Abstract: Methods for devolatilizing polymer solutions have been invented which include, in certain aspects, dissolving a viscous polymer in a solvent forming a polymer-solvent solution, introducing the polymer-solvent solution into a thermal dryer, heating or cooling the polymer-solvent solution in the thermal dryer forming product polymer with solvent removed and separated solvent (which may include other residuals), the separated solvent with other residuals if present vaporizing in the thermal dryer forming a vapor, removing the vapor from the thermal dryer, and discharging product polymer from the thermal dryer.

Abstract: A trimpiece for a pickup truck tailgate includes a base for mounting on an upper/outer edge of the tailgate and a lip projecting upwardly from the base. The base and the lip form a shoulder located above the base and behind the lip with the tailgate in its closed position. The lip is adapted to interlock with a rear flange of a tonneau cover mounted on the pickup truck bed. With the tonneau cover and the tailgate in their closed positions, the tonneau cover rear flange is received in the shoulder and interlocks with the trimpiece lip for securing the tailgate in its closed position. The tonneau cover and the tailgate in their closed positions thus provide a secure enclosure for the pickup truck bed and its contents.