Abstract: Provided are a thiophene-containing compound represented by the following formula (X-1), and an organic electroluminescent device that includes a pair of electrodes and an organic compound layer disposed therebetween. The organic compound layer includes a charge-transporting polyester having a repeating structure containing at least one structure selected from the structures represented by the following formulae (I-1) and (I-2) as its partial structure. In formula (X-1), Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromatic group; and R1 to R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group; and n? is an integer of 1 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction product having polyether carbamate groups formed from (A) polyoxyalkylene amine, and (B) cyclic carbonate, in an equivalents ratio ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:1.5. Further provided is a process for preparing the aforementioned reaction product. The present invention also is directed to an improved curable coating composition including (1) a reactive functional group-containing polymer, and (2) a curing agent having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of (1), the improvement being the inclusion in the coating composition the reaction product. Multilayer composite coatings including a first coating layer formed from the curable coating composition and a second coating layer over the curable coating composition are also provided, as well as coated substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are biodegradable biocompatible amphiphilic copolymers for coating and manufacturing medical devices. The properties of the polymers in the present invention are fine tuned for optimal performance depending on the medical purpose. Moreover, the polymers of the present invention retain and release bioactive drugs in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible and thermosensitive poly(ethylene glycol)/polyester block copolymer and a method of its preparation thereof, and particularly to a multi-functional intelligent hydrogel polymer comprising a hydrophilic part of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) having a low molecular weight and a hydrophobic part comprising an ester-based caprolactone (CL) segment as an essential ingredient and further comprising a para-dioxanone (PDO) segment, a trimethylene carbonate (TMC) segment or a PDO/TMC copolymer containing the PDO and the TMC segments in a predetermined ratio, which easily forms a desired-shaped gel and decomposes or disperses without necessitating the operation process for removing the gel due to the temperature-dependent phase transition caused by the coagulation and the expansion of polymer micelles comprising a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part, thus being applicable to a drug delivery system or a porous support for tissue engineering purpose.

Abstract: An article for contact with a liquid fuel, comprising a composition comprising a polyester reacted with a carboxy-reactive material, the product of said reaction having increased solvent resistance relative to the initial polyester. The article can be in the form of a container or fibers.

Abstract: Bulk-modified potting composition based on a curable epoxy resin or on a mixture of these resins, where the resin or the mixture is composed of an epoxy resin, a hardener, where appropriate an accelerator, and also other additives, such as fillers, flexibilizers, and colorants, which potting composition (a) comprises a three-dimensionally crosslinked polysiloxane in disperse form and with a particle size in the range from 0.02 ?m to 50 ?m, which, where appropriate, has reactive groups which can react chemically with the epoxy resin and/or the hardener, (b) a selected linear or branched siloxane compound which has reactive groups which can react chemically with the epoxy resin and/or the hardener, and also, where appropriate, (c) a low-molecular-weight oligomeric siloxane compound, the use of the potting composition as an engineering material or as an insulating material, and the moldings and insulation produced therefrom.

Abstract: Condensation products of dihydroxyaromatics A, alone or in mixture with mono- or polyhydroxyaromatics C, with diepoxides or polyepoxides B which have been alkylolated by reaction with aldehydes D and whose alkylol groups may have been etherified with alcohols, a process for preparing them, and a method of use thereof in particular as compositions for coating the inside of foodstuff and beverage packaging forms made from metals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and formulations involving the use of promoters that accelerate the polymerization of macrocyclic polyester oligomers (MPOs). For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides blends of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO), catalyst, and promoter that are substantially stable at ambient temperature for a period of time. The blend material may be stored without premature polymerization of MPO or deactivation of catalyst. The invention also provides processes employing one-part, ready-to-polymerize blends that contain MPO, catalyst, and promoter, as well as processes in which the catalyst and promoter are used in separate streams and are contacted when it is desired to accelerate polymerization of MPO. Methods of the invention offer advantages in the manufacture of thermoplastic parts and composites, due at least in part to the unique properties of MPO.

Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a rubber-reinforced polystyrene resin, from 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of an epoxy-modified phenolic resin, and from 1 to 30 parts by weight of an aromatic phosphate has good flame retardancy and good lightfastness, still having good mechanical characteristics intrinsic to the thermoplastic resin therein.

Abstract: A polyol emulsion of castor oil and monoepoxides is combined with methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and cement to produce a polymer cement.

Abstract: The present invention fulfils desired specifications generally rarely encountered with existing solid supports such as highly amphiphile behaviour. The solid support described herein is a poly(ethylene or propylene)glycol based polymer that can be useful in solid and liquid phase synthesis, chromatography, scavenging purposes and immobilisation of proteins and reagents. More specifically, the solid support is a cross-linked polyether derived from a cross-linked polyester which is obtained by copolymerization of at least one monomer comprising (a) one-ended polymerizable vinyl or allyl ketone, ester, ether or mixtures thereof with at least one cross-linker having at least two polymerizable terminal end groups, with the exception of epoxy and oxetane end groups, or (b) divinyl benzene. The method for the preparation of the cross-linked polyether is also disclosed.

Abstract: Coating powders having a low curing temperature are comprised of an acid functional acrylic resin having an acid number between about 40 and 220, triglycidyl isocyanurate, and a curing catalyst comprising tetrabutyl ammonium bromide. Such coating powders have a stoichiometry of acid groups to epoxy groups of between about 0.5 and 2.0. Low curing temperature coating powders comprising an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy functional crosslinking agent, and a curing catalyst exhibit good flexibility properties following application to a substrate and curing. Good flexibility may also be achieved by incorporating blended epoxy crosslinking agents into acrylic resins alone or into blended acrylic and polyester resins. Such blended crosslinking agents should have an epoxy functionality of from about 2 to about 6 and an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester block copolymer composition (R) obtained by thermally-processing a polyester block copolymer composition (Q) obtained by melt-mixing 100 parts by weight of a polyester block copolymer (P) with 0.1–5 parts by weight of an epoxy compound (C) having one or more epoxy groups under an inert gas atmosphere and not less than 102° C. in a solid phase, and further, at a temperature lower than a melting point of the polyester block copolymer composition (R) obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a powdery coating material by using: a curable polyester resin (A) having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group at the terminals thereof, and further having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 30,000, a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 100° C.; a curing agent (B) which is solid at normal temperature and is capable of being reacted with the hydroxyl group or the carboxyl group of the curable polyester resin (A); and a solvent (C) having a boiling point under normal pressure of from 50 to 130° C.; and comprising a step of kneading the curable polyester resin (A), the curing agent (B) and the solvent (C) under condition in which at 50 to 130° C., not less than 20% by weight of the curing agent (B) is dissolved in the solvent and, then, vapor-removing the solvent (C) under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides, rheology modifying agents that include crystalline polymers wherein crystallinity is provided by a linear long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid on a base polymer. Such crystalline polymers can either have a hyperbranched or dendritic structure or have a comb-like structure.

Abstract: The invention provides blends of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) with high-molecular-weight polymer and polymerization catalyst as friable, one-component, ready-to-polymerize materials with long shelf life. The invention also provides methods for preparation and use of the blend materials. The blends are used, for example, in the production of thermoplastics via low-pressure processes, such as rotational molding and powder coating, without modification of existing equipment. The blends are particularly useful where it is desired to exploit the ability to polymerize and crystallize MPO isothermally, but where the melt viscosity of unfilled MPO is too low for use in existing equipment.

Abstract: Process for preparing essentially uncrosslinked hyperbranched, water-soluble or water-dispersible polyesters from dicarboxylic acids and polyether polyols having at least 3 OH groups. Water-soluble hyperbranched polyesters which are obtainable by such a process and their use for producing printing inks, adhesives, coatings, paints and varnishes.

