Abstract: The invention herein provides a method to improve retention of tensile properties upon aging in poly(trimethylene terephthalate) cast film. The method involves first nucleating the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) resin prior to film formation and controlling the quench temperature during casting of the film. The quench temperature should be controlled to a temperature in the range of from about 10° C. below the Tg of the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) to about 15° C. above the Tg of the poly(trimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: A fluidized mixture is issued from a nozzle comprising a fan jet at the outlet, causing the mixture to spread as it is issued. The issued material is collected on a moving collection surface located a distance of between 0.25 and 13 cm from the outlet of the nozzle, prior to the onset of large scale turbulence in the fluid jet. The resulting product has good basis weight uniformity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing elastomer compounds for use in the production of rubbers. At least one elastomer to be processed for the production of an elastomer mixture can be slowly added to a mixer/extruder and is mixed and plasticized and/or masticated (melted) while it passes through the mixer/extruder. The elastomer, when slowly added to the mixer/extruder, can be present in a fluid medium in an evenly distributed form.

Abstract: Process for producing formed cellulosic articles, particularly fibers and filaments, comprising a) dissolving cellulose in an aqueous solution of a tertiary amine oxide, especially N-methyl-morpholine N-oxide, and b) extruding the cellulose solution through an extrusion die via an air gap into a precipitation bath with precipitation of the formed articles, said cellulose solution and/or said precipitation bath containing a tenside, characterized in that in the step b) the tenside content c of the cellulose solution and/or of the precipitation bath is in the range 100 ppm>c>5 ppm, and the width of the air gap is in the range from 2 to 20 mm. With this process the air gap width can be considerably reduced without deterioration of the properties of the fibers/filaments.

Abstract: A process for producing a low-profile, high-strength dilatation catheter balloon is disclosed. The process comprises forming a tubular extrudate and quenching said extrudate in a cryogenic fluid. The quenched extrudate has morphology of a largely disordered material. The crystallinity in the extrudate is no more than 15%. The crystallinity of the extrudate is measured using X-ray crystallography or DSC. The extrudate is further processed in a mold in which the extrudate is longitudinally and radially stretched. The stretched extrudate is finally attached as a balloon to the distal end of a catheter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition can contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener.

Abstract: A process for making non-thermoplastic starch fibers comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-thermoplastic starch composition comprising from about 50% to about 75% by weight of modified starch and from about 25% to about 50% of water and having a shear viscosity within the at least one nozzle from about 1 to about 80 Pascals·second at the processing temperature and at a shear rate of 3,000 sec−1; (b) extruding the non-thermoplastic starch composition through at least one extrusion nozzle terminating with a nozzle tip, thereby forming at least one embryonic starch fiber; (c) attenuating the at least one embryonic starch fiber with an attenuating air having an average velocity at the nozzle tip greater than about 30 meters per second, to cause the fiber to form an average equivalent diameter of less than about 20 microns; (d) dewatering the at least one embryonic starch fiber to a consistency of from about 70% to about 99% by weight, thereby producing at least one non-thermoplastic starch fibe

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 process for manufacturing extrudable/melt spinnable concentrate pellets which contain phase change materials (PCMs), whether the PCMs are micro-encapsulated absorbed into carrier polymers, or non-micro-encapsulated within the concentrate pellets. The polymer matrix within the concentrate pellets can be any thermoplastic polymer or combination of thermoplastic polymers, and the concentrate pellets can then be blended into similar thermoplastic polymers to form mono-filament melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc., or the concentrate pellets can be blended with other thermoplastic polymers to form bi-component or multi-component melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc.

Abstract: A method of making a roofing product such as a shingle is provided. One such method includes creating a mixture having at least a polymer and a filler, forming a sheet from the mixture, cooling the sheet, embossing the sheet, forming multiple roofing products from the sheet and bundling at least some of the roofing products together. This method is performed using an automated procedure. Another method of the present invention involves creating a composite roofing product using mold cavities, using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system, and stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors of different surface configurations.

