Abstract: A method of making a polymeric compound with nanofiller of a predetermined grade. The method includes the steps of providing a base grade of the polymeric material, and mixing a nanofiller concentrate material with the base grade polymeric material in a ratio sufficient to render the predetermined grade of filled polymeric compound, the ratio being nanofiller concentrate material to base grade polymeric material. A method for making the nanofiller concentrate material includes the steps of mixing a high flow carrier resin and a nanofiller to form a mixture, extruding the mixture, and pelletizing the extruded mixture. The mixture may advantageously include colorants, such as pigments or dyes.

Abstract: Processes for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay, wherein the process comprises: providing a clay dispersion comprising at least one unmodified clay wherein said clay has a first exchangeable cation; adding a second cation to the clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified clay dispersion; and combining at least one polar containing agent with the modified clay dispersion to provide a modified clay.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, adhesive, fountain solution and agricultural compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of a mixture of a non-fluorinated anionic compound and a non-fluorinated weak base cationic compound, the mixture demonstrating a dynamic surface tension (DST) which is less than the DST of the individual anionic and cationic compounds and less than 45 dynes/cm, at a concentration of ?5 wt % in water at 23° C. and 20 bubbles/second or less than 40 dynes/cm at a concentration of ?0.03M in water at 23° C. and 0.1 bubbles/second according to the maximum-bubble pressure method.

Abstract: The invention provides nanocomposites comprising a clay and an organic compound, in which the clay is a clay bridged by a metal compound, preferably iron oxide and/or aluminum oxide. The organic compound is preferably a polymer. The clay-based nanocomposites of the invention have good mechanical properties and good heat resistance. The invention also provides cables comprising such a nanocomposite, preferably in their sheath or outer coating. Finally, the invention provides a process for producing said nanocomposite.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a polybenzoxazole/clay nanocomposite material includes performing an ion exchange reaction between an organic amine and Na+-montmorillonite to form a swelled organoclay. A polycondensation reaction is conducted between two types of monomers, isophthaloyl chloride and 2,2-bis (3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane to form a polybenzoxaxole precursor polyhydroxyamide to form a PBO/clay composite material.

Abstract: An automatic laundry or dishwashing product in unit dose form comprising at least three distinct zones for delivering into at least three different stages in the washing cycle. The product provides improved cleaning, care and finishing benefits.

Abstract: A mixture of a polyester, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET, or a polyamide, and a suitable stabilizer selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamine stabilizers, substituted hydroxylamine stabilizers, nitrone stabilizers and amine oxide stabilizers, when extrusion compounded exhibits a lower residual acetaldehyde content than does polyester or polyamide alone when similarly treated. The invention pertains to any polyester or polyamide used in the manufacture of molded articles, fibers or films, for instance bottles or containers which are used to store consumer materials, for example food, beverages and water.

Abstract: The polyamide resin composition of the present invention comprises a polyamide resin and a smectite treated with an organic swelling agent. The polyamide resin is produced by the polycondensation of a diamine component containing 70 mol % or more of m-xylylenediamine and a dicarboxylic acid component containing 70 mol % or more of a straight-chain, aliphatic ?,?-dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and meets requirement of (1) a terminal amino concentration of less than 60 ?eq/g and/or (2) a reaction molar ratio of less than 1.0 when defined by a molar ratio of reacted diamine to reacted dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic molding composition comprises a) at least one biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester, and b) based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition, from 0.01 to 15% by weight of at least one hydrophobicized phyllosilicate. A process for preparing the molding composition is described, as is a process for producing moldings, films or fibers from the molding composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic moulding materials containing A) 29 to (100 wt. % minus 1 ppb) of at least one thermoplastic polymer. B) 1 ppb to 1 wt. % or at least one polyethyleneimine homopolymer of copolymer, as well as C) 0 to 70 wt. % of other additives, as the essential constituents thereof. The weight percent of constituents A) to C) amounts to 100% in every case.

