Abstract: Flame retardant polymer compositions, especially ionomer polymer compositions, are prepared using ethylene diamine phosphate and used as surface coverings and building materials.

Abstract: A flame retardant, halogen-free polymer composition that is a blend of: (1) a polyolefin selected from (a) EVA containing 25-90% by weight ethylene and 10-75% by weight vinyl acetate, (b) LLDPE, (c) LDPE, (d) VLDPE, (e) HDPE, or mixtures thereof; (2) a coupling agent made from (f) about 10 to about 50% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight functional comonomer and (g) about 50% by weight to about 90% by weight of an ethylene-based polymer; and (3) an inorganic flame retardant filler.

Abstract: A thermoformable multi-layer sheet is disclosed, which comprises or is produced from a first co-extruded clear polymeric layer comprising an ionomer resin; a second co-extruded polymeric layer; a third co-extruded thermoformable polymeric adhesive layer that is in direct contact with the second co-extruded layer and a backing layer; and a co-extruded backing layer adhered to the adhesive layer. Also disclosed is a product such an auto part, a truck part, an auto or truck body panel, or a part or panel of a recreational vehicle having a Class A surface that can comprise or be produced from the multi-layer sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of ethylene acid copolymers and polyamides that are useful for fabricating films, sheets and molded articles for scuff and scratch resistant material and their application as decorative and protective films, comprising (1) from about 30 to about 65 weight % of a polyamide; and (2) from about 70 to about 35 weight % of a copolymer of (a) ethylene; (b) from about 5 weight % to about 15 weight % of an ?,?-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid; (c) from about 0.5 weight % to about 12 weight % of at least one comonomer that is an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid; and (d) from 0 weight % to about 30 weight % of monomers selected from alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate, wherein the alkyl groups have from one to twelve carbon atoms; at least partially neutralized by one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations.

Abstract: A slush molding process in which the moldable thermoplastic composition powder dosed to the mold is prepared by blending ethylene carboxylic acid copolymers or ionomers with ethylene/glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymer and cross-linking promoter at a temperature and for a time that does not cause significant cross-linking prior to dosing to mold, which is held for sufficient time and temperature to cause cross-linking in-situ, and optionally, other additives including release agents.

Abstract: Blends comprising an ethylene based polymer having a glass transition temperature lower than or equal to 20° C. and cycloolefin polymer are prepared. The ethylene based polymer preferably comprises at least 60 weight % of ethylene, relative to the weight of the polymer and polar monomers selected from the group of carboxylic acids, alkyl acrylates and vinyl acetates. It is preferably 0.01 to about 99.5% neutralized with metal ions selected from sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, lithium, aluminum, nickel, and chromium. The cycloolefin polymer is preferably an ethylene-norbornene copolymer. The invention also relates to the applications of such blends to improved impact resistant molded articles.

Abstract: Blends comprising a polar derivative of an ethylene based polymer and a cycloolefin polymer are prepared. The ethylene based polymer preferably comprises at least 60 weight % of ethylene, relative to the weight of the polymer and polar monomers selected from the group of carboxylic acids, alkyl acrylates and vinyl acetates. It is preferably 0.01 to 99.5% neutralized with metal ions selected from sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, lithium, aluminum, nickel, and chromium. The cycloolefin polymer is preferably an ethylene-norbornene copolymer. The invention also relates to the applications of such blends as sealant layers and film packagings. The perforation resistance, the heat seal initiation temperature and the hot tack strength of such films are improved.

Abstract: A blend capable of being melt fabricated into an antistatic film which has improved antistatic action practically immediately after production comprises ethylene &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers having 0-90% of the carboxylic acid groups neutralized by metal ions, particularly sodium ions, and an antistatic effective amount of a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid, particularly Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaureate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic composition comprising at least a copolymer of ethylene and an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid, from about 10 to 99.9% neutralized with Lithium, and at least from about 0.01 wt % to about 2 wt % of a migrating antistatic agent. The invention also relates to films, sheet and molded articles comprising the above composition.

Abstract: A slush molding process in which the moldable thermoplastic composition powder dosed to the mold is prepared by blending ethylene carboxylic acid copolymers or ionomers with ethylene/glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymer and cross-linking promoter at a temperature and for a time that does not cause significant cross-linking prior to dosing to mold, which is held for sufficient time and temperature to cause cross-linking in-situ, and optionally, other additives including release agents.

