Abstract: C9 to C11 alkyl benzoates are used as plasticisers for polyvinyl chloride in particular in combination with plasticisers such as di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, di-2-propyl heptyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate or di-2-ethyl hexyl terephthalate. The use of the C9 to C11 alkyl benzoates provides low viscosity low volatility plasticisers, which are fast fusing with lower hot bench gelation temperature and which can be used to reduce the staining problems associated with use of di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate. The low viscosity of the C9 to C11 alkyl benzoates allows the formulation of solvent free flexible PVC formulations meeting stringent VOC limitations.

Abstract: A release layer paste used for producing a multilayer type electronic device and forming a release layer of a thickness of 0.05 to 0.1 ?m, used in combination with an electrode layer paste including one or more solvents selected from limonene, dihydroterpinyl methyl ether, ?-terpinyl acetate, terpinyl methyl ether, isobornyl acetate, caryophyllene, 1-dihydrocarvyl acetate, menthone, menthyl acetate, perillyl acetate, carvyl acetate, d-dihydrocarvyl acetate, and butyl carbitol acetate and a binder comprised of ethyl cellulose, including a ceramic powder, organic vehicle, plasticizer, and dispersion agent, the organic vehicle containing a binder having polyvinyl acetal as its main ingredient, a ratio (P/B) of the ceramic powder with respect to the binder and plasticizer being controlled to 1.33 to 5.56 (however, excluding 5.56).

Abstract: The use for yarn coating, for the manufacture of sun canopies, of a flame-retardant plastisol including a chlorinated polymer material free of lead including at least: from 15 to 60% of a chlorinated polymer material, from 10 to 30% of a non polymer plasticizer free of orthophtalate, a flame-retardant filler free of antimony comprising of 2 to 15% metal hydrate and/or 5 to 30% of zinc salt, the percentages being calculated with respect to the total weight of the plastisol. The flame-retardant plastisol including a chlorinated polymer material free of lead including at least: from 15 to 60% of a chlorinated polymer material, from 10 to 30% of a polymer plasticizer free of orthophtalate, a flame-retardant filler free of antimony comprising of 2 to 15% metal hydrate and/or 5 to 30% of zinc salt, the percentages being calculated with respect to the total weight of the plastisol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low VOC coating additive employing a water-dispersible polymer, a water insoluble plasticizer, cyclohexanedimethanol, and optionally an amphiphilic component. The additive can be added to a coating to improve at least one performance characteristics of the coating, such as, wet-edge time, open time, scrub resistance, wet adhesion, and water resistance.

Abstract: Polymers comprising monomers having 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl-prop-2-enoic acid moieties having the formula are disclosed. Compositions comprising said polymers and methods for increasing the UV-absorbing, water resistance, and photostabilizing properties of compositions comprising such polymers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a way to enhance the photoconductivity and/or the SPF of a semiconductor. By dispersing the semiconductor with a compound having multiple phenyl groups in a polar carrier oil, the semiconductor exhibits greatly improved photoconductivity and/or SPF over dispersions comprising the semiconductor alone.

Abstract: A polysulphide-containing two-component adhesive/sealant consists of a binder component and a curing agent component, and is suitable for use as the secondary seal in the edge region of the insulating glass and/or for bonding the insulating glass unit in the frame or window sash of a window unit in a friction locked manner according to the process of rebate base bonding or back bedding.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compositions including PVC; fibrous material; and a primary plasticizer component including a low extractable plasticizer are disclosed. The compositions can be useful in the production of flooring products that exhibit improved plasticizer hydrocarbon extraction resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of alkyl p-toluates from an alkyl p-toluic acid ester and a mono-functional, branched, linear or cyclic medium chain length alkyl alcohol, and their use as a plasticizer in polymers. Additionally, the present invention relates to articles and materials comprising such alkyl p-toluates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycarbonate compositions comprising: A) an aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate; B) a graft polymer obtainable by co-precipitation of a mixture of at least two graft polymer dispersions B.1 and B.2, wherein the production of the graft polymer component B.1 takes place using at least one redox system as initiator and wherein the production of the graft polymer component B.2 takes place using at least one persulfate compound as initiator; C) optionally a vinyl (co)polymer and/or polyalkylene terephthalate; D) optionally a phosphorus-containing flame retardant; E) at least one phenolic antioxidant; F) optionally a neutral phosphorus- or sulfur-containing co-stabilisers (synergists); and G) optionally additives. Compositions of the present invention are distinguished by an optimum combination of good hydrolysis resistance and a light natural colour.

