Abstract: This invention is concerned with the production of porous, essentially alkali metal-free amorphous bodies demonstrating excellent thermal insulating properties and being capable of long term use at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C. The bodies exhibit an average pore diameter of between about 100A-10,000A with at least 80% of the pores coming within .+-.20% of the average pore diameter value. The bodies consist essentially, as expressed in weight percent on the oxide basis, of 0.25-5% of an infrared radiation absorbing metal oxide, 1-10% of an infrared radiation scattering metal oxide, and the remainder SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: A printing material composed of an open-cell sponge rubber capable of including therein a colored ink, which does not necessitate a stamp pad for the stamping operation, is disclosed. This printing material is prepared by adding appropriate amounts of soluble starch and a fine powder of an easily water-soluble salt which does not decompose or gasify at a curing temperature to a mixture of a starting rubber, a curing agent and a filler, kneading and milling the mixture, introducing the mixture into a mold, heating the mixture to effect curing, removing said starch and salt by washing, and drying the resulting product.

Abstract: A novel diaphragm suitable for use in electrolytic cells and a novel method of making the diaphragms are provided. The diaphragm according to the invention is characterized in that a reinforcing element is associated with a microporous membrane by integrating it with the anode face of the said membrane. The novel diaphragms are particularly suitable for use in the electrolysis of alkali chlorides.

Abstract: A process for working up thermoplastic synthetic resin material, in particular unsorted thermoplastic synthetic resin waste material into an article having the working and processing properties of wood, and in which the material is subjected to a mixing operation in a housing including a screw member, and is fluidized, moulded, cooled in the mould, and removed from the mould. According to the invention, the synthetic resin material is supplied to an extruder without a screen member and without an extrusion nozzle, and kept therein until there is obtained a material that is fluid owing to temperature increase, and which material contains a gas when it leaves the extruder. The material is then passed into a mould having open ends, one of which is connected to the outlet of the extruder.

Abstract: A method of producing porous tubes and hollow profile structures is characterized by coextruding different materials each through a separate section of a tube-forming extrusion die, one material being pore-forming and producing a porous wall section extending lengthwise of the extruded tube for providing a means of dispersing therethrough a fluid flowing internally of the tube, the other material being non-pore-forming or less pore-forming and producing a non-porous or less porous wall section extending lengthwise of the tube for providing mechanical strength to the tube.Also disclosed are a number of porous tube and hollow profile structures including various arrangements of porous and non-porous wall sections.

Abstract: Foamed, low density polymeric articles have been fabricated from a non-tacky hydrogel obtained by blending normally solid thermoplastic polymer resin with a normally liquid organic solvent and water, at lower molding temperatures and energy requirements than those conventionally used in melt extrusion foam processing.

Abstract: A very low density material is produced by extruding a composition comprising a settable fluid containing long resilient fibres through a narrow die under conditions which cause the extrudate to expand to form an open fibrous structure as it leaves the die, and then causing the fluid to set. This is applicable to both thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. Various coating layers may be applied to provide rigid light-weight panels and shaped articles for various uses including furniture and building applications.

Abstract: A paper like butene-1 polymer sheet material is made by extruding a composition comprising (a) about 20 to 97% by weight of a butene-1 polymer having a molecular weight in excess of about 20,000, an isotacticity of at least about 25% and a butene-1 content of at least about 50% by weight, and (b) about 3 to 80% by weight of at least one normally solid filler insoluble in said polymer, to form a sheet, and stretching said sheet at least about 5% beyond its yield strain. The filler may be organic or inorganic and the sheet is preferably stretched at least about 20% beyond its yield point. The sheet is characterized by a novel surface appearance when scanned in an electron microscope, by dimensional stability and by approximately equal strengths in all directions as evidenced by a maximum tensile strength ratio of about 13:1 in mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: Flame resistant foam plastics of cellulose and kieselguhr or one of several types of mica such as roscoelite, lepidolite, biotite, phlogopite, vermiculite or muscovite where at least 80 percent by weight of the kieselguhr or the mica show grain sizes ranging from 0.4 to 650 microns and where the bulk density of the kieselguhr is less than 0.40 g./cc. and the bulk density of the mica is less than 0.37 g./cc.

