Abstract: A consolidated fibrous mat comprises 20 to 50 weight percent of reinforcing fibers; and a continuous phase connecting the reinforcing fibers, comprising 50 to 70 weight percent of a polymer having a melt temperature at least 20° C. lower than the reinforcing fibers, and 5 to 10 weight percent of a binder having a melt temperature lower than the polymer; wherein the weight percent of each of the reinforcing fibers, the polymer, and the binder is based on the combined total weight of the reinforcing fibers, the polymer, and the binder.

Abstract: A continuous process of making polyetherimide foam materials and articles that include these foam materials. The continuous process is a foam extrusion process that uses selected blowing agents, equipment design and processing conditions to continuously produce extruded foam with a substantially uniform cell size in a wide range of cell densities. Subsequent heating may be used in certain embodiments to remove any residual components from the foam, such as any blowing agents or nucleating agents. Due to the greater densities as well as the characteristics inherent in polyetherimide articles, the resulting foam materials are suitable for a much broader range of applications. The continuous process provides a more cost effective product while also avoiding the use of Freon and/or other agents potentially harmful to the environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a process for making hollow thermoplastic articles are provided. In one embodiment, a process for producing hollow thermoplastic article includes placing a sock preform of a first polymer composition about a core pin and injection molding a molten parison of a second polymer composition that is different than the first polymer composition into an injection mold cavity and onto the sock perform. The injection molding process produces an injection preform having two different material compositions. The process further include blow molding the injection preform to produce a hollow thermoplastic article having an interior surface of the first polymer composition and an exterior surface of the second polymer composition.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic) resin, a polyolefin, a hydrogenated block copolymer of alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene having an alkenyl aromatic content of about 40 to about 90 weight percent, and an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene. The composition exhibits excellent stiffness-impact strength balance, low property variability, and long melt hang time.

Abstract: An blow molded energy absorber for a front bumper system on automotive vehicles is a molded unitary structure having a crushable forward projecting portion adapted to crush upon impact and rearward portion for attachment to a vehicle.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic) resin, a polyolefin, a hydrogenated block copolymer of alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene having an alkenyl aromatic content of about 40 to about 90 weight percent, and an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene. The composition exhibits excellent stiffness-impact strength balance, low property variability, and long melt hang time.