Abstract: A blend of nanocomposites is disclosed, with a polyolefin nanocomposite preferably serving as a continuous phase and a polyamide nanocomposite preferably serving as a discontinuous phase. The exfoliated nanoclay in both nanocomposites contributes stiffness, toughness and flame retardancy to the blend. Other optional ingredients include conventional essentially halogen-free flame retardants, intumescent essentially halogen-free flame retardants, and other typical polymer compounding additives. The compound can be processed as a thermoplastic into any practical article needing stiff, tough, and flame retardancy properties.

Abstract: Residual lactam monomer is reduced from compounds containing polyamide by adding a minor amount of polycarbodiimide during melt-mixing.

Abstract: A combination of catalysts is disclosed as useful to promote the transesterification reaction of an epoxidized soyate with a polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: An unhindered polyol is used to react with an epoxidized soyate to make epoxidized soyate diester in the presence of a catalyst. The unhindered polyol can be 1,3-propanediol or any polyol having four or more carbon atoms with no two adjacent carbon atoms having hydroxyl functionality. Preferably, a combination of catalysts is used to promote the transesterification reaction of the epoxidized soyate with the unhindered polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived epoxidized soyate diester plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA) has been overcome by the use of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) 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. Use of an impact modifier further improves the industrial versatility of the heat resistant PLA composition.

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 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: A method and system for oxygen molecule scavenging is disclosed. The system employs as an amphiphilic dendritic polymer as the reducing agent for oxygen molecules in a thermoplastic compound. Clarity of the compound, nearly the same as thermoplastic matrix itself in the compound, is achieved by the addition of an epoxy-functional styrene-acrylate oligomer. Food and beverage containers now made of polyethylene terephthalate can be molded from the compound and have substantially the same haze as the polyethylene terephthalate itself but with the oxygen scavenger to maintain freshness of the food or beverage from oxidation.

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 thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer. 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 is ductile, in comparison to the polyhydroxyalkanoate without the macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polyamide compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a polyamide matrix and zinc sulfide dispersed in the matrix. Optionally, reinforcing filler or a second polymer or both is present. Optionally, thermal carbon black or the combination of thermal carbon black and colorant is present. The compound can be extruded or molded into a heat dissipating article.

Abstract: A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA) has been overcome by the use of styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMAC) to cause an unexpected increase in the heat deflection temperature of the PLA compound, surpassing a delta improvement of 5° C. over the heat deflection temperature of the PLA alone, at 66 psi as measured using ASTM D648 when the blended compound is essentially dried prior to use. The compound also often exceeds a threshold of 65° C. in heat deflection temperature. Use of a compatibilizer and impact modifier further improves the industrial versatility of the heat resistant PLA compound. Alternatively, use of calcium carbonate in the heat resistant PLA compound also is industrially valuable.

Abstract: A heat stabilized polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains metal scavengers to heat stabilize the nanocomposite.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend is disclosed comprising a polyester, a polycarbonate, and a minor amount of a flow enhancer selected from non-sulfonated phosphonium salts. Optionally, impact modifiers and other conventional additives are included.

Abstract: An unhindered polyol is used to react with an epoxidized soyate to make epoxidized soyate diester in the presence of a catalyst. The unhindered polyol can be 1,3-propanediol or any polyol having four or more carbon atoms with no two adjacent carbon atoms having hydroxyl functionality. Preferably, a combination of catalysts is used to promote the transesterification reaction of the epoxidized soyate with the unhindered polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived epoxidized soyate diester plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: A combination of catalysts is disclosed as useful to promote the transesterification reaction of an epoxidized soyate with a polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend is disclosed comprising a polyester, a polycarbonate, and a minor amount of a flow enhancer selected from non-sulfonated phosphonium salts. Optionally, impact modifiers and other conventional additives are included.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer. 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 is ductile, in comparison to the polyhydroxyalkanoate without the macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer.

Abstract: Use of an exothermic additive in a polyphenylene sulfide compound results in an extruded or molded thermoplastic article that is electrically conductive and exothermic when connected to a source of electrical energy. Electronic devices benefit from these articles, particularly where ink must be melted for imaging of commercial graphics on a substrate.

Abstract: Functionalized translucent compounds are disclosed. The functionality appears at surface(s) of articles molded or extruded from thermoplastic compounds containing functionalized surface agents that are reactive physically or chemically with desired chemicals.