Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaped polymeric article is provided. A sheet of extruded hot polymeric material is provided and disposed onto a rotating belt. The rotating belt includes a mold impression therein and a plurality of apertures therethrough. The mold impression resembles a plurality of adjacent shingle impressions of substantially the same length. Each of the shingle impressions includes a bottom edge where at least one of the bottom edges is beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths. Vacuum pressure is applied to the hot polymeric material through the belt, so as to draw the sheet into intimate forming contact with the mold impression to form a patterned central portion. The patterned central portion is cooled below the heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material. A length of the sheet is severed to produce a shaped polymeric article.

Abstract: Polypropylene resin compositions are provided that are useful in the production of biaxially oriented polypropylene films (BOPPs). The resins of the present invention are blends of high crystalline (low solubles) polypropylene homopolymer and an ethylene/propylene random copolymer (RCP). These blends can be used to replace standard high solubles BOPP grade polypropylene homopolymers. In addition, the use of high crystalline polypropylene homopolymers in the blends imparts improved stiffness to the finished films while maintaining good processability of the blends.

Abstract: Disposable food contact compatible microwaveable containers having one or more micronodular surface are disclosed. These containers, including plates, bowls, cups, trays, buckets, soufflé dishes, and lids are prepared from a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polypropylene polyethylene copolymer or blends, and mixtures of these, mica, and pigment and are thermoformed into the shape of a the aforementioned containers exhibiting (a) a micronodular surface on at least one side of the surface; (b) a melting point of not less than about 250° F.; said containers being dimensionally stable and resistant to grease, sugar, and water at temperatures up to at least 250° F. and being of sufficient toughness to resist cutting by serrated polystyrene flatware.

Abstract: A method of forming bicomponent fibers into a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2 The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The plurality of molten fibers is then routed through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The plurality of continuous cooled fibers is then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. The linear fibers are then deposited onto a moving support, such as a forming wire, to form an accumulation of fibers. The accumulation of fibers are stabilized and bonded to form a web. The web is then stretched by at least 50 percent in at least one direction before being allowed to relax.

Abstract: A method for producing a biaxially stretched film is provided, in which the method comprises, stretching a film made mainly of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of 15 to 70 mol % and a saponification degree of 80 mol % or more under heating; cooling the film; and subjecting the cooled film to a heat treatment; wherein a heating temperature during the stretching is 60 to 160° C., a cooling temperature is a temperature 30 to 100° C. lower than the heating temperature during the stretching, and a temperature for the heat treatment is 150 to 190° C. The thus obtained biaxially stretched film of the present invention has a small bowing coefficient.

Abstract: A polypropylene-based resin composition for stretched film, comprising 20 to 98 parts by weight of a propylene-based polymer(A) having an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;]A of 1.8 to 8 dl/g and a melting temperature TmA of 140 to 165 ° C. and 2 to 80 parts by weight of a propylene-based polymer(B) having an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;]B of 0.8 to 1.7 dl/g and a melting temperature TmB of 150 to 170° C., wherein the ratio of TmA to TmB is less than 1, the ratio of the intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;]A to the intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;]B is more than 1 and less than 10, and the melt flow rate of the polypropylene-based resin composition is from 0.1 to 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus for extruding visco-elastic materials includes an extruder head for preliminary shaping of a visco-elastic melt and a splice bar die assembly for final shaping of the visco-elastic melt. Both the extruder head and the die assembly have flow channels that include low elongational flow zones where elongational flow is reduced and controlled, thereby reducing and controlling the resulting shrinkage of the extrudate. Extrudate shrinkage can also be reduced and controlled by controlling the die swell of the visco-elastic melt by rotating the roller at a selected roller speed less than the melt speed.

Abstract: An EAS marker and method of manufacturing same. In a preferred embodiment, the EAS marker comprises a rigid bottom piece of molded plastic having the shape of an open rectangular box. An elongated resonator is disposed in the bottom piece, the resonator being bowed downwardly about its longitudinal axis. A rigid separator of molded plastic is positioned over the open top of the bottom piece, thereby loosely encasing the resonator in the bottom piece. The foregoing bottom piece, resonator and separator are all positioned within the cavity of a rigid top piece of molded plastic having the shape of an inverted open rectangular box, the separator being press-fit against the interior surface of the top wall of the top piece, the bottom piece being press-fit against the interior surfaces of the side walls and end walls of the top piece. The top wall of the top piece is provided with a recessed area in which a biasing element is disposed, the biasing element being retained in the recessed area by the separator.