Abstract: A release layer paste used for producing a multilayer electronic device, used in combination with an electrode layer paste including terpineol, dehydroterpineol, terpineol acetate, or dehydroterpineol acetate and including a ceramic powder, organic vehicle, plasticizer, and dispersion agent, the organic vehicle containing a binder having polyvinyl acetal as its main ingredient, a ratio (P/B) of the ceramic powder and the binder and plasticizer being controlled to 1.33 to 5.56 (however, excluding 5.56).

Abstract: Provision of an ink set for ink jet recording, which is capable of realizing a good image, in addition to high color developability, high ejection stability, high clogging recovering properties, and high fixability. An ink set including two or more kinds of ink compositions including at least a black ink composition and a color ink composition, in which the black ink composition includes a self-dispersion type pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof, the color ink composition includes a self-dispersion type pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof with a phenyl group, and all the ink compositions include resin emulsion, is used in an ink jet recording method.

Abstract: A surfacing composition made of recycled paint, which requires no priming, has a non-reflective “flat” appearance, and is partially composed of dried paint. The composition provides a useful application for used or excess household paint, which would otherwise require special methods of disposal and potentially create future toxic cleanup problems. The composition is made of granular dried paint and a water-based sealer, which can be spread on a surface to repair imperfections. The surface can then be finished, and no priming is required. Due to the composition's flat appearance, the patch does not display any characteristic sheen where the repair has been made. The composition provides a simple means of recycling paint, and provides a simple and inexpensive means of repairing imperfections in walls and other surfaces while saving the step of priming the patch before painting or repainting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree resistant, cross-linkable polyolefin resin composition for insulation capable of improving electric properties of an insulator of the high voltage power cable and thus improving a long-life stability of an underground distribution cable as having a more superior resistance to water tree deterioration caused by moisture, superior thermal-oxidative stability, superior scorch resistance when extruding as well as obtaining a proper cross-linking degree when cross-linking.

Abstract: A polylactic acid composition containing polylactic acid and ester-based plasticizer, wherein a content of the ester-based plasticizer is 16 to 33 wt %, and when the composition is highly deformed by stress loading as the relation between the stress and the deformation deviates from linear viscoelastic behavior and thereafter the stress is released, residual deformation measured after the stress is released is not less than 66.0% after 0.2 minute of the stress release, and is not more than 34.0% after 240 hours of the stress release.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic transparent composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by mass of a transparent thermoplastic resin; and (B) 0.3 to 3.0 parts by mass of an ultraviolet absorber having an absorption band in the range at least of 340 to 410 nm, when determined in a chloroform solution, and also provides a molded article of the same. The thermoplastic transparent composition of the present invention has excellent transparency and shuts off light of 410 nm in wavelength. It can be widely used in the fields of optics, electrics, electronics, medical materials and others. For example, it can be formed into a lighting apparatus cover to provide a lighting apparatus having excellent mothproof property.

Abstract: Disclosed are four gel compositions that have improved properties over the prior art. These gels include elastosols, solid rubbery gels, UV cured gels and chemically cured gels. The gels are formed from selectively hydrogenated styrene/diene block copolymers, unhydrogenated styrene/diene block copolymers, and selectively hydrogenated styrene/diene block copolymers that have been maleated.

Abstract: An aldehyde-inhibiting composition inhibiting an aldehyde from an aldehyde-generating source comprises a carboxylic acid hydrazide and a metal salt of a hydroxy polycarboxylic acid (e.g., a salt of citric acid, malic acid, or tartaric acid with an alkaline earth metal) in a proportion of 0.01 to 100 parts by weight relative to 1 part by weight of the carboxylic acid hydrazide. Moreover, a polyacetal resin composition may comprise a polyacetal resin and the aldehyde-inhibiting composition in a proportion of 0.001 to 20 parts by weight of the aldehyde-inhibiting composition relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyacetal resin. To the resin composition, may be added an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a processing stabilizer, a weather (light)-resistant stabilizer, an impact resistance improver, a gloss control agent, a sliding improver, a coloring agent, a filler, and others.

