Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced thermoplastic resin composition comprising at least an amorphous thermoplastic resin (A), a flame retardant (B), fibrous calcium silicate (C) and an inorganic material (D) comprising talc and/or mica, the content of flame retardant (B) being 0.01 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the amorphous thermoplastic resin (A); the content of fibrous calcium silicate (C) in said composition being 3 to 30% by weight, and the content of the inorganic material (D) comprising talc, mica or mixture thereof in said composition being 3 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention that a resin composition which has high chemical resistance while retaining high fluidity, is excellent in impact resistance, heat resistance, stiffness and heat stability and comprises an aromatic polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate, a molded product thereof and a process of manufacturing a car exterior material.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-sensitive adhesive agent that mainly comprises a thermoplastic resin and a heat-meltable substance capable of melting upon heating, and further comprises swellable mica.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single- or multilayer, oriented film formed from polyester and at least one inorganic black pigment. The inventive films include at least one layer which has, alongside polyester, an amount of from 0.5 to 75% by weight of particles incorporating iron oxide as black pigment.

Abstract: A polyester composition comprising (a) a polyester derived from a diol and a diacid, (b) a fluoropolymer and (c) a carboxy reactive compound, where the polyester composition has a highly useful combination of (i) mechanical properties and (ii) melt strength is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process to prepare these compositions and articles therefrom.

Abstract: A polypropylene resin composition contains 2 to 15 wt % of a moldability improver (A) and 85 to 98 wt % of a polypropylene resin (B). The moldability improver (A) is formed of propylene block copolymers (A-1) and (A-2). Each of the propylene block copolymers (A-1) and (A-2) has a crystalline propylene polymer component (A-11), (A-21) and a propylene-ethylene random copolymer component (A-12), (A-22). The propylene block copolymer (A-1) is characterized in that the melt flow rate of the crystalline propylene polymer component (A-11) is high, whereas the propylene block copolymer (A-2) is characterized in that the content ratio of the propylene-ethylene random copolymer component (A-22) is high. The polypropylene resin (B) is formed of a propylene-ethylene block copolymer (B-1), at least one of an ethylene elastomer and a styrene elastomer (B-2) and an inorganic filler (B-3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of, or produced from polyvinyl chloride, filler, and an impact strength-retaining amount of an elastomer wherein the modifier is or includes an ethylene copolymer, or acid anhydride- or acid monoester-modified polyolefin, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a process comprising combining an impact strength-retaining amount of an elastomer to a blend that comprises or is produced by combining a rigid PVC formulation and one or more fillers. The combining is carried out under a condition sufficient to prevent or minimize the reduction of impact strength of the blend, to reduce the molten viscosity of the blend, or to minimize the loss in stiffness (flexural modulus) of the blend, in comparison to the unmodified blend.

Abstract: A composition comprises a polyalkylene terephthalate and/or polyester thereof, a free triglyceride, a dendrimer, and optionally, an epoxy component. The composition is used to prepare a thermoplastic polymer. The composition and the thermoplastic polymer may be used to form an article having an improved hydrolysis resistance and an improved melt viscosity. The article may be useful for automotive, electrical, household, and industrial applications. A method of preparing the thermoplastic polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flame retardant aromatic polycarbonate resin composition comprising: (A) an aromatic polycarbonate resin (component A); (B) an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (component B); (C) inorganic fillers (components C); (D) an organic phosphorus compound-based flame retardant (component D); and (E) a fluorine-containing anti-dripping agent (component E), the amounts of the above components are specific and particularly the components C consist of (C1) mica and (C2) talc and/or wollastonite in a specific ratio, and a molded article formed from the resin composition. According to the present invention, there are provided a resin composition which has excellent mechanical properties, flame retardancy and dimensional stability, is light in weight and rarely wears away a mold and a molded article of the resin composition.

Abstract: An intumescent fire retardant system for making polymeric moldings that is halogen-free and provides fire shielding, thermal shielding and a low heat release rate. The intumescent fire retardant system of the present invention comprises, on the basis of 100 parts by weight blended mixture, 20-45 parts of a polymeric binder based on high density polyethylene and an ?-olefin-containing copolymer, such as linear low density polyethylene, and 5-25 parts of a nitrogenous gas-generating agent, 10-30 parts of a water vapor-generating agent, 1-5 parts of an antioxidant, and 0-15 parts of a reinforcing agent. The fire retardant system of the present invention is essentially halogen-free.

