Abstract: Provided are polymer compositions comprising: a polycondensation polymer; and an encapsulated flame retardant agent, wherein the encapsulated flame retardant agent comprises a passivating coating and a catalytic flame retardant core and wherein the passivating coating has a thickness of from about 1 nm to about 100 nm observed using scanning electron microscopy. The catalytic flame retardant core may be coated via a process of atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a polycarbonate; 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition of a nanosilica having a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers; wherein the nanosilica has a hydrophobic coating; and a siloxane domain having repeat units of the formula 10; wherein each R is independently a C1-13 monovalent organic group and the value of E is 2 to 1,000; wherein the composition comprises at least one of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, 0.1 to 5 wt % of a polysiloxane homopolymer based on the total weight of the composition, or a plurality of polysiloxane particles having a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers.

Abstract: A foamable poly carbonate composition comprising 5 to 95 wt % of a poly(siloxane) block copolymer comprising a poly(carbonate-siloxane) comprising 50 to 99 wt % of bisphenol A carbonate units and 1 to 50 wt % of dimethylsiloxane units, each based on the weight of the poly(carbonate-siloxane), a poly(ester-carbonate-siloxane) comprising bisphenol A carbonate units, isophthalate-terephthalate-bisphenol A ester units, and 5 to 200 dimethyl siloxane units, or a combination thereof; 5 to 95 wt % of an auxiliary component comprising a poly(alkylene ester), a poly(ester-carbonate), or a combination thereof, and optionally, a homopolycarbonate; optionally, up to 10 wt % of an additive composition, wherein the composition has a glass transition temperature of 140° C. and below measured using differential scanning calorimetry, and wherein a foamed sample of the composition has an average cell size of 10 nanometers to 20 micrometers.

Abstract: A polymer foam composition includes: from about 5 wt. % to about 84 wt. % of a polymer base resin; from about 15 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of a thermally conductive filler having an aspect ratio greater than 1:1; from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % of a nanostructured fluoropolymer; and from about 0.01 wt. % to about 2 wt. % of a foaming agent. The polymer foam composition is formed from a core-back process and exhibits a thermal conductivity of at least 1.5 W/mK when tested in accordance with ISO 22007-2. Articles including the polymer foam composition are further described; in one aspect the article is a heat exchanger. Methods of forming the polymer foam composition are also described.

Abstract: Provided are extrusion dies having entrance, orientation, merging (205), and exit (211) sections, which dies may be used to produce fibers having, e.g., oriented reinforcement materials (e.g., PTFE) dispersed within. The dies provide fibers having enhanced mechanical and processing properties. The orientation section comprises orientation channels (203) wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area having of the channel inlet to a cross-sectional area of the channel outlet is between 2 and 45.

Abstract: A foamed polymer composition includes a matrix polymer component, and from 0.01 wt % to 2 wt %, based on the weight of the polymer composition, of a nanostructured fluoropolymer, a nanostructured fluoropolymer encapsulated by an encapsulating polymer, or a combination thereof. The matrix polymer component includes polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), copolymers thereof, or a combination thereof. Methods for forming foamed polymer compositions, including core-back molding methods and extrusion foaming methods, are also described.

Abstract: A method for forming foamed beads includes: saturating pellets with a blowing agent to form saturated pellets; and depressurizing the saturated pellets in a pressure vessel to form the foamed beads. The pellets include: a matrix polymer component, and from 0.01 wt% to 2 wt%, based on the weight of the pellets, of a nanostructured fluoropolymer, a nanostructured fluoropolymer encapsulated by an encapsulating polymer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure describes micro-, sub-micron, and nano-cellular polymer foams formed from siloxane containing (co)polymers and blends, and systems and methods of formation thereof. The micro, sub-micron, and nano-cellular polymer foam has a density of less than or equal to 300 kg/m3.