Abstract: A molding composition is disclosed for forming in a single step a natural sandwich foam product having a cellular core and a thick, densified outer layer. A hard, particulate filler material such as fly ash is admixed with an unreacted, rigid polyurethane foam system, together with a density distribution control agent such as carbon tetrachloride which lowers the viscosity of the admixture. In molding, the mold cavity is charged with the admixture and the foam reaction is permitted to occur with the mold closed. The resultant, filled foam product has a thick outer layer formed adjacent the mold surface of substantially greater density than its core. In the densified layer, both the polyurethane and filler material components of the resultant product are concentrated to provide over three times the density of the core structure. Formulations are set forth which provide substantial layer thickness and an outer surface having a durometer hardness value of 50 or greater over the entire surface area.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin of cellular structure comprises immersing bundles of filaments of fibrous reinforcing material in a bath containing an emulsion of thermoplastic resin added with a blowing agent, drying the emulsion-impregnated reinforcing filaments, preheating the dried reinforcing filaments, compressing the preheated reinforcing filaments to provide an integrally bonded block of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin, and allowing the block to expand. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin of cellular structure is advantageously employed as a light-weight, high strength construction material.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic materials such as coatings, adhesives and structural bodies are made by a method which offers significant advantages and economies. The method involves the steps of stabilizing a dispersion of gas in a molten thermoplastic material by adding a surfactant to the molten material in a sufficient stabilizing amount and subsequently pressurizing the stabilized dispersion to form a hot solution. Thereafter, the hot solution is dispensed under lower pressure whereby the gas is released from solution to form a foamed material. The method is especially advantageous in making hot melt thermoplastic adhesives which are very useful in bonding substrates with efficiency and superior bond strengths. Continuous and reliable foaming operations are achieved with a uniform quality and output of foamed materials. Thermoplastic materials are also capable of being foamed with relatively simple mechanical apparatus and under conditions which provide considerable savings of energy.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous plastic member useful as a battery separator which comprises(a) forming a coherent dough by mixing a vinyl chloride resin with a plasticizing amount of a first solvent and with finely divided particles of a filler which contains volatilizable constituent releasable therefrom by heating and which shrinks substantially and irreversibly upon release of said volatilizable constituent therefrom, an example of which is hydrated silica;(b) forming the solvent-containing dough into a shaped member;(c) extracting the first solvent from the member before any substantial evaporation of solvent occurs by contacting it with a second solvent in a liquid bath at a temperature substantially below the boiling point of any liquid present, the second solvent being one which is capable of dissolving the first solvent without dissolving the resin and the filler, thereby deplasticizing the member by extractively removing the first solvent from the member; and(d) thereafter heating the member a

Abstract: Lightweight glass fiber reinforced plastic articles are produced in matched dies by combining fibrous reinforcing materials, such as glass fibers, with a foamable unsaturated polyester resin composition. The matched dies are closed and compressed so that the resin composition fills the mold cavity and wets the fibrous reinforcing material. Thereafter the matched dies are separated to increase the volume of the mold cavity by at least 50 percent greater than the closed volume. The matched dies are retained in this relationship until the unsaturated polyester resin composition has cured and expanded to fill the mold cavity. The resulting product has a density less than 67 percent of the density of a corresponding reinforced plastic article fabricated from the same composition (unsaturated polyester resin, fillers and reinforcement), which is not foamed. The unsaturated polyester resin composition preferably includes 0.

Abstract: Flake- or sliver-like porous structures of a polymeric material heavily loaded with a finely divided inorganic substance are prepared by spurting a mixture of the polymeric and finely divided inorganic components in a solvent. The products have many fine, irregular voids. The thickness of walls forming such voids is 5.mu. or less. The products are especially useful for producing sheet-like structures therefrom by beating and/or refining them followed by general paper making procedures. The sheets, when calendered, have a high initial modulus and improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Extruded structural members are produced from polyolefins reclaimed from lead-acid battery cases which heretofore, because they are not biodegradable, have created an ecological problem. Such structural members have an impact strength which nominally is 17% greater than the impact strength structural members formed of corresponding virgin polyolefins.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural foam article having a cellular core, a high density integral skin with fiber reinforcement embedded therein, and exterior facing sheets so as to substantially avoid blistering of the facing sheets, is disclosed. The foam article is prepared by foaming an expandable resin composition between the fiber reinforcing material and facing sheets. The resin has a predetermined viscosity which is a direct function of the porosity of the reinforcing material and an indirect function of the foam initiation time.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member, with a seamless sleeve made of a thin, flexible cellulosic film between the core and the shell.The structural member is prepared by arranging within a mold cavity an outer shell comprising at least one sheet of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers and a core comprising a foamable resin composition while the core is maintained within a seamless sleeve made of a thin, flexible cellulosic film, sealing the mold cavity and activating the foamable resin composition to cause expansion and generate pressure within the mold cavity and thereby provide intimate bonding of the core to the shell.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member with a veiling strip wrapped around said core beneath the innermost or beyond the outermost of the graphite fiber layers, or both.

