Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), wherein A1 is formula (II); A2 is formula (III); A3 is formula (IV); A4 is formula (V); w, x, y and z independently of each other are an integer from 0-4, provided that the sum of x+y+z is an integer from 2-4, corresponding to the valency of Q; M1, M2, M3 and M4 for example are a direct bond, CO or O; Y for example is a direct bond or S; Q is a (x+y)-valent linking group; R1 is for example hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl or phenyl or naphthyl; R2 and R?2 for example are is hydrogen or C1-C20alkyl; R3, R4, R?3, R?4, R?3 and R?4 for example are hydrogen, halogen, phenyl, or C1-C20alkyl; and R24 is for example a direct bond; exhibit an unexpectedly good performance in photopolymerization reactions.

Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane flexible foams having densities no greater than 0.3 g/cc which are suitable for use as lightweight shoe sole components are produced with carbon dioxide in an amount such that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/cc. At least a portion of that carbon dioxide is dissolved as a gas into one or both of the reaction components. The amount of dissolved carbon dioxide must be such that the froth density of the isocyanate and/or isocyanate-reactive component(s) in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved will be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 g/cc. Additional carbon dioxide may be formed by the reaction of water and isocyanate during the polyurethane-forming reaction but the total amount of CO2 present should be controlled to ensure that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses both amine compositions and amine-epoxy compositions containing N,N?-dimethyl-meta-xylylenediamine. A novel process for producing amines such as N,N?-dimethyl-meta-xylylenediamine, and structurally similar amines, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Recently, further improved process stability for thermoplastic polymer compositions has been demanded. Phenol compositions are provided comprising a compound represented by the formula (1): in the formula (1), R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 18 carbon atoms; R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and a compound represented by the formula (2): in the formula (2), R5 and R6 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 18 carbon atoms; and R7 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, in a weight ratio of 1:99 to 99:1.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting effective components from polyester fiber waste containing polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component, more specifically to provide a method for separating and removing foreign matters (mainly cotton) contained in polyester fiber waste. The purpose of the invention can be achieved by a method for separating and removing foreign matters from polyester waste, which includes throwing polyester fiber waste that contains polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component and foreign matters other than the polyalkylene telephthalate into a depolymerization reaction tank, subjecting a part or all of the polyester fiber to a depolymerization reaction with alkylene glycol to give a depolymerization reaction liquid, and then continuously or intermittently feeding the liquid to a foreign matter-separating and removing apparatus having specified characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hardener compositions for epoxy resins (epoxy resin curing agent composition) comprising a mixture of crosslinking agents comprising (a) at least one polyamide functional compound, which has at least one amide function and at least one amine function per molecule, with the proviso that the polyamide (a) is obtained by the reaction of a dimer fatty acid or an alkylester of a dimer fatty acid with at least one polyamine, and (b) at least one phenalkamine compound, which is the condensation product of an alkyl phenol, formaldehyde and one or more at least dibasic polyamine, provided that the dimer fatty acid building block used to obtain the polyamide functional compound (a) comprises monomeric fatty acid in an amount of 20-60% by weight, based on the total amount of the dimer fatty acid.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer additive composition for addition to a thermoplastic moulding composition to reduce discoloration and/or haze and/or increase the degree of light transmission after moulding of the composition comprises at least one hindered phenol compound and at least one acetaldehyde scavenger. The additive composition may be of particular utility when added to a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds represented by structural Formula (III): wherein X, R1, R2, and R4 are as described herein, reaction products of compounds of Formula (III) and isocyanates, use of such compounds and reaction products as anaerobic cure accelerators, methods of making the same, and compositions including such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microemulsions of immiscible fluids stabilized by reactive ionic liquid surfactant wherein the ionic liquid surfactant has a melting point less than 80° C. The invention also relates to composite materials comprising a copolymer of ethylenically reactive species, wherein one of the species is a reactive ionic liquid surfactant having a melting point less than 80° C., and wherein the material also comprises non-reactive Class I fluid. The invention further relates to methods for synthesizing the composite materials comprising preparing a microemulsion of immiscible Class I fluid and Class II fluid stabilized by reactive ionic liquid surfactant wherein the ionic liquid surfactant has a melting point less than 80° C., and polymerizing the microemulsion to form a composite material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nucleating microemulsion comprising nanovehicles, each comprising an amphiphilic shell surrounding a nucleating agent. The microemulsion is suitable for the delivery of the nucleating agents into a thermoplastic polymer, thereby allowing crystallization of the polymer.

