Abstract: Concentrates of a carbon-based filler—such as carbon nanotubes, exfoliated graphite, and the like—and a macrocyclic polyester oligomer (also referred to herein as macrocyclic oligoester or MPO) are presented. When mixed with polymer, the MPO can act as a flow modifier, as well as a carrier for the carbon-based filler, allowing enhanced processability of the polymer-filler composite without adversely affecting the properties of the composite.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the use of macrocyclic polyester oligomers, and certain other cyclic oligomers, as additives in linear thermoplastics for improved flow and/or processibility. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to compositions containing up to about 10 wt. % cyclic oligomer, and their use in manufacturing processes, such as injection molding operations.

Abstract: The invention provides blends of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) with high-molecular-weight polymer and polymerization catalyst as friable, one-component, ready-to-polymerize materials with long shelf life. The invention also provides methods for preparation and use of the blend materials. The blends are used, for example, in the production of thermoplastics via low-pressure processes, such as rotational molding and powder coating, without modification of existing equipment. The blends are particularly useful where it is desired to exploit the ability to polymerize and crystallize MPO isothermally, but where the melt viscosity of unfilled MPO is too low for use in existing equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing composites of polyester and layered compounds. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for preparing a composite of a poly(alkylene terephthalate) and a cation-modified layered compound via in-situ polycondensation in solvent. In another embodiment, composites are made with polyesters of average molecular weight of 10,000 g/mol or more by mixing the polyester and a layered compound in the presence of a solvent, such as ortho-dichlorobenzene.

Abstract: The invention provides intimate physical mixtures of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and filler, as well as methods for their preparation and use. Improved dispersion of filler in a polymer matrix is achieved upon polymerization, and larger amounts of filler with high aspect ratio can be used. In one aspect, the invention provides mixtures of MPO with magnesium silicate. In another aspect, the invention provides a mixture of MPO, filler, and polymerization catalyst as a one-part, ready-to-polymerize material with a long shelf life. The one-part material can be used, for example, in the manufacture of parts without modification of existing processing equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides mixtures of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and graphite, as well as methods for their preparation and use. Exfoliated graphite can be homogeneously dispersed in molten MPO without excessive increase in melt viscosity, and the MPO-graphite mixture can be polymerized to form electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites. In one embodiment, the invention provides mixtures of MPO with exfoliated graphite. In another embodiment, the invention provides a mixture of MPO, exfoliated graphite, and polymerization catalyst as a one-part, ready-to-polymerize material with a long shelf life. The one-part material can be used, for example, in the manufacture of parts without modification of existing processing equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides macrocyclic polyester oligomer compositions containing one or more impact modifiers, methods of dispersing an impact modifier in a macrocyclic polyester oligomer, and polymers and articles produced from a macrocyclic polyester oligomer composition containing one or more impact modifiers.