Abstract: A polylactide-based polymer or copolymer (PLA) compositions with improved flame retardancy properties as obtained by conventional melt-blending of PLA polyester matrix (1) with both calcium sulfate (2) and organo-modified layered silicates (OMLS) (3). Combination of CaSO4 and OMLS exhibits synergistic effects on PLA flame retardancy by both significantly increasing the time to ignition and decreasing the heat release rate per unit area, and promoting non-dripping properties. Moreover, all other properties of PLA remain almost unchanged or are improved as regards to pristine PLA, especially thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a polysiloxane-based polymer and at least one cylindrical nanofiller as a marine anti-biofouling and/or fouling release coating.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A process for producing polylactide-urethane copolymers, which comprises the step of contacting a polylactide having terminal hydroxyl groups, produced by contacting at least one lactide monomer with a diol or diamine, with a diisocyanate compound optionally in the presence of a second diol or diamine in the presence of a catalytic system under polymerisation conditions characterised in that the polylactide and the polylactide-urethane copolymers are produced by reactive extrusion.

Abstract: System for filling a tank comprising a fill pipe and a pipe head comprising an inlet valve and a moveable stopper in the head under the valve, characterized in that the valve comprises a peripheral part and a central part and in that only the peripheral part is coupled to the stopper and capable of causing the opening and/or unlocking of the latter under the pressure of a large-diameter fill nozzle, the central part being moveable with respect to this peripheral part so as to be able to swing under the action of a smaller-diameter fill nozzle, without acting on the stopper, while being connected to this same peripheral part so as to be entrained and swung with it under the pressure of a large-diameter fill nozzle.

Abstract: A polylactide-urethane copolymer obtainable by a process, which comprises the step of contacting: an ?, ? dihydroxyl polylactide prepolymer of general formula I wherein: X is NH or O, R is an alkyl or an aryl group, n and n? are integer numbers which are substantially the same and which are comprised in the range from 20 to 140, a diisocyanate compound of general formula II O?C?N—R?—N?C?O wherein: R? is an alkyl or an aryl group and an amine or an alcohol of general formula III R??[X?]2 wherein: R? is an alkyl or an aryl group and X? is NH2 or OH with the proviso that at least one of R or R? is an aryl group

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanotubes in a dispersed state. The method comprises a stage whereby polymerization is carried out from at least one so-called monomer of interest, in the presence of a catalytic system. The catalytic system comprises a co-catalyst/catalyst catalytic couple that is supported by a catalyst carrier, which corresponds to said carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to composite materials obtained by said method, and to a catalytic system for implementing said method. The invention further relates to the use of the inventive method and products in a field of polymers, especially that of nanotechnologies.

Abstract: A control module including means for controlling an article, means for regulating at least one parameter of the article control means, and means for driving the article towards the control means. More specifically, the module is movable and includes a releasable means of connection with a fixed frame. Preferably the drive means includes a carousel having at least one cell for housing the article, for example a glass bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanotubes in a dispersed state. The method comprises a stage whereby polymerization is carried out from at least one so-called monomer of interest, in the presence of a catalytic system. The catalytic system comprises a cocatalyst/catalyst catalytic couple that is supported by a catalyst carrier, which corresponds to said carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to composite materials obtained by said method, and to a catalytic system for implementing said method. The invention further relates to the use of the inventive method and products in the field of polymers, especially that of nanotechnologies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fireproof composition consisting of reticulated polysiloxane and raw carbon nanotubes with a “bound rubber” value greater than or equal to 15 grams of carbon nanotube, said carbon nanotubes representing between 0.05 and 1% of the total weight of said composition.

Abstract: A polymerization process to derive a thermal-stabilized poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and cyclic ester monomer copolymer using a coordination-insertion catalyst/initiator. 1,4-dioxan-2-one and cyclic ester monomer, each containing less than 100-ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, are copolymerized. Preferably the cyclic ester monomer is ?-caprolactone and the reaction is in an extruder.

Abstract: High-performance inorganic filled thermoplastic polyester composites are provided, and the process for preparing thereof. Biodegradable inorganic filled thermoplastic polyester composites are provided by reactive melt-blending of biodegradable thermoplastic polyesters with inorganic fillers using a reactive extrusion processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating an electricity transport conductor, in particular for overhead power lines, that are to operate at an operating temperature greater than or equal to 200° C., and comprising at least one composite central core 1 made of continuous fibers impregnated with an epoxy resin matrix, the core being covered in at least one layer of insulating material 2, and conductor wires 3 of aluminum or aluminum alloy being wound around the core. According to the invention, said insulating material is compatible with said operating temperature and is put into place on said core 1 without subsequent heating.

Abstract: The present invention is related to nanocomposites comprising polymers, carbon nanotubes and layered silicate nanoparticles. The present invention also concerns methods for obtaining said nanocomposites as well as their uses.

Abstract: A chemically modified plasticized starch (CMPS) is prepared by reacting starch with an organic dibasic acid or an anhydride of the acid in the presence of a plasticizer using optional free radical initiators, and optionally with the incorporation of nano clays in the reactive extrusion process. The starch is thermoplastic and has a lower viscosity than the traditional thermoplastic starch. The CMPS is useful in preparing starch polymer compositions which are at least partially biodegradable.

Abstract: A chemically modified plasticized starch (CMPS) is prepared by reacting starch with an organic dibasic acid or an anhydride of the acid in the presence of a plasticizer using optional free radical initiators, and optionally with the incorporation of nano clays in the reactive extrusion process. The starch is thermoplastic and has a lower viscosity than the traditional thermoplastic starch. The CMPS is useful in preparing starch polymer compositions which are at least partially biodegradable.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A polymerization process to derive a thermal-stabilized poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and cyclic ester monomer copolymer using a coordination-insertion catalyst/initiator. 1,4-dioxan-2-one and cyclic ester monomer, each containing less than 100-ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, are copolymerized. Preferably the cyclic ester monomer is ?-caprolactone and the reaction is in an extruder.

Abstract: The mechanism for transmission of axial and rotative movements between two portions of a stem with offset axes, includes a movable assembly movable axially. The section portion of the stem carries a second pinion and is pivoted on said movable assembly but it is axially secured to, this movable assembly. The first portion of the stem is pivoted on the movable assembly but axially secured to this latter and is secured to a first pinion, one or an uneven number of reverser(s), pivoted on the movable assembly kinematically connects the first pinion to the second pinion.