Abstract: Methods for generating metallic particles in situ in a polymer are disclosed. A method includes (a) contacting the polymer with a solution comprising (i) a solvent, (ii) a metal salt, and (iii) a free radical generator; (b) removing the polymer from the solution; and (c) exposing the polymer to actinic radiation. Polymer composites and polymer nanocomposites comprising inorganic particulates comprising metallic particles generated in the polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate copolymer comprising A) a structure derived from a dihydroxy alkylene oxide compound selected from the group consisting of formula (1a) and formula (1b): H-(E-X)l—OH??(1a) H-(E-X-E)l-OH??(1b) wherein E and X are different and each and independently are selected from the group consisting of formula (2a) and formula (2b): —(OCH2CH2)m—??(2a) —(OCHRCH2)n—??(2b) wherein R is a C1-8 alkyl group; l, m, and n are integers greater than or equal to 1; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the total amount of the structures corresponding to formula (2b) in the copolymer is between 100 and 2,000 g/mol; and B) a structure derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the structures of A) and B).

Abstract: Combining nanosized particles of a source of desired dental restorative, repair or therapeutic materials with strengthening agents in various generally nanosized form such as whiskers, fibers, particles and the like in a resin matrix provides a highly strain resistant composite which more effectively releases the therapeutic agents. The utilization of nano sized particles of the therapeutic agent in the combination enables observation of significantly improved therapeutic results.

Abstract: Flame retardant thermoplastic compositions that are capable of being used in a laser direct structuring process. The compositions include a thermoplastic resin, a laser direct structuring additive, and a flame retardant. The compositions offer flame retardant characteristics while also substantially maintaining the mechanical properties of the base thermoplastic resin, such as the impact strength and/or HDT of the composition. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications such as personal computers, notebook and portable computers, cell phone and other such communications equipment.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte forming composition includes a trialkoxysilane containing an epoxy group, polyethyleneimine, and at least one of heteropolyacid and trifluoromethanesulfoneimide.

Abstract: The present invention provides flame retardant thermoplastic moulding compositions comprising: A) from 65% to 99.5% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a polyolefinic polymer particularly selected among polypropylene polymers; B) from 0.1% to 30% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a synergic mixture of an hypophosphorous acid metal salt and halogenated organic compounds; C) from 0.5% to 10% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a plurality of selected additives consisting of processing aids, heat and process stabilizers, UV stabilizers, antidripping agents (PTFE—Polytetrafluoroethylene), pigments, mould releasing agents, nucleating agents; D) from 0% to 50% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of an inorganic filler. The total of the percentages by weight of components A to D is 100%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic halogen-free flame retardant composition comprising at least an hypophosphorous acid metal salts as halogen-free flame retardant agent, and at least an aromatic polycarbonate s resin and/or its blends. The flame retardant composition may in addition comprise additives and fillers. The invention also refers to moulded thermoplastic articles made by using the flame retardant composition.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of a carbon pigment is provided. In one embodiment, the corrosion-inhibiting carbon pigment is further comprising other components such as extenders, including neutral to slightly acidic generating extenders and acidic generating extenders, are earth compounds, amino acids and amino acid derivatives, gelatin and gelatin derivatives, organic-based exchange resins, and combinations thereof, to enhance the corrosion resistance of the resultant coating film. In one embodiment, the carbon pigment is a surface-modified carbon pigment. The coating compositions have good adhesion to substrates such as metals, including aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising A) aromatic polycarbonate, B) polyalkylene terephthalate and C) a concentrate comprising polyalkylene terephthalate and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ortho-phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, carboxylic acid esters of ortho-phosphoric acid and carboxylic acid esters of phosphorous acid, Compositions of the present invention are distinguished by high melt stability. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of impact-modified polyalkylene terephthalate/polycarbonate compositions, wherein a concentrate of polyalkylene terephthalate with a phosphorus-containing additive is used.

