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: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: Coagulation spinning produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, and yarns of carbon nanotubes. Stabilization, orientation, and shaping of spun materials are achieved by post-spinning processes. Advantages include the elimination of core-sheath effects due to carbonaceous contaminants, increasing mechanical properties, and eliminating dimensional instabilities in liquid electrolytes that previously prohibited the application of these spun materials in electrochemical devices. These advances enable the application of coagulation-spun carbon nanotube fibers, ribbons, and yarns in actuators, supercapacitors, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cellulose based fiber of high water-retentivity. The cellulose based fiber of high water rententivity is manufactured by mixing together a stock solution as a homogeneous mixture of a non-cellulose based material of high absorbency and a cellulose based material and a stock solution singly composed of cellulose based material by means of a nozzle. Then the mixture is formed into a complex fiber as a sheath-core type by spinning, elongation and refining the mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for recycling thermoset materials such as natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, silicone rubbers, and other elastomers and cross-linked polymers (e.g., isoprene rubbers; butyl rubbers; ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, “EPDM”; nitrile, or acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers, “NBR”; styrene-butadiene rubbers, “SBR”; hard rubbers such as EBONITE®; mixtures of vulcanized rubbers from discarded tires). The invention is based on the discovery that by combining powdered or particulate thermoset materials with lubricants such as aromatic or paraffinic rubber processing oils or volatile solvents, the thermoset materials can be recycled under moderate temperature and pressure conditions to rapidly produce materials having physical properties comparable to those of virgin thermoset materials. The resulting materials can, for example, be extruded or compaction molded into new shapes such as panels.

Abstract: A plastic closure that includes a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining a cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by compression molding in situ. The liner preferably consists essentially of a blend of matrix polymer material, particulate barrier polymer material and compatibilizer material. The heat and pressure of compression forms the particles of barrier polymer material into platelets that are oriented essentially parallel to the plane of the closure base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining a fiber comprising the steps of (a) melt extruding a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and hydrophilicity imparting compound to form a plurality of filaments; (b) applying a spin finish to said filaments; and (c) spinning said filaments into a fiber; wherein said spin finish comprises fluorochemical. The invention also provides fibers, textiles and carpet prepared in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for pelletizing high melt flow crystalline polymers to produce crystalline pellet products. The process includes feeding a polyolefin granular or pelleted polymer into a melting/mixing mechanism to provide a molten polymer material. The molten polymer material is optionally passed through a melt pump and through a die to form a plurality of molten polymer strands. The plurality of molten polymer strands then are passed through or along a water trough declined with respect to the direction of the horizontal arrays where they are sprayed with cool liquid a plurality of times in such a manner that the sprayed cool liquid creates turbulent flow and disturbs a thin film of hot water and/or steam that forms around each molten polymer strand as it is cooled without undesirable axial acceleration of the polymer strands. Subjecting the molten polymer strands to such a cooling procedure produces cooled polymer strands, which then are fed to a cutting mechanism and cut into pellets.

Abstract: A process for producing solid dosage forms, in which (i) a plastic mixture of at least one pharmacologically acceptable polymeric binder with a K value of more than 75, at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient and, where appropriate, conventional pharmaceutical additives is prepared and (ii) the plastic mixture is shaped to the required dosage form, with step (i) being carried out under conditions of temperature and shear energy input such that the reduction in molecular weight of the polymeric binder, expressed as the difference in the K value, is less than 15 is described.

Abstract: An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.

Abstract: A polyester resin is thickened in a chamber 4 by first introducing the feed resin through a port 2 and dehydrating in a drying section 14 under reduced pressure. A chemical agent is then added to the dehydrated feed resin and mixed therewith in a thickening section 15. The mixing occurs while deaerating under reduced pressure. The chemical agent functions to either increase the viscosity of the feed resin or suppress the lowering thereof.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of solid, semi-solid, and liquid resins can be prepared by merging into a mechanical disperser a stream of a molten or liquid disperse phase with a stream of a molten or liquid continuous phase to form a dispersion or emulsion. A polymer that is preferably a solid at room temperature, but molten at some advanced temperature may be dispersed with low molecular weight polymers, or intermediate molecular weight polymers continuously in an extruder. A low polydispersity powder-slurry curable coating composition having volume average particle sizes of less than 10 &mgr;m may be prepared by the method of the present invention. Pigmentation of a powder-slurry coating composition is conveniently accomplished by adding pigment to the melted polymer, or to the continuous phase, or to the dispersion after the continuous phase is merged with the disperse phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing aid compositions which are particularly useful in the melt extrusion of single site catalyzed polymers, such as linear low density polyethylene. The processing additives include one or more C8-C22 saturated fatty acid esters of a polyhydroxy alkane, wherein the alkane has from 2-6 carbon atoms and mixtures of one or more of an aforesaid saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydroxyl alkane and one or more saturated fatty acid esters of a poly(oxyalkylene) polymer The invention is also directed to methods of melt extruding polymers containing one or more fatty acid esters of the present invention.