Abstract: A composition for a dielectric layer of a plasma display panel and a plasma display panel including the same are disclosed. The composition includes a glass frit, a binder, a dispersant, a plasticizer, and a solvent. The binder includes about 50 to 85 parts by weight of a first monomer, about 10 to 30 parts by weight of a second monomer, and about 1 to 20 parts by weight of a third monomer based on 100 parts by weight of the binder.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a light-controlling film giving an excellent haze, and a compound and a composition which enable to produce the film. The invention provides phenyl acrylate represented by the formula (I); a composition comprising the phenyl acrylate and at least two kinds of compounds having a polymerizable carbon-carbon bond in a molecule; and a film obtained by photo-curing the above-mentioned composition. (wherein R represents a methyl group or a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: In an aerosol spray composition suitable for coating automobile exteriors, where the aerosol composition is pressurized in a container with propellant and includes water and a polyvinyl alcohol composition, the improvement being that said polyvinyl alcohol composition includes: a) from 50 to 99 wt % of a partially hydrolyzing first polyvinyl alcohol resin having a degree of hydrolysis in the range of from about 80 to about 90 percent; and (b) from 1 to 50 wt % of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin having an elevated degree of hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric composition, comprising: at least one thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of at least about 220° C.; inorganic particulates having an average particle size in the range up to about 100 nanometers dispersed in the thermoplastic resin, the inorganic particulates having an index of refraction in the range from about 1.4 to about 3; and an effective amount of at least one dispersant to disperse the inorganic particulates in the thermoplastic resin. The polymer composition may be a high temperature thermoplastic suitable for forming, such as by molding, optical articles such as lenses.

Abstract: A silicone fluid comprising a chromophore-substituted polyorganosiloxane having a formula (2): wherein x is an integer in the range of 60 to 2000; y is an integer in the range of 5 to 100; a ratio x:y is in a range of about 10:1 to about 20:1; and X is a photostabilizing chromophore.

Abstract: Polycrystalline materials containing crystallies of precursors to electrically conductive polymers and electrically conductive polymers are described which have an adjustable high degree of crystallinity. The intersticial regions between the crystallites contains amorphous material containing precursors to electrically conductive polymers and/or electrically conductive polymers. The degree of crystallinity is achieved by preparing the materials under conditions which provide a high degree of mobility to the polymer molecules permitting them to associate with one another to form a crystalline state. This is preferable achieved by including additives, such as plasticizers and diluents, to the solution from which the polycrystalline material is formed. The morphology of the polycrystalline material is adjustable to modify the properties of the material such as the degree of crystallinity, crystal grain size, glass transition temperature, thermal coefficient of expansion and degree of electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to macromonomer compounds possessing antioxidant properties, antioxidant polymers comprising the antioxidant macromonomers as a recurring unit, and methods of inhibiting oxidation in a substance comprising contacting the substance with the antioxidant polymers. In one embodiment, substantially all of the recurring macromonomeric units of the antioxidant polymers comprise an antioxidant moiety. In another embodiment, all of the recurring macromonomer units of the antioxidant polymers comprise an antioxidant moiety. The method of the present invention, yields antioxidant polymers with substantially all of the recurring units comprising an antioxidant moiety. These antioxidant polymers have greater bulk antioxidative properties than previously known.

Abstract: This invention teaches a charge control agent and a toner containing such a charge control agent. It solves the problem in current toner processing technique of inadequate electrification, unequal quantity of electricity, spreading and bottom ash. The charge control agent comprising metal complex of tannin acid in which metal atoms have 2 to 4 valences and tannin acid as coordination sub structure. The toners mentioned above at least contains resin, dyestuff and charge control agent of the invention. The powered carbon specializes in excellence in electrification, environment influence retardant. It can obtain stable and high definition image without spreading and bottom ash troubling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinkable polymer composition, comprising an unsaturated polyolefin having a total amount of carbon-carbon double bonds/1000 carbon atoms of at least 0.1, at least one scorch retarder, and at least one crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition for stabilizing a paint or paint base composition against viscosity change, gelation and agglomeration during formulation and storage. Illustratively, an antifouling paint or paint base composition is disclosed that contains a hydrolysable acrylate resin such as copper acrylate, zinc acrylate, or silyl acrylate, a metal salt of pyrithione, cuprous oxide, and a primary stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, hydroxypyridine, metal salts of benzoic acid, and hydroxypyridine, with the proviso that said composition is essentially free of 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide, and is also essentially free of the sodium, zinc and copper salts of 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersions and inkjet ink compositions comprising a liquid vehicle and at least two modified pigments. The first modified pigment comprises a first pigment having attached at least one non-polymeric group, and the second modified pigment comprises a second pigment having attached at least one polymeric group.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a crystalline thermoplastic polymer composition which exhibits higher stiffness. The present invention relates to a crystalline thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a crystalline thermoplastic polymer and a crystal nucleating agent coated aluminum hydroxide, the amount of the crystal nucleating agent coated aluminum hydroxide being from 1 to 20 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the crystalline thermoplastic polymer, the crystal nucleating agent coated aluminum hydroxide comprising anisotropic shaped aluminum hydroxide particles and a crystal nucleating agent coated on the surface of the anisotropic shaped aluminum hydroxide particles, the crystal nucleating agent coated aluminum hydroxide having a BET specific surface area of 20 to 150 m2/g.

