Abstract: A process is disclosed for extruding fibers from ionomer resins that are not blended with polyolefins, monomers, solvents, or other conventional compounds typically used in connection with processing fibers that contain ionomers. The preferred ionomers are 90% neutralized metal salts of copolymers of from at least about 60 to 90% ethylene and from at least about 10 to 40% acrylic acid. Multivalent metal cations can be used to introduce cross linking for control of the solubility and swellability of the fibers. The fibers and webs produced therefrom can be produced by meltblowing and can be used to provide a less expensive alternative to superabsorbent powders.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: Superabsorbent synthetic fibers are prepared by a method wherein segments of synthetic fibers are coated with a solution of (a) a hydrophilic, uncomplexed polymer and (b) a complexing agent, and the coated fibers are fluff or flash dried causing the polymer to complex and to form a superabsorbent coating on the synthetic fibers in situ.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin composition particularly suitable for surface coatings, including metals, paper and paperboard, and especially those papers subsequently converted into shaped paperboard products, e.g. paper plates and folded cartons, with a high gloss, water and oil resistant surface coating. The composition is suitable also as both an adhesive and coating in metallizing substrates by the transfer of metallic particles from a transfer agent to the substrate. When formulated without solvents or dispersants it is suitable for use as a casting composition or as a molding material. The composition comprises a polymer or copolymer containing carboxylic acid groups; an epoxy compound containing an average of more than one epoxide group per molecule; an ammonium or phosphonium base or salt thereof; and a monomeric carboxylic acid or inorganic acid which extends the useful working life of the composition and imparts a superior glass to the surface of the finished product.

Abstract: Process for chemically modifying microwave interactive film and chemically modified microwave interactive film, chemically modified microwave interactive laminates and packages containing chemically modified microwave interactive film.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin composition particularly suitable for surface coatings, especially paper and paperboard, and especially those subsequently converted into shaped paperboard products, e.g. paper plates and folded cartons, with a high gloss, water and oil resistant surface coating. The composition is suitable also as both an adhesive and coating in metallizing substrates by the transfer of metallic particles from a transfer agent to the substrate. When formulated without solvents or dispersants it is suitable for use as a casting composition or as an injection molding material. The composition comprises a polymer or copolymer containing carboxylic acid groups; an epoxy compound containing an average of more than one epoxide group per molecule; a quaternary ammonium base or salt thereof; and a monomeric carboxylic acid or inorganic acid which extends the useful working life of the composition and imparts a superior gloss to the surface of the finished product.

Abstract: A patterned microwave interactive element and laminate including a patterned microwave interactive element for use in forming food packaging materials that may be employed to store and subsequently cook the food stored therein are provided. The pattern of the microwave interactive element is selected to focus the heat generated to predetermined areas of the food contained in the packaging. Areas where the microwave interactive element has been deactivated may be formed by a variety of methods, such as by demetallization, by the application of an inactivating chemical, by mechanical means and the like, to create a preselected pattern of inactive areas relative to the active areas, thereby controlling the temperatures produced in different sections of the packaging material. Optimum browning and/or crisping of the microwave heated food product may be achieved by selecting a pattern of microwave interactive and inactive areas tailored to specific food products.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel microfiber, to a nonwoven web comprising said microfiber, and to a method of preparing said web. The meltblown microfibers have a diameter of less than 150 micrometers. The microfibers are prepared by meltblowing a liquid crystal polymer such as a wholly aromatic polyester amide of p, p' biphenol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and terephthalic acid or a wholly aromatic polyester amide of 2-hydroxynaphthoic acid, p-aminophenol and terephthalic acid.