Abstract: An extrudable composition comprised of waste polyolefins and an alkali metal bicarbonate salt/solid, saturated fatty acid foaming agent system, and a method for extruding such extrudable composition wherein the fatty acid/bicarbonate foaming agent system foams the waste polyolefins during the extrusion to produce end products which have qualities closely simulating natural lumber suitable for use as construction materials.

Abstract: Films containing LLDPE having a high modulus and good tear strength for the high modulus and improved processing conditions are obtained by blending minor amounts of polystyrene or other aromatic polymer, and polypropylene with the LLDPE.

Abstract: Linear low density copolymers (LLDPE) are blended with up to about 10 weight percent of an aromatic polymer, e.g., polystyrene or poly(para-methylstyrene), to give films having improved MD tear strength or equivalent MD tear strength and higher stiffness compared to the LLDPE alone. Also, extruder torque is lower and bubble stability is greater in blown film extrusion with the blends as well as in blends in which medium or high density polyethylene is used instead of the LLDPE.

Abstract: Polymeric blends comprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the major constituent (60 percent or more), and polypropylene (PP) or ethylene-propylene copolymer having a high propylene content and ethylene-propylene rubber as minor constituents exhibit improved stiffness, tear and impact strength compared to blends of LLDPE and PP. The blends are suitable for use in the films.

Abstract: Linear low density copolymers (LLDPE) are blended with up to about 10 weight percent of an aromatic polymer, e.g., polystyrene or poly(para-methylstyrene), to give films having improved MD tear strength or equivalent MD tear strength and higher stiffness compared to the LLDPE alone. Also, extruder torque is lower and bubble stability is greater in blown film extrusion with the blends as well as in blends in which medium or high density polyethylene is used instead of the LLDPE.

Abstract: The drop in melt index observed when linear polyethylenes are melt processed is reduced by adding a small amount, e.g., about 0.01 to 2 weight percent of an aromatic sulfonhydrazide such as p-toluenesulfonhydrazide.

Abstract: Melt strength of polyethylene and ethylene-higher olefin copolymers during processing is improved by pretreating the polymer in melt form at a temperature of at least 230.degree. C. in the presence of an organic peroxide for a period of time equal to at least three times the half-life of the organic peroxide at the melt temperature.

Abstract: Polymeric blends comprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the major constituent (60 percent or more), and polypropylene (PP) or ethylene-propylene copolymer having a high propylene content and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber as minor constituents exhibit improved stiffness, tear and impact strength compared to blends of LLDPE and PP. The blends are suitable for use in films.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a cross-laminated plastic film by (1) forming flat, composite, coextruded film having a higher melting layer and a lower melting layer, (2) orienting the composite film on a bias and (3) contacting lower melting surfaces of the film at temperatures at which the surfaces adhere to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a mailable film comprising means for pulling the film through at least one pair of multi-directional orientation rollers having helical grooves thereby imparting a random multi-directional orientation to the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the forming of cross-laminated thermoplastic film, particularly from a supply roll of a layflat, highly melt-oriented tubular thermoplastic film. The layflat tubular film is advanced while concurrently being rotated about its longitudinal axis to thereby generate a compound linear and rotary motion, inflated and slit by a heated wire or laser beam on a bias to provide at least two layers of film strips which are adapted to be superimposed and laminated with the orientation of one layer being biased relative to the other layer so as to provide a cross-laminated thermoplastic film evidencing high strength in both the machine direction and the transverse direction of the film web.

Abstract: A process for orienting a malleable film comprising pulling the film through at least one pair of multi-directional orientation rollers thereby imparting a random multi-directional orientation to the film.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a low density polymer shrink wrap which comprises uniaxially cold-orienting and irradiating a film formed from a low density ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, and then forming a wrap by sealing a portion of the film along a seam which runs generally perpendicular to the direction of the orientation.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a uniaxially oriented plastic film material having improved strength and clarity in the direction of orientation with unexpected improvement in strength in the transverse (unoriented) direction. Preferred film materials of homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene having a density of 0.915 to 0.935 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: This invention provides cross-linked, flame retarded poly(p-methylstyrene) foam insulation. It also provides a method for preparing it, that comprises incorporating a flame retarding amount of flame retardant material into poly(p-methylstyrene), foaming the resultant composition, and cross-linking.

Abstract: Polymers of p-methyl styrene can be cross-linked with chemical cross-linking agents, such as peroxides, to produce insoluble products. The methyl styrene used has a high content of the para-isomer. An important end use is for rigid food or beverage containers subjected to thermal conditions.

Abstract: A 30-60% solution of acrylonitrile in dimethyl sulfoxide is polymerized using a redox catalyst system of water soluble bisulfite salt and a water soluble persulfate salt.

Abstract: There are provided shaped articles, such as trays and food containers, thermoformed from oriented poly (p-methylstyrene) sheet, oriented foamed poly (p-methylstyrene) film with oriented poly (p-methylstyrene) foam or polystyrene foam, that have been cross-linked by exposure to radiation. Such articles are resistant to fats and fatty foods contained therein can be placed in microwave ovens without destruction by hot, melted fats. The articles can also withstand conventional oven temperatures.