Abstract: A front cover, a rear cover and a base portion are crushed into a crushed material, and further pelletized into a recycled plastic pellet. The recycled plastic pellet is used as a part of a molding material to produce mold plastic parts for a photosensitive material. When the molding material is melt in heat, a thermoplastic resin is deteriorated by heat or modified. Therefore, properties and qualities of recycled plastic mold parts are less than those of new ones. Further, when the thermoplastic resin is deteriorated by heat, the photosensitive material reacts with the thermoplastic resin to decomposed products having an bad influence on photographic characteristics. In order to prevent the deterioration by heat, oxidation inhibiting materials are added, and in order to absorb the decomposed products, carbon blacks are added.

Abstract: Process for the continuous solvent-free and mastication-free production of self-adhesive compositions based on non-thermoplastic elastomers in a continuously operating apparatus having a filling section and a compounding section, comprising a) feeding the solid components of the self-adhesive composition, such as elastomers and resins, into the filling section of the apparatus, optionally feeding of fillers, colorants and/or crosslinkers, b) transferring the solid components of the self-adhesive composition from the filling section to the compounding section, c) adding the liquid components of the self-adhesive composition, such as plasticizers, crosslinkers and/or further tackifier resins to the compounding section, d) preparing a homogeneous self-adhesive composition in the compounding section, and e) discharging the self-adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method of producing ceramic greenware, in particular a ceramic green film, having a ceramic powder component as the main ingredient and at least one organic solvent-free component as a secondary ingredient. To do so, the ceramic powder component is processed with the organic components initially to yield a highly viscous, solvent-free starting material which is then shaped by an extruder to form the greenware or green film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a an apparatus for processing various materials, the apparatus including at least two annular feed gaps placed one within the other. The beginning of each feed gap is provided with a grinding section (5), which is followed in the apparatus by a mixing section (10). The materials are processed in the grinding section (5), whereafter they are mixed in the mixing section (10), and the mixture is extruded into a product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security item comprises coextruding at least two polymer plastic materials (6,7) with different characteristics so as to form a substrate so that neither material are biaxially oriented, and providing security indicia (14) on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of making electret fibers, which method comprises: extruding a polymeric material to create fibers; and imparting an electric charge to the fibers; wherein the resulting fibers have a level of extractable hydrocarbon material that is less than 3.0 weight percent, based on the weight of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition that can be readily and quickly processed into extruded and molded articles and film-based products. More specifically, the invention pertains to melt processing of polyhydroxyalkanoates which contain a novel combination of nucleant and plasticizer for enhancing crystallization rates thus causing improved processibility.

Abstract: An abrasive filament, a cloth or non-woven made of the filament and an abrasive device, e.g., sanding disk, incorporating the fabric, cloth or non-woven and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The filament has an outer surface to which plural small size particles of an abrasive material are secured. The filament is formed from a mass of a molten polymer material, e.g., nylon, that has been extruded through a small diameter opening to form a hot elongated filamentary body. The abrasive particles, e.g., grit, are applied as a cloud or spray to the outer surface of the hot elongated filamentary body, whereupon they adhere to that surface and remain permanently secured thereto.