Abstract: New wood-synthetic resin composite products and methods of forming these products are provided. The products comprise a cellulosic or fibrous material and polypropylene (preferably reactor flake polypropylene). The products are formed by passing ingredients including the fibrous material and polypropylene through an extruder (preferably a twin screw extruder) at temperatures of from about 150-260° C. The extruded composite products have physical properties very similar to those of natural wood, including high tensile strengths, high compressive strengths, and high densities.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that the wood of certain trees having genetically modified lignins has plastic properties far greater than that of trees of the general population of the same species. In particular, trees have been found to have significantly increased plasticity in which the lignin is of a less crosslinked or more linear type, of lower molecular weight, of a relatively higher content of lignin precursor monomers or oligomers, or is more readily extractable by the usual methods. Wood from these trees can be readily molded by pressure and heat into two or three dimensional articles. The ability to be molded can be significantly enhanced by the addition of plasticizers.

Abstract: A rubber hose having a multilayer wall is formed of an inner layer of NBR type rubber having a high AN content, available at a low cost and highly impermeable to fuel and an outer layer of a rubber composition having a minimum Mooney viscosity of 25 to 65 at its curing temperature and highly resistant to flattening. Those layers are extruded and cured together without the aid of any mandrel owing to the inside diameter and wall thickness of the hose and the thickness of the outer layer which fall within specific ranges. This process enables the manufacture of a fuel hose having a high fuel impermeability at a low cost, while protecting its inner wall effectively from flattening during curing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a flame retardant polycarbonate resin composition by using a screw extruder, which comprises extruding a resin component (mainly comprising a polycarbonate) and an organic phosphorus compound having an acid value of not more than 0.1 mg KOH/g while kneading, wherein the temperature of the resin component in the extruder is not higher than 300° C., and the residence time of the resin component in the extruder is not more than 40 seconds.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: A film is formed by casting a ribbon on a support from a flow cast die while pulling said ribbon toward said support by providing a decompression area. The decompression area is divided into a middle portion, a left portion and a right portion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of fiber-reinforced plastic molding includes (1) shortening the fibers to a length of less than 30 mm; (2) introducing the fibers and the plastics present in the solid state, separately from one another, into a mixing chamber of a die press, wherein the plastic is in particulate form; (3) thoroughly mixing the plastic and fibers to give a solids mixture; (4) transporting the solids mixture through die orifices of the die press; (5) heating the solids mixture in the zone before or in the orifices of the die; (6) enclosing at least part or partly embedding the fibers by the plastic during or after the heating of the solids mixture; and (7) comminuting the granulated material for subsequent molding.

Abstract: Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant. A release-rate controlling component is incorporated into the matrix to control the rate of release of the encapsulant from the particles. The additional component may be a hydrophobic component or a high water binding capacity component for extending the release time. The plasticizable matrix material, such as starch, is admixed with at least one plasticizer, such as water, and at least one release-rate controlling component under low shear mixing conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass.

Abstract: Molding compositions including low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided. The use of the low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates as a binder in molding compositions provides improved binder removal in the finished molded product, and offers a wide range of physical properties suitable for use in a variety of processing conditions. The composition preferably includes a powdered material, such as a metal powder, ceramic powder, or blend, admixed with a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate binder. The compositions are useful in powder processing techniques, such as injection molding, slip casting, tape casting, or extrusion. Methods of forming low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are also described.

Abstract: Electret fibers that contain a polymeric material and a fluorochemical additive. The electret fibers have a low level of extractable hydrocarbon material. Electret filters that have low extractable hydrocarbon levels exhibit improved filtration performance.

Abstract: A process for preparing a starch-based thermoplastic hydroxy-functionalized polyetheramine comprising continuously feeding from about 40 to about 98 weight percent starch and from about 2 to about 60 weight percent of a thermoplastic hydroxy-functionalized polyetheramine into a mixing screw extruder at a temperature of from about 30° C. to about 120° C. while maintaining a water content in the extruder of from about 7 to about 50 percent, continuously removing the compounded mixture from the extruder in the form of strands at a rate of from 13.5 to 2725 kg/hour, and forming the strands of compounded mixture into pellets.