Abstract: An epoxy composition comprising the contact product of a filler, an epoxy resin and an amine component comprising a mixture of mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted amines of structure 1 where R1 is CH2CH2CH2NH2; R2, R3 and R4 independently are H or CH2CH2CH2NH2; and X is CH2CH2 or CH2CH2CH2, in parts by weight (pbw) of 0-20 pbw mono-substituted amine, 60-95 pbw di-substituted amine, 0-20 pbw tri-substituted amine, and 0-10% tetra-substituted amine. The compositions are useful to produce coatings, adhesives, floorings, composites and other articles.

Abstract: A nanocomposite composition having superior barrier properties and an article comprising the same are provided. The nanocomposite composition includes: a polyolefin resin; a nanocomposite having barrier properties, and including intercalated clay and one or more resins having barrier properties, and a compatibilizer. The resin having barrier properties comprises an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, a polyamide, an ionomer, a polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing resins. The nanocomposite composition has superior mechanical strength and can form a strong barrier to oxygen, organic solvent, and moisture. Also, the nanocomposite composition has superior chemical barrier properties and can be used in single/multi-layer blow molding and film processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to pigment preparations in granulate form, containing one or more resins, one or more effect pigments and optionally, additives. The granulates are characterized in that they contain 3 to 10 wt. % water or a, solvent or solvent mixture with a vapor pressure of 0.001 to 40 hPa at 20° C.

Abstract: A resin composition characterized as containing (A) a synthetic resin having a melting temperature of 300° C. or above and (B) a platy inorganic filler incorporated in the resin and having the following properties; pH of aqueous dispersion: 5.5-8.0, amount of extracted alkalis: Na 30 ppm or below and K 40 ppm or below, maximum diameter a: 50 ?m or below, thickness b: 1.0 ?m or below, and aspect ratio (a/b): 20 or above.

Abstract: An electrophotographic endless belt containing a polyamide resin, carbon black and a filler, characterized in that the polyamide resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide 610, polyamide 612, polyamide 11 and polyamide 12, the filler is at least one filler selected from the group consisting of an oxide, a hydroxide, a carbonate and a silicate, and weight (A) of the polyamide resin and total weight (B) of the carbon black and the filler is in a ratio (A:B) of from 90:10 to 50:50. Also disclosed are an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic endless belt, and a process for producing the electrophotographic endless belt.

Abstract: To provide a rubber composition having excellent wet grip performance while maintaining low heat build-up characteristics without lowering processability, abrasion resistance and rolling resistance. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber (A), 5 to 150 parts by weight of particular inorganic filler (B), 5 to 150 parts by weight of carbon black (C) having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area of 70 to 300 m2/g, and 1 to 20 % by weight of a silane coupling agent (D). The pneumatic tire of the present invention is obtained by using the rubber composition for the tread rubber.

Abstract: A laminar pigment which has hydrolyzed silane coupling agent treated surface is used as a pigment for a powder coating composition. By combining the pigment with a powdery film-forming polymer, a film-forming composition, which can be applied by electrostatic coating is produced. With the addition of leveling agent to the silane treated products, the spray properties of effect pigments are improved. The products of this invention are useful in all types of automotive and industrial paint applications.

