Abstract: Compositions of biobased polymer blends of polymers and a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer are described. In certain embodiments, the copolymer is a multiphase copolymer blend having one phase a glass transition temperature of about ?5° C. to about ?50° C. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. Also articles, films and laminates made from the compositions are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods involving the use of a carboxylate graft polymer having high molecular weight and low ratio of acid-to-polyoxyalkylene groups. Such clay-mitigation is particularly useful for treating clay and clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those aggregates used for construction purposes. The present invention minimizes the need to wash the aggregates, thus preserving fine aggregates (“fines”) content in construction materials, and thereby beneficiating the performance and/or properties of construction materials containing the clay-bearing aggregates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-strength inflammable blend resin composition including a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a polyethylene terephthalate resin. More specifically, the resin composition of the present invention includes: a basic blend resin containing 10 to 80 wt. % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and 20 to 90 wt. % of a polyethylene terephthalate resin; and 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a modified polystyrene or a styrene-based elastomer with respect to 100 parts by weight of the basic blend resin.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a curable composition that, while having practical curability, gives a cured product with excellent recovery, and exhibits excellent curability as well as excellent water-resistant adhesion. The curable composition includes 100 parts by weight of a reactive silyl group-containing organic polymer (A); 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a dialkyltin disilicate compound (B); and an amino silane coupling agent (C), the dialkyltin disilicate compound (B) being a tin compound containing a bulky alkyl group and a silicate moiety with a C1 or C2 alkoxy group, and the amino silane coupling agent (C) including 1 to 10 parts by weight of an amino silane coupling agent (C1) containing a trialkoxysilyl group, and less than 1 part by weight of an amino silane coupling agent (C2) containing a dialkoxysilyl or monoalkoxysilyl group.

Abstract: A weatherable, flame-resistant thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprising a thermoplastic matrix; and dispersed within said matrix, an at least partially cured rubber, a flame retardant, and carbon black.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing fluoroelastomers having a fluorine content between 62% and 74% by weight vulcanized by ionic systems, preferably selected from bisphenol A and bisphenol AF, i.e. 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, the process including a step of heating the vulcanized fluoroelastomers in the presence of a hydrolysis composition having one or more chemical selected from water, water soluble alcohols, water soluble glycols and mixtures thereof, at a temperature from 350° C. to 430° C. Fluoroelastomers obtainable by this process and their use for the preparation of compounds and vulcanized compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for preparing rubber compositions where those rubber compositions comprise at least one telechelic polymer and at least one filler. The methods make use of a mixer that includes a mixing chamber and at least one rotor with wings of specified configuration. Use of the disclosed methods yields a rubber composition with improved properties including an improved dispersion index after master batch mixing as compared to the same rubber composition mixed using standard 4 wing mixers.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses polyurethane adhesive compositions comprising aliphatic polycarbonate chains. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses polyurethane adhesives derived from aliphatic polycarbonate polyols and polyisocyanates wherein the polyol chains contain a primary repeating unit having a structure. In another aspect, the invention provides articles comprising the inventive polyurethane compositions as well as methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Thermal barrier mixtures and method of making the thermal barrier mixtures are described herein. The thermal barrier mixtures may be used to make thermal barrier coatings. Thermal barrier mixture may include halloysite and one or more silicon compounds.

Abstract: A transparent, non-yellowing, polymer-clay, concrete sealer and methods for making and applying the same. The disclosed clay-based sealer provides a tough, ultraviolet-light-, temperature-, and abrasion-resistant layer that effectively protects surfaces from moisture penetration, staining, dirt, dust, and wear. The substrates to which the clay-based sealer may be applied include, but are not limited to, above and below grade concrete structures, brick, concrete masonry unit (CMU) block, grout, plaster, gunite, tile, and aggregate. The clay-based sealer may easily be applied with airless or air-assisted sprayers, or by roller, brush, or applicator pad. Once applied, the sealer requires minimal maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes to produce nanocomposites. In particular, the invention relates to solution processes using organic solvents and mixtures of solvents to produce polymeric nanocomposites.

Abstract: Methods of forming a nanocellulose composite are provided. The methods can include blending a copolymer with a nanocellulose to form the nanocellulose composite. The copolymer can be a reaction product of a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first monomer is a hydrophilic monomer, the second monomer is a cellulose-reactive monomer and the third monomer is an amphiphobic monomer.

Abstract: Nanocomposites comprising a sulfonated telechelic polycarbonate and an organically modified clay are disclosed. The polycarbonate nanocomposites have improved physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Unprocessed, processed or refined hydrocarbon liquids as well as processed vegetable derived oil contaminants may be sequestered from a contaminated surface by applying onto the surface a blend comprising crumb rubber and hydrated magnesium silicate. The contaminated surface may be a solid surface (such as one composed of concrete, cement or asphalt) as well as an aqueous surface.