Abstract: Ceramic honeycombs incorporating cell walls of a sintered alumina material providing controlled pore size distribution in combination with high BET surface area and flexural (MOR) strength are formed by the extrusion, drying and firing of plasticized alumina powder batches containing major proportions of anhydrous, high-surface-area gamma alumina powders dispersed with selected acids; low combined drying and firing shrinkages provide strong, crack-free bodies of high surface area and strength.

Abstract: A method of making polymeric, e.g., polyester, filaments having low denier spread by use of a polymer of high viscosity is described. The filaments are useful to make yarns and other articles.

Abstract: In a process for upgrading cleaned used plastic material to be reclaimed, all steps are performed in a continuous way so as to extrude continuously the plastic material to provide elongated strands thereof, cutting the strands continuously as they are supplied by extrusion to convert them into pellets. Then, the pellets are fed without any intermediate storage to a continuous crystallizer in a stream of hot gas to heat the pellets to crystallizing temperature.

Abstract: An osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet comprising a coherent mass of bone-derived particles, the osteoimplant having a void volume not greater than about 32% and a method of making an osteogenic osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume, the method comprising: providing a coherent mass of bone-derived particles; and, mechanically shaping the coherent mass of bone-derived particles to form an osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet.

Abstract: Stabilized solution-dyed fiber is made by melting a polyamide which is amide monomers polymerized in the presence of at least one hindered piperidine compound, coloring the melted polyamide, and spinning the colored polyamide into fibers that have about 40% or better retained tenacity after 2125 kJ exposure to xenon arc radiation as per AATCC Test Method 16-1993, “Colorfastness to Light,” Option E. Copper stabilizers are unnecesssary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plasticized thermoplastic products, in particular flexible PVC, by means of an extruder wherein a thermoplastic processed with plasticizer to give a dry blend and a plasticizer are combined and heated to form the final product.

Abstract: A method of producing fiber having functional mineral powders comprises the steps of a first pulverizing functional mineral which crystal form of is pinacoid, a second closely pulverizing the first pulverized functional mineral powders to be less than ⅓ granularity of desired fineness, mixing and synthesizing 0.1-10 weight % of the second pulverized functional mineral powders and 90-99.9 weight % of a chemical resin, and spinning the mixture of functional mineral powders and the chemical resin.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: The combination of fluoropolymer processing aid with foam cell nucleating agent gives a combined processing aid that is far superior to either individually when used in the extrusion of melt processible polymers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing polyurethane foam, comprising bringing together under pressure one or more foam components and a gaseous CO2 auxiliary blowing agent and discharging the combination through a permeable discharge head in the form of plural individual wire meshes sintered together to form at least one composite element having a structure such as to require repeated division, divergence and convergence of flow paths and impingement of the individual flows with the sintered wire mesh and the flows through adjacent pores in three dimensions within its axial thickness, and at which the pressure is reduced for forming a froth, wherein the combination of the foam components and gaseous CO2 is arranged to be in a non-homogeneous state containing gas bubbles prior to passage through the discharge head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phosphorescent fiber with the high degree of luminescence. Phosphorescent particles composed, by weight, of 55-62.5% of strontium oxide, 35-42.5% of aluminum oxide, 1-9% of dysprosium oxide and 0.5-1.5% of europium oxide are encapsulated with a wall material. The encapsulated particles are mixed and pelletized at a weight ratio of 15-25:85-75 with polymer capable of fiber formation to give a master batch, which is then compounded at a weight ratio of 30-70:70-30 with a polymer mixture, in combination with a softener and a dispersing agent. Polymer mixture consists of two polymers. One is the same polymer used to produce a master batch, the other is a polymer in the same chemical structure but different in physical properties such as melt index and tenacity. The compounded chip is melt-spun at 190-290° C. through a melt extruder.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and articles useful in the production of foams, and, in particular microcellular foams. The systems include a restriction element that reduces the backflow of polymer melt in an extruder while polymeric material is injected into a mold or ejected from a die. The restriction element is positioned upstream of a blowing agent injection port to maintain the solution of polymer and blowing agent in the extruder above a minimum pressure throughout an injection or ejection cycle, and preferably above the critical pressure required for the maintenance of a single-phase solution of polymer and blowing agent. The systems can be used in injection molding, blow molding, or in any other processing techniques that include injection or ejection cycles. In some embodiments, the systems utilize reciprocating screws for injection or ejection.