Abstract: Blends comprising an ethylene based polymer having a glass transition temperature lower than or equal to 20° C. and cycloolefin polymer are prepared. The ethylene based polymer preferably comprises at least 60 weight % of ethylene, relative to the weight of the polymer and polar monomers selected from the group of carboxylic acids, alkyl acrylates and vinyl acetates. It is preferably 0.01 to about 99.5% neutralized with metal ions selected from sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, lithium, aluminum, nickel, and chromium. The cycloolefin polymer is preferably an ethylene-norbornene copolymer. The invention also relates to the applications of such blends to improved impact resistant molded articles.

Abstract: Blends comprising a polar derivative of an ethylene based polymer and a cycloolefin polymer are prepared. The ethylene based polymer preferably comprises at least 60 weight % of ethylene, relative to the weight of the polymer and polar monomers selected from the group of carboxylic acids, alkyl acrylates and vinyl acetates. It is preferably 0.01 to 99.5% neutralized with metal ions selected from sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, lithium, aluminum, nickel, and chromium. The cycloolefin polymer is preferably an ethylene-norbornene copolymer. The invention also relates to the applications of such blends as sealant layers and film packagings. The perforation resistance, the heat seal initiation temperature and the hot tack strength of such films are improved.

Abstract: A blend capable of being melt fabricated into an antistatic film which has improved antistatic action practically immediately after production comprises ethylene &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers having 0-90% of the carboxylic acid groups neutralized by metal ions, particularly sodium ions, and an antistatic effective amount of a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid, particularly Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaureate.

Abstract: A flexible film packaging structure capable of adsorbing undesireous amine components from the headspace of the package. The structure has at least one layer that includes at least one copolymer of ethylene with an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, the copolymer having optionally up to 99% of the carboxylic acid groups neutralized by metal ions.

Abstract: A composition suitable for thermoforming which demonstrates good grain retention at thin gauges, low gloss and whose cost is competitive for many applications, particularly in the automotive industry, is described. This composition contains (a) 10-35 wt. % of polypropylene or an ethylene/propylene copolymer, (b) 0-30 wt. % uncrosslinked ethylene propylene copolymer rubber having an ethylene content 60-80 wt. %, (c) 10-25 wt. % of an ionomeric copolymer of ethylene and an &agr;, &bgr;-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid, (d) 2-6 wt. % of a copolymer of ethylene and glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, (e) 5-20 wt. % polyethylene, and (f) 0-25 wt. % of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer elastomer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprising (a) 50-90 wt. % of a polymer blend comprising (i) 10-40 wt. % polypropylene (ii) 15-50 wt. % uncrosslinked ethylene propylene copolymer rubber having an ethylene content of 60-80 wt %, (iii) 20-60 wt. % of an ionomeric copolymer of ethylene and an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid, and (iv) 0.1-5 wt. % of a copolymer of ethylene and glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, (b) 10-40 wt. % inorganic filler and (c) 0-15 wt. % of an uncrosslinked ethylene propylene copolymer rubber having an ethylene content of 60-80 wt. % grafted with 0.01-5 wt. % of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating of a thermoplastic polymer on a hollow object formed of a low electrically conductive material is described, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer has its maximum IR absorption between 1300 and 1900 nm and/or 2800 and 3000 nm, is applied electrostatically as a powder to the object while the objet is held at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer, and thereafter the object is heated by IR radiation to form the coating.

Abstract: A seal layer formed from a thermoplastic polymer blend comprising (a) a non-polar, non-ionomeric polyolefin, and (b) a polar ethylene copolymer having carbon monoxide functionality, and its use to adhere adjacent thermoplastic films together to form a package. Since the bonding strength of the thermoplastic films to one another and to the seal layer is greater than the internal cohesion strength of the seal layer itself, the seal layer provides for an easy open package.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions based on polybutylene terephthalate are provided which are useful in high temperature resistant wire coating applications. These compositions generally are four-component alloys with reduced ethylene copolymer (ionomer) content.

Abstract: Polar thermoplastic polyolefin blends are provided which are flexible and are particularly useful in replacing polyvinyl chloride sheeting used as liners, folders, etc. The blends comprise in general, a non-polar thermoplastic polyolefin, a functionalized polar ethylene copolymer, and a functionalized olefin polymer as a compatibilizer, all of which are chlorine-free.