Abstract: A composition of material suitable for in vivo implantation to provide an environment in which normal tissue growth is fostered which composition is a porous fibrous structure in which the critical surface tension of the fibers is 35 dynes per centimeter or higher. This composition in the preferred form is a porous structure of carbon or graphite fibers bonded together by sintered polytetrafluoroethylene in a manner to expose a maximum amount of fiber surface.Another composition of material suitable for implantation for wear surfaces includes carbon fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene resin and is processed to align the carbon fibers with the wear surfaces. The method of preparing both material includes the step of mixing, filtering, compressing, rolling, sintering and drying. The method of stabilizing appliances or implants includes bonding the ingrowth material to the appliance or implant.

Abstract: A rigid, dimentionally stable, distortion-free article of foamed polyvinyl aromatic resin, having a solid outer skin, is formed by incorporating in a foamable polyvinyl aromatic resin a finely, divided inert solid that has been surface treated to render the solid hydrophobic and then molding the foamable composition under foaming conditions. Foamed polyvinyl aromatic resin articles molded in accordance with the present invention have physical dimensions capable of meeting tolerances in the order of .+-. 0.002 inches and are suitable for use in the manufacture of precision measuring devices and, particularly, frames for level instruments.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member, said core comprising from about 25 to about 75 volume percent of a low density cellular filler material, such as chopped cork, and from zero to about 60 weight percent of a high density weight control material, such as barium sulfate.

Abstract: Stable foams of reaction resins and/or condensation resins can be obtained by adding a blowing agent which is gaseous under normal conditions to the resin under pressure, the gas liquid interface being enlarged while dispensing with moving equipment, allowing the mixture to expand and to cure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of silica-containing particulate materials and monolithic structures exhibiting high porosity with exceptionally uniform pore size. The bodies are produced through gelation of aqueous alkali metal silicate and/or colloidal silica solutions, optionally contaiing dispersed particulate phases, with organic reagents followed by a leaching step. Uniformity of pore size is achieved through careful control of such variables as the ratio of alkali metal silicate to colloidal silica solutions, the concentration of silica, the amount of dispersed phase employed, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a multicellular stretched sheet which comprises melt compounding a thermoplastic matrix polymer and an additive comprising a polymeric or non-polymeric organic compound or a metal salt of an organic acid, forming the blend into a shaped article and stretching the article at a temperature within the normal orientation temperature of the matrix polymer and below the glass-transition temperature of the polymeric additive or below the melting or softening point of the non-polymeric additive.

Abstract: A porous pipe primarily of rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through a pipe extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, along with vinyl, ABS binder, and a trace of attaclay. The resulting product is useful as a subsurface irrigation buried pipe, having high structural integrity effectively resisting soil-loading pipe collapse, and it even resists collapse from moderately large rocks in the soil, and yet has a high degree of flexibility along its length. A pipe is provided with cross sectional area of pipe wall more than twice the cross sectional area of the pipe opening.

Abstract: This invention deals with porous, substantially foam-free composite material of grainy solid material particles of a certain grain size, which is solidified with a binder mixture of isocyanate-group-containing prepolymers, water, and possibly auxiliaries, and the manufacture and application of such products.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building construction and the like wherein side skin sheets of fiber-reinforced polyester are spaced to form a mold cavity to receive a foamable resin composition which, upon curing, is integrally secured to the skin sheets so as to prevent delamination of the skin sheets from the core. The methods of making the side skin sheets and introducing the foamable core composition therebetween provide a structural panel of high strength and durability independent of the size of the panel, with increased core integrity over panels heretofore available.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced foam having a predetermined uniform distribution of fibers throughout the skin and core is prepared by slurrying fibers with a major component of a foamable resin composition, thereafter adding the balance of the components necessary to form a foamable composition and allowing the so formed composition to foam under controlled temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of insulating elements for the walls and ceilings, made from facing layers fitted to a frame. Between the facing layers, a perforated foam-permeable, optionally reinforced, intermediate layer is inserted. One of the two chambers thus formed is subsequently filled with foam. The other chamber is filled with a foam permeated granular material.