Abstract: Cable coatings having effective low-smoke emission, fire resistance and moisture resistance provided by a single layer are described. The cable coatings contain an base polymer, a oxygen containing ethylene copolymer, a fire retardant and a synergistic blend of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Cables coated with the described coatings have improved wet electrical performance, and satisfactory fire performance and smoke characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact-modified polyalkylene terephthalate/polycarbonate composition comprising A) 41 to 97 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C+D) of aromatic polycarbonate, B) 2 to 19 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C+D) of polyalkylene terephthalate, C) 0.5 to 15 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C+D) of rubber-modified graft polymer, D) 0.5 to 25 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C+D) of a salt of a phosphinic acid, A composition of the present invention is distinguished by an optimum combination of high heat distortion temperature, good flameproofing and excellent mechanical properties (in particular high E modulus), the use of the polycarbonate compositions for the production of shaped articles and the shaped articles themselves.

Abstract: Provided is a light diffusing resin composition, which, when molded into a large-plane light diffusing plate, is free of yellowing due to thermal deterioration, and can exhibit good light diffusing property, and a light diffusing plate using the resin composition. The light diffusing resin composition includes 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin containing a polycarbonate copolymer (A) having repeating structural units represented by formulae (I) and (II) and 0.01 to 10 parts by mass of a light diffusing agent (B).

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer and a colloidal metal oxide. The composite material has a Plasma Etch Index of 40 relative to a polymer absent the colloidal metal oxide.

Abstract: Corrosion-inhibiting pigments based on cobalt are described that contain a trivalent or tetravalent cobalt/valence stabilizer complex. An inorganic or organic material is used to stabilize the trivalent or tetravalent cobalt ion to form a compound that is sparingly soluble in water. Specific stabilizers are chosen to control the release rate of trivalent or tetravalent cobalt during exposure to water and to tailor the compatibility of the powder when used as a pigment in a chosen binder system. Stabilizers may also modify the processing and handling characteristics of the formed powders. Cobalt/valence stabilizer combinations are chosen based on the well-founded principles of cobalt coordination chemistry. Many cobalt-valence stabilizer combinations are presented that can equal the performance of conventional hexavalent chromium systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polycarbonate composition comprising A) 58 to 99.6 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C) of aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate, B) 0.5 to 12 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C) of rubber-modified graft polymer prepared in the bulk, solution or bulk-suspension polymerization process, and C) 0.1 to 30 parts by wt. (in each case based on the sum of the parts by weight of components A+B+C) of a salt of a phosphinic acid. A composition of the present invention is distinguished by an optimum combination of high heat distortion temperature, good flameproofing, excellent mechanical properties and a good resistance to hydrolysis. The present invention further relates to the use of the polycarbonate compositions for the production of shaped articles and the shaped articles themselves.

Abstract: Disclosed are a synthetic resin composition for use as building materials such as window frames, as well as a product manufactured using the same. More particularly, the synthetic resin composition comprises a tetrapolymer of acrylic rubber-styrene monomer-butadiene rubber-vinyl cyanide monomer and a styrene-vinyl cyanide copolymer having a high molecular weight and a high degree of dispersion. Unlike products manufactured using prior polyvinyl chloride (PVC), building material such as window frames manufactured using the synthetic resin composition are recyclable, and thus can contribute to a reduction in the generation of hormone-disrupting chemical dioxin, which is released in the burning thereof. Also, the resin composition can be manufactured into products having excellent properties of weather resistance and colorability without using environmental pollutants such as cadmium stearate or lead stearate, which are used as thermal stabilizers.

Abstract: Stabilizer system for chlorinated polymers, especially PVC, comprising at least one coordination-polymeric triethanolamineperchlorato(triflato)metal inner complex comprising the monomer unit of the formula (A) The stabilizer system may additionally comprise substituted cyanoacetylureas or/and 6-aminouracils or/and 3-aminocrotonic esters or/and hydantoins or/and monomeric or polymeric dihydropyridines or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or/and hydrotalcites or/and dawsonites or/and zeolites or/and glycidyl compounds or/and cyanamides or/and cyanoguanidines or/and melamines. In addition, phosphites or/and sterically hindered amines or/and NOR-HALS compounds may be present.

