Abstract: A polyester film including terminal carboxylic groups in an amount of from 2 eq/t to 23 eq/t, wherein an amount of carboxylic groups on a surface of the film is from 0.005 eq/m2 to 0.2 eq/m2, and a thickness of the film is from 120 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a reinforced polyvinyl chloride device including the steps: a) preparing a pre-reinforced polymer by mixing polyvinyl chloride polymer with a quantity A of a naturally occurring mineral filler at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride polymer; and b) mixing the pre-reinforced polymer obtained under a) with a quantity B of a naturally occurring mineral filler at a temperature higher than 180° C. to obtain a reinforced polyvinyl chloride polymer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for a melt processable semicrystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) incorporating phthalazinone and 4,4?-biphenol as comonomer units are described herein. The polymers are resistant to and insoluble in common organic solvents and liquids as well as in aggressive organic solvents such as chloroform and chlorinated liquids. The polymers are melt processable via techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, and compression molding. The semicrystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) containing phthalazinone comonomer units have properties which make them suitable for manufacturing high temperature resistant molded systems and other articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing oriented slit film tapes, comprising the following steps: extruding melt polymer through a die (2); simultaneous quenching and melt-drawing of the molten polymer in the cooling device to form a film sheet (3); slitting the initial film sheet into a plurality of relatively narrow slit film tapes (4); stretching (8) at elevated temperature, by passing the slit film tapes through a heating medium (7) at a temperature just below the softening temperature of the slit film tapes; y annealing and cooling the oriented slit film tapes (10, 11); winding the slit film tapes (13); characterized in that before the stretching step, it has a stage of pre-stretching (108) made by passing the slit film tapes through one set of heated holding rollers (107) turning at a given speed and one set of cooled pre-stretch rollers (109) turning faster than the heated holding rollers, wherein at least one of the rollers of the set of holding rollers is heated and at least one of the roller

Abstract: Release sheet materials for use as packaging material for individually packaged disposable absorbent articles, typically sanitary napkins and the like.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical film containing aromatic polymer which shows high solubility to solvents, and methods for production thereof. Further, the invention also relates to an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device each using the optical film. The optical film may be attained by using polyester with a specific structure. The polyester with a specific structure may be obtained by condensation polymerization of bisphenol compound(s) and dicarboxylic acid compound(s) with biphenyl structure, and preferably has no halogen atom in its chemical structure. The optical film of the invention advantageously has not only high solubility in solvents but also a high level of heat resistance and birefringence producing capability. When the content of the biphenyl structure is high, the optical film of the invention can also have large wavelength dispersion of birefringence.

Abstract: A process includes introducing a base polymer into an extruder, heating to a temperature sufficient to form a polymer melt, introducing a liquid such as water including an additive with mixing and subsequent vaporization and venting of the liquid to produce an extrudate having a uniform distribution of preferably uniformly small additive particles.

Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention provides a method for extruding thermoplastic polymers which includes the step of creating high pressure steam in the extruding apparatus so as to prevent scorching and to solubilize contaminants. The method can be used in a neutralization step of ionomers in an extrusion process to obtain an extrudate having good light transmission and improved impact resistance.

Abstract: A microporous polyethylene membrane having well-balanced permeability, mechanical properties, heat shrinkage resistance, compression resistance, electrolytic solution absorbability, shutdown properties and meltdown properties, with an average pore diameter changing in a thickness direction is produced by melt-blending a polyethylene resin and a membrane-forming solvent to prepare a solution A having a resin concentration of 25 to 50% by mass and a solution B having a resin concentration of 10 to 30% by mass, the resin concentration in the solution A being higher than that in the solution B, (a) simultaneously extruding the resin solutions A and B through a die, cooling the resultant extrudate to provide a gel-like sheet in which the resin solutions A and B are laminated, and removing the membrane-forming solvent from the gel-like sheet, or (b) extruding the resin solutions A and B through separate dies, removing the membrane-forming solvent from the resultant gel-like sheets A and B to form microporous polyet

Abstract: A polymer alloy fiber that has an islands-in-sea structure of two or more kinds of organic polymers of different levels of solubility, wherein the island component is made of a low solubility polymer and the sea component is made of a high solubility polymer, while the diameter of the island domains by number average is in a range from 1 to 150 nm, 60% or more of the island domains in area ratio have sizes in a range from 1 to 150 nm in diameter, and the island components are dispersed in a linear configuration. A method for manufacturing the polymer alloy fiber includes melt spinning of a polymer alloy that is made by melt blending of a low solubility polymer and a high solubility polymer.