Abstract: Novel ester compositions are prepared by reacting 1) at least one diol, glycol or oligomeric glycol with 2) a mixture of at least one aromatic monocarboxylic acid and at least one aliphatic monocarboxylic acid containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. The compositions are effective plasticizers for a variety of polymers, particularly those employed in water-borne adhesives. The freezing point of the present ester mixtures and their efficacy as plasticizers and other types of additives and/or modifiers for a variety of polymer compositions can be varied by adjusting the relative concentrations of the aromatic and aliphatic acids used to prepare the ester composition.

Abstract: A thermosetting solution composition composed of a biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound containing a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 2,3,3?,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid and/or a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 2,2?,3,3?-biphenyltetracarboylic acid, an aromatic diamine compound in a molar amount larger than a molar amount of the biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound, a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 4-(2-phenylethynyl)phthalic acid compound in a molar amount as much as 1.8-2.2 times a molar amount corresponding to a difference between the molar amount of the aromatic diamine compound and the molar amount of the biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound, and an organic solvent composed of a lower aliphatic alcohol is of value for manufacture of a prepreg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the identification-marking of plastics parts.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an enriched carboxylic acid compositions produced by contacting composition comprising a carboxylic acid with an enrichment feed in an enrichment zone to form an enriched carboxylic acid composition. This invention also relates to a process and the resulting compositions for removing catalyst from a carboxylic acid composition to produce a post catalyst removal composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ester mixtures composed of alkyl benzyl esters and of polybenzyl esters, in particular of trimellitic esters, to a process for preparation of these ester mixtures, and also to their use as plasticizers.

Abstract: A curing agent for epoxy resins which comprises cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid anhydride (A) comprising trans,trans-1,2,4-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride expressed by formula (1) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acid anhydride (B) and an epoxy resin composition which comprises the curing agent and an epoxy resin are provided. The curing agent of the present invention can be handled easily since the curing agent is liquid at the ordinary temperature, exhibits an excellent curing property without addition of a curing accelerator and provides a cured product of an epoxy resin exhibiting excellent transmission of light and heat stability. The epoxy resin composition can be advantageously used for coating materials, adhesives, molded products, resins for encapsulating photo-semiconductors and coating fluids for protective films of color filters constituting liquid crystal display devices (LCD), solid state imaging devices (CCD) and electroluminescence (EL) devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures for producing transparent plastic, which mixtures comprise: a) compounds of formulae (I) and (II), wherein R1 independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 independently represents a linear or branched, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group and m and n independently represent an integer ?0, with m+n>0, b) a prepolymer produced from polymethacrylate and alkyldithiols or polythiols, preferably HS—R3—SH (III), wherein R3 is the same or different from R2 and may have the definition of R2, and c) aromatic vinyl compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures for preparing transparent plastics, encompassing a) a prepolymer prepared from compounds of the formula (I) and (II) ?where each R1, independently of the others, is hydrogen or a methyl radical, ?each R2, independently of the others, is a linear or branched, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic radical, and each of m and n, independently of the other, is a whole number greater than or equal to 0, where m+n>0, and from compounds of the formula (III), or from alkyl dithiols or from polythiols, preferably HS—R3—SH (III) ?where R3, identical with or different from R2, can be as defined for R2, and b) at least one monomer (A) capable of free-radical polymerization and having at least 2 methacrylate groups, and c) aromatic vinyl compounds, such as styrene, and d) if appropriate, a monomer capable of free-radical polymerization and having at least two terminal olefinic groups whose reactivity differs, a

