Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon applicator having a grip area which provides the user better gripping ability. The grip area may be an area between two ridges on the outer tube of the applicator. In the alternative or in addition to the ridges, the grip area may be a raised pattern which is raised by a distance of between about 0.10 mm and about 0.75 mm. The present invention also provides an improved petal design for a tampon applicator. In this embodiment of the present invention, the petals are separated from each other on all sides by a non-linear gap and the gap is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tampon applicator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enables the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ferromagnetic materials to improve the recyclability of plastic packaging.

Abstract: A cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester composition are also provided. In another embodiment, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester; and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

Abstract: A cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester composition are also provided. In another embodiment, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester; and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

Abstract: A cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester composition are also provided. In another embodiment, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester; and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

Abstract: A cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester composition are also provided. In another embodiment, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester; and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for a melt processing a polyethylene terephthalate resin characterized by one or more of the following. The polyester particles may have at least two melting peaks wherein one of the at least two melting peaks is a low peak melting point with a range from 140° C. to 220° C., or from 140° C. to 230° C., and having a melting endothermic area of at least the absolute value of 1 J/g. The polyester particles may have one or more melting peaks at least one of which when measured on a DSC first heating scan has a heating curve departing from a baseline in the endothermic direction at a temperature of less than or equal to 200° C. The polyester particles may have an It.V. at their surface which is less than 0.25 dL/g higher than the It.V. at their center. The polyester particles may have not been solid stated. The melt processing device comprises a screw with a total length, L, a feed zone length in the range from 0.16L and 0.45L, a taper angle, ?, in the range from 0.5 degrees and 5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enables the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxygen-scavenging polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides, and a metal catalyst. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze, and comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxygen-scavenging polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides, and a metal catalyst. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are void-containing polyester shrink films which show excellent density retention upon exposures to high temperatures. The films have high shrinkage and retain their low density after processing under conditions of temperature and moisture used in typical recycling processes. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications, and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations. Also disclosed is a process for void-containing polyester shrink films having high shrinkage and low density after exposure to elevated temperatures.