Abstract: An article, suitable for use as a body implant, is made from a novel composition comprising a multiple phase polymer composition comprising:(a) a first phase which comprises a substantially nonhydrophilic polymeric component; and(b) a second phase which comprises a hydrophilic polymeric component;said composition (i) being capable of absorbing water to an extent that it softens with a softening ratio of at least about 2:1 and/or swells with a swelling ratio of at least about 1.3:1; and (ii) when substantially completely hydrated has an energy to break of at least about 700 N-cm/cm.sup.3 and a 2.5% Secant modulus of less than about 7,000 N/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: An article, suitable for use as a body implant, is made from a novel composition comprising a multiple phase polymer composition comprising:(a) a first phase which comprises a substantially non-hydrophilic polymeric component; and(b) a second phase which comprises a hydrophilic polymeric component;said composition (i) being capable of absorbing water to an extent that it softens with a softening ratio of at least about 2:1 and/or swells with a swelling ratio of at least about 1.3:1; and (ii) when substantially completely hydrated has an energy to break of at least about 700 N-cm/cm.sup.3 and a 2.5% Secant modulus of less than about 7,000 N/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions comprising 7-28%, preferably 12 to 25%, of a thermoplastic olefin polymer, 1-10%, preferably 2 to 6%, of a siloxane polymer containing 2-70% of siloxane units and at least 20% by weight of carbonate, urethane or amide units, and 69 to 90%, preferably 72 to 83%, of an elastomer. The olefin polymer can for example be polyethylene, polypropylene, or a polar ethylene copolymer. The elastomer can be a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, or a styrene/butadiene copolymer. The compositions are particularly useful in the medical field, for example in the form of tubing.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions comprising 5-60%, preferably 12 to 40%, of a thermoplastic olefin polymer, 1-10%, preferably 2 to 6%, of a siloxane polymer and 30-94%, preferably 58 to 86%, of an elastomer. The olefin polymer can be polyethylene or a polar ethylene copolymer. The siloxane polymer can contain polycarbonate blocks. The elastomer can be an amorphous polyamide of low crystallinity, a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, or a styrene/butadiene copolymer. The compositions are particularly useful in the medical field, for example in the form of tubing.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a selectively hydrogenation monoalkenyl arene-diene block copolymer resin and an aromatic polycarbonate, and (c) a mineral filler and, optionally, (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) and mineral filler (c) provide enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Polyamides comprising substantial amounts of Nylon-11 and/or Nylon-12 units are cross-linked by irradiation in the presence of an unsaturated cross-linking agent, preferably triallyl isocyanurate. The cross-linked products are particularly useful in the form of heat-recoverable shaped articles, e.g. heat-shrinkable tubing.

Abstract: Normally flammable polyester resins (a) are rendered flame-retardant with reduced blooming or plate out tendencies and without loss in toughness or other properties in combination with (b) a flame retardant amount of decabromodiphenyl ether and (c) a flame-retardant synergist compound, by including a small amount of (d) an olefin polymer and/or an olefin copolymer. The compositions, which are useful per se for molding, extrusion, and the like, are, in addition, described in impact modified resin compositions and filled and/or reinforced modifications.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester molding compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising at least one member of the group consisting of cis-polybutadiene, poly(butadiene-acrylonitrile), and poly(isoprene-isobutylene), and, optionally: (c) one or more poly(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkylene phthalate) resins; (d) an aromatic polycarbonate as supplementary modifier for improving the resistance of articles molded from the composition to fracture on impact; (e) polyethylene as carrier for said component (b); (f) one or more fillers and/or reinforcing agents; and (g) a flame retardant.

Abstract: Polybutylene terephthalate molding compositions which contain a small amount of ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or a mixture of these copolymers, and optionally polyethylene, provide moldings which in preferred embodiments possess improved impact resistance and lower specific gravity, without more than negligible loss of other properties. Other conventional modifiers can be present.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a block poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) ester copolymer or blend thereof with a linear polyester and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of an acrylic or methacrylic grafted polymer of a conjugated diene, alone or in combination with a vinyl aromatic and an aromatic polycarbonate. The compositions can include (c) reinforcing glass fibers and/or (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin, (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of an acrylic or methacrylic monomer grafted polymer of a conjugated diene alone or combined with a vinyl aromatic and an aromatic polycarbonate, and (c) a mineral filler selected from clay, mica and/or talc alone or combined with glass fibers and, optionally, (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) and mineral filler (c) provide enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer resin of a vinyl aromatic monomer (A) and a conjugated diene (B) of the A-B type, and an aromatic polycarbonate, and, optionally (c) filler and/or reinforcing agent and/or (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester compolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a polyacrylate resin and an aromatic polycarbonate, and, optionally (c) filler and/or reinforcing agent and/or (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly-(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a linear or branched rubbery polyester end blocked copolymer of a vinyl aromatic and a conjugated diene and/or a polyester end blocked homopolymer of a conjugated diene or vinyl aromatic and an aromatic polycarbonate, and optionally (c) filler and/or reinforcing agent and/or (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin in combination with a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and/or a polyester copolymer and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a selectively hydrogenated monoalkenyl arene-diene block copolymer resin and an aromatic polycarbonate. The compositions can include (c) reinforcing glass fibers and/or (d) a flame retardant. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture, increased strength and improved resistance to heat distortion in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytically-induced preparation of phosphazene polymers. Cyclic halophosphazenes are polymerized in the presence of a catalytically sufficient amount of a compound having the formula M(OR').sub.x where M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, x is equal to the valence of the metal and R' is C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 substituted linear or branched alkyl, the substituent selected from the group consisting of nitro, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl and C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, or N.sub.3 P.sub.3 Cl.sub.z (OR').sub.6-z wherein R' is as defined above and z equals 0 to 5.

Abstract: A novel process has been developed for the molecular-weight modification of polyphosphazenes. Poly(aryloxyphosphazenes) are thermally treated in an inert atmosphere or vacuum at temperatures from 100.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. so as to yield materials having reduced molecular weights, improved processability, and enhanced thermal stability.

Abstract: Flame-retardant and low-smoke plasticized polyphosphazenes are disclosed. The plasticizers are substituted cyclotriphosphazenes and cyclotetraphosphazenes.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytically-induced preparation of phosphazene polymers. Cyclic halophosphazenes are polymerized in the presence of a catalytically sufficient amount of a compound having the formula M(OR').sub.x where M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, x is equal to the valence of the metal and R' is C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 substituted linear or branched alkyl, the substituent selected from the group consisting of nitro, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl and C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, or N.sub.3 P.sub.3 Cl.sub.z (OR').sub.6-z wherein R' is as defined above and z equals 0 to 5.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytically-induced preparation of phosphazene polymers. Cyclic halophosphazenes are polymerized in the presence of a catalytically sufficient amount of a Lewis acid catalyst.