Abstract: The present invention provides for a polymer composite foam with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite foam includes a polymer capable of being formed into a polymeric foam and a treated filler, wherein the polymer defines a plurality of cells dispersed therethrough and the treated filler is dispersed throughout the polymer. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a median particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 ?m. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, nucleation characteristics, fire retardant characteristics and impact properties of the foam. The products fabricated from the polymer composite foam include containers, cups, sleeves, bags, plates, bowls, protective packaging, boards, sheets, void fillers, storageware, dinnerware and cookware.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polymer composite film with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite film includes a polymer capable of being formed into a polymeric film and a treated filler which is dispersed throughout the polymer forming the composite film. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a medium particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 mm. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, clarity, nucleation characteristics and fire retardant characteristics of the film. The products fabricated from the polymer composite film include sleeves, protective packaging, films, bags, liners, house-wraps, overwrap films, bubble cushion, packaging for food products, boil-in bags, heat shrinkable films, heat shrinkable bags, pouches, and thermoformed packages.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polymer composite article with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite article includes a polymer capable of being formed into a product shape and a treated filler which is dispersed throughout the polymer forming the composite article. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a median particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 ?m. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, clarity, nucleation characteristics, fire retardant characteristics and impact properties of the article. In a preferred embodiment, the article is a polymer composite sheet. The products formed from the polymer composite article include containers, cups, bags, sleeves, bottles, cups, plates, bowls, storageware, dinnerware and cookware.

Abstract: A slider is adapted for use with a reclosable fastener for bags containing material. The reclosable fastener includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. At least one of the first and second profiles has an interior portion. The slider comprises a body that includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener and includes a slider finger that extends generally downwardly from the top. The slider finger extends into an interior portion of the first profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the first profile when closing the reclosable fastener.