Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric compositions comprising polyhydroxyalkanoates. These compositions can comprise a blend comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer, and a rubber polymer. The blend can comprise a biphasic mixture comprising a first phase comprising the PHA polymer, and a second phase comprising the rubber polymer dispersed with the first phase. The rubber polymer can be crosslinked, for example, through reaction with a free radical initiator. By incorporating the dynamically crosslinked rubber polymer, the polymer composition can exhibit one or more improved characteristics relative to PHA alone, including improved thermal stability, improved melt strength, improved flexibility, improved toughness, or a combination thereof. Also provided are articles formed at least in part from these polymeric compositions, as well as methods of making these polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Circulation systems and methods for dispensing paint, more particularly those systems and methods which are configured to provide one or more paints to automotive paint applications are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing multi-layered nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: Nano-sized particles such as nano-clays can be mixed with polymers through either melt compounding or in-situ polymerization. By modifying the particle surface with various surfactants and controlling processing conditions, we are able to achieve either intercalated (partial dispersion) or exfoliated (full dispersion) nano-clay distribution in polymers with the clay content up to 35% by weight. When a blowing agent is injected into the nanocomposite in an extruder (a continuous mixer) or a batch mixer, polymeric foam can be produced. Supercritical carbon dioxide, an environmentally friendly, low-cost, non-flammable, chemically benign gas is used as the blowing agent. This process forms a microcellular foam with very high cell density (>109 cells/cc) and small cell size (<5 microns) can be achieved by controlling the CO2 content, melt and die temperature, and pressure drop rate.