Abstract: A polymer composition which comprises a polymer, a phosphorus compound (a), and a phenol compound (b). The phosphorus compound (a) is, e.g., at least one member selected from compounds represented by the following formula (1). The phenol compound (b) is, e.g., at least one member selected from compounds represented by the following general formula (4), wherein in the general formula (1), the R1 represents C1-20 alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, or alkoxyalkyl and n is 1 or 2, provided that when two R1's are present, then the R1's may be the same or different, wherein in the general formula (4), the R4's each independently represents C1-20 alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, alkoxy, or alkylthiomethyl.

Abstract: Soft flame retardant thermoplastic compositions that are preferably halogen free and include a styrenic block copolymer having a low modulus, one or more of a polyolefin polymer or copolymer and an acrylate containing polymer or copolymer, one or more of a softener and plasticizer, an inorganic phosphorous-containing flame retardant, and optionally but preferably, a platelet filler such as a nanoclay or an organic modified clay. In a preferred embodiment, the phosphorous-containing flame retardant has a surface coating thereon which reduces sensitivity of the flame retardant to water, and thus reduces the amount of the flame retardant that can leach out in the presence of water, thereby enabling the compositions of the present invention to be utilized outdoors or other environments where exposure to water or high humidity is possible. The hardness of the compositions according to the invention preferably ranges from about Shore A 40 to about Shore A 90.

Abstract: Provided are a coated metal pigment which can satisfy both the coating stability in use as an aqueous coating, i.e., water resistance, and the chemical resistance of coating films produced by application thereof at practically satisfactory levels; a method for producing the same; and an aqueous coating containing the same. The invention relates to a coated metal pigment including a metal pigment and a composite coating layer, wherein the composite coating layer includes an adhesion layer which is disposed on the surface of the metal pigment either in contact with the metal pigment or at an interposition of another layer and contains polysiloxane and/or silica, and a resin layer which is disposed on the surface of the adhesion layer either in contact with the adhesion layer or at an interposition of another layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a barrier coating composition for application to a thermoplastic film comprising (a) a nano-clay additive in an amount from about 1 wt % to 50 wt % of said barrier coating, wherein said nano-clay additive comprises untreated nano-clay platelets; and (b) a base coating in an amount from about 50 wt % to 99 wt % of said barrier coating, wherein said base coating comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), acrylate copolymers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A compound is described including one or more polymer (A) selected from propylene-ethylene block copolymers (A1), propylene homopolymers (A2) and a combination of copolymers (A1) and/or homopolymers (A2), at 30% to 90% by weight; one or more copolymer (B) selected from ethylene-alpha-olefin random copolymers (B1), hydrogenated styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (B2), ethylene-alpha-olefin block copolymers (B3), and a combination of two or more of copolymers (B1), copolymers (B2), and/or optional copolymers (B3), at 0% to 50% by weight; one or more mineral filler (C) at 0% to 30% by weight; one or more surface modifier (D) at 0% to 5% by weight; one or more additive (E) at 0% to 5% by weight; and one or more colorant (F) at 0% to 10% by weight. Associated articles and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods of producing polymer composite materials. More specifically, the invention involves a process in which layered materials including clays and other inorganic materials are dispersed into polymer systems to create polymer nanocomposite films. The resulting films exhibit improved resistance to fading when compared to polymer films that lack the additional layered materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymer blend comprising a first polycarbonate comprising a first structural unit derived from a 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine and a second structural unit derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the second structural unit is not identical to the first structural unit, and a second polycarbonate comprising a structural unit derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the polymer blend has a glass transition temperature of 155 to 200° C.; and wherein a test auricle having a thickness of 3.2 mm and molded from the blend has a haze of less than or equal to 3.0 measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00. A method of making the polymer blend, and articles prepared from the blend, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a resin composition characterized by comprising (A) a polyamide, (B) a polyphenylene ether, (C) an elastomer, and (D) a phosphorus compound selected from among phosphoric acids, phosphorous acids, hypophosphorous acids, metal phosphates, metal phosphites, metal hypophosphites, and phosphoric esters, wherein the resin composition contains 1 to 35 ppm of phosphorus element based on 100% by mass of the sum of the components (A) to (D), and can provide a molding composed of the resin composition. The resin composition can be used in a wide range of fields such as electrical/electronic parts, OA parts, vehicle parts and mechanical parts. In particular, the resin composition can be suitably used for exterior parts of automobiles or the like where large moldings are required.

