Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a mask body 14 and a malleable nose clip 12. The mask body 14 is adapted to fit at least over the nose and mouth of a person to define an interior gas space that is separate from the exterior gas space. The mask body 14 has the nose clip 12 secured to it and can include at least one layer of filter media 20. The malleable nose clip 12 comprises a semi-crystalline polymeric material that has an integrated diffraction intensity ratio of at least about 2.0. The nose clip 12 can be deformed into a desired configuration that enables the mask body 14 to maintain a snug fit over a person's nose when the respirator is worn for extended time periods. Because the nose clip 12 does not need to contain metal, the whole respirator 10 can be easily processed as waste in an incinerator when its service has ended.

Abstract: A composition comprising a fluorinated block copolymer and at least one of an intercalated layered silicate or exfoliated silicate platelets, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A composition comprising exfoliated silicate platelets; a thermoplastic polymer; and a block copolymer and method of making the same.

Abstract: A mixture of layered silicate, block copolymer having at least one block that is compatible with the first layered silicate, and a solvent is sheared while the solvent is removed.