Abstract: Methods using solid-state shear pulverization and melt mixing and related polymer-carbon nanotube composites, as can be used to affect various mechanical and/or physical material properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite powder, preparation and use thereof. The composite powder according to the present invention is prepared by intimately mixing an irradiated or non-irradiated rubber latex with a slurry of inorganic particles in a ratio corresponding to that of rubber particles to inorganic particles in the composite powder according to the present invention, and then drying the resultant mixture. The composite powder according to the present invention comprises agglomerates composed of powdery rubber particles and inorganic particles, with inorganic particles being uniformly distributed either inside the agglomerats or both inside the agglomerates and on the surfaces thereof. The composite powder according to the present invention can be easily dispersed in plastic matrixes and thus can be compounded with plastics to produce toughened plastics and thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A hydrogel having excellent mechanical properties and capable of being produced simply by using and mixing an industrially easily obtainable polymer having high versatility and clay particles, and to provide a method of producing the hydrogel. A hydrogel-forming composition is characterized by containing a polyelectrolyte, clay particles, and a dispersant for the clay particles.

Abstract: This invention encompasses asphalt cement emulsions, as well as methods for preparing a pre-treated rubber-modified asphalt cement emulsions and methods for coating industrial surfaces using asphalt cement emulsions.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesive composition comprising: a) at least one acrylic functional monomer; b) a first toughening agent; c) a second toughening agent; d) an adhesion promoter; and e) a high aspect ratio filler selected from at least one of a high aspect ratio fibrillated filler and a halloycite clay filler.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition having a thermoset polymer and a plurality of hollow microsphere homogenously dispersed in the composition. The polymer is a cyanate ester thermoset, a phthalonitrile thermoset, a crosslinked acetylene thermoset, or a hydrosilation thermoset. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a thermosetting compound; adding microspheres to the thermosetting compound; and mixing the thermosetting compound while initiating crosslinking of the thermosetting compound.

Abstract: A rubber composition for tires, which includes a rubber component containing a natural rubber component consisting of at least either a natural rubber or an epoxidized natural rubber, and an inorganic filler containing silica, and a pneumatic tire using such a rubber composition for tires are provided. The rubber composition can be used as a rubber composition for clinch apex, and in this case, the rubber component preferably consists of the natural rubber component, with the inorganic filler being contained in a range of 50 to 80 parts by mass and carbon black being contained in a range of 2 to 5 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.

Abstract: Provided are a curable composition and its use. The curable composition can exhibit excellent processibility and workability. The curable composition exhibits excellent light extraction efficiency, hardness, thermal and shock resistance, moisture resistance, gas permeability and adhesiveness, after curing. In addition, the curable composition can provide a cured product that exhibits long-lasting durability and reliability even under harsh conditions, and that does not cause whitening and surface stickiness.

Abstract: Bioplastic compositions having favorable mechanical and molding characteristics. Methods of forming these compositions and also workpieces formed from these compositions. The compositions comprising a polylactic acid; a polyhydroxyalkanoate; a plurality of clay particles; a plurality of talc particles; and a modifier capable of facilitating mixing between the clay particles and the talc particles. The compositions suitably include a polylactic acid, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a plurality of clay particles, a plurality of talc particles. The compositions also suitably include a modifier capable of facilitating mixing between the clay particles and the talc particles. The clay particles may have an average diameter in the range of from about 2 nm to about 100 nm; a diameter of 8 nm is considered suitable.

Abstract: A nitrile copolymer latex composition containing a latex of a nitrile copolymer rubber (A) having ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units in 10 to 75 wt %, conjugated diene monomer units in 5 to 89.9 wt %, and cationic monomer units and/or monomer units able to form cations in 0.1 to 20 wt %, an inorganic filler (B) having an aspect ratio of 30 to 2,000, and a plasticizer (C) having an SP value by the HOY method of 8 to 10.2 (cal/cm3)1/2, wherein a content of said plasticizer (C) is 0.1 to 200 parts by weight with respect to said nitrile copolymer rubber (A) as 100 parts by weight is provided.

Abstract: A polymer composite comprising a fluoroelastomer binder. A plurality of halloysite nanotubes are dispersed in the fluoroelastomer binder. Xerographic components employing the polymer composite are disclosed.

Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition comprises a base resin (A), such as a polyamide resin, and an aromatic organophosphorus oligomer or polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image support medium for creation of an aesthetic image that is a work or object for display. This support medium is made from a smart or intelligent material so that the medium provides or enables formation of an image having at least one aesthetic element that can be responsive, interactive, controlled, changed, programmed, and/or modulated. The support medium can further comprise stimuli, triggers or influences that cause the smart or intelligent material to respond to change shape, size, volume, density, light properties, color, appearance, and/or another physical property of the aesthetic element. In a preferred embodiment, the smart or intelligent material is reversibly responsive to the stimuli, triggers or influences.