Abstract: The invention relates to acrylate dispersion adhesives containing at least one UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzoate esters and benzoic ester derivatives, cinnamic esters and cinnamic ester derivatives, benzophenone and benzophenone derivatives, octocrylene, avobenzene and camphor derivatives, and also to the laminates produced using these adhesives. It additionally relates to a process for producing these laminates and to their use for producing no-label-look labels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material for slush molding which is improved in melt properties during slush molding and is excellent in heat resistance, the material being made up of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin (A) the difference between the softening starting temperature (STi) and the softening ending temperature by TMA being from 0 to 30° C., and STi being 135 to 200° C. The resin (A) has a hard segment with an Mn of 200 to 2000 comprising a diisocyanate having a symmetrical structure, a low molecular-weight diamine having a symmetrical structure, and/or a low molecular-weight diol, the content of which being from 5 to 50 wt %, and a soft segment making up of a high molecular-weight diol with an Mn of 500 to 5000, with the aromatic content being 35 wt % or less and the aromatic ring content x and the urea group content y satisfying ?0.1x+2.5?y??0.1x+6.

Abstract: Plastisols are provided which are effective for providing a foamed composition having an improved color. The plastisol includes a dispersed phase and a liquid phase. The dispersed phase includes an organic polymer and the liquid phase includes a plasticizer for said polymer. The plasticizer utilized has a hydroxyl number of about 30 or greater, and an acidity of not less than about 0.1% as benzoic acid.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and products, including sheet flooring materials prepared from the polymeric materials, and processes for preparing the polymeric materials, are disclosed. The polymeric materials include a polylactic acid-based polymer in combination with plasticizer and a compatibilizer, and optionally include a filler. The polymeric material can include between about 30 to about 50 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or polyolefins modified with polar groups, for example, ionomers. The plasticizer is typically an epoxidized vegetable oil or esterified and epoxidized vegetable oil and is typically present in an amount of between about 10 and about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a polyolefin modified with one or more polar functional groups, and is typically present in an amount of between about 5 and about 10% by weight.

Abstract: This invention provides film-forming compositions, including but not limited to polishes, coatings, adhesives and inks, comprising a at least one acrylic or vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer as a film-forming ingredient and, as the plasticizer, a blend in specified proportions of a) the benzoate of a 6-carbon monohydric alcohol, b) diethylene glycol dibenzoate and c) diethylene glycol monobenzoate.

Abstract: Disclosed are natural products composites protected against the deleterious effects of microorganisms comprising at least one natural product, at least one thermoplastic resin, and an effective amount of an antifungal agent. The composites are further advantageously protected against weathering and color formation by the incorporation therein of at least one light stabilizer and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the oxides, hydroxides or silicates of Ca, Mg, Al and Zn. The light stabilizers are selected from the group consisting of the ultraviolet light absorbers and the sterically hindered amines. The metal oxide is for example CaO. The natural products are for example wood flour, flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, or rice husk. The thermoplastic resin is for example polyethylene or polypropylene. The antifungal agent and potential coadditives are incorporated via melt processing such as extrusion, co-kneading, pultrusion and injection molding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a silica reinforced rubber composition containing an ionic compound and article having a component thereof. The invention particularly relates to an article such as a rubber tire having a component of such rubber composition. Said ionic compound is composed of a combination of an organic cation moiety and an organic or inorganic anion moiety. Said ionic compound is desirably an ionically conductive ionic compound. The invention particularly relates to improvement of one or more physical properties of a rubber composition by an inclusion of such ionic compound and/or providing a path of least electrical resistance for a electrically resistive component of an article such as a tire by an inclusion in the rubber composition of said component of an ionically conductive ionic compound composed of a combination of an organic cation moiety and an organic or inorganic anion moiety.

Abstract: The polyimide film of the present invention is produced in the following manner: polyamic acid made of a combination of a specific acid anhydride constituent and a specific diamine constituent are heated under a low-pressure circumstance for heat imidation, and the obtained imide is dissolved again in a solvent to be polyimide solution, then the polyimide solution is formed to be a film. In this manner, it is possible to provide a polyimide film essentially transparent and colorless, and has sufficient toughness to prevent occurrences of a crack or a break when the film is folded and creased by hand.

Abstract: An RTV seal forming silicone composition has a silicone base material that includes a lipophilic secondary phase insoluble in the silicone base material upon cure thereof. The resulting silicone has a shear adhesion strength as measured by transverse displacement of less than 50 pounds per square inch allowing for polymerized silicone removal without damage to an oil pan assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer composition is described and comprises a 2-cyano-3,3-diarylacrylate, a sterically hindered monomeric amine, a sterically hindered phenol and, where appropriate, a chromane derivative and/or an organic phosphite and/or phosphonite. The stabilizer composition is particularly suitable for stabilizing thermoplastic polyurethane with respect to light, oxygen, and heat.

