Abstract: An acetal-based composition useful as a nucleating, gelling, thickening or clarifying agent is disclosed. The composition may be synthesized or provided in many different forms, including multicarbon diacetals formed from carbohydrates. Once synthesized, the compound may be employed as an additive in a plastic composition, such as (for example) a polypropylene copolymer. One structure of such an acetal-based composition is provided by the formula: wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl-containing groups; and R is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyls, alkyls, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkyls, and alkyl-halides.

Abstract: A film article comprising a polyethylene polymer or copolymer and a cycloaliphatic metal salt is disclosed. A method of making a blown and a cast polyethylene film is shown. The film may also include various additives that are employed to improve the properties of the film, including stearate-containing compounds. Additives employed in one embodiment of the invention may reduce the percent haze of film formed in the process, thereby providing desirably low levels of haze. Zinc stearate is one additive that can be employed in making a low haze polyethylene film.

Abstract: An acetal-based composition useful as a nucleating, gelling, thickening or clarifying agent is disclosed. The composition may be synthesized or provided in many different forms, including multicarbon diacetals formed from carbohydrates. Once synthesized, the compound may be employed as an additive in a plastic composition, such as (for example) a polypropylene copolymer. One structure of such an acetal-based composition is provided by the formula: wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl-containing groups; and R is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyls, alkyls, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkyls, and alkyl-halides.

Abstract: An acetal-based composition useful as a nucleating, gelling, thickening or clarifying agent is disclosed. The composition may be synthesized or provided in many different forms, including multicarbon diacetals formed from carbohydrates. Once synthesized, the compound may be employed as an additive in a plastic composition, such as (for example) a polypropylene copolymer. Co-additives may also be employed. Several aryl structures may reside upon the hydrocarbon chain backbone. One structure of such an acetal-based composition which happens to have two aryl-containing groups is shown: wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl-containing groups; and R is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyls, alkyls, alkoxy, hydroxyl alkyls, and alkyl-halides.