Abstract: A low wear polymeric composition exhibiting improved surface wear resistance and coefficients of friction characterized as a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a lubricating system containing PTFE, pentaerythritol tetrastearate and fine particle, stearate coated calcium carbonate, a hindered amine, N,N'-ethylene bis-stearamide, and calcium ricinoleate. The composition is suitable for the preparation of shaped articles for use in fricitional environments.

Abstract: Polyacetal compositions containing a minor amount of sodium acetate sufficient to exhibit a luminous flame when exposed to combustible conditions.

Abstract: A self-lubricating polymeric composition, characterized as a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a lubricating system containing ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes, a polyester, acid metal salts, calcium salts, antioxidants and stabilizers. The composition may be prepared into shaped articles which exhibit improved surface wear resistance and coefficients of friction.

Abstract: A self-lubricating composition containing at least about 70 to about 99.5 weight percent of a thermoplastic polymer and from about 30 to about 0.5 weight percent of a lubricating system, wherein the lubrication system contains high and low molecular weight polyethylenes, polyethylene waxes, metal salts, antioxidants and stabilizers. The composition is suitable for the fabrication of shaped articles, e.g., gears, pulleys, rollers and bearings, which exhibit improved friction and surface wear properties.

Abstract: A graft copolymer having a polyolefinic main chain with muconic acid groups pendant therefrom. The acid groups are bonded to the backbone of the polyolefin by free radical addition across a muconic acid double bond. Preferably, the copolymer is prepared via a reactive extrusion process. The copolymer's applications include use as a reactive compatibilizer for polymer blends. The preferred polyolefin is polypropylene.

Abstract: Glass containing polyacetal articles are first etched in an acid bath and then treated with an organosilane or titanate to improve adhesion to the articles. Such treated articles can be more easily coated with adhesives than non-treated articles.

Abstract: A compatible polymer blend containing a polyacetal, a hydroxylated polyacetal, polypropylene, and an acid-grafted polyolefine such as a muconic acid-polypropylene graft copolymer. The polyacetal is preferably a polyoxymethylene polymer such as Celcon.RTM.. The preferred hydroxylated polyacetal is one having a structure very similar to the polyacetal. The invention also includes a process for forming a compatible blend containing polypropylene and polyacetal by melt mixing polypropylene and polyacetal with an acid grafted polyolefin and hydroxylated polyacetal.

Abstract: Conductive plastic articles are prepared by forming plastic pellets, etching the pellets in an etching bath, treating the pellets with a palladium-tin catalyst solution and an acidic accelerator, coating the pellets with metal, and heating the coated pellets.

Abstract: The instant invention involves a method for warming cold or frozen engines in low temperature conditions, such as minus 40.degree. F. or below. The method involves draping a fabric bag containing a flammable compound, such as trioxane, over an engine and igniting the flammable compound.

Abstract: The heat content of trioxane fuel is increased by the addition of dialkyl ethers of alkanediols such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane or 1,1-diethoxyethane.

Abstract: Trioxane based fuels have incorporated therein a sodium salt to enhance the luminosity of the flame. The mixture of trioxane and sodium provide a yellow flame compared to the substantially nonluminous blue flame of pure trioxane. Nontoxic sodium salts such as sodium acetate are uniformly mixed within the trioxane-based fuel.

Abstract: A novel package for a solid or gelled heating fuel comprises a flammable plastic film wrapped around the shaped fuel. Preferably, the plastic film is nonporous to prevent sublimation of the fuel.