Abstract: A curable coating composition comprises (a) a component having an active methylene group and/or an active methane group, (b) a component having a methacrylate group and/or an acrylate group, (c) a Michael reaction catalyst, and (d) a photo-polymerization initiator.

Abstract: An epoxy resin cured article has a high glass transition temperature and low dissipation factor. An epoxy resin composition from which the cured article can be having excellent solubility in solvents is used to produce the cured articles. A polyester as a curing agent of an epoxy resin composition having an aromatic polyhydroxy coumpound residue including an aryloxycarbonyl group at the molecule of the terminal, an aromatic polyvalent hydrocarbon group residue, and bulky structure, is used. Since the curing agent behaves as a polyfunctional curing agent, a cured article produced therefrom has a high crosslink density. Since highly polar hydroxyl groups are not formed during curing, a cured article has high glass transition temperature and a low dissipation factor. The cured article does not release low molecular weight carboxylic acids though hydrolysis of ester bonds at crosslinked bonds.

Abstract: A resin film comprising (A) an epoxy resin having two or more glycidyl groups in a molecule, (B) an epoxy resin curing agent, (C) a thermoplastic resin, and (D) a filler, wherein the filler content in at least either one of the surface regions on the cross-section of the film is less than the filler concentration in the central region. The resin film has not only toughness but also fire retardancy, high interlayer adhesion strength and good processability of metal plating.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition for profile extrusion molding comprising an amorphous polyester, at least one component selected from the group consisting of a crystalline polyester and a nucleating agent, and optionally a reactive compound; a polyester resin composition for profile extrusion molding comprising a polyester resin, and a reactive compound having a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 500,000; and a profile shape comprising a resin having a reduced viscosity ratio of 1.01 to 3.00, a reduced viscosity ratio being a ratio of a reduced viscosity of a resin after molding to that of a resin before molding. They do not suffer from sagging in the molding process, they improve the shape accuracy at corners and edges of profile shapes from a die to a sizing step and also resistance to whitening on bending in transparent products, and can provide profile shapes having good solvent resistance and detergent resistance.

Abstract: A polymer compound contains a cyclic structure represented by the following general formula (1): wherein each of X and Y represent an alkylene group or the like, where X and Y may be the same or different, Z represents a bond derived from an alkylene group or the like having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which is bonded to a group represented by Y belonging to another cyclic structure, m represents 0 or an integer of 1 or more and n represents an integer of 2 or more, provided that the integer represented by m is independent in respective repeating units, and a total number of the bond represented by Z is 1 or more.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable liquid oligomeric compositions are disclosed. The oligomeric compositions are formed from cycloaliphatic epoxides and Michael addition polyacrylate resins, synthesized from multifunctional acrylates and ?-dicarbonyl Michael donors, specifically ?-keto esters, ?-diketones, ?-ketoamides or ?-ketoanilides or combinations thereof. The oligomeric compositions are provided along with uses thereof and methods of fabricating.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles, partcularly for forming by blow molding, by providing and forming articles from compositions made from blends containing (A) two copolyether ester elastomers that include acid end-groups, (B) an ethylene copolymer that includes at least one unsaturated epoxide group and acrylate and/or (meth) acrylate groups, at least one of (C) or (D) wherein (C) is an ethylene copolymer having acrylate and/or methacrylate groups and at least one anhydride of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and (D) is a rubbery polymer that can be finely dispersed and (E) a calcium compound capable of reacting with the acid end-groups of (A), preferably calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising polyester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses an acrylic acid-modified epoxy polyester resin and the preparation process thereof. The resin comprises 100 pbw of a copolymer (A) formed from an unsaturated fatty acid-modified polyester and a bisphenol A type epoxy resin, and 20-40 pbw of poly(meth)acrylic acid (ester) (B). The preparation process comprises the following steps: (1) alcoholyzing a drying oil with a polyol; (2) adding successively, to the product from step (1), a dibasic anhydride, a fatty acid containing a conjugated double bond and an epoxy resin, and esterifying to obtain an epoxy polyester; and (3) copolymerizing the epoxy polyester from step (2) and an acrylic monomer. This invention also provides a water-based emulsion containing said resin, and a water-based paint exhibiting excellent antirust property and having low production cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition suitable for molding a microscopic structure that has small cure shrinkage, good mold transfer properties and excellent properties for post-processing such as polishing processing and laser processing. Such a resin is a thermosetting resin composition comprising 95 to 35 wt % of a thermosetting resin and 5 to 65 wt % of organic filler having a particle size of 10 ?m or less. From such a resin, an ink ejecting apparatus having a microscopic structure, for example, a nozzle of a diameter of 30 ?m, is integrally molded.

