Abstract: A polymeric material that includes a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer and a siloxane component is provided. The siloxane component contains an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxane polymer that is dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined within the thermoplastic composition that includes a plurality of nanopores.

Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.

Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.

Abstract: A flushable tampon applicator product includes an outer tube for housing a tampon; an inner tube, at least a portion of which extends into the outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes an outer, body-contacting surface, wherein the inner tube is moveable relative to the outer tube and configured to expel a tampon from the outer tube, and wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube comprises a thermoplastic composition including partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein at least one of the outer tube and the inner tube is a molded part; and a wrapper material configured for storage under high and low moisture storage conditions, the wrapper material having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 g/100 in2/day.

Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix or polyethylene. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test. The PVOH has a hydrolysis of 87% to 89%.

Abstract: A method for forming an injection-molded part includes applying a coating to a mold cavity; maintaining a water-dispersible, thermoplastic composition at a temperature between 170° C. and 190° C., wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate of from 40 grams per 10 minutes to 160 grams per 10 minutes when subjected to a load of 2160 grams at a temperature of 190° C. according to ASTM Test Method D1238-E; injecting the thermoplastic composition into the mold cavity; shaping the thermoplastic composition into a molded part within the mold cavity; and maintaining the mold temperature at less than 20° C.

Abstract: A polymeric material that includes a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer and a siloxane component is provided. The siloxane component contains an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxane polymer that is dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined within the thermoplastic composition that includes a plurality of nanopores.

Abstract: A water-dispersible injection-moldable composition includes a water-dispersible polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), plasticizer, and a hydrophobic polymeric component, wherein the composition has a melt flow index of 5-180. The water-dispersible polymer can be partially-hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The hydrophobic polymeric component can be a colorant within an ethylene matrix, polyethylene, a degradation product of glycerin/PVOH, erucamide, or poly(dimethyl siloxane). The plasticizer can be glycerin. The composition is flushable according to Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products (INDA and EDANA, 2006); Test FG 522.2 Tier 2—Slosh Box Disintegration Test.

Abstract: Eyewear containing a frame assembly for supporting a lens is provided. At least a portion of the frame assembly contains a polymeric material that is formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. A microinclusion additive and nanoinclusion additive are dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains, and a porous network is defined in the material.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member that contains a porous polymeric material is provided. The polymeric material is formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer and within which a microinclusion additive and nanoinclusion additive are dispersed in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined in the material that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of about 800 nanometers or less.

Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having side seams which include a front ear passively bonded to a back ear, wherein the front ear is releasable from the back ear desirably without tearing or damaging the back ear. The tearable front ear has a basis weight less than a basis weight of the back ear.

Abstract: A method of simulating a dynamic force event comprises rotating a cam about an axis according to a rotational speed profile and biasing a follower against a surface of the cam as the cam rotates so that the follower moves on the surface and imparts a braking force against the surface. The method further measures the braking force on the rotating cam with a measurement device operatively connected to the cam, the braking force varying according to the friction between the cam surface and follower moving against one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method of calibrating a testing machine measures a braking force resisting movement of a first body over time to produce a simulated dynamic force response of the first body and compares it with a standard dynamic force response to calibrate the testing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a dynamic force response that simulates a dynamic force typically generated by an experimental event. A cam having a profile, such as a serrated profile, rotates about an axis according to a rotational speed profile. A braking device operatively connects to the cam, such as a follower biased against the cam, for generating a braking force resisting rotation of the cam. A measurement device measures the braking force on the cam to generate the dynamic force response.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a dynamic force response that simulates a dynamic force typically generated by an experimental event. A cam having a profile, such as a serrated profile, rotates about an axis according to a rotational speed profile. A braking device operatively connects to the cam, such as a follower biased against the cam, for generating a braking force resisting rotation of the cam. A measurement device measures the braking force on the cam to generate the dynamic force response.

Abstract: A method of simulating a dynamic force event comprises rotating a cam about an axis according to a rotational speed profile and biasing a follower against a surface of the cam as the cam rotates so that the follower moves on the surface and imparts a braking force against the surface. The method further measures the braking force on the rotating cam with a measurement device operatively connected to the cam, the braking force varying according to the friction between the cam surface and follower moving against one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method of calibrating a testing machine measures a braking force resisting movement of a first body over time to produce a simulated dynamic force response of the first body and compares it with a standard dynamic force response to calibrate the testing machine.

Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having side seams which include a front ear passively bonded to a back ear, wherein the front ear is releasable from the back ear desirably without tearing or damaging the back ear. The tearable front ear has a basis weight less than a basis weight of the back ear.