Making a MAX phase material having a composition represented by V.sub.2PC includes combining a transition metal component, a phosphorus component, and a carbon component to yield a mixture, heating the mixture to yield a gel, and heating the gel to yield the MAX phase material. wherein the MAX material has a composition represented by V.sub.2PC. The transition metal component includes vanadium, the phosphorus component includes phosphoric acid, and the carbon component includes an organic compound. The MAX phase material can be in the form of a film, microsphere, or microwire.

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) four panels, each panel formed from a flexible multilayer film. The flexible multilayer film is composed of one or more polymeric materials. The four panels form (i) a body, and (ii) a neck. The flexible container includes (B) a fitment. The fitment includes a top portion and a base. The base is composed of a polymeric material. The base is sealed in the neck. The flexible container includes (C) a sleeve and bag-on-valve assembly, or SBoV. The SBoV includes a valve seat, a bladder, and an elastic sleeve. (D) The bladder and the elastic sleeve are inserted through the fitment and are located in the body. (E) The valve seat is attached to the fitment.

The present invention relates to a resin composition comprising: 50 to 98 parts by mass of modified starch (A); 2 to 50 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol (B); and 0.01 to 0.15 part by mass of a compound represented by formula (1):

##STR00001## or a salt thereof (C), in which the total content of the components (A), (B) and (C) is 100 parts by mass, and the average amylose content in the modified starch (A) is 50% by mass or more.

A film formed from a water-soluble polymer matrix containing a fragrance is provided. The film is water-sensitive so that upon contact with a sufficient amount of water, the matrix loses its integrity to increasingly expose the fragrance to the ambient environment for releasing its odor. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the matrix is achieved by controlling the nature of the fragrance and polymer, the manner in which the matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the polymer to avoid the costly, time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch. Furthermore, to balance the fragrance's ability to release the desired odor during use while minimizing the premature exhaustion of the odor during processing, the fragrance has a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) of from about 125 C. to about 350 C.

Extruded starch compositions and methods for their preparation are provided. The compositions possess a high degree of cook which imparts particular viscosity characteristics. The compositions may be formed into films having advantageous properties such as low haze, high strength and high gas barrier. The starch compositions find use in a wide range of applications, particularly, but not exclusively, in the manufacture of thin films for packaging.