Abstract: Provided are thermoplastic-nanoparticle compositions that exhibit enhanced powder and melt flow. The disclosed compositions, comprising nanoparticles being silylated, have particular application in additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser sintering and other processes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a poly(ester-carbonate-siloxane) copolymer; a nanosilica; a plurality of polysiloxane particles; and a fluoropolymer. The nanosilica can be present in an amount of 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition. The nanosilica can have a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers. The nanosilica can have a hydrophobic coating. The plurality of polysiloxane particles can be present in an amount of 1 to 10 wt % based on a total weight of the composition. The plurality of polysiloxane particles can have a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers. The fluoropolymer can be present in an amount of 0.005 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Provided are particulate compositions that include a matrix polymer and fibrillated reinforcement materials (e.g., PTFE or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibrils) dispersed therein. The compositions are suitable for use in additive manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A foamable poly carbonate composition comprising 5 to 95 wt % of a poly(siloxane) block copolymer comprising a poly(carbonate-siloxane) comprising 50 to 99 wt % of bisphenol A carbonate units and 1 to 50 wt % of dimethylsiloxane units, each based on the weight of the poly(carbonate-siloxane), a poly(ester-carbonate-siloxane) comprising bisphenol A carbonate units, isophthalate-terephthalate-bisphenol A ester units, and 5 to 200 dimethyl siloxane units, or a combination thereof; 5 to 95 wt % of an auxiliary component comprising a poly(alkylene ester), a poly(ester-carbonate), or a combination thereof, and optionally, a homopolycarbonate; optionally, up to 10 wt % of an additive composition, wherein the composition has a glass transition temperature of 140° C. and below measured using differential scanning calorimetry, and wherein a foamed sample of the composition has an average cell size of 10 nanometers to 20 micrometers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a poly(ester-carbonate-siloxane) copolymer; a nanosilica; a plurality of polysiloxane particles; and a fluoropolymer. The nanosilica can be present in an amount of 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition. The nanosilica can have a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers. The nanosilica can have a hydrophobic coating. The plurality of polysiloxane particles can be present in an amount of 1 to 10 wt % based on a total weight of the composition. The plurality of polysiloxane particles can have a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers. The fluoropolymer can be present in an amount of 0.005 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Provided are extrusion dies having entrance, orientation, merging (205), and exit (211) sections, which dies may be used to produce fibers having, e.g., oriented reinforcement materials (e.g., PTFE) dispersed within. The dies provide fibers having enhanced mechanical and processing properties. The orientation section comprises orientation channels (203) wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area having of the channel inlet to a cross-sectional area of the channel outlet is between 2 and 45.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a polycarbonate; 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition of a nanosilica having a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers; wherein the nanosilica has a hydrophobic coating; and a siloxane domain having repeat units of the formula 10; wherein each R is independently a C1-13 monovalent organic group and the value of E is 2 to 1,000; wherein the composition comprises at least one of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, 0.1 to 5 wt % of a polysiloxane homopolymer based on the total weight of the composition, or a plurality of polysiloxane particles having a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers.

Abstract: Provided are pre-dynamically cross-linked compositions including a networking impact modifier additive. Compositions include a pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition including polyester chains joined by a coupler component and one or more networking impact modifier additives. Methods of making the compositions are also described.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a fiber reinforced composite can comprise a dynamically crosslinked polymer network comprising a polyester matrix and a plurality of crosslinks; a transesterification catalyst; and a fabric layer. A method of making the composite can comprise coating the fabric layer with a composition comprising a pre-crosslinked polymer composition to form a coated fabric; and melt impregnating the coated fabric with the pre-crosslinked polymer composition to form a pre-impregnated composite; and curing the pre-crosslinked polymer composition to form the dynamically crosslinked polymer network.

Abstract: Provided are fibers that comprise a matrix thermoplastic polymer and fibrillated reinforcement materials (e.g., PTFE fibrils) dispersed therein. The disclosed fibers exhibit improved processability and other improved handling characteristics as compared to fibril-free fibers.

Abstract: Provided are pre-dynamically cross-linked compositions including a networking additive including a flame retardant species. Specifically, such compositions include a polymer component including a pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition. The pre-dynamic polymer composition includes polyester component chains joined by a coupler component, the coupler component including a flame retardant species. A method of preparing a dynamic cross-linked polymer composition includes: reacting a coupler component including at least two reactive groups and a flame retardant species with a chain component including a polyester. The reacting is performed under such conditions so as to form a pre-dynamic cross-linked composition, and is performed in the presence of at least one catalyst that promotes formation of the pre-dynamic cross-linked composition.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing polymer compositions by combining a polyamine/ammonium salt component, a polyamide component, and, optionally, a transamidation catalyst, as well as polymer compositions prepared according to the described methods.