Abstract: Polyurethane urea fibers produced by a dry or wet spinning process and comprising, in finely dispersed or dissolved form, a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane, alkoxylated polydimethylsiloxane and a fatty acid salt; and a process for their production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing mixture from a large number of components, the concentrations of the components used being capable of continuous variation over prescribed ranges in a very simple manner. For this, the mixtures are continuously prepared in a mixing assembly and continuously converted into a form which can be subjected to further processing. By way of example, the invention may be used for producing substance libraries for high-throughput screening in the plastics industry, in particular of mixtures of polymers with one another and of mixtures of polymers with added materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic molding compositions that are electrically conductive, and which include a combination of carbon nanofibrils and particulate carbon compounds. The compositions of the present invention provide a combination of desirable properties, such as good melt flow, and compositions prepared there from have both low surface resistance and smooth surfaces. In particular, the present invention provides a thermoplastic composition that includes: (A) 99.6 to 10 parts by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer; (B) 0 to 50 parts by weight of at least one rubber-elastic polymer; (C) 0.2 to 10.0 parts by weight of carbon nanofibrils; (D) 0.2 to 10.0 parts by weight of at least one particulate carbon compound; and (E) 0 to 50 parts by weight of at least one of filler and reinforcing substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a lower molecular weight polymer from a solid stated higher molecular weight feed stock chip. In particular, the molecular weight of an industrial resin or a bottle resin is reduced in a controlled manner by the introduction of ethylene glycol. If the industrial resin is to be employed for industrial fibers, the ethylene glycol may be added at the extruder for spinning the industrial fiber. On the other hand, should the high molecular weigh chip be used for bottle resin, the molecular weight may be reduced by the introduction of ethylene glycol at the extruder for injection molding of preforms of a lower molecular weight. The ethylene glycol/polymer ratio is determined by the reduction in molecular weight that is required. The preferred resin is polyester polymer or copolymer, and especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: In a process for producing fine monofilaments having improved abrasion resistance from a poly-propylene having a melt flow index (MFI)230° C./2.16 kg of 2-16 g/10 min at a linear density of 5-20 dtex (0.027 mm-0.053 mm), a compound consisting of 80 to 99.9% by weight of chips and 20 to 0.1% by weight of an additive is added to the extruder, the melt is spun at a speed of at least 1200 m/min, the fibre is cooled in an air bath at room temperature, supplementarily stretched at a temperature of 110-150° C. to a linear density of 5-20 dtex and wound up.

Abstract: The present invention provides composites prepared from melt blending compositions that generally include cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight, at least one water soluble binder, at least one lubricant, at least one compatibilizer, and at least one matrix polymer. The present invention further provides advantageous temperature profiles and feeding arrangements to be used in conjunction with the melt blending of such composites. The composites of the present invention exhibit reduced discoloration and improved fiber dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of polymers includes layering a filled polymer with an unfilled polymer to produce a multi-layered system of alternating filled and unfilled polymer layers. The filler material comprises thermally and/or electrically conductive material. A preferred polymer is a shape memory polymer. A method of manufacturing magnetic multi-layered polymer systems is described. Articles formed from such multi-layered systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming graphitic bodies comprises the steps of:—

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterised in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt elected from the group consisting of ammonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4)2HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called the “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyimide platy object includes (a) providing a solution containing a solvent and a solute (i.e., a polyimide precursor or polyimide); (b) pouring the solution onto a supporting member; (c) removing a portion of the solvent from the solution at a first temperature lower than boiling point of the solvent, thereby forming a precursory platy object thereon, the precursory platy object having a self-supporting property and a first surface in contact with the supporting member and a second surface away therefrom and a first content of the solvent at the first surface and a second content (less than the first content by 2-10 wt %) of the solvent at the second surface; and (d) detaching the precursory platy object therefrom; and (e) heating the precursory platy object at a second temperature higher than boiling point of the solvent and is lower than decomposition temperature of the polyimide.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding plastic, including a plastic feed, an extruder, a colored liquid additive supply, a positive displacement metering pump, and a controller. The extruder has a housing receiving plastic from the plastic feed, a heat source, and a screw adapted to drive plastic through the housing The pump supplies colored liquid additive from the supply to the plastic in the phase change section of the extruder housing. The controller controls the drive rate of the screw and the pump to supply a selected volume of colored liquid additive per unit of time which is based on the drive rate of the screw. In use, the extruder is converted to adding a different color without cleaning the housing feeding section.

Abstract: A process for reducing lip buildup during an extrusion of a polyphenylene ether composition comprises adding a linear low density polyethylene compound to the composition, wherein the amount of linear low density polyethylene compound is less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight based on the amount of polyphenylene ether compound in the composition.

Abstract: A process for producing cables, in particular cables for the distribution of electrical energy or cables for telecommunications, more particularly, cables having at least one covering layer having a composition of high viscosity. cables with at least one covering layer are made from a polymeric composition having a mineral filler capable of imparting one or more specific properties to the cables. A production process includes conveying at least one conducting element inside of an extruder; feeding the polymeric material, optionally premixed with other components of the composition, into the extruder; filtering the material transferred and plasticized by the screw of said extruder; and depositing the material onto the at least one conducting element, the filtration operation being performed with a filtration efficiency greater than 0.8, preferably greater than 0.9.

