Abstract: A method of forming a toughened article from a blend of a thermosetting polymer and a comb copolymer is disclosed, along with the toughened thermoset article produced thereby. Compositions including a thermosetting polymer and a comb copolymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a method of preparing a capstock layer that includes a comb copolymer; a method of preparing a multi-layered polymeric composite, one layer of which is a capstock layer; and a capstock layer and a multi-layered composite formed, respectively, thereby.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions comprising (a) adhesive polymers or copolymers prepared from monomers selected from the group consisting of styrene, butadiene, acrylonitrile, ethylene, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and esters of methacrylic acid or combinations thereof; and (b) from 1 to 55% on a dry weight basis of a polymeric additive comprising a low molecular weight polymer having a number average molecular weight of 20,000 or less and which comprises polymerized units of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and 5 weight percent or less of a polymerized acid-containing monomer. In preferred form, the polymeric additive is polymerized in the presence of a metal chelate chain transfer agent. In certain embodiments, the polymeric additive has a midpoint Tg of at least 0° C. or greater. Further embodiments of the present invention include methods for forming the polymeric additive in situ in the adhesive composition.

Abstract: A programmable seat back damper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a generally horizontal seat cushion portion and a generally upright back portion operatively connected to the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly includes a recliner for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly also includes a damper for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion and having a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid therein. The programmable seat back damper assembly further includes a controller electrically connected to the damper to control an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid to increase and decrease damping of the damper for adjusting an angle of the seat back portion relative to the seat cushion portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to products, including preservative systems and compositions (e.g., foods, beverages, health care products, personal care products, herbicidal products, and containment devices). The products comprise a constituent comprising an isothiocyanate compound. The products may further comprise a preservative selected from sorbate preservatives, benzoate preservatives, and mixtures thereof. The present invention further relates to methods of preserving products comprising incorporating the foregoing preservative systems into such products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable coating and a method for preparing that removable coating. The method comprises applying to a surface of a substrate a removable coating composition including an aqueous dispersion of film forming polymer and amphoteric surfactant having isoelectric point at pH=3 to pH=8.

Abstract: A programmable seat back damper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a generally horizontal seat cushion portion and a generally upright back portion operatively connected to the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly includes a recliner for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly also includes a damper for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion and having a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid therein.

Abstract: A cleansing preparation is provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil phase particles have a median particle diameter by volume of not more than 1 &mgr;m, and a preservative is present in at least the aqueous phase. A method is described of making this preparation, in which a coarse emulsion is formed, the coarse emulsion is homogenized, and the homogenized emulsion is diluted by an aqueous dilution liquid containing the preservative. Cleansing articles, for example baby wipes can be made in which a substrate carries the cleansing preparation.

Abstract: A cleansing preparation is provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil phase particles have a median particle diameter by volume of not more than 1 .mu.m, and a preservative is present in at least the aqueous phase. A method is described of making this preparation, in which a coarse emulsion is formed, the coarse emulsion is homogenized, and the homogenized emulsion is diluted by an aqueous dilution liquid containing the preservative. Cleansing articles, for example baby wipes can be made in which a substrate carries the cleansing preparation.

Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component having a pH greater than 4.5. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.

Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.

Abstract: Gift free coating with improved tannin stain blocking, nicotine stain blocking, efflorescencee resistance, and water spot resistance are disclosed. Pre-treated ion exchange resins are incorporated into the coating compositions to achieve the improvements.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition includes from about 30 weight percent to about 70 weight percent solids in an aqueous medium. The solids include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of from about -25.degree. C. to about -85.degree. C. and having an acid number of from about 3 to about 30 and from about 0.75 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a humectant per 100 parts polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making an improved thermally insulated microwave silicate foam susceptor. The process for making the improved microwave susceptor comprises the following steps:a) preparing pourable aqueous alkali metal dielectric sodium silicate slurry,b) pouring said slurry into a smooth surface substrate mold,c) heating said poured slurry at an effective elevated temperature to foam the slurry in said mold;d) drying said foam at an effective elevated temperature to provide said dry silicate foam substrate having a substantially smooth surface;e) coating at least a portion of said substantially smooth surface with an effective amount of a flowable microwave active material coating (MAC) and drying said flowable coating at an effective temperature to form a dry layer of said MAC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave silicate foam susceptor which comprises a dry sodium silicate foam substrate coated with an effective amount of microwave active material. The silicate is preferably a sodium silicate, but can be other suitable alkali metal silicate, and the active constituent is preferably graphite, but other actives can be used. The susceptor of the present invention is capable of quickly reaching and more importantly maintaining extremely high temperatures. This enables it to brown and crispen foods in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition includes from about 30 weight percent to about 70 weight percent solids in an aqueous medium. The solids include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of from about -25.degree. C. to about -85.degree. C. and having an acid number of from about 3 to about 30 and from about 0.75 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a humectant per 100 parts polymer.

Abstract: A beverage such as a dilute juice or tea beverage having a stable flavor/cloud emulsion which contains from about 0.005 to about 0.04% gellan gum, from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm of a preservative selected from sorbic acid, benzoic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof, from about 300 ppm to about 3000 ppm of a food grade water soluble polyphosphate, and from about 60 to about 99% by weight of added water having from 0 ppm to about 180 ppm of hardness.