Abstract: This invention relates to a synergistic combination of molybdate salts (e.g., calcium molybdate) and magnesium hydroxide to suppress both smoke and flame in polymeric compositions, such as plastic piping, profile applications, wire and cable, semiconductor and electrical conduit application, to name a few. In some embodiments, the technology relates to polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (“CPVC”) compounds, among other polymer resin containing compounds, having improved smoke and flame performance from the synergistic combination of molybdate salts and magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a thermoplastic-based building product having a front face with a length and a width, an opposing back face, opposing top and bottom edges each with a thickness. The building product comprises at least one thermoplastic-based support layer, and at least one reinforcing flexing layer having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of less than or equal to about 15 ppm/° C. over the temperature range of ?20° C. to 70° C. The at least one reinforcing flexing layer is at least partially embedded in the at least one thermoplastic-based support layer along a longitudinal axis of the building product.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a thermoplastic-based building product having a front face with a length and a width, an opposing back face, opposing top and bottom edges each with a thickness. The building product comprises at least one thermoplastic-based support layer, and at least one reinforcing flexing layer having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of less than or equal to about 15 ppm/° C. over the temperature range of ?20° C. to 70° C. The at least one reinforcing flexing layer is at least partially embedded in the at least one thermoplastic-based support layer along a longitudinal axis of the building product.

Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.

Abstract: A composition for forming a reinforced composite siding product and a composite siding product formed by an extrusion process utilizing the composition is provided. The mixed resin formulation utilized to form the composite siding product includes a polymeric resin, a filler, a processing aid, at least one lubricant, and a thermal stabilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer resin is polyvinyl chloride and the filler is talc. The mixed resin formulation may be extruded with a reinforcement material in a screw extrusion process to form a composite siding product. One or more reinforcing fibers may be utilized in the extrusion process. The reinforcement fibers may be present in the final product in an amount up to 25% by weight of the final product. In at least one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement fibers are glass fibers. A weatherable cap may be co-extruded to form the final reinforced, foamed composite siding product.

Abstract: A method for incorporating wet use chopped strand glass (WUCS) in a screw extrusion process is provided. A polymeric resin is added to an extruder in a polymer feed zone and conveyed to a first compression zone where the resin is at least partially melted. The molten resin is conveyed to a high volume zone where WUCS fibers are added. In the high volume zone, the flights of the screw may have a greater pitch to facilitate the introduction of the WUCS into the extruder. The molten resin/fiber mixture is conveyed to a second compression zone where the resin and fibers are intimately compounded. Next, the molten resin/fiber mass is conveyed to a low pressure zone where moisture evaporated from the fibers is released through an opening. The resin/fiber mixture is then conveyed through a compression/die feed zone to further compound and mix the resin and fibers.

Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.