Abstract: A metallic member, which is subjected to rust-preventive treatment, includes a metallic substrate, a zinc composite coating film, and a coating layer. The metallic substrate is formed as a predetermined configuration. The zinc composite coating film is disposed on the metallic substrate. The coating layer is made by coating and drying a coating composition on the zinc composite coating film. The coating composition includes a coating vehicle, a body pigment, and a rust-preventive pigment. The coating vehicle includes an organic solvent, and a resinous material being dissolved in the organic solvent. The body pigment is dispersed in the coating vehicle. The rust-preventive pigment is dispersed in the coating vehicle.

Abstract: A glass powder having an average particle size of at least 0.5 ?m and smaller than 5.0 ?m, having a specific surface area of at least 1.5 m2/cm3, and having a glass transition temperature higher than 200° C. and lower than 400° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry film coating compositions comprising of tribasic calcium phosphate as one of the essential ingredient along with other commonly used polymers, plasticizers, excipients like suspending agents, pigments, lubricants, glidents, opacifiers, flavours, sweetener etc. for use in coating of pharmaceutical tablets, nutritional supplements, food products, confectionery, agricultural seeds and the like The invention further discloses method for coating a substrate using the invented coating composition.

Abstract: Novel halogen-free flame-retardant thermoplastic molding compositions are described, and give laser-markable moldings with increased quality of marking. The molding compositions comprise at least one thermoplastic A) and at least one light-sensitive compound of salt type B1) which within the polymer matrix when exposed to laser light changes its color or leads to a change in the color of the polymer matrix, and/or at least one light-sensitive or light-sensitizing oxide B2) which within the polymer matrix when exposed to laser light changes its color or leads to a change in the color of the polymer matrix, and at least one halogen-free compound or mixture C) which has a positive effect on the flammability and fire performance of the molding composition, and if appropriate, other conventional additives D). The invention further relates to moldings produced from these laser-markable flame-retardant molding compositions, and also to laser-marked moldings produced therefrom.

Abstract: A polyamide composition has (a) a polyamide, (b) at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acids, phosphorous acids, hypophosphorous acids, metal phosphates, metal phosphites, metal hypophosphites, phosphoric esters, and phosphorous esters, and (c) a soluble metal aluminate compound represented by the general formula (M2O)x(Al2O3)y (wherein X+Y=1 and M is a Group 1 metal of the Periodic Table), wherein the molar ratio of polyvalent metal to monovalent metal in the composition (polyvalent metal/monovalent metal) is from 0.25 to 1.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanoparticles for the preparation of water-based dispersion adhesives, and especially the use of finely divided barium sulfate therein. The nanoparticles can be used with or without chemical modification. Adhesives of this kind feature improved properties, examples being improved cohesion in conjunction with comparable adhesion and higher heat resistance. Preference is given to dispersion adhesives based on polyacrylate, polyurethane, and epoxy resin.

Abstract: A flameproof thermoplastic resin composition can include (A) about 5 to about 40% by weight of an epoxy group-containing rubber modified aromatic vinyl copolymer resin, (B) about 30 to about 90% by weight of a polycarbonate resin, (C) about 1 to about 50% by weight of a polyester resin and (D) about 5 to about 30 parts by weight of a phosphorus-containing flame retardant, per 100 parts by weight of a base resin comprising (A), (B) and (C).

