The invention relates to multi-layer thermoplastic composites, and in particular composites having fluoropolymer in the outer layer and a thermoplastic substrate layer. The fluoropolymer outer layer may either be a layer comprising a majority, and preferably 100 percent fluoropolymer, or may be a blend of a thermoplastic matrix with fluoropolymer at a level of from 5 to 60 weight percent, based on the total weight of all polymers. Especially useful thermoplastic matrices include acrylic polymers, and styrenic polymers, especially styrenic copolymers such as acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) and styrene/acrylonitrile (SAN). While the fluoropolymer may be any fluoropolymer, thermoplastic fluoropolymers, such as polymers and copolymers of polyvinylidene fluoride are especially useful. The improved flame retardant composite of the invention is especially useful in cap layers over plastic substrates, such as for flame-retardant plastic decking, railings, posts, fencing, siding, roofing, and window profiles.

A method of improving fire retardant properties of a substrate includes providing the substrate with a graphene-based composite, wherein the graphene-based composite includes graphene-based material intercalated with inorganic metal hydrate.

A method of improving fire retardant properties of a substrate includes providing the substrate with a graphene-based composite, wherein the graphene-based composite includes graphene-based material intercalated with inorganic metal hydrate.

A method for producing an asphaltic sheet, the method comprising of providing an asphaltic sheet; and applying expandable graphite particles to the asphaltic sheet.

A method for producing an asphaltic sheet, the method comprising of providing an asphaltic sheet; and applying expandable graphite particles to the asphaltic sheet.

Composite articles comprising a porous prepreg or core layer and a powder coated layer thereon are described. In some instances, a thermoplastic composite article comprises a porous core layer comprising a web of reinforcing fibers held together by a thermoplastic material, and a powder coated layer disposed on the porous core layer, in which a particle size of the powder coated layer is selected to provide an interface between the powder coated layer and the porous core layer, wherein at least 50% by weight of the disposed powder coated layer is present above the interface.

Composite articles comprising a porous prepreg or core layer and a powder coated layer thereon are described. In some instances, a thermoplastic composite article comprises a porous core layer comprising a web of reinforcing fibers held together by a thermoplastic material, and a powder coated layer disposed on the porous core layer, in which a particle size of the powder coated layer is selected to provide an interface between the powder coated layer and the porous core layer, wherein at least 50% by weight of the disposed powder coated layer is present above the interface.

A flame retardant composition comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, as well as a method for preparing a flame retardant comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, is provided. Also provided are methods for making a flame retardant article using the described flame retardant composition. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition is prepared by dissolution of chitosan or a modified chitosan by an aqueous acid, followed by evaporation of the water. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition can further include at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of a polyol, flame retardant, nitrogen containing compound, carbonate containing compound, crosslinking agent, and combinations thereof.

A thermoplastic composition comprises: a copolycarbonate comprising bisphenol A carbonate units and second carbonate units of the formula (I) and optionally, a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate; wherein the second carbonate units are present in an amount of 10 to 49 mol % based on the sum of the moles of the copolycarbonate and the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate, the copolycarbonate comprises less than 2 ppm by weight of each of an ion of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, nitrite, nitrate, phosphite, phosphate, sulfate, formate, acetate, citrate, oxalate, trimethylammonium, and triethylammonium, as measured by ion chromatography, and the thermoplastic composition has a bisphenol A purity of at least 99.6%, or at least 99.7% as determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The thermoplastic composition has a Vicat B120 of 155 C. or higher; and an increase in yellowness index of less than 10 during 1000 hours of heat aging at 155 C. ##STR00001##

Provided is a laminate having a gel layer on a substrate able to protect the substrate during various types of processing used in industrial production steps prior to curing. The gel layer has excellent heat resistance, softness and flexibility, a low modulus of elasticity, low stress, excellent stress buffering properties, and electronic component retention properties. The gel layer has higher shape retention before curing but changing after curing into a hard layer having excellent release properties. The laminate is easily and readily releasable from the substrate even when the cured layer is localized. Applications thereof are also provided (such as an electronic component manufacturing method). The laminate comprises a laminated reaction-curable silicone gel and a sheet-like member laminated via an adhesive layer on top of the reaction-curable silicone gel.