Abstract: A method is disclosed concerning discovering how the use of an additive in a polyolefin compound affects the weatherability of that compound. Applying that technique, a weatherable polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains UV stabilizers that filter wavelengths in a range influenced by presence of organoclay in the nanocomposite.

Abstract: A high temperature thermoplastic vulcanizate is disclosed, which achieves its long term heat aging performance from a set of heat stabilizers, at least one of which stabilizes the thermoplastic phase and at least one of which stabilizes the elastomeric phase. Plastic articles made from the high temperature thermoplastic vulcanizate are also disclosed. The thermoplastic vulcanizate can be made by melt mixing or by dynamic vulcanization in an extruder.

Abstract: HDPE nanocomposite is made by mixing HDPE with organoclay. Such HDPE nanocomposite contains concentrations of organoclay less than 4 weight percent. Unexpectedly, using less organoclay than that conventionally recommended, results in superior oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for HDPE compounds. The HDPE nanocomposite is useful for packaging films and containers for food or other perishables.

Abstract: A heat stabilized polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains metal scavengers to heat stabilize the nanocomposite.

Abstract: HDPE nanocomposite is made by mixing HDPE with organoclay. Such HDPE nanocomposite contains concentrations of organoclay less than 4 weight percent. Unexpectedly, using less organoclay than that conventionally recommended, results in superior oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for HDPE compounds. The HDPE nanocomposite is useful for packaging films and containers for food or other perishables.

Abstract: An intumescent polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed. The nanoclay contributes stiffness, toughness and flame retardancy to the compound. The intumescent contributes flame retardancy. The compound can be processed as a thermoplastic into any practical article needing stiff, tough, and flame retardancy properties.

Abstract: A composite of nanoclay and thermoplastic matrix polymer is disclosed, optionally containing a polyolefin elastomer and also optionally containing a dispersion agent for the nanoclay. The nanocomposite is prepared for use with thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO's). The polyolefin elastomer, preferably an ethylene-octene copolymer, is added into a mixing extruder downstream of the other ingredients. The nanoconcentrate contributes increased stiffness and toughness to a TPO, which can be used form molded articles such as automotive parts.

Abstract: Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) blends are disclosed wherein the otherwise generally compatible blend of thermo-plastic and crosslinked elastomer is made unexpectedly more compatible on the nano-scale, as evaluated Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The blends comprise a polyolefin matrix, domains of well-dispersed crosslinked olefinic rubber particles and the presence between the rubber particles of ligaments of a compatibilizing copolymer comprising olefin monomeric units and aromatic monomeric units. The addition of the compatibilizer increased the dispersion of olefinic rubber particles.