Abstract: A soft, pelletizable poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol having a Shore A hardness of less than about 70 is disclosed. The plasticizers employed in the plastisol can be petroleum-based plasticizers or bioplasticizers or both. A method of gelation, fusion, and controlled cooling in an agitating chamber permits a conventional liquid plastisol to be transformed into the pelletizable plastisol strand. If a pelletizer is used after cooling into strands or other shapes, then pelletized plastisol results. The formulation of liquid plastisol for hardness is unaffected by the transformation. The solidified plastisol can be stored for later extrusion or molding into a final plastic article shape.

Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.

Abstract: A nanofiber composite including a nanofiber formed of a hydrophobic polymer, a nanowire formed of a conductive or semiconductive organic material that is oriented in the nanofiber in the longitudinal direction of the nanofiber, and an ionic active material.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene resin comprising polytetrafluoroethylene having a two-dimensional branched structure in the molecule is produced by exposing polytetrafluoroethylene to an ionizing radiation at a dose of no more than 10 kGy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and method of modifying the surface of a polymeric to produce a film or article with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and improved release properties. The reduced coefficient of friction improves both the slip and anti-blocking properties of the material as well aiding in processing of the polymeric material. Additionally, the invention improves demolding and release of the polymeric material from other polymeric surfaces or adhesives as well as metal molding surfaces.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide an ethylene-based resin having a transparency enhanced without excessively lowering an impact strength, which a linear low-density polyethylene has. There is provided an ethylene-based resin satisfying all of the following conditions: (a) its density ranges from 890 to 930 kg/m3, (b) its melt flow rate (MFR) ranges from 0.1 to 10 g/10 min, (c) its activation energy (Ea) of flow is less than 50 kJ/mol, (d) its Mz/Mw is not less than 3.5, (e) its (Mz/Mw)/(Mw/Mn) is not less than 0.9, and (f) its proportion of a resin amount eluted at 100° C. or more as measured by a temperature rise elution fractionation method is less than 1 wt %, provided that a total amount of the ethylene-based resin eluted up to 140° C. is 100 wt %.

Abstract: A film comprising a polymer blend of 0.3 to 0.8 wt % LDPE; and 99.2 to 99.7 wt % LLDPE, the LDPE having an MI of 0.1 to 0.6 dg/min, and the blend having a slice long chain branching of at least 0.96 for any portion of the composition having a molecular weight of 100,000 or above, wherein the film is formed from an extrudate of the blend.

Abstract: A PMC fabric yarn for use in a PMC fabric. The PMC fabric yarn has a composition which is a mixture of between 90% and 99.8% PET, with a remainder of said composition being between 0.2% and 10% CNT. The composition of the yarns has a relative elongation at 15.75 cN/tex which is between approximately 5% and 20% less than the PET, and an abrasion resistance which is between approximately 50% and 500% greater than the PET.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic is provided by mixing starch; a biodegradation promoter, such as humic and/or fulvic acid; oil, such as white mineral oil; polypropylene; and a hydrogenated styrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymer. An environmentally friendly cable is provided by extruding the biodegradable plastic with wiring therein. An environmentally friendly headset includes the environmentally friendly cable, and may also includes one or more speaker sets and a microphone assembly, each also made, at least in part, with biodegradable material.

Abstract: An article comprising a yarn comprising an elastomeric propylene-based polymer composition; said polymer composition comprising at least one elastomeric propylene-based polymer, wherein said yarn has break elongation of greater than 200%.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes: a piezoelectric transducer (1) emitting ultrasonic waves; and a backing layer (4) provided in contact with a back side of the piezoelectric transducer (1) and attenuating ultrasonic waves that are emitted toward the back side of the piezoelectric transducer (1) and have an opposite phase to the phase of ultrasonic waves emitted toward a front side of the piezoelectric transducer (1). The acoustic tubes (5) are disposed in the backing layer (4) such that a longitudinal direction of each acoustic tube (5) is in line with a traveling direction of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric transducer (1) toward the front and the back side. The acoustic tubes (5) have mutually different lengths on the basis of a principle of an acoustic wave synthesis, and attenuate in whole or in part the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric transducer (1) toward the backing layer (4).