Abstract: A multi-shaft extruder is disclosed with at least two shafts for compounding and/or molding an elastomer staggered with filler, in particular rubber, with at least one softener and/or additives.

Abstract: A system and method for treating pipes according to which the flexibility of the pipe is increased or maintained, or at least any decreases in the flexibility of the pipe is minimized, in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: An extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion, namely, an axially extending barrel; first and second screw conveyers co-axially disposed within said barrel, said second screw conveyer co-axially disposed within said first screw conveyer with relative rotatable movement between said first and second screw conveyers so as to define a first passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input to a melt zone and then an output and define a second passage from said melt zone to said output; a connecting passage for communication between said first and second passages whereby a first portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said first passage to said output and another portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said connecting passage and through said second passage to said output; means for changing the characteristic of said portion; means for merging said first and second portions together.

Abstract: A method of making a polypropylene product for use in making films and preferably biaxially oriented films and more preferably biaxially oriented films wherein a tenter-frame processing line is employed. The method includes the addition of low concentrations of a nucleating system in a mini-random polypropylene that allows for better processability and improved tensile properties. In one embodiment the nucleating system comprises a blend of a monocarboxylic acid nucleating agent and dicarboxylic acid nucleating agent. The nucleating system is combined with the polypropylene material and the resultant hot melt blend is further processed into biaxially oriented film. Alternately, the hot melt blend is formed into a convenient raw material for later use in a biaxial oriented film production facility. The resulting films possess superior processing and material characteristics.

Abstract: Composite material derived from municipal solid waste by a transformation process comprising the following steps: providing a quantity of municipal solid waste having a first volume and a liquid content; inserting the first volume of municipal solid waste into a hydrolizer; processing the municipal solid waste within the hydrolizer when the hydrolizer has a steam filled outer jacket at a prescribed pressure and temperature; removing the processed municipal solid waste from the interior of the hydrolizer; and wherein the composite material is at least partially comprised of the processed municipal solid waste according to the above process.

Abstract: An extruder apparatus for compounding thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers is disclosed. Molten thermoplastic resin is mixed in intimate contact with long reinforcing fibers of at least one and one quarter inches in length under the control of a sophisticated computer system, resulting in charge ready for molding.

Abstract: A method and system (10) of fabricating elastomeric compounds is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing a thermo-kinetically heated high speed mixer (100) and introducing into that high speed mixer (100) in predetermined quantities a comminuted rubber composition (110), a plasticizing agent composition (120), and at least one additive composition (130, 132, 134). The method includes the further step of simultaneously mixing and thermo-kinetically heating the comminuted rubber (110), plasticizing agent (120), and additive compositions (130, 132, 134) in the high speed mixer (100) for a predetermined residence time period to form a first intermediate mixture composition. The first intermediate mixture composition contains a substantially homogenous mixture of the comminuted rubber (110), plasticizing agent (120), and additive compositions (130, 132, 134).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing polyamide fibers having properties suitable and compatible for use as fibers for the manufacture of felt for paper machines. The process of the invention relates more particularly to the addition of stabilizers to the polyamide in order to obtain polyamide fibers having high properties, especially high resistance to light, heat and aggressive environments. The process of the invention consists in adding the stabilizer directly to the polyamide, without producing a preblend, and then in mixing the polyamide with the additive in an extruder for feeding the composition into a die for obtaining filaments.

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: In the process of the present invention, a polyamide A1 and an organized clay B are mixed mainly by dispersive mixing, and after added with a polyamide A2, mixed mainly by distributive mixing in a corotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder so designed as to effect the dispersive mixing and the distributive mixing. The organized clay B is completely and finely dispersed and distributed throughout the resultant polyamide composite material. Shaped articles such as films and sheets made of the polyamide composite material exhibit excellent gas barrier properties and transparency with little malodor mainly attributable to the decomposed products of the organizing agent for preparing the organized clay B.

