Abstract: A procedure is provided for the production of clean, dustless particulate granules from dusty, dirty particles by treatment with a composition comprising a liquid polymeric substance, illustratively, epoxidized soybean oil, and a solid, low molecular weight polymer having a melting point in the range of about 95.degree. to 105.degree. C., illustratively, a polyethylene vinyl acetate copolymer in the proportions of from 1 part of solid polymer to 1 part of liquid polymeric substance to 2 parts of solid polymer to 1 part of liquid polymeric substance. In one modification of the procedure, the ingredients were charged to a Papenmeir mixer and the mixer was run at 1500 RPM until a temperature of 95.degree. C. was reached. The resulting product comprised clean, dustless uniform beads.

Abstract: Polymer blends of improved impact strength are prepared by mixing polyvinyl chloride with an impact strength-increasing amount of an vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer which has been pre-blended with an ultrafine particle size inert inorganic filler.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trowelable, lightweight, synthetic stucco composition containing a crushable, lightweight aggregate, and specifically to the protection of the lightweight aggregate from substantial particle size reduction during troweling application by providing in the composition a protective amount of a hard, non-crushable aggregate having a protective particle size. The hard aggregate is strong enough to resist the troweling step without crushing, and serves to keep the trowel a spaced distance away from the substrate upon which the stucco composition is applied, to thereby substantially prevent crushable, lightweight aggregates of similar or smaller particle size from crushing, and to limit the crushing of crushable, lightweight aggregates having a larger particle size.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymer flexible film having a substantially uniform thickness between about 0.005 and 0.030 of an inch (0.13 mm and 0.76 mm) and characterized by a structure comprised of discrete, platelet-like spherulitic crystalline aggregates compressed transversely to the plane of the film and biaxially oriented in the plane of the film and having a combination of improved properties and also to a rigid conduit or extrudate having a plurality of thermoplastic crystalline polymer layers each of which has a unique microstructure and improved properties.

Abstract: A resin composition of improved hue which comprises, in specified proportions, an olefin-based resin such as polypropylene and at least three specified antioxidants which are (1) 2,6-di-t-butyl paracresol, (2) tri(mono- and/or di-nonylphenyl)phosphite and/or distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, and (3) tris(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate and/or octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are disclosed which are useful as backings for automotive carpets. The thermoplastic compositions contain a high filler content of at least 60 percent by weight, about 5 to 25 percent by weight of an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, about 1 to 10 percent by weight of a non-vulcanized elastomeric resin and about 1 to 15 percent by weight of a plasticizer. Preferably a low viscosity precoat of polyethylene or ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer is applied to the carpet prior to the application of the thermoplastic backing. The backed automotive carpet is moldable, withstands both high and low temperatures, possesses outstanding sound absorbing properties and can be produced economically.

Abstract: Hydroxyl-containing filler reinforced thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins, are disclosed having improved physical properties such as impact strength, break strength and flexural modulus. The filler is compatibilized with a thermoplastic polymer containing labile atoms by mixing the two together in the presence of a coupling agent, such as maleic anhydride and a free radical initiator such as a peroxide catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, clay is coated with polyethylene by mixing the two in the presence of a peroxide catalyst and maleic anhydride and the coated filler is then compounded with additional polyethylene. In another preferred embodiment, a filler is coated with a polyolefin having a high melt index and the coated filler is then compounded with a polyolefin having a lower melt index. Also disclosed are various means for molding the compatibilized composites of this invention.