A novel method for making decorative structures, specifically for use as writing instruments composed of a novel material composition that scatters and reflects light to exhibit a particular visual effect, i.e. a glitter effect. The composition is made of one or a combination of a number of different resins combined with a mica dust and/or a diamond dust. The resin is an organic compound and in composed partially or entirely from epoxide, polyester and/or polyurethane. Other additives can be added to the resin to enhance the visual effect including ground glass and dyes or pigments.

A braided thermoplastic ribbon is disclosed having fully impregnated filaments. The ribbon is formed by a thermoplastic prepreg having a plurality of continuous fibers that are substantially oriented in a longitudinal direction, the continuous fibers constituting from about 30 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the prepreg, a first resinous matrix that contains a first set of one or more thermoplastic polymers and within which the continuous fibers are embedded, wherein the thermoplastic polymers constitute from about 30 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the prepreg, and a second resinous matrix that contains a second set of one or more thermoplastic polymers, wherein the second set of thermoplastic polymers constitute from about 30 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the prepreg.

A consumable material for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the consumable material comprising a length and a cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the length that is axially asymmetric. The cross-sectional profile is configured to provide a response time with a non-cylindrical liquefier of the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system that is faster than a response time achievable with a cylindrical filament in a cylindrical liquefier for a same thermally limited, maximum volumetric flow rate.

Compositions comprising a fiber component, optionally a dispersing agent operable to disperse the fiber component to create a fiber matrix, a starch component distributed essentially throughout the fiber matrix, and a filler component are disclosed. Methods of forming articles such as containers and packages from such compositions are also disclosed.

A medical device includes an inflatable balloon having an axial length with a wall located along the axial length having an interior surface and an exterior surface that defines a wall thickness there between. At least a portion of the wall is formed of a nanoplatelet composite material that includes a polymeric matrix and one or more platelet nanofillers. The platelet nanofillers are aligned in a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern allows the platelet nanofillers to extend in at least two directions ranging from the nanofillers being circumferentially-oriented to axially-oriented relative to the axial length of the inflatable balloon.

Provided is a thermoplastic resin film having at least one of film surfaces being excellent in printability, having sufficiently low internal haze, and exhibiting a favorable matte appearance. A thermoplastic resin film according to the present invention composed of a thermoplastic resin composition (C) including at least one kind of a thermoplastic resin (R) and fine particles (P) having a volume average particle diameter of 0.5 to 15 m and a refractive index different from that of the thermoplastic resin (R) by 0.02 or more.

At least one of film surfaces satisfies formulas (1) and (2).

G.sub.L60(1),

G.sub.L35G.sub.HG.sub.L10(2)

(In the formulas (1) and (2), G.sub.L is 60 gloss (%) at 20 C., G.sub.H is 60 gloss (%) when the thermoplastic resin film is heated at a temperature 10 C. higher than a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin composition (C) for 30 minutes, then cooled to 20 C.)

A method of manufacturing a mixture of synthetic resin and weight body material added to increase the weight of the mixture is disclosed. The method includes a first step of introducing synthetic resin and weight body material into the mixer, a second step of mixing the synthetic resin and the weight body material in the mixer, a third step of discharging a fixed amount of the mixture of synthetic resin and weight body material, mixed in the mixer, a fourth step of melting the synthetic resin discharged from the mixer, a fifth step of molding the molten synthetic resin and the weight body material into a finished product using the injector, in which the mold is mounted, and a sixth step of cooling the finished product. The method is configured to perform injection molding using environmentally friendly materials and regenerated energy resources, whereby production time is reduced compared to a conventional mortar injection and extrusion type injection method while improving productivity. In addition, the manufacturing process is simplified, thereby reducing labor costs. Furthermore, the defect rate is reduced, thereby improving quality. Moreover, poorly processed materials are pulverized for reuse, thereby reducing waste treatment costs and the consumption of raw materials and thus improving price competitiveness.

A foam sheet includes a polylactic acid resin composition that includes a polylactic acid resin and inorganic particles. The polylactic acid resin includes 98 mol % or greater of D-lactic acid or L-lactic acid that is a constituent monomer unit of the polylactic acid resin. An amount of the polylactic acid resin is 98% by mass or greater relative to a total amount of organic matter of the foam sheet. The inorganic particles include grains of sheet silicate. The grains of the sheet silicate have a mean volume diameter of 10 ?m or greater and 200 ?m or less, and an aspect ratio of 10 or greater and 100 or less. An amount of the grains of the sheet silicate in the foam sheet is 2% by mass or less.

A method of manufacturing an ultrasound probe includes: forming a probe body; forming a coating portion by applying a liquid containing a resin component as a main component and a filler to a predetermined region on an outer surface of the probe body and heating the liquid; and forming a mold portion by placing the probe body on which the coating portion is formed in a die and pouring a resin containing a same component as the resin component serving as the main component of the coating portion in the die.

The present invention relates to a pellet of a liquid crystal polyester resin composition containing a liquid crystal polyester resin and an inorganic filler, said pellet being characterized in that if the horizontal Feret's diameter of a rectangle circumscribed about a projected image of the front of the pellet is taken as the length of the long side of the rectangle and the vertical Feret's length is taken as the length of the short side of the rectangle, the length of the long side of the rectangle is from 3 mm to 4 mm (inclusive) and the area ratio of the area S of the projected image to the area S0 of the rectangle, namely S/S0 is from 0.55 to 0.70 (inclusive).