Abstract: Provided are compositions including a population of particulates that comprise an at least partially crystalline polycarbonate having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 to about 200 ?m, and have a weight-average molecular weight, per polystyrene standards, of from about 17,000 to about 40,000 Daltons. The composition exhibits a zero-shear viscosity of less than about 104 Pa·s at the melting temperature of the partially crystalline polycarbonate. Related systems and methods for utilizing these compositions in additive manufacturing applications, including selective laser sintering (SLS) applications, are also disclosed. Also provided are additively-manufactured articles made with the disclosed compositions and according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided are amorphous and at least partially crystalline polyetherimide compositions having a comparatively narrow particle size distribution and are particularly suited for additive manufacturing processes. The compositions comprise a population of polyetherimide particulates are characterized as having a zero-shear viscosity sufficiently low so as to achieve a coalescence of at least 0.5, and preferably of about 1.0, as characterized by the Frenkel model at a temperature less than 450° C.

Abstract: Provided are compositions including a population of particulates that comprise an at least partially crystalline polycarbonate having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 to about 200 ?m, and have a weight-average molecular weight, per polystyrene standards, of from about 17,000 to about 40,000 Daltons. The composition exhibits a zero-shear viscosity of less than about 104 Pa·s at the melting temperature of the partially crystalline polycarbonate. Related systems and methods for utilizing these compositions in additive manufacturing applications, including selective laser sintering (SLS) applications, are also disclosed. Also provided are additively-manufactured articles made with the disclosed compositions and according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising partially crystalline polycarbonate particulate having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 ??? to about 200 ????, having from about 10% crystallinity to about 50% crystallinity, and having a weight-average molecular weight, per polystyrene standards, of from about 17,000 to about 40,000 Daltons. The composition exhibits a zero-shear viscosity of less than about 104 Pa s at the melting temperature of the partially crystalline polycarbonate. Related systems and methods for utilizing these compositions in additive manufacturing applications, including selective laser sintering (SLS) applications, are also disclosed. Also provided are additively-manufactured articles made with the disclosed compositions and according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for additive manufacturing, which systems and methods yield parts having improved interlayer adhesion. In the disclosed technology, additional heating steps are applied on the upper surface of the already printed workpiece so as to offset the dropping temperature of that surface during part fabrication. These heating steps elevate the temperature of the surface to a value that results in a molten interface with subsequently-applied build material, leading to improved interlayer adhesion. This technology is applicable to a variety of additive manufacturing processes, including but not limited to selective laser sintering, fused filament fabrication, and large format additive manufacturing approaches.

Abstract: Provided are amorphous and at least partially crystalline polyetherimide compositions having a comparatively narrow particle size distribution and are particularly suited for additive manufacturing processes. The compositions comprise a population of polyetherimide particulates are characterized as having a zero-shear viscosity sufficiently low so as to achieve a coalescence of at least 0.5, and preferably of about 1.0, as characterized by the Frenkel model at a temperature less than 450° C.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising partially crystalline polycarbonate particulate having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 ??? to about 200 ????, having from about 10% crystallinity to about 50% crystallinity, and having a weight-average molecular weight, per polystyrene standards, of from about 17,000 to about 40,000 Daltons. The composition exhibits a zero-shear viscosity of less than about 104 Pa s at the melting temperature of the partially crystalline polycarbonate. Related systems and methods for utilizing these compositions in additive manufacturing applications, including selective laser sintering (SLS) applications, are also disclosed. Also provided are additively-manufactured articles made with the disclosed compositions and according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A reduced density article of manufacture, and process for making same, made from a thermoplastic polycarbonate composition. The reduced density article of manufacture has (1) a certain density and (2) a certain micro structure containing from 1% to 20% by volume of voids wherein at least 80% of the voids are high aspect voids and less than 20% of the voids are spherical voids with a diameter of 10 to 100 microns. The polycarbonate thermoplastic composition comprises at least 50 mole % of a certain bisphenol A. The reduced density article of manufacture is made by a monofilament additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: A reduced density article of manufacture, and process for making same, made from a thermoplastic polycarbonate composition. The reduced density article of manufacture has (1) a certain density and (2) a certain micro structure containing from 1% to 20% by volume of voids wherein at least 80% of the voids are high aspect voids and less than 20% of the voids are spherical voids with a diameter of 10 to 100 microns. The polycarbonate thermoplastic composition comprises at least 50 mole % of a certain bisphenol A. The reduced density article of manufacture is made by a monofilament additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: An article and thermoplastic composition including polycarbonate, a polysiloxane-polycarbonate and an x-ray detectable or metal detectable agent having good magnetic permeability and/or electrical conductivity wherein the composition may be used in articles for food preparation. The thermoplastic compositions are useful in forming molds for manufacturing a food product, such as chocolate molds.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a photovoltaic module, comprises a transparent superstrate; a backsheet, wherein the backsheet comprises a core layer comprising a core composition formed from a first polycarbonate comprising dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane carbonate repeat units and bishpenol-A, wherein the first polycarbonate has the structure wherein the dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane carbonate repeat units are present in an amount of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %, based on the total repeat units in the core composition; and a second polycarbonate selected from the group consisting of a bisphenol-A polycarbonate homopolymer, a polyphthalate carbonate copolymer, a polycarbonate copolymer comprising 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine carbonate and bisphenol-A carbonate repeat units, a polycarbonate copolymer comprising bisphenol-A carbonate and tetrabromobisphenol A carbonate repeat units, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a photovoltaic cell between the superstrate and the backsheet.