Abstract: A golf ball incorporates nanofiller material in its core, cover, or intermediate layers. Also, a method includes a step of blending into a composition for a golf ball nanocomposite material, nanofiller material or both. The nanocomposite and/or nanofiller materials impart favorable properties to materials used for golf balls, and they provide for greater versatility in usage than materials previously used. Particular compositions incorporating nanocomposite material also are described as suited for use in golf ball compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers comprising a) a polymer derived from a macrocyclic oligomer; b) clay platelets; and c) the residue of one or more onium compounds having at least one ligand with a C5 or greater carbon chain and at least one ligand containing one or more functional groups having one or more active hydrogen atoms wherein the functional group is reactive with the macrocyclic oligomer and/or functional groups formed when the macrocyclic oligomer decyclizes wherein a portion of one or more of the onium compounds is ironically bound to the clay platelet and covalently bonded to the polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions suitable for tire treads or sidewalls and other articles where abrasion resistance and flexibility are desirable. The invention includes a tire tread or sidewall made by combining a filler; a sulfur cure system; optionally at least one secondary rubber; and at least one halogenated terpolymer of C4 to C8 isoolefin derived units, C4 to C14 multiolefin derived units, and p-alkylstyrene derived units. Examples of suitable fillers include carbon black, silica, and combinations thereof. The present invention also includes a method of producing an elastomeric terpolymer composition comprising combining in a diluent C4 to C8 isoolefin monomers, C4 to C14 multiolefin monomers, and p-alkylstyrene monomers in the presence of a Lewis acid and at least one initiator to produce the terpolymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention comprise a pigment comprising one or more substantially spherical-shaped beads, wherein each substantially spherical-shaped bead comprises one or more high aspect ratio particles encapsulated within an encapsulating material. Embodiments also comprise a resinous composition comprising said pigment. Yet further embodiments comprise a method of preparing said pigment via suspension polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a mineral filler by means of a polydialkylsiloxane and a fatty acid, the hydrophobic fillers thus obtained, and the application thereof in polymers for the manufacture of films and notably “breathable” films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically conductive precursor composition comprising an organic polymer precursor; a single wall nanotube composition, wherein the single wall nanotube composition contains at least 0.1 wt % of production related impurities; and an optional nanosized conductive filler. A conductive composition comprises an organic polymer; a single wall nanotube composition, wherein the single wall nanotube composition contains at least 0.1 wt % of production related impurities; and a nanosized conductive filler.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions comprising polyacrylonitriles that contain greater than 90% acrylonitrile as monomer, or copolymers of such polyacrylonitriles with an olefinic unsaturated co-monomer, can be formed by the use of certain compatibilizers and/or thermal stabilizers. Other thermoplastic compositions comprising the high nitrile polyacrylonitriles can be obtained by melt blending the polyacrylonitriles with certain aromatic engineering thermoplastic polymers in the presence of compatibilizers and thermal stabilizers. All of the foregoing high nitrile compositions have been found to possess good optical and gas barrier properties, and good stress crack resistance.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses a composition, preferably a nanocomposite material, comprising (a) a synthetic polymer, (b) a filler such as for example a natural or synthetic phyllosilicate or a mixture of such phyllosilicates, preferably in nanoparticles, and (c) as dispersing agent a polymer based on a long chain alkyl meth(acryte).

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a modified polymer, characterized by carrying out primary modification in which a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound is reacted with the active site of a polymer having an active site of an organic metal type in a molecule and then carrying out secondary modification in which the hydrocarbyloxysilane compound is further reacted therewith. This makes it possible to provide a modified polymer which enhances interactions with silica and carbon black when used for both of silica-blended and carbon black-blended rubber compositions and which elevates the fracture characteristic, the abrasion resistance and the low heat buildup property at the same time and can exhibit a good workability.

Abstract: By molding a biodegradable plastic material which is treated with a compound reactive to the active hydrogen in the biodegradable plastic material, a biodegradable plastic material and molding having long-term reliability are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyamide (A) and polyolefin (B) blends containing nanofillers in which the polyamide forms the matrix. These blends can also be referred to as “polyamide (A), polyolefin (B) and nanofiller blends in which the polyamide forms the matrix”. The invention also relates to structures with barrier properties comprising at least one layer of these blends and optionally at least one layer of another material. These structures are a barrier to numerous fluids, and in particular to oxygen, to styrene, to fumigation fluids, to pentane and to air conditioning fluids. These structures can be made into bottles, reservoirs, containers, pipes and vessels of all sorts. They can also be converted to films which are used to make packagings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispersant for aqueous and non-aqueous systems which can disperse insoluble fine powders in aqueous and non-aqueous liquids in a short period of time and give long-term dispersion stability to the resulting dispersions. The dispersant is a compound of the formula wherein CY is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic monocyclic compounds having one double bond and aliphatic polycyclic compounds with or without one double bond, or with or without bridge carbons; (n+x+y+z)>1; and R=—H, —SO3M, —CO2M, —PO3M, —OCR? wherein M=H, or Na, K, Li, Ca, Mg, NH4, NH(R1)2, NH2R1, N(R1)3 where R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl and C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl; and R?=C2-C22 alkyl or alkenyl.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition is based on an isotactic polypropylene random copolymer (RCP). The composition contains about 4%-50% by weight of the RCP copolymer, about 20%-65% by weight of a compatible tackifier, about 0%-40% by weight of a plasticizer, about 0%-3% by weight of a stabilizer, about 0%-40% by weight of a wax, about 0%-60% by weight of an atactic poly-?-olefin (APAO), and about 0%-40% by weight of a secondary polymer. The adhesive composition may be used in a number of applications such as, for example, in disposable nonwoven hygienic articles, paper converting, flexible packaging, wood working, carton and case sealing, labeling and other assembly applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polyamide resin composition having high mechanical properties and high heat resistance while achieving a satisfactory balance between various physical properties. A molded product made of this polyamide resin exhibits a lower warpage and excellent surface appearance. A method for producing the polyamide, resin composition is also provided. The present invention provides a polyamide resin composition containing a polyamide resin and swelling mica treated with a polyether compound having a bisphenol structure. The present invention also provides a method for making the polyamide resin composition including melt-mixing a polyamide resin with a polyether compound.

