Abstract: The present invention is a polymer composition comprising vinylidene chloride with improved thermal stability. The process comprises either advance addition or polymer slurry addition of a salt of a non-alkenic weak acid during the polymerization of the vinylidene chloride. The polymeric composition comprises a reaction product of a salt of a nonalkenic weak acid in an amount effective to provide improved thermal stability to the polymeric composition. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises adding a salt of a carboxylic acid to the polymer slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for forming an extruded article containing a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and at least one other ethylenically-unsaturated comonomer, said process comprising the step of extruding the copolymer in the presence of (1) at least one gas which is inert with respect to the copolymer and does not plasticize the copolymer; and (2) essentially no gases which are not inert with respect to the copolymer. Vinylidene chloride copolymers extruded according to the process of the present invention have lower metal adhesion and less tendency to contain specks of carbon than do vinylidene chloride copolymer copolymers extruded under an air atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is a formulated barrier composition containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate or magnesium hydroxide, high density polyethylene, epoxidzed vegetable oil, oxidized polyolefin and a paraffin or polyolefin wax. The composition has a substantially lower oxygen permeability than existing compositions and is at least equally extrudable.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polymeric composition formed from a vinylidene chloride interpolymer; an olefinic wax and oil and, in one embodiment, a salt of an acid; and in another embodiment, a polyolefin containing up to a minor amount of oxygen, said polyolefin being capable of lowering the frictional coefficient and the mechanical energy to extrude of the polymeric composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric composition with improved extrudability comprising a vinylidene chloride interpolymer and a Group IIA alkaline-earth hydroxyphosphate, which is incorporated with the vinylidene chloride interpolymer by advance addition, polymer slurry addition or, finally, by dry blending addition. The Group IIA alkaline-earth hydroxyphosphate will be present in an amount of between about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent, said weight percents being based on the total weight of the polymeric composition.

Abstract: A method and equipment for processing a thermoplastic polymer wherein at least a portion of the surfaces which contact the thermoplastic polymer, while said thermoplastic polymer is in a heat plastified state, comprise boron carbide.