Abstract: A twist tie, the twist tie incorporating a thermoplastic copolyester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: Transparent, multilayer, biaxially oriented polyester films having a) a base layer B composed of at least 50% by weight of a thermoplastic polyester and from 0 to 30% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer and b) an outer layer composed of from 20 to 100% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer, the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymers being less than 120° C., possess very good water vapor barrier properties and effective adhesion between the layers. These films are especially suitable for packaging foods and other consumables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a raw material or masterbatch made from a thermoplastic and comprising silicon compounds, to a process for its production, and also to films produced using the polymer and having a thickness in the range from 0.5 to 1 000 &mgr;m. The polymer or masterbatch also comprises at least one stabilizer/free radical scavenger. The invention further relates to a process for producing the film.

Abstract: A method of making a microporous laminate sheet having a first film layer and a second layer. The first film layer includes a pore initiator and is bonded to the second layer in order to form a laminate sheet. The laminate sheet is then stretched using at least one CD intermeshing stretcher and at least one MDO stretching unit. Methods of making a microporous film is well as a microporous film laminate are also provided, along with an apparatus for stretching a film or laminate.

Abstract: A process for making a multiphase polymeric film having a lamellar structure with controlled permeability and/or controlled mechanical properties, comprising the steps of: preparing a molten blend made of a first polymer phase dispersed in a second polymer phase which is a matrix polymer phase incompatible with the said first phase and of a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of DEM, MAH, DEM-g-SEBS, MAH-g-SEBS, DEM-g-PP and MAH-g-PP; extruding the molten blend through a flat die provided with an exit and stretching the so extruded blend downwards said exit at a preselected stretching ratio to produce the said multiphase polymeric film, and solidifying the extruded film sufficiently rapidly to preserve the lamellar structure and the multiphase polymeric films thereby obtained. Granules with a lamellar structure are obtained by grinding the so obtained multiphase polymeric film and are useful for preparing shaped articles with improved physical properties.

Abstract: A thin wall PTFE tube is formed from an extruded green tube. The PTFE tube includes an inner tubular surface and an opposed outer tubular surface defining a tubular wall of a first thickness. The tubular wall is compressed to uniformly reduce the wall-thickness and circumferentially orient the tube. The PTFE tube is positioned over a first elongate roller with the inner tubular surface being in contact therewith. A second roller is positioned against the outer tubular surface of the PTFE tube. The pair of rollers are counter rotated so as to circumferentially compress the tubular wall between the rollers. This results in the uniform reduction in the tubular wall from the first thickness to a lesser second thickness and a circumferential orientation otherwise not occurring in an extruded PTFE paste extrusion.

Abstract: A low-cost, light-weight, high strength, resilent plastic strapping tie is of simple, substantially rectangular extruded form, used in combination with slip-on adjustable tie attachment means. One laterally applied/removed slip-on attachment has a spring ring coil, for applying anywhere along the length of a tie, or to couple ties together, including embodiments having a hook portion to secure the tie to a tie-down point. The subject strapping tie may be knotted, and may be relatively readily unknotted. Ties of polyolefin and polyurethane can have ultimate tensile strength of up to 8,000 pounds per square inch of strap cross section; with a dog-bone, substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile with enlarged rounded edges. The range of small, lightweight attachment fittings includes a mini shock cord equipped with a hook.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making polymer tapes utilizing metallocene catalysts. An isotactic propylene polymer is prepared by polymerizing propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The resulting polypropylene is heated, extruded and withdrawn as a sheet. The sheet is then slit longitudinally into tape segments and drawn in the longitudinal direction to a draw ratio of at least about 4.5:1 to produce an oriented tape. It has been found that these polypropylene tapes have different characteristics than those polypropylene tapes produced using Ziegler-Natta catalyst drawn at the same draw ratios.

Abstract: From about 50 to about 90% by weight of fibers, in particular wood fibers, and/or pellets made from cellulose or from wood, are mixed with from about 10 to about 50% by weight of a hot-curing resin, each of the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the mixture. Instead of a single resin it is also possible to use a mixture made from two or more hot-curing resins. The mixture made from fibers and/or pellets and resin is kneaded and homogenized and then passed on to an extruder which has various heating zones in which the mixture is heated. Care has to be taken here that the maximum temperature, arising at the extruder exit, does not exceed about 120° C., since above this temperature the resin(s) begin(s) to cure.