Abstract: A method for producing foamed thermoplastic resin profiles with an outer skin layer of increased hardness and an inner foam structure which may be used in place of wooden articles. The outer skin has a smooth surface and a good appearance, and the inner portion enclosed by the skin has a uniform foam structure. Also, with this method an improved foaming efficiency can be obtained.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member with a veiling strip wrapped around said core beneath the innermost or beyond the outermost of the graphite fiber layers, or both.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member, with a seamless sleeve made of a thin, flexible cellulosic film between the core and the shell.The structural member is prepared by arranging within a mold cavity an outer shell comprising at least one sheet of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers and a core comprising a foamable resin composition while the core is maintained within a seamless sleeve made of a thin, flexible cellulosic film, sealing the mold cavity and activating the foamable resin composition to cause expansion and generate pressure within the mold cavity and thereby provide intimate bonding of the core to the shell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing finished and/or irreversibly embossed microporous sheet structures by coagulation of a polyurethane solution, in which prior to the coagulation of the polyurethane solution a finishing agent is mixed into it or a finishing agent is applied to the free surface of the polyurethane solution which has been spread out flat and embossing is then carried out during or shortly after the coagulation or after the washing, but still before the drying, or else the microporous sheet structure obtained and into which the finishing agent has been mixed previously is, after drying, pressed between two plates or passed under pressure between at least two oppositely rotating rolls, at least one of which is highly polished.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for producing cigarette filters comprised of a substantially open-cell foamed thermoplastic polypropylene resin wherein a mixture comprising a thermoplastic polypropylene resin, a volatile blowing agent and a nucleating agent is extruded through a die to produce a strand of foamed resin with the strand then being cut into individual filter elements. The improvement comprises employing as a primary nucleating agent from 0.1 to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the resin, of a particulate compound of a metal selected from Groups IIA, IIIA or IVA of the Mendeleef periodic table of elements together with from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight, based on the weight of the primary nucleating agent, of a synergist consisting of an organic compound having a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group. A particularly effective combination is the use of calcium carbonate as the primary nucleating agent and potassium benzoate as the synergist compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of profile-sections of any shape, including complex shapes, of structural foamed thermo-plastic material, having a density of between 0.4 and 0.9 with respect to the corresponding bulk or solid thermo-plastic material, the said method consisting in slowing-down and/or stopping the expansion at the immediate outlet of a conventional extrusion machine, at predetermined zones by blowing or spraying, in a differential manner at the periphery of the extruded product, a fluid at a temperature lower than the softening temperature of the said thermo-plastic material.

Abstract: Expanded styrene polymer sheet material is produced by extruding expandable and/or general purpose styrene polymer with a conventional blowing agent, a nucleating system and a small amount of finely divided hydrophobic silicon dioxide. The resulting product has very fine, uniformly sized pores and improved flexibility.

Abstract: Expanded styrene polymer sheet material is produced by extruding expandable and/or general purpose styrene polymer with a conventional blowing agent, a nucleating system and small amounts of finely divided hydrophilic silicon dioxide and alkaline earth metal oxide. The resulting product has very fine, uniformly sized pores and improved flexibility.

Abstract: A hard foamed material having a small specific gravity and a high mechanical strength is produced by mixing vinyl chloride resin with a large amount of inorganic powdery substances and a solvent, heating and kneading the resulting mixture in a closed kneader at a given temperature, adding a liquefied butane with a solvent thereto, and heating and foaming the resulting mixture in a mold.

Abstract: A snow ski having a plastic foam core formed in situ between preformed top and bottom subassemblies.

Abstract: Shaped articles comprising a polymeric frame of uniform density having one or more substantially non-foamed skin layers over all, or only a part of, its surface are produced according to the disclosed method which includes forming a foamable mixture of a photopolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated material, such as vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, unsaturated polyester resins or the like, and a foaming agent therefor in a mould, subjecting part or all of the surface of the mixture retained in the mould to radiation of a wavelength such that photopolymerization of the material occurs forming a non-foamed or non-foamable skin layer or layers. The thus treated foamable mixture is then foamed and the ethylenically unsaturated material in the foam is polymerized. Shaped articles so produced having an open shell structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming large fiber-reinforced foamed plastic panels is disclosed. The panels are produced by a process comprising filling a flat mold with freshly mixed foam plastic precursors, including fibrous material for reinforcement of the panels, closing the mold until the plastic precursors have foamed and set, then opening the mold and removing the finished panel. The apparatus comprises a platen mounted for traversing under the dispensing outlet of a mixing device, whereby the platen is filled with foamed plastic precursors, and a press into which the platen travels before the mixture has begun to mold. The press is provided with a novel mechanism for closing the mold by placing a cover on top of the platen before the plastic begins to foam. The same mechanism is adapted to open the mold by lifting the platen cover. Thereafter, the platen is moved in a reverse of its entry movement, returning to its starting position for removal of the finished panel.

