Abstract: A solar cell base layer surrounded by a layer of protective material that has a softening temperature which is useable in post processing of the solar cell in a thermoforming environment.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced thermoset composites are recycled by forming them into a particulate and combining the particles with a polyolefin to produce a reinforced polyolefin. A functionalized polyolefin is present in the reinforced material. The presence of the functionalized polyolefin leads to a significant increase in the reinforcing efficacy of the thermoset composite particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method to make a spray skin from an aqueous polyolefin dispersion composition comprising a an olefin block copolymer, a dispersing agent, preferably an ethylene acrylic acid, and water, wherein said aqueous dispersion preferably has a pH less than 12 and is derived from the melt blending. The method comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous polyolefin dispersion onto a heated mold forming the skin and then allowing it to dry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filled polymeric compositions, such as filled TPO compositions, having improved aesthetics, and to polymeric masterbatches which may be used to prepare the improved filled TPO compositions. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing the filled TPO compositions which eliminates a compounding step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filled polymeric compositions, such as filled TPO compositions, having improved aesthetics, and to polymeric masterbatches which may be used to prepare the improved filled TPO compositions. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing the filled TPO compositions which eliminates a compounding step.

Abstract: An improved process for crosslinking a polyolefin polymer is described. The process involves grafting a silane material onto the polyolefin based polymer in the presence of a free radical generating initiator material and then hydrolyzing the silane material to form crosslinks. By using an effective molar ratio of silane material to free radical of 40 or greater in the grafting reaction, premature crosslinking is controlled and the grafted polymer can be shaped first and then crosslinked. In another aspect of the invention, the crosslinking process is improved by adding a catalyst for the hydrolysis catalyst to the surface of a shaped article made from the grafted polymer. Grafted polymer and articles made from the grafted polymer, particularly fibers, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Composites of a macrocyclic oligomer and expanded graphite particles are prepared. The expanded graphite particles are easily incorporated into the composite at useful levels to provide desirable properties such as good heat distortion temperatures, good heat resistance, and sufficient electroconductivity to make the composite suitable for painting in electrostatic coating processes. The expanded graphite is characterized in having a very low bulk density and high surface area.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers comprising a) a polymer derived from a macrocyclic oligomer; b) clay platelets; and c) the residue of one or more onium compounds having at least one ligand with a C5 or greater carbon chain and at least one ligand containing one or more functional groups having one or more active hydrogen atoms wherein the functional group is reactive with the macrocyclic oligomer and/or functional groups formed when the macrocyclic oligomer decyclizes wherein a portion of one or more of the onium compounds is ironically bound to the clay platelet and covalently bonded to the polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: An improved process for crosslinking a polyolefin polymer is described. The process involves grafting a silane material onto the polyolefin based polymer in the presence of a free radical generating initiator material and then hydrolyzing the silane material to form crosslinks. By using an effective molar ratio of silane material to free radical of 40 or greater in the grafting reaction, premature crosslinking is controlled and the grafted polymer can be shaped first and then crosslinked. In another aspect of the invention, the crosslinking process is improved by adding a catalyst for the hydrolysis catalyst to the surface of a shaped article made from the grafted polymer. Grafted polymer and articles made from the grafted polymer, particularly fibers, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Composites of macrocyclic oligomers and a filler material are made in a masterbatch process. The masterbatch contains at least 15% by weight of the filler material. The filler material is preferably a submicron sized material and is especially a clay or other layered material that can become at least partially exfoliated. The masterbatch can be let down into more of the macrocyclic oligomer, another polymer, another polymerizable material and subjected to polymerization conditions to form a nanocomposite material. Alternatively, the masterbatch can be polymerized to a high or intermediate molecular weight, and then blended with additional oligomer, polymer or other polymerizable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.