Abstract: An applicator head for connection to a robotic device, and useful for applying a fluid material to a substrate. The applicator head comprises: (a) a body portion; (b) at least one material delivery system comprising an inlet, a fluid delivery cavity, and two or more passageways connecting the inlet to the fluid delivery cavity; and (c) a nozzle plate attached to the bottom surface of the body portion, and having a plurality of openings communicating with the fluid delivery cavity. In one embodiment, the applicator head comprises a nozzle inserted in each of the plurality of openings in the nozzle plate, with each nozzle adapted to apply a bead of a fluid material to a substrate, with the beads spaced less than about 2 mm apart. Also disclosed is a sound-damping composition comprising: (a) n-butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer; (b) at least about 0.

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.

Abstract: Problem To offer a suitable polyether imide resin composition for the plastic components for automobiles, domestic appliances or OA apparatus, equipment's for media where heat resistance, dimensional stability and fire retardancy is required. Means for solving the problem Filler reinforced polyether imide resin composition is characterized by containing (A) polyether imide resin, (B) thermoplastic resin, (C) fibrous reinforced filler and (D) Non-fibrous inorganic filler, wherein the amount of (A) polyether imide resin is 1 to 95% by weight, (B) thermoplastic resin: 1 to 95% by weight, (C) fibrous reinforced filler: 2 to 80% by weight, (D) Non-fibrous inorganic filler: 2 to 80% by weight, when total of (A) to (D) is 100% by weight.

Abstract: Polyolefin/clay nanocomposites with an exfoliated structure are prepared by a process which employs a specific chain end functionalized polyolefin that serves as the clay/polyolefin interfacial compatibilizer (or polymeric surfactant). The polyolefin contains a hydrophilic terminal functional group and an unperturbed hydrophobic high molecular weight polymer chain. The reaction may be carried out in a melt or solution process. Also disclosed are materials made by the process. Also disclosed are materials made by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to grout compositions that are suitable for packaging in pressurized containers. The compositions comprise a mineral filler that has average particle size greater than about 160 micrometers in which the mineral particles exhibit a Mohs hardness less than about 6.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser-markable transparent or translucent plastics which comprise pearlescent pigments in combination with laser-sensitive pigments which themselves do not exhibit any pearlescent effect. The pigment combination considerably improves the scanner legibility of applied laser markings. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the plastics, to the use of the plastics for producing moldings, to moldings produced in this way, and generally to the use of a mixture made from pearlescent pigment and laser-sensitive pigment in laser-markable plastics, for improving the scanner legibility of laser markings applied to the plastics.

Abstract: A size composition for the surface sizing of paper, board or other suchlike. The size composition comprises a size fraction which comprises a water-soluble, principal component made up of, for example, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, glucomannan, protein, or mixtures thereof, and a pigment fraction formed by mixing together a mineral material, which in the main comprises talc particles and/or other phyllosilicate particles, and a binder such as a synthetic polymer, latex and/or other corresponding binder. The size composition is prepared by mixing together the said size fraction and pigment fraction.

Abstract: A nano-sized composite material of a polymer resin and a layered clay composite having improved properties can be prepared by a simple and economic process comprising applying an electric field thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a resin-made mechanical element for optical disk drives, comprising a filler reinforced resin composition obtained by blending from 5 to 150 parts by weight of an inorganic filler in a flake form to 100 parts by weight of a resin composition comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin, from 70 to 10% by weight of a polyphenylene ether resin and a compatibilizing agent, or a resin-made mechanical element for optical disk drives, comprising a filler reinforced resin composition obtained by blending a combination of an inorganic filler in a flake form and a fibrous reinforcing filler in a total amount of 5 to 150 parts by weight with 100 parts by weight of a resin composition comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin, from 70 to 10% by weight of a polyphenylene ether resin and a compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin with a polystyrene-converted weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 20,000 to 200,000 obtained by forming a carbonate bond from a dihydroxy compound represented by the general formula (1), a dihydroxy compound represented by the general formula (2) and bis(hydroxyphenyl) methane and a carbonic acid diester or phosgene, having higher stiffness and better balance of mechanical properties than conventional aromatic polycarbonate resin to be derived from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane.

