Abstract: A film containing polymeric particles which have an average particle diameter from 0.75 to 15 ?m and a refractive index which changes continuously from the center of the particles to the surface. The particles are embedded in a continuous polymeric phase comprising a polyolefin. The average refractive index difference measured from 400 nm to 800 nm between the polymeric particles and the continuous polymeric phase is no greater than 0.02.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid rubbers that are ordinarily immiscible in liquid thermoset resins can be made miscible by the addition of at least one non-functional aromatic end-group to the polymer chains of such liquid rubber compositions. Such addition may be initiated by high-temperature peroxides in non-functional aromatic solvents. The liquid rubbers are found to improve the fracture toughness of cured thermoset resins while maintaining dimensional and heat resistance.