Abstract: A bi-axially oriented, heat-shrinkable multi-layer film comprising a core layer (A) comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), a first outer layer (B) comprising an ethylene homo- or co-polymer and a second outer layer (C), which may be equal to or different from the first outer layer (B), comprising an ethylene homo- or co-polymer, characterized in that said film has been bi-axially oriented at an orientation ratio in the longitudinal direction higher than 4:1, preferably higher than 4.5:1, more preferably of at least 5:1 and at an orientation ratio in the cross-wise direction higher than 4:1, preferably higher than 4.5:1, more preferably of at least 5:1, is obtained by a process which comprises melt extrusion of the film polymers through a flat die and orientation of the obtained cast sheet simultaneously in the longitudinal and the transversal directions by a simultaneous tenter.

Abstract: A process for producing a polycarbonate film suitable for optical media applications having a birefringence of less than about 50 nm and low stress wherein the polycarbonate has a weight average molecular weight of about 30,000 or less and preferably 13,000 to about 25,000, extruding the polycarbonate film at a temperature of about 275° C. to about 360° C., the polycarbonate has a melt viscosity of about 100 to about 275 Pascal and a thickness of about 100 to about 600 &mgr;m, advancing the melted polymer film into a gap between two calendering rolls which calendaring rolls are at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, advancing the melted polycarbonate film through the gap and cooling the polycarbonate film wherein the polycarbonate film is extruded at the rate of about 10 to 100 feet per minute; and to a polycarbonate film prepared by the process above described.

Abstract: A method including forming a semi-crystalline polymer material into a lamella; and stretching the lamella into a polymer comprising a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation. A method including extruding a pseudo-gel comprising an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene material into a lamella; stretching the lamella into a polymer comprising a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation; and annealing the polymer at a temperature sufficient to define the node and fibril orientation. An apparatus including a body portion formed of a dimension suitable for a medical device application and comprising a semi-crystalline polymer arrayed in a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation. An apparatus including a body portion comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material arrayed in a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation.

Abstract: Embossed oriented thermoplastic films and a method of making same are described. The embossed oriented thermoplastic films have substantially the same mechanical properties as unembossed oriented thermoplastic films. The method includes providing an oriented thermoplastic film having first and second major surfaces, softening at least one of the first and second major surfaces to produce a softened surface, embossing the softened surface to produce an embossed oriented thermoplastic film, and cooling the embossed oriented thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A granulator comprising a perforate screen located within a housing, a roller having a curved convex outer surface wherein the roller is pivotable relative to the screen so that in operation plastic material is able to be forced through the perforate screen by the roller surface so the roller pivots. The granulator is useful for wet and dry granulation.

Abstract: From about 50 to about 90% by weight of fibers, in particular wood fibers, and/or pellets made from cellulose or from wood, are mixed with from about 10 to about 50% by weight of a hot-curing resin, each of the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the mixture. Instead of a single resin it is also possible to use a mixture made from two or more hot-curing resins. The mixture made from fibers and/or pellets and resin is kneaded and homogenized and then passed on to an extruder which has various heating zones in which the mixture is heated. Care has to be taken here that the maximum temperature, arising at the extruder exit, does not exceed about 120° C., since above this temperature the resin(s) begin(s) to cure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a polymeric pressure vessel includes two, coaxial plastic extruders separated by a hole-forming laser and connected to a variable die, a vacuum/blow molding apparatus, a fusing device, a braiding mechanism, and an overcoat applicator. The first extruder forms a tubular core, and the laser forms axially-spaced apertures in the core. The second extruder forms an outer tube coaxially over the tubular core and the variable die is alternately opened and closed to form parisons of increased material at axially-spaced locations along the outer tube. The parisons are moved into the molding apparatus and are expanded in a vacuum/blow molding process into hollow chambers of preferably ellipsoidal shape. The fusing device fuses the outer tube to the tubular core at locations between the spaced-apart hollow chambers, the braiding mechanism then applies a layer of interwoven reinforcing filament fiber, and the overcoat applicator applies a protective polymeric coating over the fiber layer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film comprising a core layer comprising a polyolefin wherein the core layer comprises the interior of the film; and a first skin layer comprising a silicone grafted polymer, wherein the first skin layer is exterior to the core layer.