Abstract: A liquid concentrate of mineral fillers including an aqueous or organic solvent, mineral fillers useful for making paints, with a dry extract of mineral fillers not less than 65%, and a grafted copolymer of: 1) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 15 to 35 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 30 wt. % of anchoring sequences of a linear copolymer formed from at least two different monomer units including: a first ethylene monomer unit of at least a basic nitrogenous group, and a second unsaturated ethylene monomer unit of an aromatic group, preferably a phenyl, with the weight content of the first monomer units relative to th second monomer units is from 40 to 60 wt. %, preferably about 50 wt. %; 2) 25 to 90 wt. %, preferably 40 to 80 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 70 wt. % of organo-soluble hydrophobic sequences to disperse the particles in a polar medium; and 3) 5 to 70 wt. %, preferably 15 to 30 wt. %, more preferably 10 to 20 wt. % of hydrophilic sequences of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a film comprising a layered silicate cation-exchanged with an organic cation and a polyester or polycarbonate. The organic cation is represented by the following formula (I): (R)n-L+??(I) wherein R is a group represented by the following formula (I-1): wherein R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group, L+ is an ammonium ion, a phosphonium ion or a hetero aromatic ion, and n is an integer of 1 to 4, with the proviso that when L+ is an ammonium ion or a phosphonium ion, n is 4 and four Rs may be the same or different. This film has the layered silicate highly dispersed therein and is excellent in various properties such as mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of phyllosilicates for improving the chemicals resistance, reducing the swelling, and improving the stress-cracking resistance of styrene copolymers, and to corresponding styrene copolymers, and to a process for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splayed layered material comprising a layered material splayed with a highly branched polymer. Additional embodiments include a splayed layered material comprising a matrix polymer and layered material wherein said layered material is splayed with a highly branched polymer, an article comprising the splayed layered material in a matrix, and an exfoliated material.

Abstract: A method of making a finished product includes the steps of providing a feedstock comprising a polymer component comprising 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene in particulate form, polyvinyl chloride in particulate form, and a mixture of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride both in particulate form; 0 to 95 parts by weight of polystyrene in particulate form; an extender, and optionally reinforcing fibres or particles; mixing the feedstock with a thermosetting resin selected from an unsaturated polyester resin in liquid form and a catalyst for the polyester resin and an epoxy resin in liquid form and a catalyst for the epoxy resin; and subjecting the product to suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to cause the polyethylene and/or the polyvinyl chloride and the polystyrene, if present, to melt and the thermosetting resin to set to form the finished product, e.g a shutter board.

Abstract: The thermal barrier composition of the present invention provides polymethylsilsesquioxane dissolved in a crosslinking agent, and a filler and/or hollow glass microspheres.

Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate resin composition having: 100 parts by weight of a resin component (A) mainly having an aromatic polycarbonate, 0.1 to 200 parts by weight of a solid inorganic compound (B), at least one compound (C) selected from the group consisting of an organic acid, an organic acid ester, and an organic acid anhydride, 0.001 to 1 part by weight of at least one organic acid metal salt (D) selected from the group consisting of an organic acid alkali metal salt and an organic acid alkaline earth metal salt, and 0.01 to 1 part by weight of a fluoropolymer (E), wherein compound (C) is present in an amount wherein a mixture of compounds (B) and (C) exhibits a pH value of from 4 to 8.

Abstract: Polymer-phyllosilicate nanocomposites that exhibit superior properties compared to the polymer alone, and methods-for producing these polymer-phyllosilicate nanocomposites, are provided. Polymeric surfactant compatabilizers are adsorbed onto the surface of hydrophilic or natural phyllosilicates to facilitate the dispersal and exfoliation of the phyllosilicate in a polymer matrix. Utilizing polymeric glycol based surfactants, polymeric dicarboxylic acids, polymeric diammonium surfactants, and polymeric diamine surfactants as compatabilizers facilitates natural phyllosilicate and hydrophilic organoclay dispersal in a polymer matrix to produce nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocomposite blend composition having superior barrier properties, and more particularly to a nanocomposite blend composition comprising a polyolefin resin; one or more nanocomposites having barrier properties, selected from an ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/intercalated clay nanocomposite, a polyamide/intercalated clay nanocomposite, an ionomer/intercalated clay nanocomposite, and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/intercalated clay nanocomposite; and a compatibilizer. This nanocomposite blend composition has superior mechanical strength and superior barrier properties to oxygen, organic solvent, and moisture. Also, it has superior chemical barrier properties and is applicable to single/multi-layer blow molding and film processing.