Abstract: A catalyst masterbatch is disclosed, which when used with a rigid TPU polymer, will cause the rigid TPU to depolymerize during melt processing and repolymerize as the melt is being cooled. This feature is of particular interest in a pultrusion process to create TPU/fiber composites. The catalyst masterbatch contains a relative soft TPU polymer where the catalyst has been swelled or absorbed into the soft TPU polymer. A carrier, such as a plasticizer, can be used to aid the transport of the catalyst into the soft TPU polymer. The catalyst masterbatch is used as an additive to the rigid TPU in a pultrusion process to make the composites. The catalyst masterbatch can also be used in non-fiber reinforced rigid TPU compositions to increase the Mw of melt processed rigid TPU.

Abstract: A catalyst masterbatch is disclosed, which when used with a rigid TPU polymer, will cause the rigid TPU to depolymerize during melt processing and repolymerize as the melt is being cooled. This feature is of particular interest in a pultrusion process to create TPU/fiber composites. The catalyst masterbatch contains a relative soft TPU polymer where the catalyst has been swelled or absorbed into the soft TPU polymer. A carrier, such as a plasticizer, can be used to aid the transport of the catalyst into the soft TPU polymer. The catalyst masterbatch is used as an additive to the rigid TPU in a pultrusion process to make the composites. The catalyst masterbatch can also be used in non-fiber reinforced rigid TPU compositions to increase the Mw of melt processed rigid TPU.

Abstract: Compositions, composite articles and process for producing same are provided from a reinforced polyvinyl halide composition (A) comprising a high molecular weight polyvinyl halide resin, a plasticizer, and a reinforcement material, such as glass fibers, in combination with (B) a composition having adhesion to (A). Preferably (B) comprises a thermoplastic compound selected from the group consisting of PVC, plasticized PVC, styrene derivatives, urethane derivatives, acrylic derivatives, acrylonitrile derivatives, polyester derivatives, and mixtures thereof, with the most preferred composition being an unreinforced, plasticized polyvinyl halide composition. The composition article exhibits good strength, low sag at high use temperatures, and lowered coefficient of thermal expansion for use in contact with metal or polymeric substrates such as panels.

Abstract: Compositions, composite articles and process for producing same are provided from a reinforced polyvinyl halide composition (A) comprising a high molecular weight polyvinyl halide resin, a plasticizer, and a reinforcement material, such as glass fibers, in combination with (B) a composition having adhesion to (A). Preferably (B) comprises a thermoplastic compound selected from the group consisting of PVC, plasticized PVC, styrene derivatives, urethane derivatives, acrylic derivatives, acrylonitrile derivatives, polyester derivatives, and mixtures thereof, with the most preferred composition being an unreinforced, plasticized polyvinyl halide composition. The composite article exhibits good strength, low sag at high use temperatures, and lowered coefficient of thermal expansion for use in contact with metal or polymeric substrates such as panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: When molding rubber or plastic articles in a closed mold, a film of a liquid coating material having a boiling point above the ambient temperature of the work area and below the temperature at which the molding is to occur is applied to the surface of the mold cavity and/or the surface of the article to be molded just before the mold is closed. The mold cavity then is heated to a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid coating material. The pressure maintaining the mold closed is suddenly reduced exposing vapor release passages between mating surfaces of the mold segments. The liquid coating material at the elevated temperature and reduced pressure within the mold cavity rapidly vaporizes and exhausts through the vapor release passages flushing air entrapped within the mold cavity when the mold was closed from the mold cavity. The mold once again is closed before air can seep back into the mold cavity. Normal molding procedures thereafter are followed.