Abstract: A stabilizer composition is described and comprises a 3-arylacrylate, a polymeric compound with molecular weight at least 2000, bearing, on a polymeric framework, side groups having amine functions, where all of the substituents in the ?-position to the amine nitrogen atom are other than hydrogen, and comprises a sterically hindered phenol. The stabilizer composition is particularly suitable for stabilizing thermoplastic polyurethane with respect to light, oxygen, and heat.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I or II where R is an aryl moiety, such as phenyl, naphthyl or biphenylyl, or is phenyl substituted by one or more trifluoromethyl, bromo or cyano, and E1 and E2 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl and the like are prepared by reaction of a benzotriazole substituted on the 5-position of the benzo ring by a halogen atom with a arylboronic acid or ester in the presence of a transition-metal catalyst, such as palladium (II) diacetate. The benzotriazole compounds of formula I are particularly efficacious as stabilizers for automotive coatings and candle wax.

Abstract: A golf ball including a center, a cover, and, optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein the cover is formed from a polyurethane composition, or a reaction product thereof, including at least one polyol; at least one polyisocyanate; at least one curing agent; and at least one color stabilizer; wherein the color stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a ?C* of less than about 22 upon exposure to UV light over a timeframe of 1 hour.

Abstract: The present invention has it for its object to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass and a laminated glass which shows a much decreased extent of blushing of the peripheral region thereof even when placed in a high-humidity atmosphere, without compromise in those fundamental performance characteristics which are required of laminated glass, such as transparency, weather resistance, adhesion and penetration resistance. The present invention is related to an interlayer film for laminated glass comprising a plasticized poly(vinyl acetal) resin and having the haze after 24 hours of immersion is not more than 50% when said interlayer film with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.8 mm is immersed in water at 23° C.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber-containing articles that exhibit highly desirable long-term effective antimicrobial characteristics are provided. Such articles are in either solid or blown (foam or sponge) state (or combinations of both in multilayered forms) and can be utilized in a variety of applications. This invention utilizes the presence of non-sulfur-based curing systems and agents, such as bisphenols, that permit vulcanization and do not irreversibly bind silver ions thereto, thereby resulting in long-term antimicrobial performance of the rubber article. This invention further provides a simple method of producing such an antimicrobial vulcanized fluoroelastomer rubber-containing article. This invention also encompasses certain non-silicone pre-vulcanized raw rubber formulations made from at least a majority by weight of FKM rubber that include silver-based components to provide highly desirable long-term antimicrobial characteristics within the ultimate cured FKM articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A film or sheet having a glass transition temperature below about 23° C. and a melting temperature greater than about 120° C. is prepared by first preparing a polyester composition of about 50 to about 95 weight percent of a base copolyester having a melting temperature of less than about 220° C. and exhibiting more than about 1 percent crystallinity after annealing for 2000 minutes at a temperature of which the base copolyester has a maximum crystallization rate; and about 5 to about 50 weight percent of a plasticizer suitable for use with the base copolyester. The polyester composition is formed into a film or sheet. During formation of the film or sheet or afterwards, crystallization is induced to provide a soft and flexible film or sheet.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a PVC resin composition comprising polyvinyl chloride and a liquid plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: (i) a non-linear, paraffin-soluble olefin-CO copolymer; ii) a non-linear olefin-CO copolymer derived from non-pure feeds; iii) an olefin-CO—X terpolymer derived from non-pure feeds; and iv) a non-linear olefin-CO—X terpolymer. A method of preparing the resins is also described.

Abstract: There is provided composition comprising i) a thermoplastic polymer ii) a compound having the formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from an acyl group or a hydrogen atom, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an acyl group (a short acyl group) having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is a branched chain acyl group (a long acyl group) consisting of a saturated chain having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and a hydrophilic branch group.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain non-silicone vulcanized rubber articles that are made from at least a majority by weight of vulcanized styrene butadiene rubber that include silver-based compounds to provide highly desirable long-term antimicrobial characteristics within the cured rubber articles. Such articles are in either solid or blown (foam or sponge) state (or combinations of both in multilayered forms) and can be utilized in a variety of different applications. This invention encompasses the presence of non-sulfur-based curing systems and agents, such as peroxide curing, that permit vulcanization and do not irreversibly bind silver ions thereto, thereby resulting in long-term antimicrobial performance of the ultimate rubber article itself.

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.