Abstract: A process for making ultra-fine particles of a high performance polymer in a yield greater than 90%, which includes dissolving the high performance polymer in an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer to form a solution; emulsifying the solution by combining the solution with water and a surfactant to form an emulsion; transferring the emulsion into a receiving water containing a surfactant to remove the organic solvent and form a slurry; and recovering particles of less than 75 microns in diameter in a yield greater than 90%.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions having miscible and compatible immiscible polymer blends are disclosed. The miscible polymer blends have a single glass transition temperature. The compatible polymer blends have two glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: A method including the steps of extruding a melt including an amorphous polymer composition through a spinneret under a pressure of from 400 to 1500 psi to produce a spun fiber; collecting the spun fiber on a feeding roll without drawing the spun fiber; producing a solidified fiber from the spun fiber. The solidified fiber can have a dpf within a range of from greater than 0 to 2.5 dpf, and a shrinkage less than or equal to 2%. The method can also include collecting the solidified fiber onto a spool without subjecting the solidified fiber to a drawing step. A spinneret for producing fibers of at most 2.5 dpf from a composition comprising an amorphous polyetherimide polymer, the spinneret comprising a die having a plurality of round melt channels but no distribution plates. Fibers produced by the method and from the spinneret are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermoplastic compositions comprising a polycarbonate copolymer, the polycarbonate copolymer comprising first repeating carbonate units and second repeating units selected from carbonate units that are different from the first carbonate units, polysiloxane units, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing unit; and an organophosphorus flame retardant in an amount effective to provide 0.1 to 1.0 wt % phosphorus based on the total weight of the composition, wherein an article molded from the composition has a smoke density after 4 minutes (Ds-4) of less than or equal to 600 determined according to ISO 5659-2 on a 3 mm thick plaque, and a material heat release of less than or equal to 160 kW/m2 determined according to ISO 5660-1 on a 3 mm thick plaque.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a poly(carbonate-arylate ester); and an organophosphorus compound in an amount effective to provide 0.1 to 1.0 wt % phosphorus based on the total weight of the composition, wherein an article molded from the composition has a smoke density after four minutes (Ds-4) of less than or equal to 300 determined according to ISO 5659-2 on a 3 mm thick plaque and a maximum average rate of heat release emission (MAHRE) of less than or equal to 90 kW/m2 determined according to ISO 5660-1 on a 3 mm thick plaque.

Abstract: A low smoke density thermoplastic composition comprising, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition, 70 to 95 wt % of a polycarbonate copolymer comprising first repeating units and second repeating units, wherein the first repeating units are not the same as the second repeating units, and wherein the first repeating units are bisphenol carbonate units of the formula wherein Ra and Rb are each independently C1-12 alkyl, C1-12 alkenyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, or C1-12 alkoxy, p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and Xa is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —C(O)—, a C1-11 alkylidene of formula —C(Rc)(Rd)— wherein Rc and Rd are each independently hydrogen or C1-10 alkyl, or a group of the formula —C(?Re)— wherein Re is a divalent C1-10 hydrocarbon group; and the second repeating units comprise bisphenol carbonate units that are not the same as the first repeating bisphenol carbonate units, siloxane units, arylate ester units, or a combination of arylate ester units and siloxane units; and

Abstract: Processes and compositions for cleaning mixing devices are disclosed that improve the production and quality of polycarbonate resins subsequently produced in the mixing device, while reducing the time needed for cleaning and/or change over. A cleaning mixture comprising polycarbonate resin pellets coated with an alkyl aryl sulfonate salt aqueous solution are used to purge the mixing device.

Abstract: Processes for preparing high purity polycarbonates having high light transmission, low yellowness, and color stability are disclosed herein. High purity starting ingredients are used to form a polycarbonate powder. The polycarbonate powder can be subsequently melt extruded at an optimum shear rate to minimize yellowness and the need to add colorant to overcome the yellowness. The lower amount of colorant increases the light transmission of the resulting polycarbonate resin.

