Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an electrode for an electrochemical cell. The method includes contacting a solid electrode material and a substrate at an interface. The method further includes preparing a liquid electrode material at the interface by heating at least a portion of the solid electrode material to a first temperature. The first temperature is greater than or equal to a melting point of the solid electrode material. The method further includes creating a layer of the liquid electrode material on the substrate by moving at least one of the solid electrode material and the substrate with respect to the other of the solid electrode material and the substrate. The method further includes forming the electrode by cooling the liquid electrode material to a second temperature. The second temperature is less than or equal to the melting point.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable polymer composition including the steps of providing a first component being either one of a thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) or a synthetic, hydroxy-functional polymer and providing a second component being a natural polymer. The method includes the steps of mixing the first component and second component together to form a mixture, compounding the mixture, and pelletizing the compounded mixture to form pellets of a biodegradable polymer composition.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a poly(ethylene terephthalate) or polycarbonate film layer are bound together using a hot melt adhesive, which may be either (1) a blend of poly(.alpha.-olefins) that includes isotactic polypropylene, a polymer of a second lower poly(.alpha.-olefin), and a small amount of a higher poly(.alpha.-olefin); or (2) a polyamide-based hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include particular hydroxy-functional polyesters and a natural polymer. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Starches are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a polyethylene film layer are bound together using one of the following hot melt adhesives: ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyolefin blend, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a polypropyene film layer are bound together using hot melt adhesives which may be either (1) a blend of poly(.alpha.-olefins), comprised of isotactic polypropylene, a polymer of a second lower poly(.alpha.-olefin), and a small amount of a higher poly(.alpha.-olefin), or (2) a blend of poly(propylene-graft-maleic anhydride) and a dimer acid based polyamide. These hot melt adhesives also act as compatiblizers for blends of polypropylene and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Biodegradable films include two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch while the other component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.