Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, enhanced print mottle, as well as print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

Abstract: A coating composition includes pigments or a mixture of pigments, a surface active substance and a metal containing polymeric complex. The metal containing polymeric complex contains a metallic salt, a polymeric latex and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), wherein the polyvinyl alcohol has a molecular weight ranging from about 10,000 to about 65,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymer blends for producing slit film tapes comprising: A) 30% to 50% by weight of a biodegradable, aliphatic-aromatic polyester; B) 50% to 70% by weight of polylactic acid and C) 0% to 2% by weight of a compatibilizer.

Abstract: Comb polymers useful in paper coating dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel binder system and its use for bonding textile fabrics as well as products containing such bonded textile fabrics. The materials according to the invention are suitable for manufacturing base interlinings which may be used for manufacturing base interlinings for sarking, roofing and sealing membranes, particularly for manufacturing coated sarking, roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolymers obtainable by free-radical polymerization of i) 10% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of a C8-C30 alkyl (meth)acrylate, C8-C30 vinyl ester, C8-C30 vinyl ether, C8-C30 olefin, and triglyceride of unsaturated C8-C30 carboxylic acids; ii) 0.

Abstract: A biodegradable starch film is provided. The biodegradable starch film includes a starch which is cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent comprises glycidyl methacrylate 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate (GMA), octenyl succinyl anhydride (OSA), or dodecyl succinic anhydride (DDSA) or combinations thereof. The cross-linking agent is 1 to 10 weight parts based on the starch of 100 weight parts. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing starch foam is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for processes to produce elastomeric compositions, the processes including contacting at least one elastomer with a processing aid, wherein the processing aid comprises at least one functionalized polymer having at least one anhydride group. The invention also provides for articles such as innerliners for tires produced from the aforementioned elastomeric compositions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic and/or elastomer composition includes: at least 50 wt % and 99.95 wt % at most of a starchy composition (a) including at least one starch; at least 0.05 wt % and 50 wt % at most of a nanometric product (b) including particles having at least one dimension of 0.1 to 500 nanometers and selected from mixed products containing at least one lamellar clay and at least one cationic oligomer or cationic synthetic polymer, organic, mineral or mixed nanotubes, organic, mineral or mixed nanocrystals and nanocrystallites, organic, mineral or mixed nanobeads and nanospheres customized into clusters or agglomerated, and mixtures of these nanometric products, the percentage being expressed in dry weight and added to the sum in dry weight of (a) and (b); and at least one non-starchy polymer (c).

Abstract: Finely divided starch-containing polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a redox initiator and an enzymatically degraded starch, the enzymatic starch degradation being stopped by adding an acid comprising at least one phosphorus atom to the reaction mixture, use of an acid comprising at least one phosphorus atom for stopping the enzymatic degradation of starch and use of the finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersions of emulsion polymers as size for paper and paper products, in particular as surface size.

Abstract: A barrier composition which is injection mouldable and able to be made into a transparent film or incorporated (by co-extrusion and/or lamination) into multi-layer film products, the composition on dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of a starch and/or a modified starch selected from starches modified by reaction with a hydroxyl alkyl group, an acetate or a dicarboxylic acid anhydride or a grafting polymer; b) from 4 to 12% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components c) from 5 to 45% by weight of a non-crystallising mixture of sorbitol and at least one other plasticizer selected from glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, glycerol trioleate, epoxidised linseed or soybean oil, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate; polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol; d) from

Abstract: A starch-based composition includes: (a) at least 51% by weight of a plasticized amylaceous composition including starch and a plasticizer for the starch, obtained by thermomechanically mixing granular starch and a plasticizer for the starch, (b) at most 49% by weight of at least one non-amylaceous polymer, and (c) a bonding agent having a molecular mass of less than 5000, including at least two functions, at least one which is capable of reacting with the plasticizer and at least another of which is capable of reacting with the starch and/or the non-amylaceous polymer, these amounts being expressed with respect to solids and relative to the sum of (a) and (b), a method for preparing such a composition and a thermoplastic composition obtained by heating such a composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blend of one or more biodegradable polymers with one or more acrylic copolymers, for the purpose of improving the properties of the biodegradable polymer(s). The biodegradable polymer contains at least 10 weight percent of a biopolymer that is in less than ideal condition for processing. The “compromised” biopolymer may be undried biopolymer, may have a heat history (be “reprocessed”, “regrind” or “recycled”), or both. The acrylic copolymer(s) are present in the blend at a level of 0.1 to 15 weight percent, based on the weight of the total blend.

