Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide compositions are described that exhibit high strength and flexibility. Methods for forming the polyarylene sulfide compositions are also described. Formation methods include dynamic vulcanization of a polyarylene sulfide composition that includes an impact modifier dispersed throughout the polyarylene sulfide. A crosslinking agent is combined with the other components of the composition following dispersal of the impact modifier throughout the composition. The crosslinking agent reacts with the impact modifier to form crosslinks within and among the polymer chains of the impact modifier. The compositions can exhibit excellent physical characteristics at extreme temperatures and can be used to form, e.g., tubular member such as pipes and hoses and fibers.

Abstract: Pipe sections and methods for forming pipe sections are disclosed. A pipe section includes a hollow body formed from a metal material, the hollow body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior. The pipe section further includes a barrier layer surrounding and bonded to the hollow body, the barrier layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. The barrier layer is formed from a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. Such pipe sections may be lightweight and flexible while exhibiting improved strength characteristics.

Abstract: A fibrous material that contains polyarylene sulfide fibers coated with an emulsion copolymer is provided. The emulsion copolymer that is coated onto the polyarylene sulfide fibers is crosslinked. For example, the copolymer may contain a reactive co-monomer that acts as a crosslinking agent. Alternatively, a separate crosslinking agent may be combined with the emulsion copolymer. In either case, the resulting copolymer composition is cured after it is applied to the fibers to initiate the formation of crosslink bonds between the emulsion copolymer and create a three-dimensional network that is capable of coating and encapsulating the fibers. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that this three-dimensional network is able to physically entrap disperse dyes when applied to the fibers.

Abstract: A fabric that contains a blend of textile and polyarylene sulfide fibers is provided. At least a portion of the textile fibers, polyarylene sulfide fibers, or a combination thereof are coated with an emulsion copolymer that is crosslinked. The copolymer composition is cured after it is applied to the fibers to initiate the formation of crosslink bonds between the emulsion copolymer and create a three-dimensional network that is capable of coating and encapsulating the fibers. It is believed that this three-dimensional network is able to physically entrap disperse additives when applied to the fibers. Still further, the present inventors have discovered that the emulsion copolymer can uniformly coat the fibers and thus readily receive the additive, which eliminates the need for high temperatures and/or pressures during a dyeing process, for example, and can also result in a relatively uniform coating of the additive on the fibers.

Abstract: Generally, solar cell backsheets may include high to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. Advantageously, said backsheets may be single layer structures. Said backsheets may be used in conjunction with photovoltaic devices, photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic arrays, or components thereof. Said backsheets may be formed by methods including compression molding, compression molding then skiving, RAM extrusion, screw extrusion, band sintering, and hybrids thereof.

Abstract: A conduit that contains an elongate member that defines a hollow passageway is provided. The conduit may be used to convey electricity (e.g., jacket of a communication cable, raceway for protecting a communication cable, etc.), fluids (e.g., pipes), etc. In one embodiment, for example, the conduit may be a raceway for use in a plenum of a building structure. Regardless of the type of conduit, at least a portion of the elongate member is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature.

Abstract: An electrical conduit that contains a jacket that defines a hollow passageway is provided. At least a portion of the jacket is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature, such as from about 200° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: VOC or compressed gas containment devices, such as polymer fuel tanks, are made from a polyoxymethylene polymer composition. The polymer composition contains a polyoxymethylene polymer that is directly or indirectly chemically attached to an impact modifier. In one embodiment, for instance, a coupling agent bonds the impact modifier to the polyoxymethylene polymer. In order to preserve the permeability of the polymer material when combined with the impact modifier, a polyoxymethylene polymer is used that contains a low level of low molecular weight constituents.