Abstract: A molded fiber product is made from plant fibers containing lignin. Plant fibers ranging in size below 0.5 mm are used. Binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance. The plant fiber mixture of fibers and additives are heated at temperatures between 40 degrees C. and 300 degrees C. The heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of at least 960 kg/m3. Compression pressures of at least 3.4 MPa are used. The compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused. A thermoset molded plant fiber product is provided having characteristics and qualities similar to engineering grade thermoplastics and thermoset plastics.

Abstract: A mixture comprising ground scrap tire rubber of about between 15% and 85% by volume, ground polymeric filler of about between 10% and 80% by volume and a urethane binder of about 5% by volume. The mixture may be used to form environmentally friendly structures.

Abstract: A coating composition for application to primed metal substrates as a topcoat is disclosed. The coating composition is especially useful on metal closures for vacuum-packed food products. The coating composition is free of a halide-containing vinyl-polymer and comprises: (a) an acrylate co-polymer having pendant hydroxy groups, (b) a hydroxy-terminated polyester, (c) a crosslinker, and (d) a nonaqueous carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to radical-curable adhesive compositions which include a (meth)acrylate component; a thermal resistance-conferring component; and a radical cure-inducing composition. Reaction products of the compositions of this invention exhibit superior resistance of thermal degradation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of multiphase formulations of organosilicon compounds by (A) formation of a mixture containing organic compound(s) (1) containing at least two aliphatic double bonds and of the general formula R2(CR1═CH2)x,  (1) in which R1 are a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms per radical, R2 is a divalent, trivalent or tetravalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 25 carbon atoms per radical; and x denotes 2, 3 or 4 corresponding to the valence of R2; and an organopolysiloxane (2) having on average more than one Si-bonded hydrogen atom per molecule; a catalyst (3) promoting the addition of Si-bonded hydrogen at an aliphatic double bond; an emulsifier (4); and an agent (5) immiscible with (1) and (2); and (B) emulsification of the mixture, with the proviso that the ratio of aliphatic double bond in organic compound (1) to Si-bonded hydrogen in the organopolysiloxane (2) in (A) is such that toluene-soluble siloxane copolymers are obtained.

Abstract: An improved process for producing optical materials with minimized yellowing is described. The process is characterized by polymerizing/curing a composition for optical materials after adding a bluing agent. With the use of the bluing agent, the yellowing is minimized even when a large amount of an ultraviolet light absorber is used to improve a light resistance of the resultant optical material, thereby enabling the production of optical materials having a colorless and transparent appearance and excellent optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin solution composition for paints or adhesives which comprises an acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer obtained by modifying a butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer with an un-saturated carboxylic acid or an acid anhydride thereof. The butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer comprises, as polymerizable components, 65 to 85 mol % butene-1 component and 15 to 35 mol % &agr;-olefin component having 2 to 8 carbon atoms other than butene-1 component. The acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer comprises the unsaturated carboxylic acid or the anhydride thereof in a proportion of 0.5 to 5% by weight. In this resin solution composition, the acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer is dissolved in an organic solvent, in a solid content of 10 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: Stable vinyl copolymer emulsions are capable of forming strongly water repellent and highly water resistant films and coatings, and can be used as paint or coating additives. They are highly compatible with paint and coating compositions. The vinyl copolymer emulsions are produced by emulsion polymerizing (A) 50-99.9 weight percent of a vinyl monomer, (B) 0.1-50 weight percent of a branched organosilicon compound bearing a radically polymerizable organic group, where the sum of components (A) and (B) is 100 weight percent, and (C) a radically polymerizable surfactant used at 0.1-20 weight parts per 100 weight parts of the total amount of components (A) and (B).

