Abstract: A mixing element for an extruder screw having a width extending in an x-direction of an x-y-z coordinate system, a length extending in a y-direction, and a thickness extending in a z-direction. The mixing element includes a base defining a passage extending along an axis in the y-direction for receiving the extruder screw. Projections extend radially outward from the base and define channels therebetween. The width and the depth of each channel vary along the length of the channel.

Abstract: A polymer nanocomposite composition, wherein nanoparticles, preferably graphene oxide, are well dispersed within a polymer matrix, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane in one embodiment. Affinity of the nanoparticles to one of the phases of the polymer matrix, preferably a hard segment of the thermoplastic polyurethane, provides enhanced mechanical properties. Processes for preparing the polymer nanocomposite compositions are described. In a preferred embodiment, an extensional dispersing element is included within the screw configuration of an extrusion process.

Abstract: A mixing element for an extruder screw having a width extending in an x-direction of an x-y-z coordinate system, a length extending in a y-direction, and a thickness extending in a z-direction. The mixing element includes a base defining a passage extending along an axis in the y-direction for receiving the extruder screw. Projections extend radially outward from the base and define channels therebetween. The width and the depth of each channel vary along the length of the channel.

Abstract: A tubular for fuel delivery including a plurality of first-type layers; and a plurality of second-type layers each disposed between a pair of adjacent first-type layers, wherein the plurality of first-type layers includes at least two first-type layers, wherein the plurality of second-type layers includes at least two second-type layers, and wherein a Melt Flow Index, MFI1, of each of the plurality of first-type layers is different than a Melt Flow Index, MFI2, of each of the plurality of second-type layers, as measured at a same temperature, wherein the tubular for fuel delivery has a resistance to fuel permeation of less than about 15 g/day/m2.

Abstract: A polymer nanocomposite composition, wherein nanoparticles, preferably graphene oxide, are well dispersed within a polymer matrix, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane in one embodiment. Affinity of the nanoparticles to one of the phases of the polymer matrix, preferably a hard segment of the thermoplastic polyurethane, provides enhanced mechanical properties. Processes for preparing the polymer nanocomposite compositions are described. In a preferred embodiment, an extensional dispersing element is included within the screw configuration of an extrusion process.

Abstract: A tubular including a plurality of first-type layers; and a plurality of second-type layers each disposed between a pair of adjacent first-type layers, wherein the plurality of first-type layers includes at least two first-type layers, wherein the plurality of second-type layers includes at least two second-type layers, and wherein a Melt Flow Index, MFI1, of each of the plurality of first-type layers is different than a Melt Flow Index, MFI2, of each of the plurality of second-type layers, as measured at a same temperature. In an embodiment, at least one of the first-type layers and the second-type layers is adapted to provide a barrier against escape of gases, liquids, or a combination thereof from the tubular.

Abstract: A method for generating interfacial surfaces within a first composite stream having a generally planar layer interface lies generally in an x-z plane of an x-y-z coordinate system. The method includes dividing the first composite stream into a plurality of branch streams along the x-axis such that the pair of discrete overlapping layers and the generally planar layer interface are distributed among at least two branch streams. Within each individual branch stream of the at least two branch streams, the width dimension of the branch stream is expanded along the x-axis and the thickness dimension of the branch stream is simultaneously contracted along the y-axis. The branch streams are recombined in an overlapping relationship, after each of the at least two branch streams is simultaneously expanded and contracted, to form a second composite stream having a greater number of discrete overlapping layers of polymeric material than the first composite stream.

Abstract: An apparatus or rheometer for determining the extensional properties of a material having first and second ends includes first and second rollers gripping the first end of the material. Third and fourth rollers grip the second end of the material. An input shaft rotates the first, second, third and fourth rollers to pull the first and second ends of the material in opposite directions to stretch the material.

Abstract: A method for generating interfacial surfaces within a first composite stream having a generally planar layer interface lies generally in an x-z plane of an x-y-z coordinate system. The method includes dividing the first composite stream into a plurality of branch streams along the x-axis such that the pair of discrete overlapping layers and the generally planar layer interface are distributed among at least two branch streams. Within each individual branch stream of the at least two branch streams, the width dimension of the branch stream is expanded along the x-axis and the thickness dimension of the branch stream is simultaneously contracted along the y-axis. The branch streams are recombined in an overlapping relationship, after each of the at least two branch streams is simultaneously expanded and contracted, to form a second composite stream having a greater number of discrete overlapping layers of polymeric material than the first composite stream.