Abstract: An aqueous effect coating material comprising at least one water soluble or dispersible binder, at least one effect pigment, and a neutralized mixture of at least two fatty acids; process for its preparation, and its use in automotive OEM finishing, automotive refinish, the interior and exterior coating of constructions, the coating of doors, windows and furniture, and also industrial coating, including coil coating, container coating, and the coating of electrical components.

Abstract: A dye, such as a fluorescent dye, is incorporated into polymer microparticles using a solvent system composed of a first solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are soluble, a second solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble, and a third solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble. The first and second solvents are immiscible with each other, or at most partially miscible. The third solvent is miscible with the first and second solvents. The formulation provides substantially complete partitioning of the dye to the microparticles. The method may be used to obtain dyed polymer microparticle formed of cross-linked or non-cross-linked polymers. Libraries are provided comprising two or more sets of microparticles of different dye loadings.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent composition comprising each of an acidic and a basic material, wherein the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition comprising either an acidic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKa between about 2 to about 12 or a basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKb between about 2 to about 12 and either a basic or an acidic second material. The absorbent composition has the ability to slowly absorb a large quantity of liquid, particularly while under an external pressure. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a polyolefin resin composition excellent in flame retardancy, in particular capable of manifesting excellent flame retardancy owing to a shape retaining effect upon combustion, and excellent also in mechanical strength and thermal characteristics, a thermoplastic resin for cable jacketing or sheathing which comprises the above resin composition, and an insulated cable. The present invention relates to a polyolefin resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin and 0.1 to 100 parts by weight of a layered silicate, wherein a combustion residue thereof obtained by combusting said polyolefin resin composition by heating for 30 minutes under heating condition of 50 kW/m2 shows a yield point stress of not less than 4.9×103 Pa when compressed at a rate of 0.1 cm/s.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to improved nanocomposite compositions and processes for preparing same. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing an aqueous nanocomposite dispersion, wherein the process comprises: providing at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer; providing an aqueous clay dispersion comprising an at least partially exfoliated aqueous clay having a first exchangeable cation and, optionally, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer; adding a second cation to said aqueous clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified aqueous clay dispersion; combining the first ethylenically unsaturated monomer and the modified aqueous clay dispersion; and polymerizing at least a portion of the first or second monomer to form the aqueous nanocomposite dispersion wherein at least one of the first or the second monomers comprises a polar monomer.

Abstract: Flexible hydrogenated block copolymers can be successfully used in a variety of applications including films, profiles, sheets, coatings, injection molded articles, blow or rotational molded articles and pultruded articles.

Abstract: Nylon-intercalated (concentrate nylon), layered silicates, in concentrated form, containing at least 6% to about 40% by weight layered silicate, preferably about 8% to about 30% by weight layered silicate, intercalated with a nylon that is polymerized while in contact with the clay, during ring-opening polymerization of the nylon reactants (monomers) and melt processing. The in-situ nylon polymerization reaction to form the concentrate nylon is continued until the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the nylon is about 25,000 or less, preferably 15,000 or less, more preferably about 5,000-10,000, to maintain melt processability of the resulting concentrate.

Abstract: An antistatic additive comprises a quaternary onium organosilicon compound having the formula (I) wherein each R1 independently comprises an aliphatic or aromatic functional groups that may be substituted or unsubstituted; X comprises phosphorus or nitrogen; each R2 independently comprises an aliphatic or aromatic functional group that may be substituted or unsubstituted; each R3 independently comprises a hydrogen or an aliphatic or aromatic functional group that may be substituted or unsubstituted; and “n” has a value of about 1 to about 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-treated organic pigments, to a process for their preparation and to their use in colouring a high molecular weight organic material. Compared with untreated pigments, the surface-treated pigments exhibit better rheological properties and/or no warping in the pigmenting of partially crystalline plastics.

