Abstract: The extensional viscosity of a styrenic resin is enhanced by increasing the Z+1 average molecular weight (Mz+1) of the resin. In one embodiment, an enhanced extensional viscosity resin is provided that has an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least approximately 745,000 and an extensional viscosity having a minimum value of approximately 360,000 Pascal-seconds (Pa-sec).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments between approximately 1 weight percent and 9 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.0 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 700,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to continuously remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments between approximately 1 weight percent and 9 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.0 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 700,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to continuously remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: The extensional viscosity of a styrenic resin is enhanced by increasing the Z+1 average molecular weight (Mz+1) of the resin. In one embodiment, an enhanced extensional viscosity resin is provided that has an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least approximately 745,000 and an extensional viscosity having a minimum value of approximately 360,000 Pascal-seconds (Pa-sec).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments includes at least approximately 20 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.5 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 685,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: Structural insulation sheathing (SIS), preferably in the form of a panel, comprises a structural facer and an insulation member. The structural facer and insulation members are in intimate, planar contact with one another, both are plastic, and the SIS structure meets both the structural (i.e., ASTM E72) and insulation (R>2) requirements for the North American residential market. The structural facer member of the SIS structure is high-density polyolefin foam. The structural facer comprises a skin/core structure with the skins of a higher density than the core, and the structural facer has a flexural modulus typically of at least about 30,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The insulation member of the SIS is a foamed sheet of thermoplastic, e.g., polyisocyanurate.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic foam sheet comprising contacting a molten monovinylidene aromatic or olefinic polymer with a physical blowing agent to form a polymer/blowing agent mixture, and foaming the mixture into a region of lower pressure within a sheet extrusion line, wherein the extrudate is pulled and compressed to form a thermoplastic foam sheet having a uniform thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic foam sheet comprising contacting a molten monovinylidene aromatic or olefinic polymer with a physical blowing agent to form a polymer/blowing agent mixture, and foaming the mixture into a region of lower pressure within a sheet extrusion line, wherein the extrudate is pulled and compressed to form a thermoplastic foam sheet having a uniform thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic foam sheet comprising contacting a molten monovinylidene aromatic or olefinic polymer with a physical blowing agent to form a polymer/blowing agent mixture, and foaming the mixture into a region of lower pressure within a sheet extrusion line, wherein the extrudate is pulled and compressed to form a thermoplastic foam sheet having a uniform thickness of less than 3 mm.

Abstract: Monovinyl aromatic polymer compositions with high melt strength, good flow and good heat properties which are suitable for fast injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming applications, comprising non-linear monovinyl aromatic polymers and copolymers having comb-type structures with 3 branches, star type structures with 4 to 6 branches, and/or dendritic structures in which the branches themselves have attached branched units. These compositions possess inherent melt strength and can be blow molded or thermoformed without sagging or molded into articles in shorter cycle times using less material than linear monovinyl aromatic polymers and copolymers with the same flow and heat distortion temperatures.

Abstract: An improved polystyrene foam having less corrugation is disclosed which uses carbon dioxide as the blowing agent and 1-30 weight percent endothermic agent, such as water, with the weight based on the total carbon dioxide blowing agent and endothermic agent weight. This combination of carbon dioxide and endothermic agent decreases the corrugation of the thermoplastic foam, while just slightly increasing density, when the process parameters, including throughput, are equivalent to using only carbon dioxide. The process an also allow an increased foaming temperature and greater process throughput of an equivalent density thermoplastic foam at approximately equivalent corrugation levels when compared to the use of only using only carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: A rigid thermoformable packaging material is provided which includes an outer layer of a nonfoamed oriented polystyrene and an inner layer of a functional polymer resin. The laminated packaging material can be produced by either thermal lamination or coextrusion. The packaging material is readily thermoformed into containers for medical or dental products or foods and is heat sealable, tough, resistant to chemicals, and resistant to cracking and tearing during handling by thermoforming equipment.

Abstract: A versatile, space-efficient rotary sheeter including a pair of roll assemblies synchronously driven and rotating at web speed. Each assembly carries cooperating revolving cutter rolls and backup slot rolls staggered on opposed supporting roll assemblies and being readily shiftable, through gearing, between time-controlled operative and inoperative phasing modes for conveniently converting a moving web of roll stock of sheet material into cut segments of selectable lengths. The apparatus is physically fixed in place during operation and operates without any need for an accumulation loop in the moving web. The sheeter is readily adjustable, easily maintained, and has enhanced safety features. It operates over a wide range of adjustable speeds to accommodate web stock of various compositions and thickness.