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: In an embodiment, a reflector comprises a polycarbonate composition, the polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 10 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. A molded article of the polycarbonate has transmission level greater than or equal to 90.0% at 2.5 mm thickness as measured by ASTM D1003-00 and a yellow index (YI) less than or equal to 1.5 as measured by ASTM D1925.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 7 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: a polycarbonate; 7 to 20 wt % titanium dioxide; a flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer; wherein the polycarbonate composition has a maximum reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%. The melt volume rate as determined at 300° C. using a 1.2 kilogram weight, in accordance with ASTM D1238-04 is from 5 to 30 grams per 10 minutes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 7 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: a polycarbonate; 7 to 20 wt % titanium dioxide; a flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer; wherein the polycarbonate composition has a maximum reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%. The melt volume rate as determined at 300° C. using a 1.2 kilogram weight, in accordance with ASTM D1238-04 is from 5 to 30 grams per 10 minutes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 7 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: a polycarbonate; 7 to 20 wt % titanium dioxide; a flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer; wherein the polycarbonate composition has a maximum reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%. The melt volume rate as determined at 300° C. using a 1.2 kilogram weight, in accordance with ASTM D1238-04 is from 5 to 30 grams per 10 minutes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a reflector comprises a polycarbonate composition, the polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 10 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. A molded article of the polycarbonate has transmission level greater than or equal to 90.0% at 2.5 mm thickness as measured by ASTM D1003-00 and a yellow index (YI) less than or equal to 1.5 as measured by ASTM D1925.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprises a cyanophenyl endcapped polycarbonate, a potassium diphenyl sulphon-3-sulphonate; and brominated polycarbonate. In some embodiments, when the thermoplastic polymer composition is in the form of a 3 mm thick extruded sheet, the sheet has a smoke density of less than 200 at an exposure period of 240 seconds in accordance with the smoke density test as set forth in ASTM E662-06, and has no burning drips on the sheet for a duration of 10 minutes in accordance with the flammability test as set forth in NF-P-92-505.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article and thermoplastic composition comprising a polysiloxane-polycarbonate, optionally, a polycarbonate, and an X-ray contrast agent comprising X-ray scattering atoms having an atomic number of greater than or equal to 22, wherein a 3.2 mm thick article molded from the thermoplastic composition has a notched Izod impact strength of greater than or equal to about 620 J/m, when measured at a temperature of 0° C. according to ASTM D256-04, and has an Equivalent Al Thickness of greater than 0.51 mm, when irradiated with 50 kV X-ray radiation, and wherein melt volume rates determined under a load of 1.2 kg at 300° C. (ASTM D1238-04), a melt volume rate measured at a dwell time of 18 minutes increases relative to that measured at 6 minutes by less than or equal to 31%. A method of improving contrast in a polycarbonate composition, and specific articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: polycarbonate; 7 wt % to 20 wt % titanium dioxide, based upon a total weight of the polycarbonate composition; an optional flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer. A plaque formed from the polycarbonate composition has a reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%, as determined by reflectance measurements using a Gretag Macbeth Coloreye spectrophotometer (D65 light source, 10 degree observer, UV included) made at a wavelength of 680 nm. In an embodiment, a polycarbonate composition comprises: a polycarbonate; 7 to 20 wt % titanium dioxide; a flame retardant; and an optional UV stabilizer; wherein the polycarbonate composition has a maximum reflectance of greater than or equal to 95%. The melt volume rate as determined at 300° C. using a 1.2 kilogram weight, in accordance with ASTM D1238-04 is from 5 to 30 grams per 10 minutes.