Abstract: To provide a molding material having good affinity to a starchy material, is homogeneously compatible therewith even without adding compatibility-imparting agent, can be favorably mold-worked despite the starchy material is blended in large amounts, and features excellent balance between the flexibility and the mechanical properties, as well as excellent moisture permeability, antistatic property and transparence (haze) depending upon the composition that is used. A resin composition comprising 10 to 97% by weight of at least one (A) of those selected from an ethylene copolymer containing an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester as constituent units or a copolymer composition thereof, and an ionomer comprising, as a base resin, the ethylene copolymer containing the unsaturated carboxylic acid and the unsaturated carboxylic acid ester as constituent units or the copolymer composition thereof; and 3 to 90% by weight a starchy material (B).

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic material includes: hydrolyzing starch to form a hydrolyzed starch; esterifying the hydrolyzed starch to form a hydrolyzed and esterified starch; drying the hydrolyzed and esterified starch to obtain a dried modified starch; and mixing the dried modified starch with a plastic material, such as an EVA copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving rheological properties of an aqueous pigment slurry. In the method dispersion agent is added to an aqueous phase of a slurry comprising pigment particles or to the aqueous phase into which the pigment particles are to be added. The dispersion agent comprises styrene acrylate copolymer. The invention also relates alot to a dispersion agent for a pigment slurry comprising a first component comprising styrene acrylate copolymer and a second component comprising a conventional dispersion agent-, such as a straight-chain polyacrylate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel binder system and its use for the consolidation of textile fabrics, and to products containing such consolidated textile fabrics. The materials of the invention are suitable for the manufacture of lining materials which can be used in the manufacture of sarking membranes, roofing sheets and water-proof sheetings, in particular of coated sarking membranes, roofing sheets and water-proof sheetings, or in the manufacture of carpets and PVC floorings as a textile backing or as a textile reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to textile two- or three-dimensional structures formed from fibers and/or ribbons and swellable materials, the fibers and/or ribbons present in the structure and also the swellable materials each being present in such an amount that the fibers and/or ribbons are encased by the swellable materials and the voids in the structure are, in the swollen state, partially or completely filled by materially bound water and the swellable materials used being aqueous emulsions of (co)polymers of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer MON which are applied to the fibers and/or ribbons.

Abstract: Size press compositions and methods for producing sized paper products, including liner board, are disclosed. The size press compositions contain at least one non-reactive cationic surface sizing agent, at least one reactive sizing agent, at least one promoter resin, at least one binder, and water. The at least one non-reactive cationic surface sizing agent may be a polymer in the form of a dispersion, an emulsion or a latex with a positive zeta potential below about pH 6. The at least one reactive sizing agent may be a dispersion, an emulsion or a latex including an alkyl ketene dimer or an alkyl succinic anhydride. The at least one promoter resin may be a polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin resin or poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride).

Abstract: Disclosed are poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) compositions comprising a poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid), an ethylene ester copolymer, and an aliphatic carboxylic acid amide.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-based adhesives for industrial applications obtained by mixing water-redispersible polymer powder and water-soluble polymer powder with water, wherein the weight ratio of the water-redispersible polymer powder to the water-soluble polymer powder is from about 0.001:1 to 100:1 and the water-based adhesive has a set speed of less than 300 sec, when measured with a 36 ?m thick layer at 23° C. and 50% relative humidity and 385 ?m thick carton boards with a weight of 275+/?3 g/m2 and Cobb values on one side of 43 g/min/m2 and 27 g/min/m2 on the other side, has a solids content of about 7.5 to 70 wt.-% and a Brookfield viscosity at 23° C. at 20 rpm, measured according to the ASTM D1084 standard, of about 500 to 10,000 mPas. The water-based industrial adhesive has the capability to bond a low surface tension substrate to a cellulosic substrate, in particular with a weight-ratio of water-redispersible polymer powder to water-soluble polymer powder from about 0.