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition which comprises EVOH and a thermoplastic resin other than EVOH and which generates less odor and therefore is suitable for food packaging applications. The invention also provides an environmentally friendly method for producing a resin composition, without releasing any carboxylic acid such as acetic acid to the peripheral environment. A resin composition containing less carboxylate group is obtained by contacting an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin with an aqueous solution containing both carbon dioxide gas and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt (A) and a boron compound (B) and then melt kneading with a thermoplastic resin (G) other than EVOH.

Abstract: Polymer blends suitable for packaging are disclosed that include one or more impact modifiers; and one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers obtained by a melt phase polymerization using a catalyst system comprising aluminum atoms in an amount, for example, from about 3 ppm to about 60 ppm and one or more alkaline earth metal atoms, alkali metal atoms, or alkali compound residues in an amount, for example, from about 1 ppm to about 25 ppm, in each case based on the weight of the one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers The polymer blends disclosed exhibit improved low temperature toughness compared with blends made using polymers prepared with conventional catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite materials for bone replacement comprising organic and inorganic material, more particularly to composite materials for bone replacement wherein cyanoacrylate as organic material and osteo-conductive inorganic material as inorganic material are combined. The composite materials synthesized according to the present invention, maximize the merits of organic material and inorganic material and minimize their demerits. In detail, the organic material has the maintenance of shape and the adhesive property and the inorganic material has the osteo-conductivity on a new bone. Therefore, the composite materials of the present invention can be applied to fill bone defects and replace bones, since they retain the excellent physical property.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition having good electromagnetic shielding properties and high stiffness comprising thermoplastic polymer, metal alloy having a melting point of between about 200° C. and 500° C.

Abstract: Polymer blends suitable for packaging are disclosed that include a transition metal; one or more polyamide homopolymers or copolymers; and one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers obtained by a melt phase polymerization using a catalyst system comprising aluminum atoms in an amount, for example, from about 3 ppm to about 60 ppm and one or more alkaline earth metal atoms, alkali metal atoms, or alkali compound residues in an amount, for example, from about 1 ppm to about 25 ppm, in each case based on the weight of the one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers The polymer blends disclosed exhibit improved oxygen-scavenging activity compared with blends made using polymers prepared with conventional catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a plenum cable component with excellent fire retardant and aging properties. The plenum cable component is prepared from a polyolefin-based composition, containing an olefinic polymer and a surface treated metal hydroxide. Depending upon the surface treatment, the composition may comprise other components. The present invention is also a method for selecting a composition for preparing the plenum cable component as a separator and a method for preparing a communications cable therefrom.

Abstract: A moulding material for the production of highly flame resistant articles with a matrix of a thermoplastic and a particulate pigment dispersed therein is characterized in that the pigment is light-sensitive and changes colour under the influence of laser light and in that the pigment is a reaction product of at least one halogen-free flame retardant organic nitrogen base with (i) at least one mixed salt with at least two different cations and/or with (ii) a mixture of salt type compounds which on heating can be transformed into at least one salt type compound with at least two different cations, as in (i); wherein in variations (i) and (ii), at least one of the cations is selected from a group (A) of elements Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, La, Pr, Ta, W and Ce and at least one further cation is selected from a group (B) of elements from periods 3 and 6 of groups II and III, periods 5 and 6 of group IV and periods 4 and 5 of groups III to VIII and the lanthanides of the periodic

