Abstract: An antibacterial composition and method for use of such composition in packaging of moisture-containing foodstuffs in a manner to extend the shelf life of the foods comprises placing the foodstuff in intimate contact with the composition which comprises 5-40% wt. of a lactic acid-based compound and optionally a liquid organic plasticizer dispersed in a solid matrix of poly(lactic acid) or lactic acid copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 3,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: Ballistic armor is fabricated by spraying atomized particles of molten ballistic armor metal alloy onto a collector utilizing a pressurized inert gas which impacts upon a controlled feed of the molten armor metal alloy. Dual hardness armor plate and parts are produced by spraying a second layer of a different armor metal alloy onto the first layer either before the first layer has completely solidified or while a semi-liquid surface exists on the first layer.

Abstract: Star-block copolymers containing polycaprolactone and polylactide blocks of limited molecular weight are tough, easily degradable polymers. Such copolymers, which are noncrystalline and have glass transition temperatures near or below room temperature, are useful in many packaging and other applications.

Abstract: A improved process for depolymerizing a poly(alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid) to its corresponding dimeric cyclic ester is disclosed. The process comprises:(i) depolymerizing the poly(alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid) to its corresponding dimeric cyclic ester by heating the poly(alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid) in a reaction zone at a temperature and pressure at which the poly(alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid) is molten;(ii) forming a vapor product stream containing the dimeric cyclic ester;(iii) removing the vapor product stream from the reaction zone; and (iv) recovering the dimeric cyclic ester from the product stream; the improvement comprising: adding the dimeric cyclic ester to step (i) in the ratio of 0.01 to 0.5 part by weight of dimeric cyclic ester per part by weight of the poly(alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid).

Abstract: A method providing a catalyzed ring opening polyester polymerization at a high reaction rate wherein the amount of organic acid in the reaction medium is maintained at an acid: catalyst ratio below 6:1.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing lactide and up to 20 mole percent of another lactone is disclosed. The cayalysts used have the formula MZ.sub.3 wherein M is scandium, yttrium, bismuth, a lanthanide series rare earth metal or a mixture thereof and the Zs are independently the same or different highly coordinating ligands. The preferred metals M are lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium and neodymium with lanthanum being especially preferred. The preferred ligands are betadiketones, betaketoesters and malonate anions with the betadiketones such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionates being especially preferred.

Abstract: Ballistic armor is fabricated by spraying atomized particles of molten ballistic armor metal alloy onto a collector utilizing a pressurized inert gas which impacts upon a controlled feed of the molten armor metal alloy. Dual hardness armor plate and parts are produced by spraying a second layer of a different armor metal alloy onto the first layer either before the first layer has completely solidified or while a semi-liquid surface exists on the first layer.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing lactide and up to 20 mole percent of another lactone in the absence of solvent at 100.degree. to 220.degree. C. using an yttrium or lanthanide series rare earth metal catalyst.

Abstract: Environmentally benign closed cell compositions made by foaming star-shaped polymers with a plurality of poly(hydroxy acid) chains attached to a central polyfunctional compound having a plurality of hydroxyl and/or amino groups.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing lactide and up to 20 mole percent of another lactone is disclosed. The cayalysts used have the formula MZ.sub.3 wherein M is scandium, yttrium, bismuth, a lanthanide series rare earth metal or a mixture thereof and the Zs are independantly the same or different highly coordinating ligands. The preferred metals M are lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium and neodymium with lanthanum being especially preferred. The preferred ligands are betadiketones, betaketoesters and malonate anions with the beta diketones such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionates being especially preferred.

Abstract: Electrostatic liquid developer consisting essentially of(A) nonpolar liquid having Kauri-butanol value less than 30, present in major amount,(B) particles, average by area particle size of less than 10 .mu.m, of a degradable polymeric resin as defined, and(C) nonpolar liquid soluble ionic or zwitterionic charge director compound.Optionally a colorant and an adjuvant compound are present. Process of preparation of electrostatic liquid developers is described. The developer is useful in copying, making proofs including digital color proofs, lithographic printing plates, and resists. The developer particles can be readily removed from the printed material, such as paper, by degradation of the polymer. If the polymeric resin is depolymerized, the monomer and low molecular weight units can be recycled by being repolymerized, or discarded in a landfill as a biodegradable environmentally benign by-product.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoyl)benzene, wehrein diphenyl ether is contacted for about 30-360 minutes at 130.degree.-200.degree. C. with 1,4-benzenedicarbonyl chloride in respective mole ratios of about 15-80:1 in the presence of a fluorocarbon resin carrying pendant sulfonic acid groups, the weight ratio of the resin to 1,4-benzenedicarbonyl chloride being 3:1-1:2; the hot solution is separated from the resin, and the crystalline product is recovered from the solution on cooling. The so obtained 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoyl)-benzene is a high purity material free of ortho-isomer and catalyst contamination and can be used without further purification as one of the starting materials in the preparation of polyetherketones, which are important engineering resins.

Abstract: A compact roller applicator for personal use in the application of sun tan and protective lotions to the body. The small roller, and short handle provides an extension of arms reach, making it possible for oneself to easily and thoroughly apply protective lotions to the area of ones own back. Protective lotion is deposited on the resilient foam roller cover. The protective lotion is then applied to the back, or other areas of the body by light roller movement. The handle and cradle uni-body incorporates a retractable pivotal protective cover for protection of the roller. The retractable pivotal protective cover is held in open or closed position by detent action. The resilient foam covered roller is easily removed for replacement. The compact size, and light weight permits portability.