Abstract: A basecoat composition including a carrier component and a pigment component dispersed in the carrier component, the pigment component including all pigments in the basecoat composition, wherein the pigment component has a median particle size between about 3 and about 8 micrometers, and wherein at most about 15 percent by weight of the pigment component has a particle size smaller than 1 micrometer.

Abstract: Clay aerogel polymer composites, formed from various types of clay and (co)polymers, which are relatively low density materials having myriad applications. Numerous methods for preparing the clay aerogel polymer composites are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the clay aerogel polymer composites are formed using a freeze-drying process. Structures and compositions including the clay aerogel polymer composites are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the clay aerogel polymer composites are derived from a clay, polymer and binder component that provides the composite with increased toughness and durability. Ceramic structures derived from the composites are also described.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition includes an aqueous polyurethane resin including a polyurethane resin having an acid group and a polyamine compound, a water-soluble polymer, and an inorganic layered mineral. The aqueous polyurethane resin is included at a solid content of 50-80 mass %, the water-soluble polymer is included at a solid content of 5-20 mass %, and the inorganic layered mineral is included at a solid content of 10-30 mass %, relative to a total solid content of the aqueous coating composition. The aqueous coating composition has a total solid concentration of not less than 5 mass % and a viscosity of not larger than 50 mPa-second at 23° C.

Abstract: Nano-composites that comprise a thermoplastic polymer (TPO) and an exfoliated organoclay are prepared by a method comprising contacting under exfoliating conditions at least one molten TPO polymer with at least one organoclay and at least one exfoliating agent of H-TEMPO or an amine precursor to H-TEMPO such that the exfoliating agent exfoliates the organoclay.

Abstract: A blend of styrene-isobutylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer and organoclay-filled polyamide is disclosed which has good processability and more effective barrier properties for oxygen than the blend using amorphous or crystalline polyamide without organoclay.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an aqueous ethylene-vinyl alcohol-based copolymer dispersion which is excellent in long-term storage stability and in film-forming properties even when subjected to low-temperature or short-time drying or applied to give thick coats and can give coatings showing high gas barrier performance. The prevent invention is an aqueous ethylene/vinyl alcohol-based copolymer dispersion, which comprises: (A) an ethylene/vinyl alcohol-based copolymer with an ethylene content of 15-65 mole percent and a degree of saponification of not lower than 80 mole percent, (B) a base-neutralized ethylene/?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid-based copolymer and (C) a polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of saponification of 75-100 mole percent and a degree of polymerization of 100-3500, the content of the polyvinyl alcohol (C) being 0.5-100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/vinyl alcohol-based copolymer (A).

Abstract: A nanocomposite having a nanomaterial dispersed into a polymer matrix, in one embodiment exfoliated nanoclay dispersed in a polyurea matrix. A method of making PU-nanocomposites for coatings for improved mechanical properties, in one embodiment the method comprises obtaining and treating a nanomaterial, dispersing the nanomaterial into a pre-polymer matrix, mixing the pre-polymer matrix under heating to form a coating; and depositing the coating on a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicone resins comprising metallosiloxane which contains Si—O-Metal bonds and borosiloxane containing Si—O—B bonds and potentially Si—O—Si and/or M-O-M and/or B—O—B bonds. It also relates to the preparation of such silicone resins and to their use in thermoplastic or thermosetting organic polymer or rubber or thermoplastic/rubber blends compositions to reduce the flammability or enhance scratch and/or abrasion resistance of the organic polymer compositions. It further relates to coatings made of such silicone resins for scratch resistance enhancement or flame retardant properties.

Abstract: An artificial hair and a wig using the same are provided which have the property of thermal deformation expanding upon heating by a hair drier or others used for hair styling. The artificial hair 1 is made by mixing at the pre-determined ratio a semi-aromatic polyamide having a glass transition temperature between 60-120° C. and a resin not expanding in said temperature range. The artificial hair may have a sheath/core structure comprising a core portion 5B and a sheath portion covering the core portion. As the resin not expanding in said temperature range, polyethylene terephthalate or others can be used, and as the sheath, nylon 6 or nylon 66 can be used. Said artificial hair 1 can maintain its shape at room temperature or after shampooing due to thermal deformation by heating in steam atmosphere at temperature of glass transition or higher or about 80-100° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition and articles containing the composition. The composition includes an ethylene-propylene-diene interpolymer (EPDM) having a rheology ratio greater than 33. The EPDM also has a molecular weight distribution greater than 3.0. The composition has a dissipation factor less than or equal to 0.01 radians as measured in accordance with ASTM D 150 (130° C., 60 Hz).