Abstract: The present invention describes plastic materials and food additives that are free or substantially free from endocrine disruptive chemicals. The plastic materials may be used in products which are exposed to individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as baby bottles, baby toys, food containers, medical containers, animal cages and medical products. The food additives may be used in food products that are ingested by individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as newborns or the physically infirm. The present invention also describes a series of assays which, when performed in combination, provide a novel method for determining the presence of endocrine disruptive activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermosetting inorganic clay nanodispersions comprising an inorganic clay treated in situ with an intercalation agent and a non-aqueous, chemically reactive, organic intercalation facilitating agent, wherein the amount of intercalation facilitating agent is sufficient to facilitate intercalation and to disperse said inorganic clay. The thermosetting inorganic clay nanodispersions comprise an inorganic clay dispersed in an intercalating agent and an intercalation facilitating agent. Thermosetting inorganic clay nanodispersions are used to prepare thermosetting nanocomposite articles.

Abstract: A method for modifying a high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-clay nanocomposite is disclosed. The method comprises shearing a melt of the nanocomposite at an effective shear rate. The modified nanocomposite shows significantly increased complex melt viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus.

Abstract: Incorporating organophilic clay into hot melt adhesive compositions, particularly those comprising semi-crystalline, thermoplastic polymers, greatly improves the adhesive properties in many respects. Some of these improvements are particularly beneficial to the specific use of hot melt adhesives filled with electrically conductive particles for use as electrically conductive adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preparation method of an exfoliated nitropolymer/silicate nanocomposite by emulsion polymerization of monomers forming the polymer in an aqueous dispersion of non-modified, layered silicate in the presence of a reactive emulsifier having both a radical-polymerizable vinyl group and a functional group with affinity for silicate. In the process of the polymerization, silicate is fully exfoliated and uniformly dispersed in the polymer. Therefore, only a small amount of silicate is sufficient to improve thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer. Further, the method is advantageous in terms of a simple preparation process due to no use of organo-modified silicate, thus achieving an economic benefit.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which can be formulated to have low or substantially no VOC emissions is provided. Adhesives in accordance with the invention can be formulated as high solids, one-part, reactive, cross-linked adhesives. This can be achieved by utilizing amide-ester-acrylate reactions or reactions with any other carboxylated polymers. Adhesive compositions in accordance with the invention can include oils, such as various drying oils and similarly acting polymers, co-polymers, and fatty acids. Adhesives in accordance with the invention can also include various hydrocarbon resins, particularly crosslinkable hydrocarbons having a melting point in the range 70° C. to 140° C. Cross-linking agents, such as materials with pendant oxazoline groups are also advantageously included. Various other mixing, flow and other handling ingredients can also be included.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising, as substantive components, A) from 5% by weight to (99.99% by weight minus 1 ppb), based on components A) to D), of a polyoxymethylene homo- or copolymer, B) from 1 ppb to 1% by weight, based on the molding composition made from A) to D), of at least one polyethyleneimine homo- or copolymer, C) from 0.01 to 15% by weight of carbon black, and D) from 0 to 80% by weight of other additives, where the total of percentages by weight of components A) to D) is always 100%.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions useful for bonding fluoropolymer to substantially non-fluorinated polymer. The compositions of the invention comprise a substantially non-fluorinated polymer or a mixture of said polymers, a base, and a crown ether catalyst. Another aspect of the invention is an article comprising the above composition adhered to a fluoropolymer and methods of making said article.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition which contains intercalated and at least partially exfoliated organophillic clay reinforcement formed in situ within the elastomer host from a hydrophilic clay. The invention particularly relates to an in situ modification of a hydrophilic clay to compatibilize the clay with a diene-based elastomer. The clay is converted from being hydrophilic in nature to being more hydrophobic in nature and therefore more compatible with the elastomer by bulk blending the elastomer host with a smectite clay, preferably a montmorillonite or hectorite clay, and a hydrocarbyl onium salt, such as for example a quaternary ammonium salt, and particularly in the absence of water addition to the elastomer host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyamide resin composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin mixture comprising (A) 20 to 90% by weight of a polyamide 6 resin, a polyamide 66 resin or mixture thereof and (B) 10 to 80% by weight of an aromatic polyamide resin; and (C) 0 to 300 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, said aromatic polyamide resin being having diamine units comprising 10 to 50 mol % of paraxylylenediamine units and 50 to 90 mol % of methaxylylenediamine units, and aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multilayer, biaxially oriented film based on a crystallizable polyester and comprising at least one primary stabilizer for inhibiting oxidative degradation. The crystallizable polyester comprises from 100 to 10 000 ppm of primary stabilizer in covalently bonded form. The invention further relates to a process for producing the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid finishing composition for textile products comprising (A) a specific modified silicone, (B) a product prepared by quaternizing a specific amine compound into a quaternary derivative thereof with methyl chloride and (C) pentaerythritol monostearate in such amounts that the ratio of (A)/(B) is equal to 30/70 (weight ratio) and which shows such effects that the composition can impart favorable softness to fibrous goods such as fibers and clothes, that it can maintain the HARI and KOSHI of the fibrous goods and which can reduce wrinkles formed due to washing.

