Abstract: A method of introducing an additive into a polymeric material comprises using a liquid formulation comprising an additive, for example a colorant, and a vehicle comprising an aliphatic or aromatic tri- or di-carboxylic acid covalently linked by ester bonds to two or more chains. The method involves contacting the liquid formulation with the polymeric material in a melt processing apparatus. The cavity transfer mixer may be used in the process. A fiber is suitably subsequently produced.

Abstract: A closure 40 for a container body includes a liner 46 which incorporates a hydrogen generating device comprising a hydride which generates hydrogen on contact with moisture. The liner may be an interference fit within the body 42. The liner 46 and other liners described may include control means for controlling passage of moisture to the hydrogen generating means and/or sealing means for sealing the closure to a container. In use, with the closure secured to a container, water vapor passes into liner 46 and contacts the hydride which generates hydrogen. A reaction between hydrogen and oxygen which has passed into the container takes place, catalysed by a catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen is scavenged.

Abstract: A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) acts as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen. Thereafter, a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by a catalyst associated with the container thereby to scavenge the oxygen.

Abstract: A method of introducing an additive, for example a dye, into a polymeric material comprises using a liquid formulation comprising the additive, a vehicle and an active compound added to increase the melt viscosity of the polymeric material. The active compound may be a multi-functional anhydride. The liquid formulation is suitably contacted with the polymeric material in a melt processing apparatus and suitably a cavity transfer mixer is used in the process. A fiber is suitably subsequently produced.

Abstract: A method of making a sheet structure comprising a first polycarbonate layer which comprises a UV-absorbing compound and a second polycarbonate layer comprises: (i) selecting a liquid formulation comprising a vehicle, for example a trimellitate or low molecular weight acrylic and an UV absorbing additive; and (ii) mixing the liquid formulation with polycarbonate when said first polymeric material is in a molten state, for example in an extruder.

Abstract: A method of introducing an additive into a polymeric material comprises using a liquid formulation comprising an additive, for example a colourant, and a vehicle comprising an aliphatic or aromatic tri- or di-carboxylic acid covalently linked by ester bonds to two or more chains. The method involves contacting the liquid formulation with the polymeric material in a melt processing apparatus. The cavity transfer mixer may be used in the process. A fibre is suitably subsequently produced.

Abstract: A closure 40 for a container body includes a liner 46 which incorporates a hydrogen generating device comprising a hydride which generates hydrogen on contact with moisture. The liner may be an interference fit within the body 42. The liner 46 and other liners described may include control means for controlling passage of moisture to the hydrogen generating means and/or sealing means for sealing the closure to a container. In use, with the closure secured to a container, water vapour passes into liner 46 and contacts the hydride which generates hydrogen. A reaction between hydrogen and oxygen which has passed into the container takes place, catalysed by a catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen is scavenged.

Abstract: A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a screw threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container, for example a bottle. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) is arranged to act as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen which may have entered a container with which the closure (40) is associated.

Abstract: A closure (40) for a container incorporates calcium hydride and a matrix material as a hydrogen-generating composition. In use, hydrogen is generated which reacts with oxygen permeating a container associated with the closure and a catalyst associated with the container catalyses reaction of the hydrogen and oxygen to produce water, thereby scavenging the oxygen. The composition of calcium hydride and matrix is also claimed.

Abstract: An elastomeric article includes a region that is covered with adhesive material, the adhesive material being partially coated with slippery material so as to reduce the surface area of exposed adhesive material, thereby controlling the amount of adhesion exhibited by said region. The elastomeric article is formed with a region of adhesive material, and a slippery material is applied so as to at least partially cover an underlying adhesive material. The slippery material may be applied so as to only partially cover the adhesive, or applied to completely cover the adhesive material and then etched using solvent to expose the underlying adhesive material, or applied in conjunction with a masking material.