monomer selected from an alkylene-oxide that is different from the first monomer of EO, an alkyl glycidyl ether, or a combination thereof; wherein the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a weight average molecular weight less than about 200,000 g/mole (e.g., from about 10,000 to about 100,000), the molar fraction of the first monomer of EO (XEO) in the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer is greater than 0.80 (e.g., from about 0.80 to about 0.995), and the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a peak melting temperature (Tp), in ° C., for a selected XEO in the range of about 0.80 to about 0.995, which is below a maximum value of Tpmax, at the selected XEO, which is calculated using the equation Tpmax=(60?150 (1?XEO)).

Abstract: Methods for making epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters. Such epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters can be prepared by epoxidizing a natural oil with an acid and a peroxide. Residual acid in the epoxidized natural oil is not neutralized, such as with a base, prior to esterification to produce the epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters. Epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters can be employed in plasticizers, either alone or in combination with other plasticizers, such as epoxidized natural oils. Such plasticizers in turn may be used in the formation of polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Processes for making a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dry blend composition with a phthalate-free, bio-based plasticizer and filler, having a bulk density of greater than 0.67 g/cc and an extrusion rate of greater than 65 gm/minute for a single screw extruder of 0.75 in barrel diameter with a 25:1 L:D general purpose polyethylene screw at 75 rotations per minute screw speed, and compositions made by the processes are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a binder for a battery electrode comprising an ethylene oxide-containing copolymer including a first monomer of ethylene oxide (EO) and at least one additional monomer selected from an alkylene-oxide that is different from the first monomer of EO, an alkyl glycidyl ether, or a combination thereof; wherein the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a weight average molecular weight less than about 200,000 g/mole (e.g., from about 10,000 to about 100,000), the molar fraction of the first monomer of EO (XEo) in the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer is greater than 0.80 (e.g., from about 0.80 to about 0.995), and the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a peak melting temperature (Tp), in ° C., for a selected XEO in the range of about 0.80 to about 0.995, which is below a maximum value of Tpmax, at the selected XEO, which is calculated using the equation Tpmax=(60?150 (1?XEO)).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a plasticizer composition, polymeric compositions containing the plasticizer composition, and conductors coated with the polymeric composition. The plasticizer composition includes a first plasticizer comprising epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters and a second plasticizer comprising an epoxidized natural oil. The plasticizer composition, first plasticizer, and/or second plasticizer can undergo one or more color-reducing treatment processes, such as distillation, filtration, and/or peroxide treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a plasticizer, polymeric compositions containing the plasticizer, and conductors coated with the polymeric composition. The plasticizer includes (i) an epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester, (ii) an epoxidized natural oil, and (iii) an epoxidized tallate ester. Polymeric compositions containing a polymeric resin and the plasticizer exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days. Conductors coated with the polymeric composition (containing the plasticizer) pass the low temperature unwind test of UL719 and exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a plasticizer, a polymeric composition containing the plasticizer, and conductors coated with the polymeric composition. The plasticizer includes a blend of an epoxidized soybean oil and a trans-esterified epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester. The trans-esterified epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester has an oxirane value greater than or equal to 6.8 %. The plasticizer, the polymeric composition, and the coated conductor retain color during heat aging.

Abstract: Processes for making a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dry blend composition with a phthalate-free, bio-based plasticizer and filler, having a bulk density of greater than 0.67 g/cc and an extrusion rate of greater than 65 gm/minute for a single screw extruder of 0.75 in barrel diameter with a 25:1 L:D general purpose polyethylene screw at 75 rotations per minute screw speed, and compositions made by the processes are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a plasticizer system with improved electrical properties. The plasticizer system includes (a) a primary plasticizer consisting of an epoxidized vegetable oil and (b) a secondary plasticizer consisting of an epoxidized fatty acid ester, where the primary plasticizer is present in an amount greater than 50% by weight of the total plasticizer system weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a binder for a battery electrode comprising an ethylene oxide-containing copolymer including a first monomer of ethylene oxide (EO) and at least one additional monomer selected from an alkylene-oxide that is different from the first monomer of EO, an alkyl glycidyl ether, or a combination thereof; wherein the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a weight average molecular weight less than about 200,000 g/mole (e.g., from about 10,000 to about 100,000), the molar fraction of the first monomer of EO (XEo) in the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer is greater than 0.80 (e.g., from about 0.80 to about 0.995), and the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer h a peak melting temperature (Tp), in ° C., for a selected XEO in the range of about 0.80 to about 0.995, which is below a maximum value of Tpmax, at the selected XEO, which is calculated using the equation Tpmax=(60?150 (1?XEO)).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for polymerizing oxiranes is provided that yields high molecular weight poly(oxiranes). The catalyst composition comprises: a hydrophobically modified particulate inorganic oxide; an aluminum alkyl complex; and a compound containing a Lewis basic free electron pair. Polymerization methods and poly(oxirane) polymers are also provided.

Abstract: Ethylene-vinylsilane copolymers are moisture-cured under ambient conditions using a synergistic combination of at least one Lewis acid and at least one Brønsted acid or at least one Lewis base and at least one Brønsted base. Preferably the catalyst system comprises a Lewis acid, e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate, in combination with a Brønsted acid, e.g., sulfonic acid. The Lewis acid or base and the Brønsted acid or base is present in the catalyst system at a molar ratio of Lewis acid/base to Brønsted acid/base of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A novel CaCO.sub.3 sorbent with its physical properties tailored for high SO.sub.2 removal is produced in accordance with the present invention. The surface area, porosity and the distribution of pore sizes of the sorbent have been designed and controlled to give rise to the optimum internal structure necessary for high SO.sub.2 removal. The CaCO.sub.3 sorbent possesses 60 m.sup.2 /g surface area and 0.18 cc/g pore volume and exhibits extraordinary reactivity towards SO.sub.2 (70% utilization in 530 milliseconds at 1080.degree. C. and 3900 ppm SO.sub.2 concentration) when compared with other carbonate and hydrate sorbents in our laboratory reactor system. The sorbent may be produced by precipitation in a slurry bubble column reactor system and preferably contains about 2% by weight of a surfactant which is added during its preparation and improves the properties of CaCO.sub.3 in the course of precipitation. The high utilization of this tailored CaCO.sub.