Abstract: Polymer-based sheet materials having a variegated appearance are provided. The polymer-based-sheet material may have a core with one or more caps. The cap(s) may be on a first primary surface, a second primary surface, and/or sides. The variegation may be within and/or on the cap and/or the core. Methods, systems, articles, and materials effective for a polymer-based sheet material having a variegated appearance are provided.

Abstract: Polymer-based sheet materials having a variegated appearance are provided. The polymer-based-sheet material may have a core with one or more caps. The cap(s) may be on a first primary surface, a second primary surface, and/or sides. The variegation may be within and/or on the cap and/or the core. Methods, systems, articles, and materials effective for a polymer-based sheet material having a variegated appearance are provided.

Abstract: Aspects described herein are directed to compositions, systems, and methods of manufacturing a polymer-based construction material comprising polymeric resin and filler such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). A surface of the polymer-based construction material may be treated such that the surface energy is increased from the material's inherent value to a predetermined value of at least 40 dynes/cm2. Further, the surface energy of the treated surface may persist within 20% of the predetermined value for at least three days.

Abstract: Aspects described herein are directed to compositions, systems, and methods of manufacturing a polymer-based construction material comprising polymeric resin, filler such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and titanium oxide (TiO2). A surface of the polymer-based construction material may be treated such that the surface energy is increased from the material's inherent value to a predetermined value of at least 40 dynes/cm2. Further, the surface energy of the treated surface may persist within 20% of the predetermined value for at least three days.

Abstract: Polymer-based sheet materials having a variegated appearance are provided. The polymer-based-sheet material may have a core with one or more caps. The cap(s) may be on a first primary surface, a second primary surface, and/or sides. The variegation may be within and/or on the cap and/or the core. Methods, systems, articles, and materials effective for a polymer-based sheet material having a variegated appearance are provided.

Abstract: Aspects described herein are directed to compositions, systems, and methods of manufacturing a polymer-based construction material comprising polymeric resin, filler such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and titanium oxide (TiO2). A surface of the polymer-based construction material may be treated such that the surface energy is increased from the material's inherent value to a predetermined value of at least 40 dynes/cm2. Further, the surface energy of the treated surface may persist within 20% of the predetermined value for at least three days.

Abstract: The addition of at least 20 weight percent of at least one member of a specified class of monobenzoates to at least one member of a specified class of dibenzoates that freeze at 28° C. or above results in a mixture that is both a liquid at this temperature and an unexpectedly effective plasticizer for many organic polymers. The plasticized polymer compositions are useful in various end use applications including adhesives and caulks.

Abstract: Mixtures of esters produced by reacting a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with a diol containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms are effective plasticizers for plastisols containing dispersion grade polymers of vinyl chloride. The freezing point of the present ester mixtures and their efficacy as plasticizers can be varied by adjusting the type and relative concentration of the aliphatic acid used to prepare the plasticizer. The ester mixtures can also be used as plasticizers for other organic polymers.

Abstract: Mixtures of esters produced by reacting a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with a diol containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms are effective plasticizers for plastisols containing dispersion grade polymers of vinyl chloride. The freezing point of the present ester mixtures and their efficacy as plasticizers can be varied by adjusting the type and relative concentration of the aliphatic acid used to prepare the plasticizer. The ester mixtures can also be used as plasticizers for other organic polymers.

Abstract: The addition of at least about 30 weight percent of diethylene glycol (DEG) monobenzoate or dipropylene glycol (DPG) monobenzoate to diethylene glycol (DEG) dibenzoate, which is a solid at 28° C., results in a mixture that is unexpectedly a liquid at this temperature. The resultant mixtures are effective plasticizers for aqueous polymer compositions, including adhesives and caulks.

Abstract: The addition of at least 20 weight percent of at least one member of a specified class of monobenzoates to at least one member of a specified class of dibenzoates that freeze at 28° C. or above results in a mixture that is both a liquid at this temperature and an unexpectedly effective plasticizer for many organic polymers. The plasticized polymer compositions are useful in various end use applications including adhesives and caulks.

Abstract: The addition of at least about 30 weight percent of diethylene glycol (DEG) monobenzoate or dipropylene glycol (DPG) monobenzoate to diethylene glycol (DEG) dibenzoate, which is a solid at 28° C., results in a mixture that is unexpectedly a liquid at this temperature. The resultant mixtures are effective plasticizers for aqueous polymer compositions, including adhesives and caulks.

Abstract: Mixtures of esters produced by reacting an aromatic and an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid with a stoichiometric quantity of a diol are effective plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride and other rigid organic polymers. The freezing point of the mixtures and the efficacy of the present ester mixtures as plasticizers can be varied by adjusting the type and molar ratio of the two types of acids used to prepare the ester mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous series of at least 3 esterification reactions, each of which yields highly pure esters derived from benzoic and at least one alcohol selected from monohydric alcohols containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms and dihydric alcohols containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. At least a portion of the esterification catalyst and high boiling impurities remaining following distillation of the desired ester are used in the reaction mixture for the next reaction of the series.