Abstract: Nanocomposites may be produced by mixing dispersions of polymers and dispersions of clay minerals. After mixing, the dispersions may be destabilized with the addition of appropriate compounds. The flocculated solid material exhibits characteristics of a nanocomposite, such as exfoliation of the clay mineral platelets as indicated by x-ray diffraction analysis.

Abstract: A polyolefin-based nanocomposite and a method of preparing the same are disclosed. The polyolefin-based nanocomposite is prepared by melt kneading a mixture including (A) 40-99.8% by weight of a matrix polymer of polyolefin; (B) 0.1-30% by weight of a polyolefin compatilizer containing polar reactive groups; and (C) 0.1-30% by weight of a layered clay material having a quaternary ammonium ion bonded to the surface thereof. The quaternary ammonium ion contains (I) at least one alkyl group having at least 15 carbon atoms; and (ii) a substitutent having —Si—O—Si—linkage and at least one terminal reactive group.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a stabilized suspen-sion/emulsion polymer of halogen-containing monomers with addition of a polymer stabilizer mixture compatible with the polymerization medium prior to, during or directly after the polymerization process, and to the polymers pre-pared by this process.

Abstract: Intaglio printing inks in paste form having both improved dispersibility and chemical resistance are provided and, in particular, dispersibility in tap water is provided in some formulations. The paste ink comprises an alkyd resin, having a degree of neutralization between about 10% and about 35% and an acid number between about 30 and 110, optionally containing an unsaturated oily component, an anionic or nonionic surfactant and an organic base selected from the group consisting of alcohol-amines, and substituted polyethyleneimines, wherein the substituted polyethyleneimines are modified with epichlorohydrine or alkoxylated and the organic base has a boiling point higher than 150° C. The ink may also comprise water.

Abstract: Co-Ion exchange of the interlayer cations of a layered silicate with a mono-protonated aromatic diamine and an alkyl ammonium ion into the silicate galleries. The presence of the alkyl ammonium ion provides low oligomer melt viscosity during processing. The presence of the diamine allows chemical reaction between the silicate surface modification and the monomers. This reaction strengthens the polymer silicate interface, and ensures irreversible separation of the individual silicate layers. Improved polymer thermal oxidative stability and mechanical properties are obtained.

Abstract: A method for preparing organoclays for use as rheological control agents and in the preparation of nanocomposites. Typically, the clay is dispersed in water, and a specific amount of polymeric hydrotrope, ranging from 0.1 to 15 weight percent relative to the weight of the clay, is adsorbed onto the clay surface. Quaternary amine exchange is also performed on the clay to modify the surface hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of the clay.

Abstract: A sulfur-curable rubber compound for a tire tread rubber of, in particular, a racing tire, which compound comprises at least one diene rubber, at least one filler and at least one plasticizer. The rubber compound comprises 5 to 90 phr of at least one layered silicate modified with alkylammonium ions and free of guest molecules that have been polymerized or swelled in by a prior treatment.