Abstract: Ethylene (co)polymers each having specified values of (a) density, (b) molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), (c) relationship between die swell (DS) and shear rate (&ggr;) in a region of shear rate ({dot over (&ggr;)}), (d) relationship between stress (&sgr;) and maximum stress (&sgr; max) in a stress-strain curve in uniaxial stretching, (e) the ratio of sample diameter to initial sample diameter and the time for sample breakage during uniaxial stretching under a constant tension, blow molding process in which the thickness of a parison is adjusted by using the said ethylene (co)polymer, and the method of improving fire resistance in moldings, laminates and hollow moldings made by using the same.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a molded article of a thermoplastic composite material which is not only durable with little discoloration or fading even on prolonged outdoor exposure and is very satisfactory in physical properties and appearance qualities inclusive of wood-like texture but also has high productivity and good economics. The present invention is a method of producing a molded article of a thermoplastic composite material comprising extruding the thermoplastic composite material containing a thermoplastic resin and a vegetable filler, said vegetable filler content being 50 to 90 weight % of the total weight of said thermoplastic resin and said vegetable filler, wherein extrusion is carried out by means of an extrusion apparatus comprising at least an extruder, a hot shaping die, and a cooling die, said hot shaping die and cooling die being directly coupled.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous ceramic article involves a step of kneading raw materials including a raw material for a ceramic and a processing aid, to prepare a body, a step of forming the body, to prepare a ceramic formed product, a step of drying the formed product, to prepare a ceramic dried article, and a step of firing the ceramic dried article, to preparing a porous ceramic article, characterized in that the processing aid is a starch having been subjected to a crosslinking treatment or a material comprising a starch having been subjected to a crosslinking treatment and a foamed resin. The method allows the production of a porous ceramic article which is suppressed in the deformation during drying and is excellent in dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rubber sheet containing short fibers. The method includes the steps of: mixing short fibers in a flowable rubber matrix; forming the flowable rubber matrix with the fibers therein into a cylindrical shape with a circumferential extent; separating a portion of the circumferential extent from the cylindrical shape, and forming the cylindrical shape with the portion separated into a sheet form.

Abstract: A method of thermodynamically reducing and converting municipal solid waste into useful end products capable of being recycled and reused or otherwise transformed into useful articles. The method comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of municipal solid waste having a first volume and a liquid content; preprocessing the municipal solid waste having the first volume and liquid content into a second volume of municipal solid waste wherein the second volume is smaller than the first volume; inserting the second volume of municipal solid waste into a hydrolyzer; processing the municipal solid waste within the hydrolyzer when the hydrolyzer has a steam filled outer jacket at a prescribed pressure and temperature; and removing the processed municipal solid waste from the interior of the hydrolyzer.

Abstract: Polymers having increased hydrophilicity are made by adding to the polymer an effective amount of an additive which is a di-C10-12 fatty acid ester of polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard core, and methods and apparatus for making the same are disclosed. Methods of making a gypsum wallboard core include extruding a gypsum slurry containing water, gypsum, slip agents, water-reducing agents, surfactants and, optional additives, through a die and onto a substantially flat, smooth, moving surface. The die has provisions at its outer sides for the introduction of slip agents into the slurry, and provisions at its lateral outer edges for the introduction of a strength-enhancing agent. Once extruded onto the conveyor belt, the slurry is chemically-activated to set and form a hardened board core which then may be easily removed from the conveyor belt and dried.

Abstract: Syndiotactic polypropylene blends having a unique set of mechanical properties may be prepared by blending syndiotactic polypropylene with a high molecular weight mineral oil, an ultra low density polyethylene, or both. The syndiotactic polypropylene blends of the present invention have been found to have reduced flexural modulus, reduced haze, improved impact strength and shorter injection molding cycle times. It has been determined that the addition of about 5 to about 10 percent high molecular weight mineral oil to a syndiotactic polypropylene can decrease flexural modulus values by about 25 to about 30 percent. Moreover, the addition of up to about 10 percent mineral oil to the syndiotactic polypropylene material does not show signs of bleeding or impair clarity, in fact, percent haze values are slightly improved with the addition of mineral oil.