Abstract: A polymer composite material includes a blend of one or more thermoplastic polymers and one or more bio-based flame retardant additives, wherein the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives are present in an amount of 35 to 100 parts per 100 parts by weight of the one or more thermo-plastic polymers. A method of forming the polymer composite material includes: blending the one or more thermoplastic polymers and the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives together at a temperature between 140° C. and 230° C. to form the polymer composite material; forming an article from the polymer composite material; and cooling the formed article.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced terephthalate-co-4,4?-bibenzoate copolyester behaves like a liquid crystalline polymer, providing fast crystallization, short cycling times, high Tg and Tm, high strength and stiffness, while the viscosity is unexpectedly reduced at a low fiber loading ratio. In an injection molding process, the viscosity of the fiber reinforced copolyester at low fiber loading is reduced by increasing the fiber loading.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced terephthalate-co-4,4?-bibenzoate copolyester behaves like a liquid crystalline polymer, providing fast crystallization, short cycling times, high Tg and Tm, high strength and stiffness, while the viscosity is unexpectedly reduced at a low fiber loading ratio. In an injection molding process, the viscosity of the fiber reinforced copolyester at low fiber loading is reduced by increasing the fiber loading.

Abstract: A polymer composite material includes a blend of one or more thermoplastic polymers and one or more bio-based flame retardant additives, wherein the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives are present in an amount of 35 to 100 parts per 100 parts by weight of the one or more thermo-plastic polymers. A method of forming the polymer composite material includes: blending the one or more thermoplastic polymers and the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives together at a temperature between 140° C. and 230° C. to form the polymer composite material; forming an article from the polymer composite material; and cooling the formed article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerogel formed of a tannin-containing porous material including a polymeric material, a tannin, and a clay. In some embodiments, the tannin-containing porous material is produced by forming an aerogel precursor including a polymeric material, a tannin, and a liquid dispersion medium; freezing the aerogel precursor; and freeze drying. In other embodiments, the tannin-containing porous material is produced by coating a formed porous aerogel material with a tannin-containing coating solution including tannin dispersed therein. The aerogel provides a flame retardant material having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Clay aerogel polymer composites, formed from various types of clay and (co)polymers, which are relatively low density materials having myriad applications. Numerous methods for preparing the clay aerogel polymer composites are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the clay aerogel polymer composites are formed using a freeze-drying process. Structures and compositions including the clay aerogel polymer composites are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the clay aerogel polymer composites are derived from a clay, polymer and binder component that provides the composite with increased toughness and durability. Ceramic structures derived from the composites are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming an anisotropic porous material includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified while controlling the direction of crystal growth within the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: Low density, buoyant materials, in particular hydrophobic aerogels, may be used to absorb hydrophobic liquids. The materials are adapted to float on aqueous solutions and can absorb oils or other hydrophobic liquids from the surface of the solution without absorbing appreciable amounts of the aqueous solution. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength, includes forming an aerogel precursor that includes a polymer having a functional group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction dispersed in a dispersion medium. The precursor also includes a crosslinking agent. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material. The crosslinking agent is reacted with the functional group to effect crosslinking, thus improving the compressive strength of the porous material.

Abstract: A porous material having controlled void dimensions and method of forming the same includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. A plurality of particles having preselected dimensions is dispersed in the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor with the particles dispersed therein is frozen so that the liquid dispersion is solidified. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: A polymer for use in multiple applications that utilizes a polymerization and transesterification route with raw materials preferably of bio-based and/or renewable origin. The polymer includes an aliphatic diacid or reactive equivalent thereof, one or more diols, and a polyalkylene terephthalate or polyalkylene napthenate which are heated under conditions of melt processing at a sufficient temperature and pressure whereby transesterification and polymerization occurs. Also provided is an admixing process that includes an end-capping or chain stopping molecule, which is added to the reaction mixture before the polymerization is complete. Additionally provided is a polymer prepared according to an admixing process that incorporates natural proteins (e.g., isolated soy proteins), carbohydrates (e.g., starch, cellulose and their derivatives), soya fatty acids, or soy meal under conditions whereby transesterification and/or transamidation occurs.

Abstract: An inflatable device, in particular a device including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface accessible through an orifice in the body, the body including a prolamine protein that exhibits air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or as a medical device.

Abstract: A barrier structure includes a composite film. The composite film includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of dispersed high aspect ratio glass particles within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of forming an anisotropic porous material includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified while controlling the direction of crystal growth within the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: A porous material having controlled void dimensions and method of forming the same includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. A plurality of particles having preselected dimensions is dispersed in the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor with the particles dispersed therein is frozen so that the liquid dispersion is solidified. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength, includes forming an aerogel precursor that includes a polymer having a functional group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction dispersed in a dispersion medium. The precursor also includes a crosslinking agent. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material. The crosslinking agent is reacted with the functional group to effect crosslinking, thus improving the compressive strength of the porous material.

Abstract: Low density, buoyant materials, in particular hydrophobic aerogels, may be used to absorb hydrophobic liquids. The materials are adapted to float on aqueous solutions and can absorb oils or other hydrophobic liquids from the surface of the solution without absorbing appreciable amounts of the aqueous solution. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. A freeze/thaw cycle is performed on the aerogel precursor, the freeze/thaw cycle including freezing the aerogel precursor so that the dispersion is solidified and thawing the aerogel precursor to liquefy the frozen dispersion medium. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a blend of polyester and a partially aromatic polyamide with an ionic compatibilizer and a cobalt salt. This blend can be processed into a container that has both active and passive oxygen barrier and carbon dioxide barrier properties at an improved color and clarity than containers known in the art. The partially aromatic polyamide is preferably meta-xylylene adipamide. The ionic compatibilizer is preferably 5-sodiumsulfoisophthalic acid or 5-zincsulfoisophthalic acid, or their dialkyl esters such as the dimethyl ester (SIM) and glycol ester (SIPEG). The cobalt salt is selected form the class of cobalt acetate, cobalt carbonate, cobalt chloride, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt naphthenate, cobalt oleate, cobalt linoleate, cobalt octoate, cobalt stearate, cobalt nitrate, cobalt phosphate, cobalt sulfate, cobalt (ethylene glycolate), or mixtures of two or more of these. The partially aromatic polyamide is present in a range from about 1 to about 10 wt. % of said composition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a blend of polyester and a partially aromatic polyamide with an ionic compatibilizer and a cobalt salt. This blend can be processed into a container that has both active and passive oxygen barrier and carbon dioxide barrier properties at an improved color and clarity than containers known in the art. The partially aromatic polyamide is preferably meta-xylylene adipamide. The ionic compatibilizer is preferably 5-sodiumsulfoisophthalic acid or 5-zincsulfoisophthalic acid, or their dialkyl esters such as the dimethyl ester (SIM) and glycol ester (SIPEG). The cobalt salt is selected form the class of cobalt acetate, cobalt carbonate, cobalt chloride, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt naphthenate, cobalt oleate, cobalt linoleate, cobalt octoate, cobalt stearate, cobalt nitrate, cobalt phosphate, cobalt sulfate, cobalt (ethylene glycolate), or mixtures of two or more of these. The partially aromatic polyamide is present in a range from about 1 to about 10 wt. % of said composition.