Abstract: An optical film having a layer made of a transparent resin containing an anthraquinone type colorant and a diimmonium type colorant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric-type antistatic agent containing a polymer composition consisting of a polymeric-type antistatic agent containing a resin or/and an elastomer as a main component thereof; or/and a thermoplastic resin having a polar group or/and an elastomer having the polar group. At least one kind of an anion-containing salt, having a fluoro group and a sulfonyl group, is added to the polymer composition without intermediary of a medium consisting of a low-molecular-weight polyether-containing compound or a low-molecular-weight polar compound whose number-average molecular weight is not more than 5000. The present invention also provides a composition, for a conductive roller or the like, containing polymer components and the polymeric-type antistatic agent dispersed in the polymer components.

Abstract: A strength improvement admixture composition is provided that increases the compressive strength of cementitious compositions without negatively increasing the setting time. The admixture comprises the components of a polycarboxylate dispersant, a set retarder, and a strength improvement additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigment preparations comprising polyamide particles with an average particle size of below 50 &mgr;m and a pigment of an average particle size below 0.2 &mgr;m. The inventive pigment preparations are useful for coloring high molecular weight material, like coatings, inks and in particular plastics like polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate and, especially polyamide fibers.

Abstract: Organoclays based on specific types of ester quats are found to be remarkably effective for use in preparing nanocomposites. These organoclays comprise the reaction product of a smectite clay and a quaternary ammonium compound (or “quat”) which comprises two esterified radicals hereinafter called a “diester quat”). The diester quat may be present in admixture with further quaternary ammonium compounds having esterified radicals, especially compounds having three esterified radicals (hereinafter “triester quats”); or compounds having a single esterified radical (hereinafter “monoester quats”). Where such a mixture of quats is used, the reaction is between the smectite clay and the quat mixture.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which can be formulated to have low or substantially no VOC emissions is provided. Adhesives in accordance with the invention can be formulated as high solids, one-part, reactive, cross-linked adhesives. This can be achieved by utilizing amide-ester-acrylate reactions or reactions with any other carboxylated polymers. Adhesive compositions in accordance with the invention can include oils, such as various drying oils and similarly acting polymers, co-polymers, and fatty acids. Adhesives in accordance with the invention can also include various hydrocarbon resins, particularly crosslinkable hydrocarbons having a melting point in the range 70° C. to 140° C. Cross-linking agents, such as materials with pendant oxazoline groups are also advantageously included. Various other mixing, flow and other handling ingredients can also be included.

Abstract: Polyester films which comprise a stabilizer for inhibiting oxidative degradation, at least some of which has been covalently incorporated into the polymer chain of the polyester through polycondensation during formation of the polyester, have not only high resistance to oxidation but also very few surface defects and high stability during processing, and are suitable not only for use as a packaging material but for a wide variety of other technical applications.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials comprising of least one polymer resin and platelet particles from at least one layered silicate material uniformly dispersed in the resin and articles prepared from the polymer composite materials. The polymer composite contains at least one polyamide resin, at least one oxygen scavenging system, and at least one layered silicate material. These polymer composite materials are especially useful for manufacturing clear polyester bottles and polyester film that are recyclable have improved active gas barrier properties to oxygen, and have improved passive barrier properties to carbon dioxide and other gases. The polymer composite materials can be used in relatively minor amounts as either a blend or a coextruded thin layer with virgin or post consumer recycled polyesters and related copolymners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a clay-dispersed polymer nanocomposite. In this method, a polymer, which carries oxygen atoms within the repeating units of its backbone and is thermodynamically compatible with a binder resin, is used as a matrix resin. Useful is poly(&egr;-caprolactone) owing to its thermodynamic compatibility with poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)copolymers, poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) copolymers, and poly(vinylchloride) resins. Poly(&egr;-caprolactone) resins aid the binder resins to penetrate into silicate layers so that the silicate of the organophilic clay was completely delaminated to silicate lamellas.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a binder of

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions useful for bonding fluoropolymer to substantially non-fluorinated polymer. The compositions of the invention comprise a substantially non-fluorinated polymer or a mixture of said polymers, a base, and a crown ether catalyst. Another aspect of the invention is an article comprising the above composition adhered to a fluoropolymer and methods of making said article.