Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that act as both a tack agent and a fluxing agent for the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions embodiments encompass a sacrificial polymer, a carrier solvent, a thermal acid generator and, optionally, formic acid.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic polymer masterbatch composition comprising a blend of at least one biodegradable thermoplastic polymer containing high loading of a particulate filler uniformly dispersed therein. The amount of the biodegradable thermoplastic polymer is generally from about 25% to about 50% by weight and the amount of the filler is from about 75% to about 50% by weight, based upon the total amount of one biodegradable polymer and the at least one filler. The uniform dispersion of the fillers is desirably obtained by adding small particles of the filler to a melt of the biodegradable polymer and blending using high shear equipment with special screw geometry. The masterbatch composition is then physically blended with additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and extrusion processed into final articles such as blown and cast films, molded products, and the like.

Abstract: A waterborne coating composition having a crosslinking agent and a dispersion of polymeric microparticles in an aqueous medium wherein the microparticles are prepared by first forming a mixture in the aqueous medium of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a substantially hydrophobic, saturated fatty acid-containing polyester. The amount of fatty acid used to prepare the polyester ranges from about 20 to 80 weight percent of the total weight of the fatty acid-containing polyester. The fatty acid-containing polyester contains functional groups which are capable of reacting with the crosslinking agent. The mixture is particularized into microparticles by high stress techniques, followed by polymerization of polymerizable species within the microparticles to produce the polymeric microparticles. The amount of the fatty acid-containing polyester in the dispersion is at least 10 and up to 70 weight percent based on weight of the ethylenically unsaturated monomers and fatty acid-containing polyester.

Abstract: A method and composition of packaging an adhesive composition, especially a thermoplastic or thermosetting hot melt adhesive. The method comprises the steps of providing one substantially uniform separate portion of the adhesive composition; sufficiently solidifying said portion for packaging; and substantially completely surrounding said sufficiently solidified portion with a biodegradable polymeric packaging material. The packaging material being meltable together with the adhesive composition and blendable into said molten adhesive composition, the kind and amount of said biodegradable packaging material being chosen so as not to disadvantageously affect the properties of the adhesive composition when blended into the molten adhesive and applied to a substrate.

Abstract: Improved compositions are disclosed which are useful in providing a conductive layer of coating on a surface to provide protection against harmful electrostatic discharges. Also disclosed are compositions useful in absorbing and dissipating mechanical and electromagnetic energy and preventing electrostatic build-up; these compositions also provide electromagnetic compatability. The compositions contain elemental carbon and a polymeric matrix or binder. The improvement comprises employing a unique ground calcined, coal-based coke which approaches graphite in terms of its performance as a conductive additive or pigment but which does not possess the disadvantages associated with the use of graphite.The unique coke employed in the compositions and methods of the present invention has a level of graphitic structure which approaches that of a true graphite. This level of graphitization can be most easily recognized by utilizing x-ray powder diffraction. More specifically, when the value of E.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carboxylic acids incorporated as a catalyst in poly(orthoester)s and other acid labile polymers such that upon exposure to aqueous environments the acid catalyzes the erosion of the polymer matrix. The rate of release of a drug substance incorporated into or surrounded by the poly(orthoester) or other acid labile polymer can be controlled in that the drug is released as the polymer is eroded in response to the catalytic action of the acid incorporated therein.

Abstract: A photo-degradable styrene resin composition which comprises a styrene resin and at least one photo-degradable agent selected from the group consisting of benzophenone, anthraquinone, fluorenone, xanthone, phenylalkylketones, phenacyl halides and derivatives of these compounds, and optionally at least one photo-degradable accelerator.