Abstract: A laminate formed from a first fiber-reinforced ply joined by a laminating resin composition to a second fiber-reinforced ply. The laminating resin composition is the cured residue of a polyester resin being end-terminated with an alkyl acrylate group and diluted with less than about 35 wt-% styrene. The first fiber-reinforced ply is laminated to the second fiber-reinforced ply with the laminating resin composition by coating a surface of the first ply with an adhesive composition. The coated first ply surface is joined with a surface of the second ply and the adhesive cured. In making the laminating resin composition, unreacted alkyl acrylate can be reacted with an epoxy to push the reaction to completion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel solventless reactive systems curable at room temperature, based on blocked polyisocyanates, primary amines, compounds with oxirane groups, and 2,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine, and to processes for the preparation of these solventless reactive systems curable at room temperature.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising polyester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to coatings that provide improved retort and tropical decay resistance for use on metal food containers. The coatings generally comprise a carbamated polyol formed by the reaction between a polyol, an alkylene oxide and an alkyl carbamate. A crosslinker reactive with the carbamate functionality is used to react with the carbamate moiety. Methods for improving retort resistance and resistance to tropical decay are also disclosed, as are substrates coated with the present compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester block copolymer composition which is obtained by reacting 0.5 to 5.0 parts by weight of an epoxy compound (C) having two or more functionalities with 100 parts by weight of a polyester block copolymer (P) having an acid value of 0 to 5 mgKOH/g obtained by reacting a crystalline aromatic polyester (A) having a hydroxyl group at a molecular terminal with a lactone (B) and optionally with a polyfunctional compound (D) having three or more groups selected among carboxyl, hydroxyl, and/or ester groups thereof. The composition has such excellent moldability that it is applicable to molding techniques including blow molding without arousing any trouble. It is satisfactory in heat resistance, water resistance, impact resistance, or flame retardancy, and has rubber-like elasticity.

Abstract: A powder coating composition includes an acid-functional polyester resin and a matting agent selected from styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and acid-functional acrylic resins. The compositions provide low gloss finishes at low curing temperatures, as well as consistent gloss over a wide range of curing temperatures.

Abstract: Methods of carrying out a reactive extrusion processes are described that include combining at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof, a carbon dioxide containing fluid, and at least one reactant in an extruder to form a mixture such that the carbon dioxide containing fluid comes into intimate contact with the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof and assists in a reaction between the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof and the at least one reactant, and wherein the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof is modified upon reaction with the at least one reactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultraviolet (UV) curable powders for powder coatings comprising one or more than one free radical curable epoxy resin and one or more than one second free radical curable resin, or, alternatively, one or more than one free radical curable unsaturated polyester resin in combination with one or more than one wax, and one or more than one free radical photoinitiator, wherein the coating powder has an average particle size of 5 to 25 microns. Further, the present invention provides a method for making a powder for thin (1.0 to 4.0 mil), smooth coatings having an average particle size of from 5 to 25 microns, the method preferably comprising jet milling dry powder or spray drying an aqueous emulsion, fluid mixture, or a supercritical suspension of a powder or of the composition for making the powder.