Abstract: There are provided a composition for functioning as an effective additive for epoxy resin that is solid at room temperature and has high storage stability, and a method thereof. The composition of the present invention is a basic silane coupling agent organic carboxylate composition obtained by first synthesizing an organic carboxylate of a basic silane coupling agent by reacting a basic silane coupling agent and an organic carboxylic acid, and subsequently heating and mixing the organic carboxylate of the basic silane coupling agent with a compound exhibiting good affinity for the basic silane coupling agent or organic carboxylic acid and having a softening point or melting point of 40° C. or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures for producing transparent plastics, comprising a) a prepolymer, produced from the compounds of formulae (I) and (II), wherein R1 independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 independently represents a linear or branched, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group and m and n independently represent an integer greater or equal 0, with m+1>0, and compounds of formula (III), alkyldithiols or polythiols, preferably HS—R3—SH (III), wherein R3 is equal or different from R2 and can have the meaning indicated in R2, and b) at least one radically polymerizable monomer (A) having at least two methacrylate groups and c) aromatic vinyl compounds, such as styrene and d) optionally a radically polymerizable monomer having at least two terminal olefinic groups that have different reactivity, and/or e) optionally at least one monomer (B) from the group of methacrylates, preferably 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: The present invention regards to an antistatic composition obtained from the combination of two antistatic agents, and its application in polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the gas phase.

Abstract: Mixtures of isomeric dialkyl phthalates that have a desired viscosity are prepared by esterifying phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride with a mixture of isomeric alkyl alcohols having a certain carbon number of carbon atoms, where the molar fraction of each alkyl alcohol isomer of the isomeric alcohol mixture is determined, and where the viscosity parameter of each alkyl alcohol isomer of the alcohol mixture, which, upon reacting with phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride, results in a mixed isomer dialkyl phalate ester product having a specific desired viscosity, is determined in accordance with formula (I): ln(?)=??i*ln(?i) ??(I) where ?=the calculated viscosity of a dialkyl phthalate mixture, ?i=the molar fraction of an isomerically pure alcohol (i), and ?i=the viscosity parameter of isomerically pure alcohol (i).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a synthetic resin foam which comprises reacting at least one polyol with at least one polyisocyanate compound in the presence of an organic blowing agent, wherein the organic blowing agent is a blowing agent for synthetic resin foams which is characterized by being a mixture comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and at least one halogen-containing compound and optionally containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of glycol compounds and amide compounds. Also provided are: a premix comprising the blowing agent and a polyol mixture; and a process for producing a synthetic resin foam from these.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds which can generate amine by irradiation with light and are excellent both in photodecomposability and in reactivity and compatibility with amine-curable compounds, and photo-setting compositions containing the compounds. The compounds are carbamoyloxyimino compounds represented by the structural formula (I); and the compositions each comprise one or more of the carbamoyloxyimino compounds and an amine-curable compound. In the formula (I), R1 is an n-valent organic group; R2 and R3 are each hydrogen or an aromatic or aliphatic group; and n is an integer of 1 or above.

