Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for rotomolding, rotomolded articles, and processes for rotomolding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.4 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 30 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.930 to 0.955 g/cm3 and a melt index of 1.5 to 12 g/10 min, and the first and second polyethylenes differ in density by from 0.030 to 0.048 g/cm3. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance and Izod Impact Strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyethylene (“PE”) compositions, articles comprising PE compositions, and methods of making blended PE compositions, wherein the blended composition comprises from about 80 to about 95 weight % of a first PE and from about 5 to about 20 weight % of a second PE. The first PE has a density greater than or equal to about 0.945 g/cc and a MWD greater than about 5. The second PE has a density less than about 0.945 g/cc, a melt index less than about 0.70 g/10 minutes and less than or equal to the melt index of the first PE, a MWD ranging from about 1 to about 5, a weight average molecular weight less than about 400,000, and a CDBI greater than about 50%. The PE composition has an ESCR greater than the ESCR of the first PE.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polypropylene composite interior trim cover panel. The interior trim cover panel is molded from a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene based resin, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and optionally from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant, based on the total weight of the composition, the interior trim cover panel having an outer surface and an underside surface. A process for producing an interior trim cover panel for a vehicle is also provided. The process includes the step of injection molding a composition to form the interior trim cover panel for a vehicle, the interior trim cover panel having at least an outer surface and an underside surface, wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and optionally from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to cloth-like fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions, and the beneficial mechanical and aesthetic properties imparted by such compositions. The cloth-like fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions include at least 25 wt % polypropylene based polymer, from 5 to 60 wt % organic reinforcing fiber, from 0 to 60 wt % inorganic filler, and from 0.1 to 2.5 wt % colorant fiber. A method of making fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions and molding articles there from is also disclosed and includes the steps of twin screw extrusion compounding the composition to form a resin and injection molding the resin to form a cloth-like article. Articles molded from these fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions have a flexural modulus of at least 300,000 psi, exhibit ductility during instrumented impact testing, and exhibit a cloth-like appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to processes for making fiber reinforced polypropylene resins including at least 25 wt % polypropylene based polymer, from 5 to 60 wt % organic fiber, and from 0 to 60 wt % inorganic filler. The process includes extrusion compounding the polypropylene based polymer, the organic fiber, and the inorganic filler to form a fiber reinforced polypropylene resin, which is subsequently molded to form an article with a flexural modulus of at least 300,000 psi, that exhibits ductility during instrumented impact testing (15 mph, ?29° C., 25 lbs). Twin screw extruder compounding processes where the organic fiber is continuously fed to the extruder hopper by unwinding from one or more spools, and uniformly dispersed in the fiber reinforced polypropylene resin by twin screws having a combination of conveying and kneading elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polypropylene composite door core module. The door core module includes a module plate molded from a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene based resin, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and optionally lubricant (typically present at from 0 to 0.1 wt %), based on the total weight of the composition, the module plate having at least a first side and a second side. A process for producing a door core module is also provided. The process includes the step of injection molding a composition to form the door core module, the door core module having a module plate having at least a first side and a second side, wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions, and the beneficial mechanical properties imparted by such compositions. The fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions include at least 25 wt % polypropylene based polymer, from 5 to 60 wt % organic fiber, and from 0 to 60 wt % inorganic filler. Lubricant may also be optionally incorporated into the composition. Articles molded from these fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions have a flexural modulus of at least 300,000 psi, and exhibit ductility during instrumented impact testing. The fiber reinforced polypropylene compositions of the present invention are particularly suitable for making molded articles including, but not limited to household appliances, automotive parts, and boat hulls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in-line compounding and molding process for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite parts and articles that exhibit beneficial mechanical and aesthetic properties imparted by such process and compositions. The in-line compounding and molding process includes the steps of providing an in-line compounding and molding machine comprising a twin screw extruder fluidly coupled to an injection molder; extrusion compounding in the twin screw extruder a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant to form a melt extrudate; conveying the melt extrudate to the injection molder; and molding the melt extrudate in the injection molder to form a part or article. Fiber reinforced polypropylene articles formed from the in-line compounding and molding process have flexural modulus of at least 300,000 psi and exhibit ductility during instrumented impact testing.