Abstract: Articles may be formed from a thermoformable composition, the thermoformable composition including: a) about 35 wt % to about 95 wt % of an acrylic pre-polymerized syrup; b) about 0 wt % to about 10 wt % of a comonomer; and c) about 5 wt % to about 65 wt % of a filler having an average particle size (d50) in a range of about 0.1 ?m to about 50 ?m; wherein the article has a surface having a gloss measurement at a 60° measurement angle within a range of about 0 Gloss Units to about 20 Gloss Units, and a roughness Ra within a range of about 1 microinch to about 100 microinches. Methods may include producing a thermoformed article by the steps of: i) preparing a thermoformable composition; ii) casting the thermoformable composition into a sheet; and iii) thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold to produce a thermoformed article.

Abstract: This technology is directed to a well-dispersed micronized pigment (carbon black and/or metal oxides such as iron oxide and zinc sulfide) which is added to Aristech's acrylic solid surface formulation at 0.5-5 wt % resulting in a solid surface with an enriched color and improved surface scratch appearance. The use of the micronized pigments helps surface scratches appear less white because of the improved coverage of white aluminum trihydrate (ATH).

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can include attaching a polymeric chain to a nanoparticle, wherein the polymeric chain comprises a plurality monomers, wherein the plurality of monomers comprise alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that comprise a nanoparticle defining a surface, and a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle, wherein the polymeric chain comprises a poly alkyl (meth)acrylate. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of these polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix (e.g., a polyolefin matrix).

Abstract: Methods for of synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can comprise: attaching an anchoring compound to a nanoparticle; attaching a RAFT agent to the anchoring compound; and polymerizing a plurality of butadiene-derived monomers on the anchoring compound to form a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the anchoring compound. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that include a nanoparticle defining a surface; a butadiene-derived polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of such polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Methods for of synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can comprise: attaching an anchoring compound to a nanoparticle; attaching a RAFT agent to the anchoring compound; and polymerizing a plurality of butadiene-derived monomers on the anchoring compound to form a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the anchoring compound. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that include a nanoparticle defining a surface; a butadiene-derived polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of such polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Methods for of synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can comprise: attaching an anchoring compound to a nanoparticle; attaching a RAFT agent to the anchoring compound; and polymerizing a plurality of butadiene-derived monomers on the anchoring compound to form a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the anchoring compound. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that include a nanoparticle defining a surface; a butadiene-derived polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of such polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can include attaching a polymeric chain to a nanoparticle, wherein the polymeric chain comprises a plurality monomers, wherein the plurality of monomers comprise alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that comprise a nanoparticle defining a surface, and a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle, wherein the polymeric chain comprises a poly alkyl (meth)acrylate. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of these polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix (e.g., a polyolefin matrix).

Abstract: Methods for of synthesizing a polymer functionalized nanoparticle are provided. The method can comprise: attaching an anchoring compound to a nanoparticle; attaching a RAFT agent to the anchoring compound; and polymerizing a plurality of butadiene-derived monomers on the anchoring compound to form a polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the anchoring compound. Polymer functionalized nanoparticles are also provided that include a nanoparticle defining a surface; a butadiene-derived polymeric chain covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle. Nanocomposites are also provided that include a plurality of such polymer functionalized nanoparticles dispersed within a polymeric matrix.