Abstract: A composition including a styrene acrylate copolymer; an organic cationic polyelectrolyte; at least one inorganic pigment; a binder; a wetting agent and a salt. Such a coated multipurpose paper is suitable for use on inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, copiers, offset presses and more. A process for preparing such a multicoated paper is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch composition comprising starch, a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000 such that the polymer forms effective entanglements or associations with neighboring starch molecules, and preferably at least one additive to improve melt flow and melt processability. The additive may be a hydroxyl plasticizer, a hydroxyl-free plasticizer, a diluent, or mixtures thereof. The composition is melt processable on conventional thermoplastic equipment. The composition is especially suitable for uniaxial and biaxial extensional processes to make fibers, films, foams and like products.

Abstract: A solid composition for releasing active silicone ingredients contains a cationic polymer, an active silicone ingredient and optionally a thickener and a carrier. The cationic polymer is preferably a homopolymer or a copolymer. The cationic polymer has higher water solubility at neutral pH than at a basic pH of 9-11. Granular encapsulated compositions can be prepared by using the solid silicone-releasing composition as a component in a laundry detergent powder, tablet or bar. This is particularly of interest for the delivery of silicone ingredients in the rinse cycle of a laundry operation.

Abstract: Pseudoplastic curable mixtures comprising (A) at least one reaction product of (a1) at least one reaction product of (a11) at least one olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid with (a12) at least one glycidyl ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid (a121) with (a2) at least one polyisocyanate having an epoxide group (calculated as M=42 daltons) content <0.2% by weight and an acid number <10 mg KOH/g and also (B) at least one rheology control additive, process for preparing them, and their use.

Abstract: The invention provides for processes to produce elastomeric compositions, the processes including contacting at least one elastomer with a processing aid, wherein the processing aid comprises at least one functionalized polymer having at least one anhydride group. The invention also provides for articles such as innerliners for tires produced from the aforementioned elastomeric compositions.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises: (A) from about 65 wt % to about 10 wt % of a polyolefin resin: (B) from greater than 30 wt % up to about 90 wt % of a granular starch; and (C) from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % of a functionalized polyolefm coupling agent, which agent improves the mechanical stiffness and strength of the polyolefin/granulated starch composites.

Abstract: Compositions for damping the vibration of mechanical components, such as those used in vehicles, are disclosed and described. The compositions comprise a water-based polymer resin and a drying control agent. The drying control agent minimizes the occurrence of cracks and swelling in the damping coating films when the coating films are baked and dried.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a starchy material, said material having: a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3 500 to 20 000 Daltons, a granular structure before solubilisation, a solubility at pH 7 and 20° C. (S1) of 30-90%, and a solubility at pH 10 and 35° C. (S2) which is at least 10% greater than S1.

Abstract: Provided is a functional adhesive including or a mixture thereof, wherein the flavonoid-based compound, the polyphenol-based compound, or the steroid-based compound has a molecular weight of 250 to 1000. The functional adhesive has a low concentration of VOCs and HCHO, and also facilitates a low concentration of VOCs in products to which the functional adhesive is applied.

Abstract: Method for crosslinking a carboxylated polymer using a triazine crosslinking activator, method for crosslinking a mixture of first and second carboxylated polymers a triazine crosslinking activator, a crosslinked carboxylated polymer having ionic crosslinks, and a composition comprising first and second carboxylated polymers treated with an amount of an amine compound to form plurality of amide bonds

Abstract: A biodegradable material containing starch, a polyvinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate copolymer and plasticizer is provided. The material is injection moldable to produce articles such as those for entertaining animals.

Abstract: A mixed polymer network made from reacting a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a synthetic water-soluble polymer with a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A water-soluble film for packaging a non-liquid product, a package employing the film, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. The film is made from a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate in a range of from about 30 to about 95 percent by weight, modified starch in a range of from about 4 to about 30 percent by weight, plasticizer in a range of from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight, lubricant/release agent in a range of from about 0.0 to about 1.5 percent by weight, and surfactant in a range of from about 0.01 to about 1.5 percent by weight.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend of a bi-continuous phase structure contains thermoplastic starch, at least one synthetic polymer, and a hydrolysis component on PVAc basis. The starch component of the polymer blend has a molecular weight which is only minimally reduced relative to native starch. The thermoplastic polymer blend is produced by reactive extrusion of a mixture of native starch and at feast one hydrophobic polymer with addition of a hydrolyzed component on polyvinyl acetate basis and of lower polyfunctional alcohols and water in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The thermoplastic polymer blend is used for producing injection molded, deep-drawn, or blow-molded parts, foils or raw materials for fibers as well as material for melt film coatings.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.