Abstract: A composition for use as a sport or recreational surface includes about 88 to 90 percent by weight of a sand blend that is formed of at least three different sands mixed together, the sand blend including a first sand that is represents a majority by weight of the sand blend and has a clay/silt content of at least 1% by weight; about 5-7 percent by weight of a hydrocarbon wax; at least about 2 percent by weight of polymeric material; and at least about 3 percent by weight of rubber, the percentage by weight of each ingredient being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is formed from at least one copolymer and at least one nanofiller. The copolymer is formed of units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and multiolefins. The nanofiller comprising a surfactant wherein the surfactant has the structure of (R1R2R3R4)N+ wherein R1 is benzyl derived unit, which may or may not be substituted, wherein R2 is selected from C1 to C26 alkyls, C2 to C26 alkenes, and C3 to C26 aryls, and wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different and are independently selected from C9 to C26 alkyls, C9 to C26 alkenes, and C9 to C26 aryls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodegradable sheet prepared from biodegradable material comprising a gas barrier material, wherein the gas barrier material may be a nanoclay and/or polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous polymer dispersion for vibration damping comprising a film-forming polymer in the form of dispersed particles comprising a polymer phase P1 and different polymer phases P2 and P3; the polymer dispersion obtained by free radical emulsion polymerization. Controlling the difference in glass transition temperatures of the polymers in the various polymer phases results in effective sound damping as determined by a Damping Loss Factor of at least 0.1 over a temperature range of at least 40° C. determined at a frequency of 200 Hz over a temperature range of ?10 to 65° C. Use of a chain transfer agent in the polymerization of the various monomer charges results in good appearance in the resultant vibration damping coating.

Abstract: A modified clay is provided, which includes a layered clay material intercalated with a modifier having a conjugated double bond and capable of producing free radicals when heated. A clay-polymer composite is also provided, which includes a polymer material and the modified clay, wherein the modified clay is dispersed in the polymer material and at least partially exfoliated. The modifier is capable of producing free radicals when heated to scavenge free radicals generated from thermal cracking or burning of the polymer material to prevent further thermal cracking of the polymer material.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicone resins. It also relates to the preparation of organopolysiloxanes and to their use in a thermoplastic or thermosetting organic polymer or thermoplastic blends or thermosetting organic polymer blends or rubbers or thermoplastic/rubbers blends composition to reduce the flammability or enhance scratch and/or abrasion resistance of the organic polymer composition. It further relates to coatings made of such silicone resins for scratch resistance enhancement or flame retardant properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic/inorganic composite film, which includes a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and inorganic nano-platelets dispersed therein. A weight ratio of the PVDF and the inorganic nano-platelets is between about 97:3 and 20:80. The inorganic nano-platelets have a particle size of about 20-80 nm, wherein the organic/inorganic composite film has a transparency of greater than about 85% at a wavelength between 380 and 780 nm. In addition, a method for forming the organic/inorganic composite film is also provided.

Abstract: Portable electronic device housings comprising polyamide compositions comprising fibrous reinforcing agents having non-circular cross sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods for producing isocyanate-free synthetic materials, such as plastics, polymers and/or modified polyurethanes, comprising melt extrusion processing of combinations of thermoplastic polyurethane and nanoclays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing soundproofing composite, and a soundproofing composite manufactured by the aforementioned method, the method comprising preparing a mixture by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay in a solvent; and volatilizing the solvent from the mixture. According to the present invention, the composite is manufactured by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay, to thereby realize great stiffness and soundproofing properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compatibilized polyamide-poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic resin compositions, comprising: (a) about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); (b) about 5 percent to about 20 percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene and a copolymer of ethylene; (c) about 30 to about 60 percent of a biopolyamide; and wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein the biomass carbon content of the resin composition is at least 13 percent as measured by ASTM D6866. Also disclosed are methods for making such resins and articles derived therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is rubber clay for handicrafts. The rubber clay does not stick to the hands because it is manufactured by using a non-stick, inorganic compound having excellent transparency as the main component, the rubber clay is reusable because it does not harden even when a structure (model) made of the rubber clay is left for a long time, and the rubber clay may be represented in a wide range of colors. To this end, the rubber clay for handicrafts according to the present invention contains 60 to 80% by weight of a gel-type silicone base, 15 to 35% by weight of a plasticity adjuster, 1 to 5% by weight of an oil-type anti-cracking agent, and 0.1 to 1% by weight of an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A compact camera module that contains a generally planar base on which is mounted a lens barrel is provided. The base, barrel, or both are molded from a polymer composition that includes a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of mineral fibers (also known as “whisker”). The mineral fibers have a median width of from about 1 to about 35 micrometers and constitute from about 5 wt % to about 60 wt % of the polymer composition.