Abstract: A multilayered biaxially-oriented styrene based resin sheet comprises; a styrene based resin layer (A) as at least two outer layers formed by the polymerization of methacrylic acid in a weight proportion of 1˜3.5% and styrene, and a styrene based resin layer (B) formed from polystyrene which is sandwiched between the outer layers and for which the loss tangent (tan &dgr;) maximum peak value temperature for dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is 6.5˜25° C. lower than that for the resin of the resin layer (A). The sheet has excellent properties of transparency and external appearance, can be reused by recovering and moreover does not suffer from raindrop occurrence by secondary forming.

Abstract: A method of producing a breathable film which comprises the steps of: (a) producing an inorganic filler by treating particles of an inorganic particulate material comprising an alkaline earth metal carbonate compound by reaction with a hydrophobising surface treatment agent comprising one or more aliphatic carboxylic acids having at least 10 chain carbon atoms to produce a hydrophobic coating on the particles under conditions such that the inorganic filler produced has a total surface moisture level comprising moisture adsorbed on the particles and trapped within the hydrophobic coating thereon of not greater than 0.1% by weight based on the dry weight of the inorganic particulate material; (b) producing a filled thermoplastic composition by mixing the inorganic filler produced in step (a) with a heated thermoplastic polymer; and (c) shaping the composition produced in step (b) by heat processing to form a film product.

Abstract: Three-dimensional flexible adhesive film structures are described which exhibit tack on demand characteristics. The film is capable of showing minimal or no tack under normal handling conditions, but when pressed against a target surface, exhibits the desired adhesion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretched film of a thermoplastic resin comprising a stretched film base layer (A) containing 40 to 85 wt % of a thermoplastic resin and 60 to 15 wt % of an inorganic or organic fine powder; and a stretched film surface layer(B), being provided at least on one surface of said stretched film base layer (A), containing 30 to 90 wt % of a thermoplastic resin and 70 to 10 wt % of inorganic or organic fine powder having an average particle size smaller than that of the inorganic or organic fine powder contained in the stretched film base layer (A), and has a porosity of 5 to 60%. The stretched film of the thermoplastic resin has a high surface hardness, excellent processability in embossing and desirable ink adhesiveness, and can effectively be used in a variety of applications including building decorative.

Abstract: A method of producing a rubber-based covering comprising at least one layer formed from fragmented cohesible material comprises the steps of forming a substantially continuous bed of the fragmented cohesible material and subjecting the material of the bed to a compacting step so as to form a sheet material as a result of the cohesion of the material. The compaction step is performed with a substantial absence of stretching stresses on the fragmented material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: A die apparatus, a method of using the die apparatus to produce co-extruded polymeric articles, and co-extruded polymeric articles produced using the die apparatus and method are disclosed. The die apparatus includes a hollow vane configured to extrude a material into a chamber within the die, thereby producing a co-extruded web. The co-extruded web has a plurality of distinct, discontinuous phases in the cross-web direction, the phases having a uniform width as shown by a coefficient of variation of less than 8 percent for any three consecutive phases. The phases are substantially continuous down-web and are surrounded by a matrix having two or more layers.

Abstract: A multi-layered stretched resin film comprises a base layer (A) comprising more than 90 wt % of a polyolefinic resin and less than 10 wt % of an inorganic fine powder and/or an organic filler; and an amorphous resin-containing layer (B), comprising 0 to 85 wt % of a second polyolefinic resin, which may be the same or different than the first polyolefinic resin, and 15 to 100 wt % of an amorphous resin. The amorphous resin-containing layer (B) is disposed on at least one side of the base layer (A), and has a porosity of 5% or less. Such multi-layered stretched resin films are resistant to waving or curling caused by exposure to the vehicle component of offset printing inks during offset printing, and therefore have excellent printing properties.

Abstract: A polycarbonate composition featuring improved adhesion to polyurethane, preferably polyurethane foam is disclosed. The composition contains (A) an aromatic polycarbonate and/or polyester-carbonate, (B) a graft polymer and (C) a copolymer of styrene and a monomer containing carboxyl groups, the copolymer having a weight average molecular weight Mw of >10,500 g/mol. Composite materials containing layers of the inventive composition and polyurethane layer, preferably foam, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking resistant electrical insulating material or article suitable for medium to high voltage applications comprising a silane-modified polyolefin, and a heat-shrinkable article prepared therefrom. Said material or article is preferably prepared by a process comprising: (a) reacting polyolefin with a silane in the presence of a free-radical initiator to form a silane-grafted polyolefin, or copolymerising a polyolefin with silane; (b) preparing a mixture of one or more silane-modified polyolefins prepared in (a) with optionally one or more non silane-modified polyolefins, antitrack ingredients, and a silanol condensation catalyst; (c) forming the insulating material or article by melt extruding or moulding said mixture; and (d) crosslinking the insulating material or article by exposing it to moisture, preferably at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling plastic waste to produce a wood substitute material for use in manufacture of garden products. A mixture of one or more types of plastic materials is extruded in a partially plasticised condition so as to allow gases formed by the extrusion process to escape from the surface of the extrusion to create a simulated wood. Holes (9) formed in the surface of the extruded plastic material by escaping gases are elongated by passage of the extrusion through a finishing die (7) downstream of the extruder (5) to form a rough textured surface similar to sawn wood and the plastic material is set to retain the shape and configuration of the textured surface by cooling in a water bath (8) downstream of the finishing die (7).