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions which can be prepared from at least one polyorganosiloxane, boric acid and water, and which may serve as a pelletizing additive for crosslinkable silicone rubber formulations. A small proportion of the pelletizing additive, when added to a ore component crosslinkable silicone rubber, or to individual components of a two or more component silicone rubber formulation, allow production of free flowing pellets which retain storage stability for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An eraser composition comprising 22-41 wt % styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, 5-15 wt % ethylene/propylene copolymer, 30-50 wt % calcium carbonate, 10-25 wt % factice; and 0.1-7 wt % pumice is provided. The eraser composition optionally contains up to 1 wt % titanium dioxide. The eraser composition preferably has a hardness of from 70 to 85 Shore A.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester. The process comprises polymerizing a polymerization mixture comprising (i) a carbonyl compound or an oligomer of a carbonyl compound and (ii) a glycol, in the presence of a titanium catalyst composition, to produce the polyester, wherein a coated titanium dioxide comprising a titanium dioxide and a coat is added before or during the polymerizing.

Abstract: The problems of applying ink jet inks to various known coating surfaces so as to overcome smearing, poor resolution and attack by water etc., is overcome by the use of the new ink jet receptive media. The media comprises in combination: (1) a waterproof ink jet receptive coating, (2) a primer coating, (3) a non-porous substrate, (4) a pressure sensitive adhesive coating, (5) a silicone coating and (6) a backer layer. The receptive coating comprises the combination of: (1) binder, (2) charge control agent, (3) cross-linking agent, (4) adhesion enhancing agent and (5) dispersant. The absorption of the ink jet ink to the substrate is maximized, thus attracting and fixing the ink and providing a waterproofing effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to radical-curable adhesive compositions which include a (meth)acrylate component; a thermal resistance-conferring component; and a radical cure-inducing composition. Reaction products of the compositions of the compositions of this invention exhibit superior resistance to thermal degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder paint binder-composition comprising a polymer that contains endomethylene tetrahydrophthalic acid units and a crosslinker.

Abstract: An electronic circuit device comprises a resin composition including 90 to 100 weight percent of a curable epoxy-modified aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer, optionally up to 10 weight percent of an epoxy resin, and an effective amount of an epoxy curative, the weight percent of the copolymer and epoxy resin being based on the weight of the epoxy bearing material exclusive of curative. The resin composition can be used as an electronic adhesive, covercoat, or encapsulant. The electronic circuit device exhibits superior heat and moisture insensitivity, including the absence of voiding and delamination of the cured resin compostion from its substrate under conditions of 85° C. and 85% relative humidity for 168 hours followed by a temperature of 220° C. for 10 to 40 seconds.

Abstract: A coating composition for application to primed metal substrates as a topcoat is disclosed. The coating composition is especially useful on metal closures for vacuum-packed food products. The coating composition is free of a halide-containing vinyl polymer and comprises: (a) an acrylate co-polymer having pendant hydroxy groups, (b) a hydroxy-terminated polyester, (c) a crosslinker, and (d) a nonaqueous carrier.

Abstract: Flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid vinyl chloride polymer compositions containing a heat stabilizer comprising a latent mercaptan and a mixture of zinc chloride and a zinc carboxylate are substantially free from the offensive odor typically associated with mercaptans and are protected during processing by the degradation products of the latent (i.e., blocked) mercaptan which include a free mercaptan. The free mercaptan thus released enhances the activity of the mixture of zinc chloride and zinc carboxylate.

Abstract: Aqueous binder mixtures comprising a water-dilutable resin and a water-miscible hydroxy urethane have an increased mass fraction of solids and may be formulated in combination with curatives which are active at elevated temperature to give automobile primer-surfacer materials.

Abstract: A variety of phosphonylated heterochain polymers are disclosed, including, most preferably, phosphonylated polymethyl methacrylate. For each polymeric composition the phosphorous atom of a phosphorous-containing functional group is covalently bonded to a carbon atom of the polymeric chain. The phosphorous atoms are present in an amount of at least about 0.1 percent by weight in each polymeric composition.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystalline polymer which is obtained by copolymerizing at least one polyfunctional aromatic monomer selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulae (I), (II) and (III) below with at least one polymerizable monomer. The liquid crystalline polymer of the present invention is excellent in heat resistance, molding properties, flow properties and mechanical properties, especially it provide molded article with improved weld strength.