Abstract: The invention relates to a binding agent comprising an aqueous, film-forming, polymeric siloxane. The invention also relates to a coating agent that is produced using said binding agent and to a workpiece that is coated with said coating agent.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product including a coating comprising (a) a primary resin and a blocked isocyanate, and (b) at least one bio-diesel fuel degradation product neutralizing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides flame retardant thermoplastic moulding compositions comprising: A) from 65% to 99.5% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a polyolefinic polymer particularly selected among polypropylene polymers; B) from 0.1% to 30% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a synergic mixture of an hypophosphorous acid metal salt and halogenated organic compounds; C) from 0.5% to 10% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of a plurality of selected additives consisting of processing aids, heat and process stabilisers, UV stabilisers, antidripping agents (PTFE—Polytetrafluoroethylene), pigments, mould releasing agents, nucleating agents; D) from 0% to 50% by weight (with respect of the total weight of the final composition) of an inorganic filler. The total of the percentages by weight of components A to D is 100%.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer compositions are provided that are suitable as coatings when dry. The coatings formed from such compositions have desirably low level of yellowness, both when new and upon aging. Also provided are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: A composition for the manufacture of a circuit material comprises a solvent composition having a boiling point below 160° C.; an epoxy compound having an average epoxy functionality of greater than one, an epoxy equivalent weight of less than about 6,000 Daltons, a softening point of less than about 160° C., and solubility in the solvent composition; an aromatic polymer co-curable with the epoxy compound, and soluble in the solvent composition; and, optionally, a catalyst for the polymerization of epoxy groups. The composition for the manufacture of a circuit material can further comprise a filler additive and/or a flame retardant additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a product of forming polymer (especially PVC) nanocomposites with a variety of nanofillers. The present invention provides a method for forming a polymer nanocomposite, comprising powder mixing a composition comprising polymer resin, a nanofiller, and a coupling agent for a residence time of about 4 to about 8 minutes to form a dry blend and extruding the dry blend in an extrusion process. Additionally, the present invention relates to a polymer nanocomposite formed by a process, comprising powder mixing a polymer resin, a nanofiller, and a coupling agent for a residence time of about 4 to about 8 minutes to form a dry blend and extruding the dry blend in an extrusion process to achieve homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers in the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A polyester polymer comprising alkylene arylate units, said polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.72 dl/g, a vinyl ends concentration of at least 0.8 microequivalents per gram, an AA generation rate of less than 20 ppm are prepared by addition of a catalyst deactivator either late in the polycondensation or upon remelting of a solid polyester polymer.

Abstract: A fusible conductive ink for use in manufacturing microfluidic analytical systems includes micronised powder containing platinum and carbon, poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin)-glycidyl end capped polymer, and a solvent. In addition, the ratio of micronised powder to poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin)-glycidyl end capped polymer is in the range of 3:1 to 1:3. The fusible conductive inks can be employed in the manufacturing of microfluidic systems to form electrodes, electrically conductive traces and/or electrically conductive contact pads.

Abstract: Polyesters and polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction and improved clarity are produced using an antiblock agent comprising a dried talc having from about 20 to about 300 ppm water or a fatty acid tethered talc. The use of these talcs result in polyesters and polyester containers having a coefficient of less than about 1.0 and a clarity with haze values of less than about 4%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curable precursor of a fire-retardant, low-density and essentially halogen-free epoxy composition comprising (i) 10 to 70 weight percent of at least one organic epoxide compound with an epoxide functionality of at least one, (ii) 1 to 55 weight percent of at least one epoxide hardener, (iii) 5 to 50 weight percent of an essentially halogen-free fire-retardant system that includes a mixture of: (1) at least one compound selected from the group comprising alkaline earth metal hydroxides and aluminium group hydroxides, and (2) at least one phosphorous-containing material, (iv) 10 to 60 weight percent of a filler system capable of reducing the density of the precursor that includes a mixture of (1) at least one low-density inorganic filler having a density of between 0.1 to 0.5 g cm?3?, (2) at least one low-density organic filler having a density of between 0.01 to 0.30 g/cm?3? and being compressible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-weight fiber-reinforced composite material that has excellent flame retardance and mechanical properties and never emits a halogen gas. The present invention also provides a prepreg and en epoxy resin composition suited to obtain the above described fiber-reinforced composite material. The present invention also provides an integrated molding which is produced using the above described fiber-reinforced composite material, thereby suitable for use in electric/electronic casings. The epoxy resin composition is such that it contains the following components [A], [B] and [C]: [A] epoxy resin, [B] amine curing agent, and [C] phosphorus compound, wherein the concentration of the component [C] is 0.2 to 15% by weight in terms of phosphorus atom concentration.