Abstract: A strong, expanded moulded panel or board, having a specific gravity between 0.2 and 0.8, is produced by heating dry urea formaldehyde resin containing 4% to 8% volatile materials in a mould at between 130.degree. and 160.degree. C under light restraining pressure between 30 and 300 psi which permits moderate expansion of the resin owing to the gasification of the volatile materials.

Abstract: A novel cloth comprising asbestos fibers, particularly in the form of a micro-porous membrane is provided and a method of obtaining this cloth. It is characterized in that said cloth is obtained by the dry mixing of asbestos fibers and at least one filler or charge substance, then working up by malaxation in the presence of a latex, forming the cloth and, optionally, elimination of the filler substance. The invention is particularly applicable in the production of a micro-porous membrane for use in electrolysis diaphragms.

Abstract: A structural laminate comprises at least one planar facing sheet with a rigid foam attached to one surface of the facing sheet. The rigid foam may be any polymeric material which is capable of being foamed. Distributed substantially evenly throughout the foam is a mat of long straight glass fibers arranged in layers substantially parallel to the facing sheet. The process for producing this structural laminate comprises the steps of contacting a thin, substantially incompressible yet expansible mat of long straight glass fibers with a foam-forming mixture on each face of the mat, and passing the facing sheets having the mat and the foam-forming mixture there between through the nip of two rotating rolls.

Abstract: An expanded polyvinyl chloride foam is prepared by a process characterized by admixing a polyvinyl chloride resin, which is prepared by emulsion copolymerization of a comonomer having an hydroxyl group, or a group capable of producing an hydroxyl group in the molecule under the processing conditions, with a plasticizer, a cross-linking agent, and a chemical blowing agent, introducing the admixture into a mold at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of said resin, and thereafter heating the resulting molded product to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of said resin to effect foam expansion.

Abstract: A method of molding plastics material which comprises the steps of feeding plastics material into an extruder for softening and mixing; extruding the mixed mass in the form of a rod having a diameter of at least 15 mm through an extruder die; charging the extruded mass into a metal mold whose inner walls are provided with grooves to attain the smooth movement of plasticized resin; and compression molding the extruded mass while being plasticized to form a molded product.

Abstract: Foamed thermoset articles are produced by introducing a thermosettable organic resin, a specific class of blowing agents, inorganic particulate filler, and glass fiber in a mold at a given temperature and pressure, and then lowering the mold pressure to a predetermined reduced pressure to cause foaming, and completing the foaming before gelation. The foamed thermoset articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane foams are anchored to themselves or to other compatible thermoplastic materials by the application of pressure and heat to such foams which contain at least 50 parts by weight per 100 parts of polyol in the foam formulation of at least one solid theromplastic resin composition having a particle size greater than 18 mesh (1.0 mm. sieve opening) and no larger than about 21/2 mesh (about 8 mm. sieve opening), preferably in the range of 16 mesh (1.2 mm. sieve opening) to 8 mesh (2.4 mm. sieve opening), in the U.S. Sieve Series.

Abstract: Foam-encapsulated laser fusion targets are fabricated by suspending fusion fuel filled shells in a solution of cellulose acetate, extruding the suspension through a small orifice into a bath of ice water, soaking the thus formed shell containing cellulose acetate gel in the water to extract impurities, freezing the gel, and thereafter freeze-drying wherein water and solvents sublime and the gel structure solidifies into a low-density microcellular foam containing one or more encapsulated fuel-filled shells. The thus formed material is thereafter cut and mounted on a support to provide laser fusion targets containing a fuel-filled shell surrounded by foam having a thickness of 10 to 60 .mu.m, a cell size of less than 2 .mu.m, and density of 0.08 to 0.6.times.10.sup.3 kg/m.sup.3. Various configured foam-encapsulated targets capable of being made by the encapsulation method are illustrated.