Abstract: A composition comprises one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a composition as described above and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trimesic acid derivative.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: A composition comprises one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a composition as described above and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trimesic acid derivative.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: A composition comprises one or more trimesic acid derivatives of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a composition as described above and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trimesic acid derivative of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trimesic acid derivative.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: A trisamide compound has the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups. A polymer composition comprises a trisamide compound of Formula (I) and a polyolefin polymer. The polymer compositions containing a trisamide compound of Formula (I) exhibit very low haze levels and minimal extraction of the trisamide compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carpet tile that includes a polyolefin secondary backing layer. In particular, this invention relates to modular carpet tiles having at least one layer of polyolefin-containing thermoplastic polymer in the secondary backing of the carpet tile. By modifying the composition of the carpet tiles in this manner, the carpet tiles are able to withstand the high temperatures associated with surface printing of the tiles, while still maintaining cold temperature flexibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carpet tile that includes a polyolefin secondary backing layer. In particular, this invention relates to modular carpet tiles having at least one layer of polyolefin-containing thermoplastic polymer in the secondary backing of the carpet tile. By modifying the composition of the carpet tiles in this manner, the carpet tiles are able to withstand the high temperatures associated with surface printing of the tiles, while still maintaining cold temperature flexibility.

Abstract: A gradient nanofiber non-woven contains a plurality of nanofibers where at least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The nanofibers each have a surface and a center and contain a bulk polymer and a third component. The majority by weight at the surface of the nanofiber is the third component and the majority by weight at the center of the nanofiber is the bulk polymer and there is a concentration gradient from most concentrated to least from the surface of the nanofiber to the center of the nanofiber. The process for forming a gradient nanofiber non-woven is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous, low density nanoclay composites that exhibit highly homogeneous microcellular morphology and methods for forming the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites include a three-dimensional matrix having a non-lamellar, generally isotropic cellular structure with little or no macroscopic pores. The nanocomposites also include a gel that may be a noncovalently cross-linked, thermoreversible gel. The nanocomposites may include a binder and/or fibrous reinforcement materials. The nanocomposites may be formed according to a freeze-drying process in which ice crystal growth is controlled to prevent formation of macroscopic pores in the composite materials.

Abstract: A process for forming a nanofiber non-woven includes mixing a first and second thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of particles, then subjecting the mixture to elongational forces when the first and second polymers are in a softened condition forming nanofibers of the first polymer. Next, the mixture is brought to a condition where the temperature is below the softening temperature of the first polymer forming a first intermediate. The first intermediate is consolidated forming the second intermediate where at least 70% of the nanofibers are fused to other nanofibers. Next, at least a portion of the second polymer is removed and at least 50% of the particles are positioned adjacent a surface of the nanofibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous, low density nanoclay composites that exhibit highly homogeneous microcellular morphology and methods for forming the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites include a three-dimensional matrix having a non-lamellar, generally isotropic cellular structure with little or no macroscopic pores. The nanocomposites also include a gel that may be a noncovalently cross-linked, thermoreversible gel. The nanocomposites may include a binder and/or fibrous reinforcement materials. The nanocomposites may be formed according to a freeze-drying process in which ice crystal growth is controlled to prevent formation of macroscopic pores in the composite materials.

Abstract: A process for forming a nanofiber non-woven includes mixing a first and second thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of particles, then subjecting the mixture to elongational forces when the first and second polymers are in a softened condition forming nanofibers of the first polymer. Next, the mixture is brought to a condition where the temperature is below the softening temperature of the first polymer forming a first intermediate. The first intermediate is consolidated forming the second intermediate where at least 70% of the nanofibers are fused to other nanofibers. Next, at least a portion of the second polymer is removed and at least 50% of the particles are positioned adjacent a surface of the nanofibers.

Abstract: A process for forming a nano-composite including mixing a first and second thermoplastic polymer in a molten state forming a molten polymer blend. The second polymer is soluble in a first solvent and the first polymer is insoluble in the first solvent. The first polymer forms discontinuous regions in the second polymer. Next, the polymer blend is subjected to extensional flow, shear stress, and heat forming nanofibers where less than about 30% by volume of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. Next the polymer blend with nanofibers is cooled and the first intermediate is formed into a pre-consolidation formation. The pre-consolidation formation is then consolidated causing nanofiber movement, randomization, and at least 70% by volume of the nanofibers to fuse to other nanofibers. According to one aspect, the second intermediate is then subjected to the first solvent to the dissolving away at least a portion of the second polymer.

Abstract: A nanofiber non-woven composite containing a nanofiber non-woven layer and a textile layer. The nanofiber non-woven layer has a first side and a second side and a plurality of nanofibers. At least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The textile layer has a textile layer thickness and is located on the first side of the nanofiber non-woven layer. At least a portion of the nanofibers of the nanofiber non-woven layer are penetrated at least partially into the textile layer thickness.

Abstract: A gradient nanofiber non-woven contains a plurality of nanofibers where at least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The nanofibers each have a surface and a center and contain a bulk polymer and a third component. The majority by weight at the surface of the nanofiber is the third component and the majority by weight at the center of the nanofiber is the bulk polymer and there is a concentration gradient from most concentrated to least from the surface of the nanofiber to the center of the nanofiber. The process for forming a gradient nanofiber non-woven is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nano-fiber non-woven comprising a plurality of thermoplastic nano-fibers and a plurality of particles. At least 50% of the particles are positioned adjacent a surface of the nanofibers and at least 70% of the nanofibers are fused to other nanofibers within the nano-fiber non-woven. A process for making the nano-fiber non-woven is also disclosed.