Abstract: The present invention includes a monofilament obtainable by extruding a composition comprising: (a) at least one vinylidene chloride polymer/methyl acrylate interpolymer having at most about 6 weight percent methyl acrylate mer units in the polymer; and (b) at least about three weight percent total plasticizer, of which about 0.5 weight percent based on total composition weight is an epoxy plasticizer or combination thereof through a die such that monofilament is formed. Optionally, and preferably in extruders wherein the composition of (a) and (b) exhibits less uniformity in extrusion than is desired, at least one methacrylic polymer is also added. The invention also includes a process of extruding a composition of at least (a) and (b) to form a monofilament.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze, and comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: A polymer containing a polyester polymer unit having the formula -(I-III-II)-, wherein III is derived form a di-carboxylic acid, wherein I is derived from 1,3 cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein II is derived from 1,4 cyclohexanedimethanol and wherein the polymer is a solid at room temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polymeric material containing at least an embedded insecticidally active ingredient and an additive, which are released at room temperature. It similarly concerns materials produced from this polymer, for example in the form of self-supporting film/sheet, threads, wovens, fabrics, textiles, nets, curtains and pellets. The invention further concerns processes for producing such polymeric material and also the use of the self-supporting film/sheet, threads, wovens, fabrics, textiles and nets and curtains produced from the material for protecting humans, animals and plants and buildings, machines and packaging against arthropods, particularly for controlling insects.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic film or a composite film, and the film obtained by such method. The film has barrier properties and is made at least of a biodegradable basic plastic material and a second plastic material having barrier properties. The film is useful in particular for packaging sensitive goods.

Abstract: A catheter shaft and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a core portion, a cap portion, and one or more lumens. The cap portion may be disposed on or over a section of the core portion and define a region with a different exterior or interior surface characteristic. For example, the cap portion may define a lubricious region along the catheter shaft. Manufacturing the catheter shaft may include a modified co-extrusion process that incorporates a flow valve on at least one of the material supply lines so that the supply line can be regulated by a user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to oxygen scavenging polymer compositions, methods of making the compositions, articles prepared from the compositions, and methods of making the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving certain physical properties of polyesters are provided. The compositions are based on poly(trimethylene ether)glycol, and can improve properties such as toughness and flexibility in polyesters, providing a balance of desired properties.

Abstract: An extrusion head for an extrusion apparatus can include a spider for supporting a central mandrel. A high volume reservoir can be mounted to the spider on a downstream side of the spider. The central mandrel can extend longitudinally into the high volume reservoir. The high volume reservoir can have an axially straight annular conduit with a length L and an outer diameter OD. The annular conduit can have an L to OD ratio of about 1:1. A set of dies can be mounted downstream of the high volume reservoir, whereby the high volume reservoir reduces pressure and promotes homogenization of molten polymer flowing therethrough, before reaching the set of dies.

Abstract: The extrusion head including a conduit with a central mandrel extending within the conduit for supporting an inner die portion of a set of dies that has inner and outer die portions. An upstream spider and a downstream spider are included, and each have webs supporting the central mandrel at axially spaced apart positions. The webs of the upstream and downstream spiders can have web portions that are axially offset from each other to promote mixing of polymer flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: A system for making sheets, films, and objects including a reactor-dryer for reacting at least one monomer to produce a polymer melt; a flash melter in communication with the reactor-dryer for heating the polymer melt received from the reactor-dryer; a flash tank in communication with the flash melter for removing volatile compounds from the polymer melt; and a control loop in communication with the flash tank for controlling the pressure of the polymer melt from the flash tank to a die forming unit. Methods of making sheets, films, and objects is further included.

Abstract: A polyester polymer composition containing polyester polymers such as polymers having repeating ethylene terephthalate units, aluminum atoms in an amount of at least 3 ppm based on the weight of the polymer, the polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.72 dL/g obtained through a melt phase polymerization and a residual acetaldehyde level of 10 ppm or less. Also provided are polyester polymer compositions containing polyester polymers and: (i) aluminum atoms (ii) alkaline earth metal atoms or alkali metal atoms or alkali compound residues, and (iii) a catalyst deactivator such as a phosphorus compound. The phosphorus compound is added to the polyester melt either late in the polycondensation or upon remelting a solid polyester polymer. The polyester polymer exhibits good L* brightness, clarity, and low levels of acetaldehyde generated upon melting.

Abstract: A wire (10) for use in a brazing or soldering operation has an elongated body (12) of a metallic material. The elongated body (12) has an outer surface (18). A channel (14) is formed along a length of the body. The channel (14) has an opening (A1). A flux solution (22) is deposited within the channel (14) and along the length of the body. The flux solution (22) covers a portion of the outer surface (18). A portion of the flux solution (22) is exposed through the opening (A1) in the channel (14).

Abstract: An extrusion method and head for depositing by extrusion a polymeric material intended, in particular, for the production of cables includes a core and a coating layer arranged at a radially outer position with respect of the core. The method includes the steps of feeding the polymeric material in a feeding duct of the extrusion head and of conveying a part of the polymeric material towards an undercut extending in the extrusion head in proximity of an end of the feeding duct. The method provides a sealing force between a head body and a conveyor element of the extrusion head exerted by means of the pushing action exerted by the polymeric material in the undercut in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head body.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable nano-polymer compositions, or nanocomposites, comprising poly(lactic acid) and co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded with nanoparticles of a mineral material having a degree of purity of at least 99.9%, preferably 99.99%, selected from the group of silica and magnesium silicate. In addition, the present invention refers to a process for manufacturing the said compositions as well as biodegradable articles made on the basis of such compositions, such as molded, formed and extruded articles.

