Abstract: A pellet is formed by a method includes, in one embodiment, dispersing up to about 95% by weight of thermoset rubber particles into a carrier resin to form the plastic compound. The carrier resin includes an olefin block copolymer. The method also includes the steps of extruding the plastic compound through a die having at least one die hole to form at least one extrudate filament, cutting the at least one extrudate filament to a predetermined length to form a plurality of pellets, conveying the pellets to a separator/centrifugal dryer in water having a temperature of about 170° F. or greater, and separating the pellets from the water in the separator/centrifugal dryer so that the pellets are substantially dry upon removal from the separator/centrifugal dryer. The resultant pelletized plastic compound has a flex modulus of less than about 20,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

Abstract: The invention is a polymer system used in the formation of thick polymer sheets. The polymer system has a substitution of syndiotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic ethylene propylene copolymer or poly-1-butene for the typical isotactic polypropylene. These substitutions are present in the amount of at least 20% by weight of the total polymer content. The polymer sheet may be filled or unfilled.

Abstract: A roofing membrane is described. The roofing membrane contains at least one thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layer contains at least one thermoplastic material and at least one microbial inhibitor integrated into the thermoplastic.

Abstract: A flame-retardant, reinforced polyolefin-crosslinked acrylic bonded composite and method of preparation thereof are provided. The method of preparing the composite includes coating the crosslinked acrylic surface with a solution of an .gamma.-aminopropyltrialkoxysilane to form a bond therewith. The coated acrylic layer is placed in a heated press with the flame-retardant, reinforced polyolefin layer, and a tie material disposed therebetween, thereby forming a composite. The composite is compressed to allow the amino functional group to bond with the maleated polyolefin. The polyolefin is thus bonded to the crosslinked acrylic surface.

Abstract: A flame-retardant, reinforced polyolefin-crosslinked acrylic bonded composite and method of preparation thereof are provided. The method of preparing the composite includes coating the crosslinked acrylic surface with an aqueous solution of an .gamma.-aminopropyltrialkoxysilane to form a bond therewith. The coated acrylic layer is placed in a heated press with the flame-retardant, reinforced polyolefin layer, and a tie material disposed therebetween, thereby forming a composite. The composite is compressed to allow the amino functional group to bond with the maleated polyolefin. The polyolefin is thus bonded to the crosslinked acrylic surface.

Abstract: A composite sheet material especially suited as a roofing material is disclosed. The sheet is a composite of extruded top and bottom layers. The top layer is formed by extrusion of a mixture of cured rubber particles dispersed in a matrix of polypropylene. The bottom layer is formed by coextrusion with the top layer of a mixture of calcium carbonate and cured rubber particles dispersed in a matrix of polypropylene. The method of fabricating the composite sheet material includes trimming longitudinal edges of the material with powered circular blades as it moves between chill rollers and a pull roller assembly. The material is spooled with minimum winding tension so as to prevent tension forces from being set in the material.

Abstract: A new ion source assembly for calutrons has been provided for the efficient separation of elements having high vapor pressures. The strategic location of cooling pads and improved insulation permits operation of the source at lower temperatures. A vapor valve constructed of graphite and located in a constantly increasing temperature gradient provides reliable control of the vapor flow from the charge bottle to the arc chamber. A pronounced saving in calutron operating time and equipment maintenance has been achieved with the use of the present ion source.

Abstract: Process for sealing phosphatized metal components to improve corrosion resistance and paint adhesion which involves coating said components with a zinc-containing sealant.