Abstract: The present invention relates to polyamide-polyester barrier blends that possess improved gas barrier, clarity, and organoleptic properties, as well as containers (e.g., bottles), sheets, and films formed from such barrier resins. The invention further relates to polyamide-compatible polyethylene terephthalate resins that are useful in forming these improved polyamide-polyester polymer blends. The invention still further relates to cost-effective recycling of articles formed from polyamide-polyester polymer blends.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the late introduction of inert particulate additives via a reactive carrier to achieve a polyester resin that is capable of being formed into low-haze, high-clarity bottles possessing reduced coefficient of friction. The invention is also a polyester resin that includes between about 20 and 200 ppm of an inert particulate additive, such as surface-modified talc or surface-modified calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to slow-crystallizing, titanium-catalyzed polyethylene terephthalate resins that are useful for making high-strength, high-clarity bottles that possess improved resistance to stress cracking and thermal creep. The polyethylene terephthalate resins possess improved reheating profiles and are especially useful for making polyester articles that have exceptional clarity, dimensional stability, and thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making titanium-catalyzed, polyethylene terephthalate resins, preforms, and bottles having reduced comonomer substitution.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to slow-crystallizing polyethylene terephthalate resins that possess a significantly higher heating crystallization exotherm peak temperature (TCH) as compared with those of conventional antimony-catalyzed polyethylene terephthalate resins. The polyethylene terephthalate preforms of the present invention, which possess improved reheating profiles, are especially useful for making polyester bottles that have exceptional clarity and that retain acceptable dimensional stability upon being hot-filled with product at temperatures between about 195° F. and 205° F.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to crop protection compositions and methods for making and using the compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to crop protection compositions utilizing talc and one or more additives providing for improved aqueous suspension of the talc and methods for making such compositions. The present invention also discloses horticultural substrates coated with a crop protective composition utilizing talc and one or more additives providing for improved aqueous suspension of the talc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high solids mineral slurry having long term stability and a method for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a talc slurry having a solids content of up to 65% and a stability against sedimentation for up to 100 days. The talc slurry of the present invention comprises a phyllosilicate mineral, a chelating agent and multivalent ions, wherein the slurry has a pH of between about 10.2 and about 11.8.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on a method for combining a mixture of hydroxide and hydride functional siloxanes to form a polysiloxane polymer foam, that leaves no residue (zero char yield) upon thermal decomposition, with ceramic and/or metal powders and appropriate catalysts to produce porous foam structures having compositions, densities, porosities and structures not previously attainable. The siloxanes are mixed with the ceramic and/or metal powder, wherein the powder has a particle size of about 400 .mu.m or less, a catalyst is added causing the siloxanes to foam and crosslink, thereby forming a polysiloxane polymer foam having the metal or ceramic powder dispersed therein. The polymer foam is heated to thermally decompose the polymer foam and sinter the powder particles together. Because the system is completely nonaqueous, this method further provides for incorporating reactive metals such as magnesium and aluminum, which can be further processed, into the foam structure.

Abstract: A method of preparing near net shape, monolithic, porous SiC foams is disclosed. Organosilicon precursors are used to produce polymeric gels by thermally induced phase separation, wherein, a sufficiently concentrated solution of an organosilicon polymer is cooled below its solidification temperature to form a gel. Following solvent removal from the gel, the polymer foam is pretreated in an oxygen plasma in order to raise its glass transition temperature. The pretreated foam is then pyrolized in an inert atmosphere to form a SiC foam.