Abstract: A process for forming a rod of bioabsorbable polymeric material includes extruding the material at a temperature above its melting point at a controlled rate of between 0.4 to 20 feet per minute to form a continuous rod. The continuous rod is then cooled by passing the rod through a cooling bath to cause nucleation. The continuous rod is passed through a first puller running at least at the same speed as the extruder. A second puller is provided which is moving faster than the first puller so that the continuous rod is elongated at a ratio of between 2 and 12 times. During this elongation, the rod is heated to a temperature of between 55° C. and 140° C. in an oven located between the first and second pullers. The rod is annealed at a temperature of between 70° C. and 110° C. after being elongated but prior to exiting the second puller. Upon exiting the second puller, the tension in the rod is released and the continuous rod is then allowed to cool.

Abstract: Extruded netting having at least some elastomeric strands, the properties of which have been modified by stretch conditioning.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition containing thermoplastic elastomer and elastic fine particles is extruded into a sheet-like shape from an extruder. Then, by expanding this sheet-like shape member, a covering sheet having minute unevenness attributable to the elastic fine particles formed on the surface is produced. The covering sheet may have an adhesive layer, a substrate layer, a foamed resin layer, etc., on the opposite side to the surface having a matt feeling. Such covering sheet can be produced with good productivity without creating environmental problems such as a problem related to solvent, etc. By molding using the covering sheet, a molding having matt feeling can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layer resin film having excellent oxygen gas barrier properties, particularly even at high humidity, and further having no chlorine content. The multi-layer resin film of the present invention has a biaxially-stretched polypropylene resin film, an adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the polypropylene resin film, and a polyvinyl alcohol resin layer formed on the adhesive layer, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol resin layer has a value of crystallinity parameter (CP (M//) ⊥) not less than 0.8. The multi-layer resin film of the present invention can be prepared by forming an adhesive layer on at least one surface of an unstretched polypropylene resin film; stretching the film in one direction; forming a polyvinyl alcohol resin layer on the adhesive layer; and stretching the film in another direction perpendicular to the direction of previous stretching.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, waterproof shower pan liner comprised of a water-insoluble thermoplastic sheet. The shower pan liner includes on at least one surface selected indicia such as product information or plumbing codes at regular intervals. The indicia are embossed into the shower pan liner thereby eliminating the need for a protective top coat. In a process for making the invention, the thermoplastic is heated, calendered, and thereafter embossed with the selected indicia while in a heated condition.

Abstract: An elastic laminate suitable for use with a nonwoven garment has an elastic film with elastic strands placed thereon. The laminate is particularly suitable for combining with facing materials when making “targeted elastic materials” for placement into the structure of the nonwoven garment. A disposable garment may then utilize the elastic laminate, or the targeted elastic material made therefrom, to include an area of elasticized gathering under tension to better conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced depolymerizable and repolymerizable thermoplastic composite that is encased in a depolymerizable and repolymerizable thermoplastic resin exhibits the strength and stiffness that make the encased composite particularly suitable for a wide array of applications that require very high strength, stiffness, and exceptional impact, together with complex shape. Examples of such applications include bumper beams, pedals, car door structures, instrument panels, and seating structures for automotive use. Other applications include window profiles, skis, ski poles, mast stays, tent poles, concrete reinforcement, crash barriers, window or door lineals, cable trays, cable for optical fibers, bicycle wheels and frames, and pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, drying, stretching, abrasion-resistance, flame-retardancy, static-dissipation, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, paper, thermoplastic sheets, and medical paper containing cellulose ester, alkylpolyglycoside (APG) or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol, and, optionally, cellulose. The process of incorporating APG or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol in paper composed of cellulose ester fibers and cellulose fibers and to calendaring of such paper is also disclosed.