Abstract: Described herein are polymeric composites that can include a kaolin filler dispersed within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The kaolin filler can exhibit an aspect ratio of from 20 to 50, as measured by laser scattering, a mean particle size of from 0.75 microns to 2 microns e.s.d., as measured by Sedigraph, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the kaolin filler exhibits a ratio of aspect ratio to mean particle size ranges from 4 to 5, as measured by laser scattering. In some embodiments, less than 30% by weight of the kaolin filler exhibits a particle size of less than 0.5 microns e.s.d., as measured by Sedigraph. The composites can exhibit improved mechanical properties such as flexural strength, tensile strength, and heat deflection temperature. The composites can be used to form articles, for example, by thermoforming.

Abstract: Described herein are polymeric composites that can include a kaolin filler dispersed within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The kaolin filler can exhibit an aspect ratio of from 20 to 50, as measured by laser scattering, a mean particle size of from 0.75 microns to 2 microns e.s.d., as measured by Sedigraph, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the kaolin filler exhibits a ratio of aspect ratio to mean particle size ranges from 4 to 5, as measured by laser scattering. In some embodiments, less than 30% by weight of the kaolin filler exhibits a particle size of less than 0.5 microns e.s.d., as measured by Sedigraph. The composites can exhibit improved mechanical properties such as flexural strength, tensile strength, and heat deflection temperature. The composites can be used to form articles, for example, by thermoforming.

Abstract: An agricultural burner device produces a flame from the combustion of liquid propane and is used to control weeds, insects, vines, micro-organisms, and the like. The burner devices are typically mounted on the draw bar of an agricultural implement, and are arranged in pairs to effectively treat the area of a row crop adjacent to the base of the crop plant during movement of the implement. An auxiliary burner mechanism is attached to the burner device for desiccation of vines.

Abstract: L-Tryptophan is applied to foodstuff to prevent the development of mutagens/carcinogens. Before the cooking of a foodstuff such as hamburger, L-Tryptophan is applied to the surfaces thereof to inhibit, for example, the generation of IQ type carcinogens. The L-Tryptophan can be sprinkled on the surface of the foodstuff or incorporated into a sauce which is applied to the foodstuff or put into solution in water or the like.Other non-toxic indoles such as L-proline have identical properties in specifically blocking the formation of heterocyclic amino type mutagens and carcinogens, as do mixtures of L-tryptophan and L-proline.

Abstract: L-Tryptophan is applied to foodstuff to prevent the development of mutagens/carcinogens. Before the cooking of a foodstuff such as hamburger, L-Tryptophan is applied to the surfaces thereof to inhibit, for example, the generation of IQ type carcinogens. The L-Tryptophan can be sprinkled on the surface of the foodstuff or incorporated into a sauce which is applied to the foodstuff or put into solution in water or the like.