There is provided a multilayer film comprising a starch layer and at least one other layer. The multilayer film has excellent barrier properties. The starch layer comprises a modified starch having a degree of substitution less than 1.5. Suitable other layers include polyolefins. The multilayer film finds use in packaging, particularly in packaging foodstuffs.

A structure for manufacturing castings, containing an inorganic fiber, a layered clay mineral, and an inorganic particle other than the layered clay mineral and having an organic content of 5 mass % or lower or having a mass loss of 5 mass % or lower when heated at 1000° C. for 30 minutes. The inorganic particle preferably contains one or more selected from obsidian, graphite, and mullite. The inorganic fiber preferably contains carbon fiber. The inorganic fiber preferably has an average length of 0.5 to 15 mm. The layered clay mineral preferably contains one or more selected from bentonite and montmorillonite.

The present invention relates to an intumescent coating composition comprising (a) the reaction product of a tetra-alkoxylorthosilicate or partially condensed oligomer thereof and an epoxy resin containing hydroxyl groups, wherein the alkoxy groups are independently selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy groups (b) one or more spumifics, and (c) one or more metal oxides and/or hydroxides. The intumescent coating composition provides excellent fire performance and char strength. The invention also relates to substrates coated with the intumescent coating composition, and a method of protecting structures from heat/fire.

The present invention provides a covering panel, such as a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, comprising a substrate and optionally a top layer, whereby said substrate comprises a synthetic material and a filler material, whereby said filler material is comprised in an amount from 15 to 75 wt. % based on the total weight of said substrate. In addition, the present invention provides a process of producing such covering panels.

A tire has a material diffusion barrier, and a method produces the same. In an embodiment, a method for producing a material diffusion barrier on a tire comprises exposing a surface of the tire to a cationic solution to produce a cationic layer on the surface. The method further comprises exposing the cationic layer to an anionic solution to produce an anionic layer on the cationic layer, wherein a layer comprises the cationic layer and the anionic layer. The layer comprises the material diffusion barrier.

A tire has a material diffusion barrier, and a method produces the same. In an embodiment, a method for producing a material diffusion barrier on a tire comprises exposing a surface of the tire to a cationic solution to produce a cationic layer on the surface. The method further comprises exposing the cationic layer to an anionic solution to produce an anionic layer on the cationic layer, wherein a layer comprises the cationic layer and the anionic layer. The layer comprises the material diffusion barrier.

Copolymers and latex paint compositions using such copolymers that are heat-age stable and provide good adhesion, block resistance, and hiding all while using lower amounts of pigment are described herein. In one aspect, the heat-age stable compositions include an acrylic, styrene acrylic, vinyl acrylic copolymer or blends thereof including, as additional polymerizable units, at least one polymerizable phosphate surfactant and at least one linear or branched hydrophobic monomer that are both polymerized into the acrylic, styrene acrylic, vinyl acrylic copolymer backbone.

The present invention relates to a flame-retardant polycarbonate composition comprising the following components, relative to the total weight of the composition: A) 30-70 wt. % of at least one aromatic polycarbonate, B) 20-60 wt. % of at least one polysiloxane-polycarbonate block condensate, C) 0.5-5 wt. % of at least one cyclic phosphazene, D) 1-5 wt. % of at least one silicone-acrylate rubber based impact modifier, E) 0.3-3 wt % of kaolin, F) 0.1-1 wt. % of at least one anti-dripping agent, and G) 0.1-1 wt. % of at least one UV absorber. The present invention also relates to a shaped article produced from the composition. The polycarbonate composition according to the present invention has a good combination of low-temperature impact performance, flame-retardancy, hydrolytic stability, anti-UV performance, and heat resistance.

The present invention relates to a flame-retardant polycarbonate composition comprising the following components, relative to the total weight of the composition: A) 30-70 wt. % of at least one aromatic polycarbonate, B) 20-60 wt. % of at least one polysiloxane-polycarbonate block condensate, C) 0.5-5 wt. % of at least one cyclic phosphazene, D) 1-5 wt. % of at least one silicone-acrylate rubber based impact modifier, E) 0.3-3 wt % of kaolin, F) 0.1-1 wt. % of at least one anti-dripping agent, and G) 0.1-1 wt. % of at least one UV absorber. The present invention also relates to a shaped article produced from the composition. The polycarbonate composition according to the present invention has a good combination of low-temperature impact performance, flame-retardancy, hydrolytic stability, anti-UV performance, and heat resistance.

Tires and tire components are provided having improved fire properties, as well as the vulcanizable compositions for making the tires and tire components. A vulcanizable composition is provided that includes at least one vulcanizable polymer, a curative, a halogenated hydrocarbon, and expandable graphite. The tires and tire components have improved properties including one or more of improved flame retardancy, reduced smoke density and/or toxicity, and reduced heat release.