Abstract: The present application relates to compostable articles and compositions including at least one biodegradable polymer and a hydrophobic agent. In some embodiments, the compostable articles and compositions include a second biodegradable polymer, different from the first biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the first biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene succinate) (PES), poly(trimethylene succinate) (PTS), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate co-butylene adipate) (PBS A), poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(tetramethylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PTAT), and thermoplastic starch. In some embodiments, the presently described articles include packaging.

Abstract: A rotary acoustic horn. The rotary acoustic horn includes a shaft having an axial input end and an axial output end; and at least one welding portion; wherein the welding portion comprises an outer weld face that expands and contracts with the application of acoustic energy; wherein the welding portion comprises a first opposing end portion and a second opposing end portion; wherein the welding portion comprises through holes extending substantially along an axial direction of the welding portion from the first opposing end portion to the second opposing end portion; and wherein the through holes are located between the weld face and the shaft.

Abstract: A powder-rubbing apparatus comprises: a rotatable rubbing roll having a rotational axis; a substrate path; an oscillating mechanism for oscillating the rotatable rubbing roll along the rotational axis; and a powder coating die comprising an inlet port in fluid communication with an outlet port disposed adjacent to the substrate path. The substrate frictionally contacts the rotatable rubbing roll within a rubbing zone. A dispenser for dispensing gas-borne powder is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the powder coating die. The dispenser is aligned such that at least a portion of a gas-borne powder dispensed from the powder coating die is deposited directly onto at least one of the rotatable rubbing roll or the substrate and conveyed into the rubbing zone. A method of using the powder-rubbing apparatus and a powder-rubbed web preparable thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: The curved cleaning element is made by providing a cleaning material with a back surface and a working surface that together define a volume and thickness. A portion of the cleaning material is removed at a pivot zone. The pivot zone separates the cleaning material into a first portion and second portion. At the pivot zone, the cleaning material has less thickness and/or less volume as compared to either the first or second portions. In one embodiment, the back surface of the first portion of the cleaning material is attached to a support and the second portion of the cleaning material is pivoted at the pivot zone. The second portion of the cleaning material is secured to either the support or the first portion of the cleaning material to form a continuously curving working surface of the cleaning material.