Abstract: A composition includes specific amounts of a reinforcing filler and a copolycarbonate containing bisphenol A carbonate units and second carbonate units of the formula wherein Ra, Rb, R3, R4, j, p, and q are defined herein. The composition is useful for fabricating articles that exhibit a desirable balance of heat resistance, printability in large format additive manufacturing, and good surface appearance in printed parts. Also described is a method of additive manufacturing utilizing the composition.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes: from about 29 wt % to about 49 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer component including a first thermoplastic polymer consisting of polybutylene terephthalate and a second thermoplastic polymer consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, copolymers thereof, or a combination thereof; from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of a component comprising a polyester elastomer, an ethylene/alkyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer compatibilizer, or a combination thereof; and from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % of a ceramic fiber component including ceramic fibers. The first thermoplastic polymer is present the composition in a ratio of at least 2:1 as compared to the second thermoplastic polymer. Articles including the thermoplastic composition are also described.

Abstract: An extruded thermoplastic composition includes: (a) from about 20 wt % to about 75 wt % of a ceramic fiber component; (b) from about 15 wt % to about 70 wt % of a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) component including a high molecular weight PBT and a low molecular weight PBT; (c) from about 5 wt % to about 23 wt % of a polycarbonate component; and (d) from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of a compatibilizer component. Methods of making the extruded thermoplastic composition are also described.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes: from about 29 wt % to about 49 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer component including a first thermoplastic polymer consisting of polybutylene terephthalate and a second thermoplastic polymer consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, copolymers thereof, or a combination thereof; from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of a component comprising a polyester elastomer, an ethylene/alkyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer compatibilizer, or a combination thereof; and from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % of a ceramic fiber component including ceramic fibers. The first thermoplastic polymer is present the composition in a ratio of at least 2:1 as compared to the second thermoplastic polymer. Articles including the thermoplastic composition are also described.

Abstract: A composition includes specific amounts of a reinforcing filler and a copolycarbonate containing bisphenol A carbonate units and second carbonate units of the formula wherein Ra, Rb, R3, R4, j, p, and q are defined herein. The composition is useful for fabricating articles that exhibit a desirable balance of heat resistance, printability in large format additive manufacturing, and good surface appearance in printed parts. Also described is a method of additive manufacturing utilizing the composition.

Abstract: An extruded thermoplastic composition includes: (a) from about 20 wt % to about 75 wt % of a ceramic fiber component; (b) from about 15 wt % to about 70 wt % of a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) component including a high molecular weight PBT and a low molecular weight PBT; (c) from about 5 wt % to about 23 wt % of a polycarbonate component; and (d) from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of a compatibilizer component. Methods of making the extruded thermoplastic composition are also described.

Abstract: A reinforced paper includes a nonwoven fibrous mat impregnated with a polyetherimide composition. The nonwoven fibrous mat includes a reinforcing fiber, a high strength toughening fiber, or a combination thereof. The polyetherimide composition includes a polyetherimide having repeating units as defined herein. A method of making a reinforced paper is also disclosed. The method includes contacting at least a portion of a nonwoven fibrous mat with a composition to form a pre-preg, and heating under conditions effective to provide the reinforced paper. Articles including the reinforced paper are also described.

Abstract: A method comprises preparing or receiving a polyetherimide precursor solution including (i) a solvent comprising water, aliphatic alcohol, or a mixture thereof; (ii) an amine additive comprising a secondary or tertiary amine; and (iii) a polyetherimide precursor dissolved and dissociated in the solvent. The method further comprises at least partially coating or impregnating one or more reinforcement structures with the polyetherimide precursor solution and polymerizing the one or more polyetherimide precursor reagents to form a polyetherimide matrix such that the one or more reinforcement structures are at least partially embedded in the polyetherimide matrix to provide a composite article.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a matrix comprising polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes dispersed in the matrix. The carbon nanotubes are disaggregated and disagglomerated within the polycarbonate, when the compound is viewed at 20,000× magnification. The compound is useful for making extruded plastic sheet, molded objects, or other plastic articles that need electrical properties.

Abstract: A flame retardant polypropylene compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polypropylene and non-halogenated ammonium phosphate flame retardant, along with ethylene vinyl acetate, magnesium hydroxide; fluoroelastomer and other functional additives. The compound can achieve a UL 94 rating of V-0 at a thickness of 1.55 mm or greater.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a matrix comprising polyphenylene sulfide and carbon nanotubes and glass fibers dispersed in the matrix. The carbon nanotubes are disaggregated and disagglomerated within the polyphenylene sulfide, when the compound is viewed at 20,000× magnification. The compound is useful for making extruded or molded plastic articles that need electrical properties.

Abstract: A combination of catalysts is disclosed as useful to promote the transesterification reaction of an epoxidized soyate with a polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: An unhindered polyol is used to react with an epoxidized soyate to make epoxidized soyate diester in the presence of a catalyst. The unhindered polyol can be 1,3-propanediol or any polyol having four or more carbon atoms with no two adjacent carbon atoms having hydroxyl functionality. Preferably, a combination of catalysts is used to promote the transesterification reaction of the epoxidized soyate with the unhindered polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived epoxidized soyate diester plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: An unhindered polyol is used to react with an epoxidized soyate to make epoxidized soyate diester in the presence of a catalyst. The unhindered polyol can be 1,3-propanediol or any polyol having four or more carbon atoms with no two adjacent carbon atoms having hydroxyl functionality. Preferably, a combination of catalysts is used to promote the transesterification reaction of the epoxidized soyate with the unhindered polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived epoxidized soyate diester plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: A combination of catalysts is disclosed as useful to promote the transesterification reaction of an epoxidized soyate with a polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.