Abstract: An emulsion of silicone oil or organic oil possesses excellent stability and contains cross-linked particles in drops of silicone oil or organic oil dispersed in water. The particles have an average diameter of 0.05 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m and are prepared by hydrosilylating a cross-linkable liquid composition of (A) an organic compound having at least two aliphatic unsaturated bonds in its molecule; (B) a silicon-containing organic compound having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in its molecule; (C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst; and (D) an organopolysiloxane having at least one alkenyl group in its molecule. The particles are contained in drops of silicone oil or organic oil with an average diameter of 0.1 &mgr;m to 500 &mgr;m that are dispersed in water.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid crystalline polyester comprising the steps of

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolyester fiber consisting of a copolyester with primarily C2-4 alkylene terephthalate units and a process for producing these copolyester fibers. The copolyester contains more than 4 wt % up to 12 wt % poly(C2-4 alkylene glycol) units and 60 to 260 ppm pentaerythritol units and/or a total of 150 to less than 2500 ppm carboxy methylene phosphonic acid units and/or carboxy ethylene phosphonic acid units polymerized into it.

Abstract: The process for producing polyesters, and in particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which includes the use of antimony catalyst that is acidic phosphorus additive involves the addition of the catalyst prior to or together with the additive. Moreover, the amount of additive is selected so as to provide a resin that is at least substantially free of non-acidic inorganic compounds such as antimony phosphate which can be formed by the reaction of the catalyst with the additive. The process preferably includes an esterification step, a prepolymer step, and a polymerization step with the antimony catalyst being added prior to, during, or after, the esterification step while the phosphorus-containing additive is introduced prior to or during the prepolymer stage. Polyesters having low levels of elemental phosphorus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic formulation comprising polymers to which groups of the formula I are bonded where R is H or identical or different organic radicals, which may also be bonded to one another, and G is O or NH, as hair-setting polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fender formed from a rubber composition having a rate of change of compressibility R−30/R23 of not more than 1.3 (where R−30 denotes a maximum reaction force at −30° C. as determined by compressive test and R23 denotes a maximum reaction force at 23° C. as determined by compressive test) and/or a rate of change of compressibility R60/R23 of more than 0.90 (where R23 denotes the maximum reaction force at 23° C. and R60 denotes a maximum reaction force at 60° C.). The fender suffers no decrease in the reaction force in low-temperature and/or high-temperature conditions.

Abstract: Thermoplastic fluoropolymer compositions, flexible, without whitening, comprising: I) ETFE or ECTFE fluoropolymers modified with hydrogenated monomers; II) one or more hydrogenated plasticizers; III) one or more inorganic fire retardants; IV) optionally other ingredients such as fillers, smoke retarders, intumescent agents, pigments, lubricants, organic fire retardants and thermal stabilizers.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a powder lacquer composition based on polyester by a) common or separate heating to a temperature of 120-200° C. of A) 99-40 wt. % polyester precondensates, and/or of monomers usable for the preparation thereof, B) 1-60 wt. % pigments and C) 0-10 wt. % wetting additives and/or further additives which are conventionally used for lacquers, wherein the percentages by weight total 100%, b) homogeneous mixing of the components A), B) and C) with the application of shear forces and with the heating temperature maintained, c) dispersion of the mixture obtained in a dispersing medium at a temperature equal to or above the melting temperature of the starting components A), B) and C) with further polycondensation of the polyester precondensate A), and/or of the monomers, d) cooling of the dispersion and addition of a conventional cross-linking agent for the polyester and optionally of conventional additives, within the temperature range 60 to 140° C.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A water absorber for absorbing and removing water remaining on floors resulting from leakage or flooding, and comprising a water-permeable bag-shaped casing made of cotton cloth filled with an antibacterial water-absorbing agent comprised of a modified polymer compound. The water absorber absorbs water to swell. The water absorber is filled with the antibacterial water-absorbing agent, and therefore, even after absorbing water, the water absorber is not under unsanitary conditions such that bacteria propagate. When the water absorber is dried, it regains water-absorbing property and can be reused as a water absorber. The antibacterial water-absorbing agent (modified polymer compound) is produced by subjecting to acid treatment and metal-salt forming treatment a scrap material of typical organic resins, such as an ABS resin, and has a nitrile group, a hydrolysis product of the nitrile group, and an acid group introduced as a substituent in the form of a metal salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of spherical, polyester particles, wherein the particle size can be exactly adjusted in the range of 1 to 200 &mgr;m and a particle size distribution with a span (=d90−d10/d50)≦1.5, as well as the use of the produced particles for toner compositions in electrophotographic and direct printing systems and powder coatings.

