Abstract: The solid marking composition of the invention includes from about 15% up to about 50% by weight of a polyethylene resin component having a specific gravity in the range of from about 0.95 up to about 0.96. In addition, the composition of the invention includes from about 20% up to about 55% by weight of a compatible plasticizer, and from about 3% up to about 20% by weight active material of a pigment. Optionally, the composition may include a pigment dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. Further additives which may advantageously employed include extenders or fillers, oxidation stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mold release agents. The composition of the invention is fabricated into marking instruments having unexpectedly improved eraseability, ease of application, barrel breaking strength, and tip breaking strength, while eliminating bloom entirely.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having a high level of impact resistance and high temperature flow resistance comprising 30 to 90 weight percent resin containing greater than 50 to less than 75 weight percent of polyolefin and greater than 25 to less than 50 weight percent elastomer, and 10 to 70 weight percent filler.

Abstract: Poly(tetramethylene terephthalate)-polyether block copolymers having materially increased heat deflection temperatures and incorporating within the polymer chain in random distribution 1 percent to 7 percent by weight of the polyether, poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) or polyethylene oxide; the polyether being added to the reaction mixture in the course of the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A process for producing a swirl-free, indent-free foamed thermoplastic structural article in which water is utilized as a foaming agent. Water and a melted thermoplastic resin are mixed together in an extruder to form a pressurized foamable mixture. The foamable mixture from the extruder is collected in an accumulator and from there is delivered to a cavity in a mold in a suitable clamping device. The pressure in the cavity is lower than the pressure of the foamable mixture in the accumulator or extruder therefore when the foamable mixture enters the cavity the foaming agent is released and the thermoplastic resin is frothed and expands to completely fill the cavity. The melted foamed thermoplastic resin cools in the mold and solidifies to form a foamed thermoplastic structural article. The quantity of water introduced into the extruder is between about 0.1 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent of the thermoplastic resin charge in the extruder.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having a high level of impact resistance and high temperature flow resistance comprising 30 to 90 weight percent resin containing greater than 50 to less than 75 weight percent of polyolefin and greater than 25 to less than 50 weight percent elastomer, and 10 to 70 weight percent filler.