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polypropylene composite headliner substrate panel. The headliner substrate panel is molded from a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene based resin, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber and from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the composition, the headliner substrate panel having an outer surface and an underside surface. A process for producing a headliner substrate panel for a vehicle is also provided. The process includes the step of molding a composition to form the composite headliner substrate panel, the headliner substrate panel having at least an outer surface and an underside surface, wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber and from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of painting a fiber reinforced composite vehicle component, the fiber reinforced composite vehicle component molded from a composition comprising a polypropylene based resin, an organic fiber and an inorganic filler, the component having at least a first surface. The method includes the steps of lowering the surface tension of the first surface of the fiber reinforced composite vehicle component, applying a base coat paint to the first surface of the fiber reinforced composite vehicle component and applying a clear coat paint to the first surface of the fiber reinforced composite vehicle component. A paint system and a process for producing a painted fiber reinforced polypropylene composite vehicle component are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polypropylene composite vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel includes a substrate molded from a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene based resin, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and optionally lubricant (typically present at from 0 to 0.1 wt %), based on the total weight of the composition, the substrate having an outer surface and an underside surface. A process for producing a body panel for a vehicle is also provided. The process includes the step of molding a composition to form the body panel for a vehicle, the body panel having at least an outer surface and an underside surface, wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and optionally lubricant (typically present at from 0 to 0.1 wt %), based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for injection molding, injection molded articles, and processes for injection molding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.905 to 0.938 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 500 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.920 to 0.973 g/cm3 and a melt index of 2 to 200 g/10 min, and the density of the second polyethylene is from 0.037 to 0.062 g/cm3 greater than the density of the first polyethylene. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance, relative to conventional compositions of similar melt index and density.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for rotomolding, rotomolded articles, and processes for rotomolding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.4 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 30 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.930 to 0.955 g/cm3 and a melt index of 1.5 to 12 g/10 min, and the first and second polyethylenes differ in density by from 0.030 to 0.048 g/cm3. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance and Izod Impact Strength.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for injection molding, injection molded articles, and processes for injection molding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.905 to 0.938 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 500 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The compositions have a density of from 0.920 to 0.973 g/cm3 and a melt index of 2 to 200 g/10 min, and the density of the second polyethylene is from 0.037 to 0.062 g/cm3 greater than the density of the first polyethylene. The compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance, relative to conventional compositions of similar melt index and density. In certain embodiments, the compositions, and articles produced therefrom, also exhibit an improved balance of toughness properties and processability properties.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for rotomolding, rotomolded articles, and processes for rotomolding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.4 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 30 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.930 to 0.955 g/cm3 and a melt index of 1.5 to 12 g/10 min, and the first and second polyethylenes differ in density by from 0.030 to 0.048 g/cm3. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance and Izod Impact Strength. Articles produced from the compositions may also exhibit improved impact resistance properties, enhanced ductile break properties, and improved deflection resistance, which represents a combination of creep and fatigue resistance.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for rotomolding, rotomolded articles, and processes for rotomolding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.4 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 30 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.930 to 0.955 g/cm3 and a melt index of 1.5 to 12 g/10 min, and the first and second polyethylenes differ in density by from 0.030 to 0.048 g/cm3. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance and Izod Impact Strength.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for rotomolding, rotomolded articles, and processes for rotomolding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.4 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 30 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.930 to 0.955 g/cm3 and a melt index of 1.5 to 12 g/10 min, and the first and second polyethylenes differ in density by from 0.030 to 0.048 g/cm3. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance and Izod Impact Strength.

Abstract: Polyethylene blend compositions suitable for injection molding, injection molded articles, and processes for injection molding articles are provided. The polyethylene compositions include a first polyethylene having a melt index of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10 min and a density of from 0.905 to 0.938 g/cm3; and a second polyethylene having a melt index of 10 to 500 g/10 min and a density of 0.945 to 0.975 g/cm3. The composition has a density of from 0.920 to 0.973 g/cm3 and a melt index of 2 to 200 g/10 min, and the density of the second polyethylene is from 0.037 to 0.062 g/cm3 greater than the density of the first polyethylene. These compositions exhibit improved physical properties, such as Environmental Stress Crack Resistance, relative to conventional compositions of similar melt index and density.

Abstract: A composite having fibers of relatively high elastic modulus embedded in a matrix of relatively low elastic modulus is provided with an interphase of elastic modulus less than the matrix modulus and cohesive energy higher than the matrix cohesive energy. The resulting composite has enhanced strength and toughness.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method for improving hot tack in blown polyethylene films. Accordingly, a nucleating agent and polyethylene are combined to form a melt from which the film is blown. The method comprises forming a melt of polyethylene and a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of dibenzylidene sorbitol, paramethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ethylene copolymers containing grafted maleic anhydride, ethylene copolymers containing grafted acrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene films having increased hot tack can be blown therefrom.