An example method of forming a biodegradable component includes extruding a mixture of biodegradable material and water through a die. The method further includes dividing the extruded mixture to form a plurality of biodegradable pellets. The method further includes forming the plurality of biodegradable pellets into a component. The water acts as a binding agent to bind the plurality of biodegradable pellets to one another.

The invention relates to a protective device to be utilized on the handlebar of a vehicle equipped with control levers mounted on the handlebar adjacent to the handlebar grips. The device of the invention prevents control levers from imparting damage to the surroundings when the vehicle is transported. The device of the invention further protects the control levers and grips from damage by contact with nearby objects during transportation of the vehicle. The device of the invention further keeps a brake control lever in the fully pulled position, thus actuating the brake and preventing rotation of the braked wheel or wheels.

A thermoplastic resin composition can include 25 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound graft copolymer (A) containing alkyl acrylate rubber having an average particle diameter of 50 to 120 nm; and 25 to 75% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound-aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound non-graft copolymer (B). The thermoplastic resin composition has an alkyl acrylate coverage value (X) of 67% or more as calculated by Equation 1. A method of preparing the thermoplastic resin composition, and a molded article including the thermoplastic resin composition are also disclosed.

The present invention provides: a reaction injection molding liquid mixture comprising a norbornene-based monomer, a metathesis polymerization catalyst that includes tungsten as a center metal, an activator, and an ether compound represented by a formula (1), wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 are independently an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the reaction injection molding liquid mixture comprising the activator and the ether compound in a molar ratio (ether compound/activator) of 0.7/1 to 30/1; a method for producing a reaction injection molded product comprising a reaction injection molding step that includes subjecting the reaction injection molding liquid mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to bulk polymerization inside a mold; a reaction injection molded product obtained using the method for producing a reaction injection molded product. Consequently, the present invention provides: a reaction injection molding liquid mixture that makes it possible to obtain a reaction injection molded product that has an excellent surface (surface state) and exhibits excellent strength while preventing a situation in which the resin remains on the surface of the mold when the resin is removed from the mold, a method for producing a reaction injection molded product using the same, and a reaction injection molded product obtained using the method. ##STR00001##

Methods and equipment for the recycling of carpet are disclosed that produce a clean fiber product suitable for industrial use. The methods allow the recovery of face fiber material, for example a polyester, polyolefin, or a polyamide, from carpets that includes a face fiber material, a polypropylene backing material, and an adhesive, and include the steps of mechanically impacting the carpet to break the bonds between the adhesive and the fibrous components, treating the fibrous components to remove adhesive granules from the fibrous components, and optionally separating the polypropylene backing from the face fiber. A clean adhesive/calcium carbonate product can also be produced from this process.

A cushion for a hot tub or spa is molded in a rotational molding process. The cushion includes a decorative outer surface made from a plastic material (e.g., an outer wall and side walls, etc.). The cushion includes a a back surface for interfacing with a hot-tub shell or spa shell with at least one projection extending from the back surface towards the decorative surface. The at least one projection is for supporting the force of an object that is resting on the cushion. The cushion if formed in a rotational molding process.

An example starch-based material for forming a biodegradable component includes a mixture of a starch and an expansion additive. The starch has an amylose content of less than about 70% by weight. The expansion additive enhances the expansion and physical properties of the starch. A method of preparing a starch-based material is also disclosed and an alternate starch-based material for forming a biodegradable component is also disclosed.

Methods and equipment for the recycling of carpet are disclosed that produce a clean fiber product suitable for industrial use. The methods allow the recovery of face fiber material, for example a polyester, polyolefin, or a polyamide, from carpets that includes a face fiber material, a polypropylene backing material, and an adhesive, and include the steps of mechanically impacting the carpet to break the bonds between the adhesive and the fibrous components, treating the fibrous components to remove adhesive granules from the fibrous components, and optionally separating the polypropylene backing from the face fiber. A clean adhesive/calcium carbonate product can also be produced from this process.

A push-in earplug is provided. The push-in earplug comprises an elongate core comprising a core material. The push-in earplug also comprises an outer layer comprising a foam material, the outer layer covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the elongate core. The push-in earplug also comprises a channel extending through the elongate core from a first end of the elongate core to the second end of the elongate core.

Provided is a composition for a highly elastic extruded foam. The composition includes a peroxide-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer, an organic peroxide, thermo-expandable microspheres, and a silane coupling agent.