W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Scott A Gore

Guy A Sbriglia

Holly Blake

David T Zador

PLA polymers that can be expanded into microporous articles having a node and fibril microstructure are provided. The fibrils contain PLA polymer chains oriented with the fibril axis. Additionally, the PLA polymers have an inherent viscosity greater than about 3.8 dL/g and a calculated molecular weight greater than about 150,000 g/mol. The PLA polymer article may be formed by bulk polymerization where the PLA bulk polymer is made into a preform that is subsequently expanded at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and below the melting point of the PLA polymer. In an alternate embodiment, a PLA polymer powder is lubricated, the lubricated polymer is subjected to pressure and compression to form a preform, and the preform is expanded to form a microporous article. Both the preform and the microporous article are formed at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and below the melting point of the PLA polymer.

Process for producing articles formed from polylactic acid and articles made therefrom

A new class of solid solvents selected from adipamides, bisacetamides, biscarbamates, and dibenzamides has been found effective to reduce the melt viscosity of certain block copolymers while not substantially adversely affecting the mechanical properties of the block copolymer when both block copolymer and solid solvent are below their melt temperature. The block copolymers can be polyether-polyurethane block copolymers, polyester-polyurethane block copolymers, polyester-polyether block copolymers, polyamide polyether, or polyamide polyester. The combination is especially useful as an adhesive, as the adhesive component for fabric laminates or as the adhesive for seam sealing tapes.

Combination of a solid solvent and a melt-processible block copolymer

A waterproof shoe gasket insole strip comprising a stiff textile material gasket sheet coated with a selected thermoplastic polymer. The insole gasket is located between the insole and the outer sole. Due to its stiff, but flexible nature, it is easy to apply during lasting procedures.

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Newark, DE, United States of America

Scott A Gore