Abstract: A material for forming a protective film comprising an organic solvent and a compound having at least two alicyclic structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sinter powder composed of polyamide which also comprises PMMI, PMMA, or copolymers with PMMI, in particular PMMI-PMMA copolymers, to the use of this sinter powder for laser-sintering, and also to moldings produced from this sinter powder. The moldings made from the powder of the invention have marked advantages over conventional products in their appearance and in their surface quality, especially as far as roughness and dimensional stability during selective laser sintering (SLS) are concerned. In addition, moldings produced from the sinter powder of the invention also have better mechanical properties than moldings based on conventional nylon-12 powders, in particular in terms of modulus of elasticity and tensile strength. These moldings also have a density close to that of injection moldings.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for functioning as an effective additive for an epoxy resin that is a solid at room temperature and has a high storage stability, and a method thereof. The composition of the present invention is a basic silane coupling agent organic carboxylate composition obtained by first synthesizing an organic carboxylate of a basic silane coupling agent by reacting a basic silane coupling agent and an organic carboxylic acid, and subsequently heating and mixing the organic carboxylate of the basic silane coupling agent with a compound exhibiting a good affinity for the basic silane coupling agent or organic carboxylic acid and having a softening point or melting point of 40° C. or greater.

Abstract: A compatibilizing agent is described for a mixture of (1) a polyester polyol containing units derived from at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (A) having n carbon atoms (10?n?20) and at least one aliphatic diol having k carbon atoms (2?k?12) and (2) a polyester polyol containing units derived from at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (B) having m carbon atoms (2?m?9) and at least one aliphatic diol having k carbon atoms (2?k?12), the compatibilizing agent containing a polyester polyol which contains units derived from at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (A) having n carbon atoms (10?n?20), at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (B) having m carbon atoms (2?m?9), and at least one aliphatic diol having k carbon atoms (2?k?12) and in which the ratio of ingredient (A) to ingredient (B) used is from 90:10 to 10:90 in terms of molar ratio (provided that n-m?4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyol dispersions with long-term stability, to cellular polyurethane moldings produced therewith, to processes for their preparation and to their use.

Abstract: Adhesive additives that are used in conjunction with polyisocyanate resins to form adhesive compositions. The adhesive additives contain castor oil, a mixture of castor oil and triglycerides, or a reaction product from the transesterification of one or more polyols and one or more triglycerides. The adhesive compositions are well suited for use as a binder in the manufacture of various composite products, particularly composite wood products including OSB construction panels and laminate composites.

Abstract: A floor coating composition containing one or more unsaturated urethane compounds, which is(are) obtained from an isocyanate compound(s) and a hydroxyl compound(s) as starting materials, wherein at least one of the isocyanate compound(s) and the hydroxyl compound(s) has an unsaturated bond(s), wherein the poly(alkyleneoxy) group content (as defined in the specification) is 2–16 wt % and the proportion of the number of the unsaturated bonds (as defined in the specification) is not less than 6, can form a coating film superior in staining resistance against extremely powerful staining substances and gloss retentivity against extremely great load from walking, and which permits easy polishing away of damages and color stain, as well as use of water as a solvent. When a coating object is covered with a film made from the composition, a coated material can be obtained, wherein warpage of a coating object (floor, floor material, plastic film and the like) and cracks in the film are suppressed.

Abstract: Clear, amine-initiated polyether polyols are made by epoxidizing an amine in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide catalyst. By reducing the amount of catalyst used during the polyol synthesis and by adding the catalyst after between 5 and 30% of the total amount of at least one alkylene oxide has been added, after lactic acid neutralization, gives a short chain polyol that has foam processing characteristics similar to the conventional sulfuric acid neutralized polyol. The polyols produced in this manner are particularly useful for the production of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester-ether polyols and their use in urethane prepolymers, urethane foams and non-foam urethane coatings, adhesives, sealants and/or elastomers. Methods for producing such polyester-ether polyols using double metal cyanide catalysts are disclosed, along with methods for producing urethane prepolymers. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are preferably the reaction product of phthalic anhydride, diethylene glycol, and propylene oxide. These polyester-ether polyols are useful as either the primary polyol in urethane compositions or in combination with conventional auxiliary polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols. The polyester-ether polyols impart greatly improved solubility and compatibility to mixtures of either polyether and/or polyester polyols. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are desirably of lower viscosity than their precursor intermediate polyester polyols and are generally soluble in either polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols.