Abstract: A process for forming an elastomeric polymer gel composition includes forming a blend by combining a poly(alkenyl-co-maleimide) that includes a maleimide and at least one monomer contributed unit derived from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons, R1R2 ethylenes, and alkyl vinyl ethers; with a maleated polyalkylene. This is followed by addition of a crosslinking agent, which is allowed to react with the poly(alkenyl-co-maleimide) and maleated polyalkylene to form a polyalkyenyl grafted poly(alkenyl-co-maleimide). The polyalkenyl grafted poly(alkenyl-co-maleimide) is further blended with a polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optionally foamed sealing composition for preformed seals which can swell when treated with water. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof out of natural rubber and/or elastomers with a matrix comprised of natural rubber/elastomer components and particle-shaped water absorbing material stored therein. The water absorbing material is a combination of (A) polysaccharide(s) selected from cellulose, starch, starch derivatives removed from grafted starch, amylose, amylopectin, dextran, pectin, inulin, chitin, xanthan, alginic acid, alginates, carrageenan, pustulan, callose, laminarin, guluronic acid, pullulan, lichenin or mixtures of the same with (B) a highly water absorbent synthetic polymer selected from polymers based on (meth)acrylate, poly(meth)acrylic acid and the salts thereof, polyacrylamide, polyalcohols or copolymers of said synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A polybutadiene composition comprising a polybutadiene type polymer and a compound represented by the following formula (I): 1

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: A denture adhesive base composition comprising a polycarbophil component and ethylene oxide polymer. A denture adhesive composition including this base composition is also provided with other optional adhesive components. Also is provided a method for formulating a novel denture adhesive base composition comprising a polycarbophil component and ethylene oxide polymer.

Abstract: Polyesters may be prepared by reacting an amyl diiodide, an aliphatic or aryl diol and carbon monoxide in presence of a catalyst and an organic base. The process is preferentially carried out in a solvent. The catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst containing a metal selected from a group containing Palladium, Platinum, Nickel and Cobalt. Following the formation of polyester, the catalyst can be easily separated and efficiently recycled.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical elements comprised of an optical isotropic completely aromatic polyester with a glass transition temperature Tg≧180° C.

Abstract: An aqueous ink for a ball-point pen which is stable over time and has high pigment dispersion stability, includes a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent, water, xanthane gum of about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt. % and a sodium alginate of about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. % of a total amount of the ink.

Abstract: The polyester resin composition of the present invention comprises (A) a thermoplastic polyester resin, (B) an olefinic polymer modified with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and its derivative, and (C) an aliphatic ester having a molecular weight of 400 to 1,000. The polyester resin of the present invention may comprises: (D) a flame retardant, (E) an inorganic flame retardant auxiliary, and others. The thermoplastic polyester resin composition is useful for the fabrication of sliding members (particularly, gears). Polyester resin compositions with improved dimensional accuracy and sliding properties and shaped articles formed therefrom can be obtained from the resin composition of the present invention.