Abstract: A pleated filter structure includes a pleated filtering substrate and a pleated, polymer, mesh reinforcing sheet or netting for assisting in maintaining the pleated configuration of the filtering substrate. The pleated, polymer, mesh reinforcing sheet or netting includes a mechanically degraded polyalkylene terephthalate as the primary polymer therein. A method of making the pleated filter structure includes the steps of obtaining commercial articles having been made from a high crystallinity, flexible polyalkylene terephthalate; and mechanically degrading said articles to decrease the crystallinity and increase the stiffness of the polyalkylene terephthalate and extruding the mechanically degraded articles into an extruded structure stiffer and more amorphous than the polyalkylene terephthalate in the commercial articles.

Abstract: A polyester resin and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The fabrication method includes providing a diphenol monomer and a diacid monomer. The diphenol monomer is acetylated and then melt pre-polymerized with diacid monomer to form a pre-polymer. Then, the pre-polymer is polymerized by solid state polymerization to form a heat-resistant and transparent polyester resin.

Abstract: An artificial turf is provided. The artificial turf includes a pile fabric having a backing, pile elements extending upwardly from the backing, and an infill layer filled on the backing such that the pile elements are at least partially embedded in the infill layer. The infill layer includes an elastic infill and a high-hardness resin infill.

Abstract: In an exemplary implementation of this invention, a plurality of materials are heated, mixed and extruded from a nozzle. The ratio of materials in the extruded mixture may be dynamically varied in such a way that the composition of the extruded material varies in a substantially continuous gradient. The deposited material is selectively deposited layer by layer. The composition of the resulting 3D object may vary, over at least part of its volume, in a substantially continuous gradient. Furthermore, a plurality of such nozzles may be employed, at least one of which extrudes support material and at least one of which extrudes parts material, in each case in such a way that the composition of the extruded material varies in a substantially continuous gradient.

Abstract: A liquid crystal resin comprises structural units derived from at least two types of aromatic diols. The liquid crystal resin generates 100 ppm or less of acetic acid gas, less than 20 ppm of phenol gas, and less than 100 ppm of carbon dioxide gas when the liquid crystal resin is retained at a melting point +10° C. (or at 335° C. when the melting point is less than 325° C.) for 30 minutes in a helium gas atmosphere. The present invention provides a liquid crystal resin or a composition containing this resin by which metal corrosion, clouding of glass, bulging of molded articles, and the like are reduced.

Abstract: A method of forming a coated medical device is described. A coating may be applied inline to a continuous tubing formed by extrusion, prior to cutting and secondary operations. Thus, inefficient and labor-intensive steps associated with preparing individual tubes for coating may be avoided. The method may include forcing a flowable material through an exit port of an extruder, depositing a coating onto at least a portion of the continuous length of extruded tubing after the tubing is forced through the exit port, cutting the coated tubing to a desired length after depositing the coating, and performing one or more secondary operations on the coated tube at a temperature in the range of from about 15° C. to about 375° C.

Abstract: Toughened, plasticized poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) polymer compositions comprising poly(trimethylene ether) glycol and ethylene ester copolymers are provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanocomposite includes exposing a plurality of substantially dry nanoparticles to a substantially dry and solid matrix material to form a combination of the nanoparticles and the matrix material. The method also includes agitating the combination of the nanoparticles and the matrix material to thereby disperse the nanoparticles on the matrix material. The matrix material remains in a solid phase during agitating. Furthermore, the method includes processing the combination to form the nanocomposite having the nanoparticles dispersed in the matrix material.

Abstract: An extrusion head is disposed over a substrate, and material is extruded through an oblique (e.g., semi-circular or tapered) outlet orifice of the extrusion head to form an associated extruded structure having an equilibrium shape that resists settling after being deposited on the substrate. The extrusion head includes fluidic channels having a flat surface formed by a flat first (e.g., metal) sheet, and an oblique (e.g., substantially semi-cylindrical) surface formed by elongated oblique trenches that are etched or otherwise formed in a second sheet. The fluidic channel communicates with the outlet orifice, which has a flat edge formed by the first sheet, and an oblique edge formed by an end of the oblique trench. The material is extruded through the outlet orifice such that its flat lower surface contacts the substrate, and its oblique upper surface faces away from the substrate. Two materials are co-extruded to form high aspect-ratio gridlines.

Abstract: Polymer-graphite compositions and related methods of using solid-state shear pulverization as can be used to affect one or more physical properties thereof.