Abstract: The process creates a radial temperature gradient in an extruded strand in a direction normal to the direction of motion thereof (that is, normal to the longitudinal direction thereof) so that upon exiting the first quench region the surface of the strand has solidified while at least the preponderant portion of the interior of the strand remains above the cold crystallization temperature, Tcc Then, in the annealing region, heat from the warmer interior will be transferred to the cooler surface, causing the surface to heat up into the range of Tcc, thereby inducing the surface to undergo crystallization. Once the surface has undergone crystallization, the strand is thoroughly quenched in a second quench region so that the strand will be ready for pelletization, accumulation or other handling steps.

Abstract: An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extrusion process for improving heat extortion temperature of a PVC in which the process is a one-step process comprising introducing an imidized acrylic resin and an ethylene copolymer into a back feeding device of an extruder; feeding a PVC resin into the extruder; producing a mixture comprising the imidized acrylic resin, the ethylene copolymer, and the PVC resin; extruding the mixture through a die to an extrudate; and optionally pelletizing the extrudate into pellets wherein the location for feeding the PVC is at about ¼ to ¾ of the length of the extruder, measured from the die.

Abstract: An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water.

Abstract: The process creates a radial temperature gradient in an extruded strand in a direction normal to the direction of motion thereof (that is, normal to the longitudinal direction thereof) so that upon exiting the first quench region the surface of the strand has solidified while at least the preponderant portion of the interior of the strand remains above the cold crystallization temperature, Tcc Then, in the annealing region, heat from the warmer interior will be transferred to the cooler surface, causing the surface to heat up into the range of Tcc, thereby inducing the surface to undergo crystallization. Once the surface has undergone crystallization, the strand is thoroughly quenched in a second quench region so that the strand will be ready for pelletization, accumulation or other handling steps.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning the interior of polymer processing equipment having a resin composition retained therein, wherein a contaminant material is adhered to at least a portion of the interior surface of the polymer processing equipment. The method comprises the steps of: charging the polymer processing equipment having a residual polymer composition retained in the interior thereof with a purging composition comprising 45-94 weight % of starch; 0.

Abstract: A method for dispersing sepiolite-type clay particles in a polyester matrix by melt-compounding a mixture of: sepiolite-type clay, at least one linear polyester oligomer, and at least one polyester polymer to produce a nanocomposite composition; and, optionally, subjecting said nanocomposite composition to solid state polymerization to increase polyester molecular weight. Further described is a method for preparing a polyester nanocomposite composition from a masterbatch, comprising melt-compounding a mixture of: sepiolite-type clay, at least one polyester oligomer, and at least one polyester polymer to produce a nanocomposite composition containing a greater concentration of sepiolite-type clay than is desired in the final resin composition; optionally, subjecting said nanocomposite composition to solid state polymerization to increase the polyester molecular weight; and further melt compounding said nanocomposite composition with polyester polymer and, optionally, additional ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid crystalline polymer compositions, which are melt moldable, and which contain a perfluorinated polymer, and a particulate aramid, and optionally contain hollow glass or quartz spheres, and which usually have low dielectric constants. They are particularly useful as electrical connectors and substrates for other electronic applications which use high frequency signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid crystalline polymer compositions, which are melt moldable, and which contain a perfluorinated polymer, and a particulate aramid, and optionally contain hollow glass or quartz spheres, and which usually have low dielectric constants. They are particularly useful as electrical connectors and substrates for other electronic applications which use high frequency signals.