Abstract: An irreversible heat-sensitive composition comprises a mixture of a granular or powdery heat-fusible substance having a melting point corresponding to a temperature to be recorded and a granular or powdery dyestuff diffusible into the fused heat-fusible substance through dispersion or dissolution. A heat-sensitive ink comprises the irreversible heat-sensitive composition and an ink vehicle capable of diffusing the fused heat-fusible substance therein. A heat-sensitive ink according to another embodiment comprises microcapsules, which encapsulate the irreversible heat-sensitive composition. A heat-sensitive indicator comprises a substrate provided thereon with a printed heat-sensitive ink, the heat-sensitive ink being one of these heat-sensitive inks.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention are produced by blending hydroxy-functional polyesters with proteins at elevated temperatures. These compositions can be shaped into articles by known processes such as extrusion, compression molding, and injection molding. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solvent based adhesive composition including a major amount of a solvent system and a minor amount of an adhesive polymer system. The solvent system preferably includes a terpene and an aldehyde, ketone, or an aromatic solvent. The adhesive polymer system preferably includes one or a blend of polymers that dissolve, at least in part, in the solvent solution. The components of the solvent adhesive are compatible in that they do not separate upon standing. The solvent based adhesive composition provides good adhesion between polymer articles such as, for example, polyolefin and acrylic films, as well as good adhesion between polymeric articles and wood or metal substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypropylene fiber, which is obtained from an isotactic polypropylene homopolymer with an isotactic index of 90 to 99% through melt-spinning or through drawing after melt-spinning, and shows two differential scanning colorimeter (DSC) endothermic peaks between 155 and 170° C. When being thermally bonded with one another, the fibers are made into non-woven fabrics which have excellent strength in addition to being soft. A high quality of the non-woven fabrics can be produced in high speed carding machines with high yields.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition suitable for storage prior to polymerization is made by mixing a phthalonitrile monomer and a curing agent under non-reactive conditions below the melting temperatures of the phthalonitrile monomer and the curing agent and in the absence of a solvent to create a homogeneous, unreacted mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reversible thermotropic plastics molding compound. Thermotropic molding compounds of this kind are used, amongst other things, for glass and coverings for shading and light/heat regulation in houses, cars, etc. The molding compound according to the invention consists of two compounds which are not thermodynamically miscible with one another. The first component consists of a plastics material, while the second component is not liquid-crystalline and has a refractive index which is the same as the first component in the transparent range and the temperature dependency of which is different from the temperature dependency of the refractive index of the first component. On raising the temperature, the transmission of the molding compound is thus altered.

Abstract: A wall repair compound useful for filling and repairing cracks, holes, and other imperfections in a wall surface includes a conventional filler material, a conventional binder material, and a dust reducing additive which reduces the quantity of airborne dust particles generated when sanding the hardened joint compound. Airborne dust reducing additives include oils, surfactants, solvents, waxes, and other petroleum derivatives. The additive can be added to conventional ready-mixed joint compounds and to setting type joint compounds. A method of reducing the quantity of airborne dust generated when sanding a fully hardened joint compound includes mixing a sufficient quantity of the dust reducing additive with the joint compound prior to when the joint compound has been applied to the wall.

Abstract: An electronic circuit device comprises a resin composition including 90 to 100 weight percent of a curable epoxy-modified aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer, optionally up to 10 weight percent of an epoxy resin, and an effective amount of an epoxy curative, the weight percent of the copolymer and epoxy resin being based on the weight of the epoxy bearing material exclusive of curative. The resin composition can be used as an electronic adhesive, covercoat, or encapsulant. The electronic circuit device exhibits superior heat and moisture insensitivity, including the absence of voiding and delamination of the cured resin compostion from its substrate under conditions of 85° C. and 85% relative humidity for 168 hours followed by a temperature of 220° C. for 10 to 40 seconds.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polylactide polymer with improved extensional viscosity and methods of making the same are disclosed. The polylactide polymer composition is prepared by providing in the composition polylactide polymer molecules which have been modified, relative to linear non-substituted polylactide, to provide increased molecular interaction among polylactide backbone chains in the composition. The preferred polylactide polymer composition has a number average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 (preferably at least 50,000) and a polydispersity of at least about 2.5. In addition, the polylactide polymer composition should have a neck-in ratio of less than about 0.8.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions are disclosed that include a block copolymer that includes monomers selected from the group consisting of styrene, isoprene, butadiene, and combinations thereof, from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight surfactant, and a tackifying agent. The adhesive composition has a surface tension of at least about 34 dynes/cm2.