Abstract: The invention relates to electrically conductive compositions comprising polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers and carbon nanofibers. Also disclosed are molded articles comprising the electrically conductive compositions.

Abstract: Cyclic oligomers containing ester linkages are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst having at least one oxygen atom bonded to two metal atoms. At least one of the metal atoms is a tin atom, which is preferably tetravalent, i.e., bonded to three other groups in addition to the oxygen atom. The other metal atom may also be another tin atom, which is again preferably tetravalent, or a zinc, aluminum or titanium atom. The catalyst may contain multiple oxygen atoms that are bonded to two such metal atoms as described. These catalysts are active, efficient polymerization catalysts. They are often liquids at polymerization temperatures. The catalysts can be formed in situ in the polymerization process, which provides additional flexibility in the process and increased storage stability of starting materials.

Abstract: Composites of macrocyclic oligomers and a filler material are made in a masterbatch process. The masterbatch contains at least 15% by weight of the filler material. The filler material is preferably a submicron sized material and is especially a clay or other layered material that can become at least partially exfoliated. The masterbatch can be let down into more of the macrocyclic oligomer, another polymer, another polymerizable material and subjected to polymerization conditions to form a nanocomposite material. Alternatively, the masterbatch can be polymerized to a high or intermediate molecular weight, and then blended with additional oligomer, polymer or other polymerizable material.

Abstract: Clays useful as fillers for preparing nanocomposites are combined with a polymerization catalyst by mixing the clay and the catalyst, generally in the presence of a diluent. The catalyst at least partially intercalates the clay or becomes chemically bonded to the clay. The catalyst-containing clays are then useful for preparing composites of the clay in polymers of a macrocyclic oligomer, by dispersing the clays into the oligomers and subsequently polymerizing the oligomer.

Abstract: Dispersions of filler particles and macrocyclic oligomers are prepared in the presence of a solvent for the macrocyclic oligomer. The use of the solvent facilitates easier and more complete dispersion of the filler particles into the macrocyclic oligomer, improving the efficiency of the filler, reducing thermal degradation of the filler and oligomer, and reducing energy requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article,comprising the following steps: heating a mixture comprising a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising styrene based thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and an effective amount of a water releasing chemical compound, to a temperature at which the water releasing chemical compound releases water, which is above the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer, and releasing the resulting heated mixture to atmospheric conditions. The invention also relates to a foamable polymeric composition as well as to a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article.