Abstract: A water-soluble film for packaging a non-liquid product is disclosed. The film is made from a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate in the range of from about 30 to about 95 percent by weight, modified starch in the range of from about 8 to about 30 percent by weight, plasticizer in the range of from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight, lubricant/release agent in the range of from about 0.0 to about 1.5 percent by weight, and surfactant in the range of from about 0.01 to about 1.5 percent by weight. The increased starch content of the resultant film lowers production cost, but creates physical incompatibilities for use with liquid products.

Abstract: The invention relates to starch, derived from amylopectin potatoes, which is preferably in a modified and/or derivatised form. Said starch is an especially advantages protective colloid for use in conducting emulsion polymerization reactions. The invention also relates to emulsion [co]polymerization methods and polymer dispersions produced thereby.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.

Abstract: A hardener for use in urea-formaldehyde and urea-melamine-formaldehyde based adhesives comprises a polyvinyl acetate emulsion together with a metal chloride and an ammonium salt. The adhesive composition comprising a urea-formaldehyde or urea-melamine-formaldehyde resin, and the above hardener provides an increased curing rate, an acceptable viscosity, better adhesion and greater tolerance towards substrate type.

Abstract: Methods of making gel materials are disclosed including mixing a water soluble crosslinkable matrix polymer, a particulate polymer material which has been crosslinked to a gel content of at least 55% and an aqueous solvent, and crosslinking the matrix polymer to form a gel matrix of the matrix polymer in which the particles of particulate polymer material are dispersed, each of the crosslinked matrix polymer and the crosslinked particulate polymer material being capable of absorbing water. Gel materials are also disclosed including particles of a particulate polymer material capable of absorbing water and which is crosslinked so that it has a gel content of at least about 55% dispersed in a matrix of a polymer which has been crosslinked to reduce its solubility in water so that it swells rather than dissolves in water, the size of at least 60% by weight of the particles of particulate polymer material being less than about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A foamed resin adhesive and its use for glueing wood based panels and boards such as plywood. The adhesive comprises 40-80% of an aqueous resin solution, 2-10% of an organic filler or fillers, 1-10% of a cationic acrylamide copolymer, and 0.05-1% of a surface active agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that:

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing an aqueous size composition by emulsifying a cellulose reactive size not solid at 25° C. into a starch stabilized aqueous polymer dispersion. The emulsification is carried out at a temperature substantially lower than 70° C.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polysaccharide and a hydroxy-functional polyester are prepared by mixing the hydroxy-functional polyester and polysaccharide, modified polysaccharide or a naturally-occurring fiber or particulate filler and, optionally, other additives in a intensive mixer at a temperature and for a time sufficient to provide an intimate, well-dispersed mixture of the components.

Abstract: Compositions and textile sizes based on those compositions, which are particular poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer ionomers, as well as blends of those ionomers with other sizing polymers are described. A process to prepare the ionomers is described. The compositions are poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers which have carboxylic acid ionomer comonomer units. Sizes based on these ionomers are aqueous solutions of the ionomers or solutions of blends of them with other poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers which are not ionomeric, or solution/suspensions of the ionomers with various starches, or both. Desizing in either water or caustic solutions is generally far superior to comparable polymer blends which contain no poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer ionomer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic starch compositions formed by converting native starch or starch derivatives into thermoplastic starch by at least one hydrophobic biodegradable polymer that functions as a plasticizer for starch. The hydrophobic biodegradable polymer may be a polymer selected from the following list: an aliphatic polyester, a copolyester with aliphatic and aromatic blocks, a polyester amide, a polyester urethane, a polyethylene oxide polymer and/or a polyglycol, and/or mixtures of these. When the starch, such as in particular native starch or derivatives thereof, is mixed in the melt with the hydrophobic biodegradable polymer as a plasticizer or swelling agent, to homogenize the mixture, the water content is reduced to less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A method for aqueous bead-type suspension polymerization of (meth)acrylic monomers to prepare non-agglomerating, storage stable (meth)acrylic polymer beads which are extrudable at low temperatures. The invention also relates to the polymer beads and to their use as adhesive, in particular as a pressure sensitive adhesive. The invention also discloses adhesive compositions comprising the polymer beads.

Abstract: A non-phenolic tackifier compound which includes starch and asphalt, and is substantially free of cross-linked fatty acids. Preferably, the tackifier compound further includes a hydrocarbon tackifying resin, and a binding resin composed of a styrene copolymer, or an ethylene copolymer.