Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition comprising (A) from about 55% to about 75% by weight of at least one polyolefin, (B) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of at least one reaction product of an alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic reagent and a polyolefin, and (C) from 15% to about 35% by weight of filler. In one aspect, the polymer compositions also include (D) at least one copolymer of ethylene and an olefin, (E) at least one polyamide, or (F) a mixture of (D) and (E). These compositions provide articles and films with improved scratch resistance and hardness. These compositions have improved processing character because their low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a polymer-wood composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a blend of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a nonionic compatibilizer having an HLB value of from about 9 to about 19 and from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a lubricant. Use of the method and additive system according to the invention facilitates the production of highly filled polymer-wood composite structures at a very high output rate while maintaining commercially acceptable surface appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a polymer-wood composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a blend of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a nonionic compatibilizer having an HLB value of from about 9 to about 19 and from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a lubricant. Use of the method and additive system according to the invention facilitates the production of highly filled polymer-wood composite structures at a very high output rate while maintaining commercially acceptable surface appearance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition comprising (A) from about 55% to about 75% by weight of at least one polyolefin, (B) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of at least one reaction product of an alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic reagent and a polyolefin, and (C) from 15% to about 35% by weight of filler. In one aspect, the polymer compositions also include (D) at least one copolymer of ethylene and an olefin, (E) at least one polyamide, or (F) a mixture of (D) and (E). These compositions provide articles and films with improved scratch resistance and hardness. These compositions have improved processing character because their low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The powder coating composition of the present invention includes a low-temperature mixture of a powder (A) and a powder (B), in which at least the powder (A) includes an unsaturated polyester resin and a free radical initiator for initiating polymerization of unsaturated polyester resins in the powder coating composition and the powder (B) includes a polymerization promoter and methods for making the composition. The powder (B) may further include an unsaturated polyester. The powders (A) and (B) are physically mixed at temperatures below which the polymerization promoter would cause the free radical initiator to initiate polymerization of the powder coating composition. Subsequently, the physically mixed powder coating composition is applied to a substrate and cured, during which the polymerization promoter causes the free radical initiator to initiate the curing reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyester resin comprising (A) from about 5% to about 50% by weight reactive diluent and (B) from about 50% to about 95% by weight of an unsaturated polyester resin prepared from at least one component selected from the group consisting of (i) from about 0.5% up to about 8% by mole of a polyhydric alcohol, having at least three hydroxyl groups, and at least one transesterification catalyst, (ii) from about 2% up to about 12% by mole of a reaction product of a polyol and a fatty carboxylic acid, and (iii) from about 2% up to about 12% by mole of a fatty reactant selected from the group consisting of a fatty primary alcohol, a fatty epoxide, a fatty monocarboxylic acid and mixtures thereof, wherein each member of the group has up to about 100 carbon atoms. In another aspect, the invention relates to mixtures of the above polyester resins with conventional polyester resins. Methods of reducing volatile organic compound emissions are also part of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyester resin comprising (A) from about 5% to about 50% by weight reactive diluent and (B) from about 50% to about 95% by weight of an unsaturated polyester resin prepared from at least one component selected from the group consisting of (i) from about 0.5% up to about 8% by mole of a polyhydric alcohol, having at least three hydroxyl groups, and at least one transesterification catalyst, (ii) from about 2% up to about 12% by mole of a reaction product of a polyol and a fatty carboxylic acid, and (iii) from about 2% up to about 12% by mole of a fatty reactant selected from the group consisting of a fatty primary alcohol, a fatty epoxide, a fatty monocarboxylic acid and mixtures thereof, wherein each member of the group has up to about 100 carbon atoms. In another aspect, the invention relates to mixtures of the above polyester resins with conventional polyester resins. Methods of reducing volatile organic compound emissions are also part of the invention.