Abstract: A plasticizer with a crosslinking/chain extending agent is incorporated into a water-blown flexible polyurethane foam formulation to provide acceptable softness, openness, and tensile strength characteristics. The class of plastisizers is selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzyl phthalates, phosphate esters and benzoates. The aromatic polyhydroxy compounds are a preferred class of crosslinking/chain extending agents, particularly dihydroxyaromatic compounds, more particularly resorcinol. Other classes of preferred crosslinking/extending agents are saccharides, alkyl glycosides, and alkylene oxide adducts of aliphatic triols. Other preferred crosslinker/extenders include epoxidized soybean oil, polymeric 1,3,5-trimethyl, 2-hydroxy-benzene, selected phenolic resins, selected low molecular weight adducts of a polyfunctional aliphatic amines, and polyoxyalkylene polyols wherein the hydroxyl number is less than about 200 and the average number of hydroxyl groups range from about 3 to about 8.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing resilient polyurethane foams by foaming an organic polyisocyanate, an iso-cyanate-reactive compound and a fusible polymer. The improvement in the hardness of the foams is achieved without adversely affecting the other properties of the foams, such as tensile strength and elongation.

Abstract: A method whereby polyunsaturated components of fatty acids are conjugated and selectively polymerized in the presence of monounsaturated components, mainly oleic acid. Separation techniques are employed to isolate oleic acid and the linoleic acid-based dimer/trimer acids produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trimethylolpropane ester-based plasticizer composition for polyvinyl chloride resin, more particularly a plasticizer composition comprising trimethylolpropane ester capable of using as plasticizer of polyvinyl chloride resin. The present invention can prepare polyvinyl chloride resin having superior tensile strength, elongation, migration, and sheet heating loss etc. by using the plasticizer composition.

Abstract: Mixture of isomeric dialkyl phthalates, where the viscosity of the mixture is controlled via the composition of the isomerically pure alcohols from which the phthalic ester mixture can be prepared.

Abstract: The polyester polyols according to the invention with an average equivalent weight in the range from 200 to 4,000, which were prepared by reacting &agr;,&ohgr;-dicarboxylic acids with butane 1,4-diol, hexane 1,6-diol, propane 1,3-diol or pentane 1,5-diol and with polyols having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups, are used for the preparation of PUR pourable elastomers with improved resistance to hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyaspartate mixtures containing a) 5 to 50 equiv. %, based on the total equivalents of aspartate groups, of a polyoxypropylene polyaspartate corresponding to the formula wherein X1 represents the residue obtained by removing the amino groups from a polyoxypropylene polyamine having a functionality of n, R1 and R2 are identical or different and represent organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less, R3 and R4 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or organic groups which are inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less and n is 2 to 4, and b) 50 to 95 equiv.

Abstract: A monomer composition characterized by being curable to form a resin suitable for optical products having a balanced refractive index and Abbe's number range and good tintability comprising a polyene monomer; and polyisocyanate, polyisothiocyanate, or an isocyanate monomer containing at least one isothiocyanate group; and a monomer having two or more active hydrogen groups such as polythiols, polyamines, and polyols. The invention also provides a special process for making the composition and for curing the composition to form a resin product.

Abstract: Polyester-polyether block copolymers can be prepared by catalytic addition of alkylene oxides onto H-functional initiator substances, using polyester alcohols as H-functional initiator substances and multimetal cyanide compounds as catalysts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a polyurethane foam by reacting at least a polyester polyol with at least a polyisocyanate in the presence of a foaming agent and a catalytic agent, such a polyester polyol having been previously obtained by reacting a reactive acid A comprising at least an aliphatic or aromatic polyacid with functionality not less than 2 with at least a polyol P2 with functionality equal to 2 and at least an aliphatic or aromatic polyacid with functionality not less than 2 with at least a polyol P2 with functionality equal to 2 and at least a polyol P3 with functionality not less than 3, being thereafter called AP2P3, wherein the catalytic agent at least partly consists of at least one amine polyester polyol AP2P3, wherein at least part of polyol P3 consists of at least a polyoxyalkylene polyalkanolamine having at least a tertiary amine function, the alkanol radicals of said polyalkanolamine being C1-C6, the alkylene oxide units being C2-C4 and the statistical mean of the number N o