Abstract: Processes and compositions for cleaning mixing devices are disclosed that improve the production and quality of thermoplastic polymer resins subsequently produced in the mixing device, while reducing the time needed for cleaning and/or change over. A cleaning mixture comprising polymeric resin pellets having a Rockwell R hardness of 85 to 140 externally coated with an aqueous solution containing sulfonate salts, alkyl aryl sulfonate salts, alkyl sulfate salts, C6 to C36 carboxylic acid salts, or mixtures thereof, is used to purge the mixing device. The surfactant salt is present in the aqueous solution at 0.2 to 30 wt % of the solution, the aqueous solution having a pH of 6.0 to 9.0.

Abstract: A plastic article is described having a substrate of a substantially transparent substrate having a thickness of from 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, and including a thermoplastic composition comprising a polycarbonate and having a melt flow index as defined by ASTM D1238 of 10 g/10 min. to 50 g/10 min. at 300° C. and a 1.2 kg load, the thermoplastic composition including a polycarbonate, the thermoplastic composition comprising 20 mol % to 80 mol % of specified cyclohexylidene-bridged carbonate units and 80 mol % to 20 mol % of specified other carbonate units. The substrate has a hard coat thereon that provides the article with a pencil hardness of at least 5H as determined according to JIS K5400 using a 0.75 kgf load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a liquid level in an electrolytic cell are disclosed herein, the apparatus comprising a level tube in fluid contact with the electrolytic cell; a proximity sensor positioned to detect the presence or absence of liquid at a predetermined level in the level tube; and a control system responsive to the proximity sensor, wherein the control system is in communication with the liquid level sensor via a communication system. The proximity sensor detects the presence or absence of fluid in the level tube and sends a signal to the control system via the communication system; and the control system provides an indication of liquid level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a linear or branched amine-modified thermoplastic resin with high flowability using as starting materials a linear or branched polyester and a primary or secondary aliphatic amine. The process does not require that the amine and polyester be combined in a liquid organic solvent during the process, and can be performed readily at ambient pressure. The amine-modified resins can be extruded and pelletized using normal operating conditions, making this process a versatile option for achieving a wide variety of viscosities in a simple, low cost, continuous operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition that includes a poly(arylene ether), a radial block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a linear block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, one or more optical enhancing agents, and a hydrocarbon resin. The composition is characterized by at least one of the following properties: a multiaxial impact of at least 20 joules as measured by ASTM D 3763-08, a percent haze of 15 percent or less as measured by ASTM D 1003-00, and a percent transmittance of 75 percent or more as measured by ASTM D 1003-00.

Abstract: A dimethyl terephthalate residual composition including a. dimethyl terepthalate derived from a terephthalic-containing polyester homopolymer, terephthalic-containing polyester copolymer, or a combination thereof; and b. from more than 0 to less than 5.1 wt. % of a residual component selected from dimethyl isophthalate, cyclohexane dimethanol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pallet comprises a top deck comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the substrate comprises a first plastic material; and a layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate, wherein the layer comprises a composition comprising reinforcing fibers, polyimide fibers, and polymeric binder fibers, wherein the polymeric binder fibers have a melting point that is lower than the polyimide fibers; a bottom deck; and supporting columns disposed between the second surface and the bottom deck.

Abstract: Coated polymer compositions having improved dielectric strength are disclosed. The coated polymer compositions can comprise a polymer substrate and an inorganic material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A composition useful for the injection molding of fluid engineering parts includes specific amounts of a high molecular weight poly(phenylene ether), a polystyrene, and glass fibers. The composition provides improved hydrostability and reduces or eliminates the butadiene monomer that is present in comparative compositions containing rubber-modified polystyrene. Fluid engineering articles prepared from the composition are described.

Abstract: A flame retardant thermoplastic composition has high flame retardance at low thicknesses, good flow properties, good impact strength, and good flexural modulus. The polymer composition includes a polycarbonate polymer, a flame retardant additive, talc, glass fibers, and an acid stabilizer in synergistic amounts.