Abstract: A mixture of a self-curing epoxy resin having an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700, a melt viscosity of from about 200 to about 2000 centipoise at 150° C. and a low temperature curing agent capable of maintaining its own domain during extrusion which is extruded as one component at a temperature below 220° F. and the extrudate is cooled and pulverized to form a low temperature curable coating powder. The powder cures at a temperature of from about 225 to about 300° F. and produces a coating having an exceptionally smooth surface with either a low or high gloss. The powder is particularly useful for coating heat sensitive substrates such as plastics, paper, cardboard and wood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder coating composition containing a low temperature curable epoxy resin, and more particularly to a powder coating composition containing a low temperature curable epoxy resin, which can be readily cured at a low temperature, thereby capable of being applied to coating objects that are noneconomic al in terms of workability at an elevated temperature, or are thermally sensitive. The present invention provides a powder coating composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a low temperature curable epoxy resin; 30 to 500 parts by weight of curing.

Abstract: A laminating resin composition is disclosed which comprises an unsaturated polyester resin, a vinyl ester resin, a polyfunctional acrylate, and up to about 15 percent by weight of a vinyl monomer. Preferably, the vinyl ester resin has a molecular weight ranging from about 450 to 1500.

Abstract: A composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer having incorporated therein a crosslinked phase derived from the reaction of: (A) a copolymer made from ethylene and an unsaturated epoxide, a polyolefin grafted with an unsaturated epoxide, or a product having two epoxide groups, (B) a copolymer made from ethylene and an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, and (C) a copolymer made from an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an ?,?-aminocarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A brominated unsaturated polyester resin containing a hydroxyl value of about 35 or less and a hydroxyl acid molar ratio of about 2:1 to about 1:4. The brominated unsaturated polyester resin is prepared from a polyfunctional carboxylic acid, a monocarboxylic acid, and a polyfunctional glycol or alcohol that contains bromine under polyester esterification reaction conditions. The brominated unsaturated polyester resin can be incorporated into a resin composition that also contains vinyl monomer. The invention is also directed to a method of making a brominated unsaturated polyester resin, and to castings, coatings, and laminate panels containing cured brominated unsaturated polyester resin compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A composition comprises an oxetane oligomer or polymer or copolymer block wherein each repeat group has at least one ether side chain which is terminated by a fluorinated aliphatic group and optionally with the proviso that at least two different repeat units of the oligomer or polymer or copolymer have different Rf groups. The oxetane block is connected to a hydrocarbon polymer block derived from a mono or polyhydroxyl initiator. The terminal fluorinated alkyl groups impart good stain resistance to the oligomer or polymer or copolymer. In another embodiment, a fluorinated aliphatic or alkyl alcohol is reacted with an amino dicarboxylic acid with the reaction product thereof being subsequently grafted to a maleated polyolefin or a maleated polymer derived from a vinyl substituted aromatic monomer. The fluorinated alcohol also imparts good stain resistance to the grafted copolymer. Both compounds can be utilized as an additive in polymers as for example various polyolefins.

Abstract: A composition having sealing and sound dampening properties is disclosed which comprises one or more polyepoxides comprising at least two epoxide groups per molecule; a thermoplastic polyester polymer; a curing agent adapted to react with the polyepoxides; inorganic particles having an oil absorption value of less than 70; and inorganic microparticles different from the previously mentioned inorganic particles, the inorganic microparticles having an average particle size prior to incorporation into the composition ranging from 0.5 to 200 microns. Multilayer composites, coated substrates, and methods for forming sound dampening coatings on a metallic substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A polyester composition prepared by melting and blending a polyester with a glycidyl ester compound, a glycidyl ether compound and a catalyst has good hydrolysis resistance and, when melted, gives little gas generation and undergoes little viscosity change. It is most favorable for parts of automobile, electric and electronic appliances such as connectors.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the manufacture of lactones, e.g., caprolactone, from hydoxy acids, e.g., 6-hydroxycaproic acid. The reaction is conducted over a suitable catalyst in the presence of water.