Abstract: A process for producing solid creatine-containing dosage forms, wherein

Abstract: A method of making electret fibers, which method comprises the steps of: blending a polymeric material with a fluorochemical additive compound; extruding the blend at a temperature maintained below 290° C. to form extruded fibers; and annealing and charging the extruded fibers; wherein the polymeric material and extrusion conditions are selected such that the resulting fibers have a level of extractable hydrocarbon material that is less than about 3.0 weight percent based on the weight of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of molding a polyolefin-based resin comprising the steps of dissolving at least one dibenzylidene sorbitol compound in a molten polyolefin resin, cooling the molten resin to a temperature not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the cooling cycle to form network-like crystals of the dibenzylidene sorbitol compound, and molding the resulting resin composition at a temperature not lower than the melting temperature of the polyolefin-based resin but not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the heating cycle; and a polyolefin resin molded article obtainable by this molding method.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having enhanced dyeing capabilities containing: (a) a polyolefin; (b) from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin in, of a migratable amphiphile, excluding phenolic and sulfur-containing stabilizers and n-octyl phenyl salicylate; and (c) from 0.01 to 1000 ppm of a transition metal, based on the weight of the polyolefin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making an odor adsorbent tampon or related catamenial device. The method of the present invention includes the steps of forming a plurality of fibers, preferably by extrusion, and impregnating or urging into or inserting into the interstices of the fibers with one or more odor adsorbent materials while the process of forming the fibers is being performed. Thereafter, the plurality of fibers so formed are suitably and conventionally brought together to produce the finished device. Preferably, the one or more odor adsorbent materials is in liquid form and/or is naturally sourced.

Abstract: A biodegradable, structured shaped product having good flexibility or rigidity properties is provided by extruding starch having a relatively large defined particle size and preferably containing a nucleating agent.

Abstract: A body of anti-friction material with reduced wear is formed of at least one carbon filling and a binder matrix of synthetic resin. The body of anti-friction material contains a phosphate, especially a phosphate of di- or pyrophosphoric acid, which is fixed in fine pulverized form in the binder matrix.

Abstract: A biodegradable, water dispersible shaped core product useful in winding or rolling and storage of paper goods is provided by extruding starch which has a particle size of 800 to 1200 microns into an expanded, closed cell starch product.

Abstract: A melt spinning pack, including a pack case, a spinneret having many spinning holes positioned at the bottom of the case, a pack cap having a polymer introducing hole at the center positioned at the top of the case, and a flow arranging plate having many flow arranging holes with restricted portions reduced in cross sectional area compared to the inlets of the holes positioned between the spinneret and the pack cap, satisfying the requirement that the contraction percentage R be 50% or less, respectively contained in the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer/wood fiber composite structural members that can be manufactured in an extrusion process engineered to produce the highest quality materials. The composite can be in a linear extrudate or pellet and can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular-geometric or of arbitrary-amorphous shape. The extruded material comprises a consistent proportion of polymer, wood fiber and water. During the extrusion, water is removed intentionally to dry the material to a maximum water content of less than about 10 wt-% based on the pellet weight. To make a structural unit, the pellet is introduced into an extruder apparatus wherein, under conditions of controlled mass throughput, shear, mechanical energy input, controlled temperature and pressure, the composite material is produced.

Abstract: An impact resistant acrylic polymer pellet comprising an acrylic multi-layer polymer having at least one rubber-like elastomer layer (&agr;) as an inner layer and having a rigid polymer layer (&bgr;) as an outermost layer which is containing methyl methacrylate as a main component, wherein the proportion of parts insoluble in acetone including the polymer of the rubber-like elastomer layer (&agr;) is from 70 to 97% by weight per unit weight of the pellet, and a method for producing the same are disclosed. The pellet is excellent in handling property, and has high content of a rubber-like elastomer.

Abstract: A method for preparing polyester fibers whose water absorbency is comparable to that of natural fibers in which, at a suitable addition time from polyester polymerization to a stage prior to spinning; hydrophilic inorganic particles such as calcium oxide particles, magnesium oxide particles, and manganese oxide particles are added at an amount of 0.01-50 weight % based on the total weight of the fibers. This method enables polyester fibers to have superior water absorbency as well as excellent physical properties. As the inorganic particles are low-priced, this helps to keep down the total cost of producing the fibers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catamenial/tampon device according to which the benefit of incorporating the desired odor adsorbent material in the first instance directly into the fibers as they are formed or spun results in eliminating the potential for dusting during processing of the device and the need for binders and/or thickening agents normally used.