Abstract: Low molecular weight polyphenylene ether (PPE) is made from higher molecular weight PPE without using solvents by extruding the higher molecular weight PPE with a phenolic modifier and a redistribution catalyst. The low molecular weight PPE has a Mw/Mn polydispersity greater than about 2 and a Mn ranging from about 10,000 to about 20,000.

Abstract: High temperature nylon compounds that are flame retardant using non-halogenated ingredients are disclosed. Poly phenylene ether, or alternatively the combination of polyphenylene ether and bismaleimides, act as synergists with polyphosphonate to achieve a V-0 rating in a UL 94 test at thicknesses of about 3.18 mm or, preferably, about 1.59 mm.

Abstract: An inkjet ink container is disclosed comprising a polymer compound comprising an oxygen scavenging composition. The oxygen scavenging composition is selected from the group consisting of copolymers of polycondensate segments and oxygen scavenging moiety segments; oxygen scavenging unsaturated polymers; oxygen scavenging dendrimers; molecular hydrogen generators; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An inkjet ink container is disclosed comprising a polymer compound comprising an oxygen scavenging composition. The oxygen scavenging composition is selected from the group consisting of copolymers of polycondensate segments and oxygen scavenging moiety segments; oxygen scavenging unsaturated polymers; oxygen scavenging dendrimers; molecular hydrogen generators; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The reactions are disclosed of furfuryl alcohol in the presence of catalyst with aliphatic diacid esters or aliphatic diacid anhydrides to synthesize diesters and monoesters, respectively. The reaction is disclosed of the monoester in the presence of catalyst with alkanols to synthesize diesters. The two types of diesters and the monoesters are proven to be suitable as plasticizers for polymers, particularly polylactic acid. Thermoplastic compounds are disclosed using the esters as plasticizers.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA), lack of flame retardance, has been overcome by the use of specific combinations of either polycarbonate or polyphosphonate-co-carbonate in combination with non-halogenated flame retardants of polyphosphazene or phosphate ester such as resorcinol bis (diphenyl phosphate) or metal hypophosphite, a drip suppressant, and optionally an inorganic synergist of either zinc borate or talc or both and optionally other ingredients. The compound achieves a UL 94 rating of V-0 or V-1 at 1.6 mm.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA), lack of flame retardance, has been overcome by the use of polyphosphonate-co-carbonate in combination with an impact modifier, a drip suppressant, and optionally, an epoxy functional styrene-acrylate oligomeric chain extender. The compound achieves a UL 94 rating of V-0 or V-1 and a Notched Izod value of more than about 5 ft-lbs/in. The compound also exceeds a threshold of 100° C. in heat deflection temperature.

Abstract: A flame retardant polycarbonate compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polycarbonate and non-halogenated bisphosphate ester as a flame retardant, along with talc, and acrylic modified polytetrafluoroethylene, and optionally, polyphosphazene and/or a potassium salt of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid. The compound can achieve a UL 94 rating of V-0 at two different thicknesses of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A non-halogenated flame retardant thermoplastic compound is disclosed. The compound comprises one or more grafted polyolefin resins, non-halogenated flame retardant, non-halogenated processing aid, a compatibilizer, and, optionally, other additives. The non-halogenated processing aid found to be useful, among several candidates, was a dendritic polymer.

Abstract: A method and system for oxygen molecule scavenging is disclosed. The system employs as a novel copolymer as the reducing agent for oxygen molecules. The copolymer is the polymerization product of cyclic aliphatic monomer and unsaturated functional polymer.

Abstract: A method and system for oxygen molecule scavenging is disclosed. The system employs as a novel terpolymer as the reducing agent for oxygen molecules. The terpolymer is the polymerization product of macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer, unsaturated functional polymer, and epoxy-functional styrene-acrylate oligomer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compounds are disclosed having functional filler of fly ash particles coupled to the thermoplastic resin via a coupling agent. A coupling agent of functional silane grafts on a backbone of the same polymer or a compatible polymer as the thermoplastic resin causes interaction of the fly ash particles with the thermoplastic resin to enhance physical properties, particularly Notched Izod impact resistance at room temperature and at ?40° C. The coupling interface between the fly ash particle and the coupling agent and the thermoplastic resin is so strong that there can be cohesive failure of the fly ash particle before there is adhesive failure of the fly ash particle from the coupling agent in the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A compound of substantially transparent resin and amorphous silica particulate is disclosed. The silica particulate are nanometric size and dispersed throughout in the resin. The compound can be used to make an article to diffuse and transmit light from a point source of light.

Abstract: A non-halogenated flame retardant thermoplastic compound is disclosed. The compound comprises one or more grafted polyolefin resins, non-halogenated flame retardant, non-halogenated processing aid, a compatibilizer, and, optionally, other additives. The non-halogenated processing aid found to be useful, among several candidates, was a dendritic polymer.

Abstract: A crosslinkable bioplasticizer is disclosed, a mixture of an epoxy-functional bio-derived plasticizer and an aromatic dianhydride. When heated, the mixture crosslinks, which can be accelerated by the addition of a Lewis Acid metal catalyst. The crosslinked bioplasticizer can be melt compounded into a thermoplastic resin or can be formed in situ in the thermoplastic resin. The crosslinking of the bioplasticizer can reduce blooming of the bioplasticizer to the surface of a plastic article made by extrusion, molding, calendering, or thermoforming techniques.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA) has been overcome by the use of styrene maleic anhydride copolymer in combination with an epoxy functional styrene-acrylate oligomeric chain extender. The composition also often exceeds a threshold of 65° C. in heat deflection temperature.

Abstract: A flame retardant polycarbonate compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polycarbonate and non-halogenated polyphosphazene as a flame retardant, along with talc, polytetrafluoroethylene, and optionally, a potassium salt of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid. The compound can achieve a UL 94 rating of V-0 at two different thicknesses of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: Reactive extrusion can be used in a continuous, solvent-less preparation of imide oligomers involving two competing reactions among three ingredients, the first reaction between a dianhydride and a diamine and the second reaction between an endcap and the diamine. The imide oligomer can form a composite via conventional production methods or via formation of a film from imide oligomer re-melted in an extruder before being impregnated into tape or fabric.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and an effective amount of a nucleating agent of surface treated precipitated calcium carbonate. Optionally the compound also includes additional polymers and functional additives to modify physical properties of the compound. Molded or extruded plastic articles can be made from the compound. The compound has a crystallization temperature of more than about 108° C.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA), lack of flame retardance, has been overcome by the use of polyphosphonate-co-carbonate in combination with an impact modifier, a drip suppressant, and optionally, an epoxy functional styrene-acrylate oligomeric chain extender. The compound achieves a UL 94 rating of V-0 or V-1 and a Notched Izod value of more than about 5 ft-lbs/in. The compound also exceeds a threshold of 100 C in heat deflection temperature.