Abstract: A polyol composition containing a polyester polyol, at least 5 weight % of a compatibilizing agent, based on the weight of the polyol and compatibilizing agent, and a hydrocarbon blowing agent. The compatibilizing agent is one or a combination of a benzoate glycol adduct, a substituted benzoate glycol adduct, a naphthenate glycol adduct, a substituted naphthenate glycol adduct, a toluate glycol adduct, or a substituted toluate glycol adduct. The hydrocarbon blowing agent is selected from cyclopentane, isopentane, n-pentane, 2-chloropropane; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a); 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa); and n-propylbromide, or mixtures thereof. The compatibilizing agent improves the miscibility of conventional polyester polyols with hydrocarbon blowing agents. The polyol composition can be reacted with a polyisocyanate to form a foam.

Abstract: To sufficiently stabilize a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate in spite of its easily polymerizable property, a hydroxyalkyl saturated-carboxylate and/or alkylene glycol as well as a phenol compound is added thereto.

Abstract: New, useful and surprisingly effective antiscorch compositions for utilization within polyurethane foam production methods which utilize very popular tertiary amine catalysts are provided. Such compositions require the presence of nominal yet effective amounts of organic cyclic ester materials. The ring systems of such materials appear to open during exposure to heat (during the curing process) and release carboxylic acids into the curing formulation. The tertiary amines become quenched by the carboxylic acids and thus do not exhibit heat destabilization. The resultant foams exhibit extremely low, if no, areas of excessive heating (i.e., scorch) and thus are substantially uniformly colored throughout. The processes and resultant foams are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: An anti-clouding agent composition comprising (a) at least one kind of multivalent alcohol esters of higher fatty acid having 10 to 20 carbons, and (b) at least one kind of derivatives of montanic acid wax selected from the group of montanic acid wax-alkylene oxide adduct, multivalent alcohol ester of montanic acid wax-alkylene oxide adduct represented by sorbitan ester of montanic acid wax-ethylene oxide adduct, and multivalent alcohol ester of montanic acid wax is kneaded and incorporated into a synthetic resin film to form a film. Thereby a synthetic resin film for agriculture which is excellent in an anti-clouding property at lower temperature, an initial anti-clouding property and an anti-clouding lasting property, besides excellent in transparency can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester-ether polyols and their use in urethane prepolymers, urethane foams and non-foam urethane coatings, adhesives, sealants and/or elastomers. Methods for producing such polyester-ether polyols are disclosed, along with methods for producing urethane prepolymers. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are preferably the reaction product of phthalic anhydride, diethylene glycol, and propylene oxide. These polyester-ether polyols are useful as either the primary polyol in urethane compositions or in combination with conventional auxiliary polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols. The polyester-ether polyols impart greatly improved solubility and compatibility to mixtures of either polyether and/or polyester polyols. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are desirably of lower viscosity than their precursor intermediate polyester polyols and are generally soluble in either polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols.

Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: Certain thermoplastic additives (combinations of clarifying and nucleating compounds) that induce simultaneously low clarity and high nucleation efficacy are provided. Such additives include combinations of certain bicyclic salts (which by themselves induce very high nucleation efficacy) and thermoplastic clarifying agents, including certain dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals and derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as “DBSs”)(which alone provide very low haze measurements and thus highly desirable clarity characteristics). In comparison, other types of standard thermoplastic nucleators, such as sodium benzoate and sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate provide relatively high peak crystallization temperatures, but do not combine synergistically with clarifiers, such as DBSs, to provide the same results as for the inventive combination of bicyclic salts and DBSs.