Abstract: A composite structure which comprises, in intimate jointed lamination, a substrate layer, and intermediate adhesion layer, and a tightly adhered polymeric film, the adhesion layer comprising an aqueous emulsion polymer containing a vinylamine homopolymer or copolymer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylamine copolymer.

Abstract: In a melt extrudable polyvinyl alcohol composition consisting essentially of polyvinyl alcohol and plasticizer, which has been made melt extrudable by adding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol to both melt and substantially eliminate the crystallinity in the melt while simultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol, the improvement which comprises 5 to 25 wt % poly(butylene terephthalate)-polytetrahydrofuran block copolymer for improved impact resistance.

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions in the presence of a poly[(vinyl alcohol)-co-(vinyl amine)] copolymer as a protective colloid and aqueous polymer emulsions containing a poly[(vinyl alcohol)-co-(vinyl amine)] copolymer.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are disclosed containing miscible blends of copolymers, one of which is a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer containing about 5 to 30 weight percent ethylene and the other is a copolymer of either acrylic acid or a maleic anhydride with a comonomer selected from styrene, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. Windows of miscibility for each of the copolymer blends have been defined and the blends can be advantageously formed by polymerizing the acrylic acid copolymer in the presence of an emulsion of the vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer in such a way that the polymerization takes place in the suspended vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer rather than in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Blends of polymers of vinyl acetate and polymers derived from acrylic acid have been discovered which exhibit thermodynamic miscibility. These polymer blends exhibit excellent mechanical compatibility, provide enhanced toughness and strength superior to the sum of the weight averaged properties of the constituent polymers and are useful in molding structures such as films and in compounded formulations such as coatings, emulsions and adhesives.

Abstract: Ultra-fine polymeric fibers are produced from various polymeric materials by mixing with thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) and extruding the mixture through a die followed by further orientation. The poly(vinyl alcohol) is extracted to yield liberated ultra-fine polymeric fibers. The polymer utilized can include post-consumer polymer waste.

Abstract: Compositions useful in decomposition molding procedures such as destructive foam casting or ceramic or metallic powder sintering are provided by blends of polymers having greater than 50 weight percent propylene carbonate units and polymers having greater than 50 weight percent methyl methacrylate units. Such blends exhibit an unexpectedly even decomposition profile over the range of temperatures at which their constituent polymers each decompose relatively rapidly. The controlled decomposition rate reduces problems in destructive foam casting and ceramic or metallic powder molding caused by sudden release of gases by the foam pattern or the polymer binder. Preferred blends contain 35 to 65 weight percent poly(methyl methacrylate) and 65 to 35 weight percent poly(propylene carbonate), and very even decomposition behavior is exhibited by blends of 35 to 45 weight percent poly(methyl methacrylate) and 65 to 55 weight percent poly(propylene carbonate).

Abstract: A process for producing cellular foamed articles from high temperature engineering polymers wherein polymeric blowing agents are utilized to expand the polymers. The process comprises mixing a first polymer capable of being foamed with a second polymer comprising at least one poly(alkylene carbonate) to provide a polymer blend; heating the polymer blend to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer to be foamed and to decompose the second polymer to form gas inclusions within the first polymer; expanding the melted first polymer containing the gas inclusions to form a foamed article; and cooling the foamed article to a temperature below the melting or softening point of the foamed article. Polymers which may be foamed according to the process include those polymers which can tolerate processing temperatures in excess of 260.degree. C.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are provided which include blends of polymers of vinyl acetate and polymers of propylene carbonate. These polymer blends exhibit excellent mechanical compatibility and are useful in molding structures, such as films, or in compounded formulations, such as emulsions and adhesives. These blends exhibit enhanced toughness superior to either of the constituent polymers alone.

Abstract: Compositions useful in decomposition molding procedures such as destructive foam casting or ceramic or metallic powder sintering are provided by blends of polymers having greater than 50 weight percent propylene carbonate units and polymers having greater than 50 weight percent methyl methacrylate units. Such blends exhibit an unexpectedly even decomposition profile over the range of temperatures at which their constituent polymers each decompose relatively rapidly. The controlled decomposition rate reduces problems in destructive foam casting and ceramic or metallic powder molding caused by sudden release of gases by the foam pattern or the polymer binder. Preferred blends contain 35 to 65 weight percent poly(methyl methacrylate) and 65 to 35 weight percent poly(propylene carbonate), and very even decomposition behavior is exhibited by blends of 35 to 45 weight percent poly(methyl methacrylate) and 65 to 55 weight percent poly(propylene carbonate).