Abstract: Solid extrusion coating compositions for metal substrates, a method of extrusion coating a metal substrate, and a metal article are disclosed. The extrusion coating composition is a thermoplastic material and comprises: (a) a polyester having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 50,000, and optionally, (b) a modifying resin, such as an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight of about 500 to about 15,000. The extrusion coating composition is applied to a metal substrate in an extrusion process to provide a composition film having a thickness of about 1 to about 40 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a powdery coating material by using: a curable polyester resin (A) having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group at the terminals thereof, and further having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 30,000, a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 100° C.; a curing agent (B) which is solid at normal temperature and is capable of being reacted with the hydroxyl group or the carboxyl group of the curable polyester resin (A); and a solvent (C) having a boiling point under normal pressure of from 50 to 130° C.; and comprising a step of kneading the curable polyester resin (A), the curing agent (B) and the solvent (C) under condition in which at 50 to 130° C., not less than 20% by weight of the curing agent (B) is dissolved in the solvent and, then, vapor-removing the solvent (C) under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers and films prepared from polyesters of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid, and a diol selected from 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 1,3-propanediol. The fibers and films contain a multifunctional epoxide additive and, optionally, an antioxidant, and show an increased dry heat stability when exposed to elevated temperatures in the presence of air while preserving excellent hydrolytic stability. Also disclosed is a process for stabilizing polyester fibers by melt blending a polyester and epoxide additive and melt spinning. The fibers and films are particularly useful in applications requiring elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a resin (A) and a resin (B) as constituents, said resin (A) having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 35,000 and being at least one member selected from the group consisting of following (A1) and (A2): (A1) a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, a polycarbonate polyol, a polyurethane polyol, a polyolefin polyol and an acrylic polyol, (A2) a polymer obtained by reacting said (A1) with a compound having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of isocyanato, carboxyl and epoxy groups within a molecule thereof, a dialkyl carbonate, a cyclic carbonate, an alcohol, or a mixture of these, and said resin (B) having a sulfonium group and a propargyl group within the molecule thereof.

Abstract: A damping resin composition is provided which includes bifunctional diacrylate or bifunctional dimethacrylate (A) expressed by the formula (1) below, and an unsaturated polyester resin (B+C) containing an unsaturated polyester (B) and a cross-linking monomer (C), and/or an epoxy acrylate resin (B′+C) containing an epoxy acrylate (B′) and a cross-linking monomer (C), wherein the bifunctional diacrylate or bifunctional dimethacrylate (A) is contained in an amount of 15 to 85% by weight, and the unsaturated polyester resin (B+C) or the epoxy acrylate resin (B′+C) or a mixture (B″+C) thereof that contains the unsaturated polyester resin (B+C) in an amount of 5 to 95% by weight and the epoxy acrylate resin (B′+C) in an amount of 95 to 5% by weight is contained in an amount of 85 to 15% by weight, the bifunctional diacrylate or bifunctional dimethacrylate (A) being expressed by: CH2=CR2CO−(R1O)n−OCOCR2=CH2  (1) wh

Abstract: Elastomers are formed from castor oil and/or ricinoleic acid estolides and a polyester formed from an epoxidized vegetable oil such as ESO and a polycarboxylic acid such as sebacic acid, optionally in the presence of a peroxide initiator, or include crosslinked reaction products derived from ricinoleic acid or castor oil estolides, epoxy group-containing compounds such as epoxy resins and/or epoxidized vegetable oil, epoxy hardeners such as polyamine and polycarboxylic acid hardeners, thermally activated free radical initiators such as peroxides, and optionally but preferably include fillers such as limestone or wood flour. The elastomers can be prepared using a two-step, solvent-less procedure at elevated or ambient temperatures. These predominantly “all-natural” elastomers have physical properties comparable to conventional petroleum-based elastomers and composites and exhibit good flexibility, resiliency, abrasion resistance and inertness to hydrolysis.