Abstract: A breathable multilayer spun bonded polypropylene membrane having a coated pressure sensitive adhesive capable of allowing air and moisture vapor to pass through it. The adhesive is formed of a copolymer comprising a backbone of n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate which is mixed with a surfactant and emulsified to produce bubbles which form pores when the copolymer is set with about 80% to about 90% of the pore sizes ranging from about 200 microns to about 300 microns and a pore density in the cured pressure sensitive adhesive ranging from about 4200 per inch2 to about 4600 per inch2, said pores being uniformly distributed to form a flow path through the adhesive.

Abstract: A flexible hose for transporting a fluid, particularly a flexible garden hose for transporting water, includes an inner layer made of a first elastic polymeric material; an outer layer made of a second elastic polymeric material; and a textile reinforcement layer interposed therebetween. The inner and outer layers are reciprocally coupled to form a unitary tubular member, internally to which the textile reinforcement layer is embedded. The elasticity of the unitary tubular member causes it to automatically enlarge under the working pressure given by the liquid flowing therethrough to increase its original diameter and to automatically recover to assume again its original diameter once the working pressure stops. The textile reinforcement layer is susceptible to move from a rest configuration, when there is no working pressure, to a working configuration, when the unitary tubular member enlarges upon under the working pressure.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymer mould-free stereostructure foamed product from supercritical fluid, containing a supercritical fluid delivery system, a stereoscopic foaming system and a preheating system, and has the following steps: performing pressure molding on a polymer material to obtain a foaming preform, then preheating the foaming preform in the preheating system, delivering the foaming preform to the stereoscopic foaming system after a temperature rises to a preheating temperature, introducing the supercritical fluid, and decompressing after the supercritical fluid is swelled and diffused to the polymer. The polymer is swelled using high-temperature medium-pressure supercritical fluid by utilizing a one-step method in a stereoscopic foaming tank and then subjected to free mould-free stereoscopic pressure-relief form molding, so as to obtain a polymer microcellular foamed product with controllable product shape, size precision, pore fineness and product density.

Abstract: Mineral-filled polymer compositions and methods of forming such polymer compositions into a thermally stable article are provided. Methods of forming a polymeric article include providing a polymer composition comprising a crystallizable polymer, a mineral filler in an amount of more than about 15 wt-% based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and an impact modifier, wherein the polymer composition is at a temperature less than a crystallization temperature of the crystallizable polymer. The methods further include disposing the polymer composition in a mold, forming the polymer composition into an article within the mold, and releasing the article from the mold. The methods can include thermoforming the polymer composition in a mold, or injection molding the polymer composition in a molten form in a mold.

Abstract: An ultra violet stable polyester membrane with a polyacrylic coating on one side and a coated pressure sensitive adhesive coating on its other side capable of allowing water vapor to pass through it. The pressure sensitive adhesive is formed of a copolymer comprising a backbone of n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate which is mixed with at least one surfactant and emulsified to produce air bubbles which form pores when the copolymer is set with about 80% to about 90% of the pore sizes ranging from about 200 microns to about 300 microns and being uniformly distributed to form a flow path through the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process used to produce open-cell and extremely fine-cell PUR/PIR rigid foams, said process using a polyol formulation comprising a specific isocyanate-reactive component, a catalyst component having zerewitinoff-active hydrogens and a cell-opener component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of expanded thermoplastic elastomer, said process comprising the steps of: (e) adding monomers and/or oligomers used for producing the thermoplastic elastomer with or without further starting materials into a first stage of a polymer-processing machine, (f) mixing the monomers and/or oligomers and also the optionally added further starting materials and reacting the monomers and/or oligomers to give a polymer melt in the first stage of the polymer-processing machine, (g) passing the polymer melt into a second stage of a polymer-processing machine and adding a physical blowing agent with or without further starting materials to obtain a polymer melt comprising a blowing agent, (h) molding the polymer melt comprising a blowing agent into an expanded thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A process for producing foamed thermoplastic polyurethane particles comprises the steps of a) melting a thermoplastic polyurethane in a first extruder (E1), b) injecting a gaseous blowing agent in a second extruder (E2), c) impregnating the gaseous blowing agent homogeneously into the thermoplastic polyurethane melt in a third extruder (E3), d) extruding the impregnated thermoplastic polyurethane melt through a die plate and granulating the melt in an underwater granulation device under temperature and pressure conditions to form foamed thermoplastic polyurethane particles.

Abstract: Molded polymer foam articles are described as having a novel a foam structure. The polymer foam articles include a continuous polymer matrix defining a plurality of pneumatoceles therein which is present throughout the entirety of the article, including in the surface region extending 500 microns beneath the surface of the article. The surface region is further characterized as having compressed pneumatoceles. The novel foam structure is achieved even when molding polymer foam articles comprising a thickness of more than 2 cm, a volume of more than 1000 cm3; or both a volume of more than 1000 cm3 and a thickness of more than 2 cm. Methods of making the molded polymer foam articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-shock pad, which includes: a board-shaped compound material structure, manufactured by mixing a composition and foam molding the composition, wherein the composition comprises: a main substrate, having a proportion of 50 wt % to 80 wt % of total weight of the composition, comprising: a vinyl acetate; and an ethylene-vinyl acetate; a secondary substrate, having a proportion of 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the total weight of the composition, comprising: a polyethylene; a styrene butadiene rubber; and a thermoplastic elastomer; and an additive, having a proportion of 1 wt % to 20 wt % of the total weight of the composition; wherein a density of the anti-shock pad is between 0.20 and 0.50, and a foaming ratio of the anti-shock pad is between 20 and 40. The present invention is also related to a method of manufacturing the anti-shock pad.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coloured and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (coloured ETPU) material which comprises the following steps: a) providing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and at least one gaseous fluid wherein the melting temperature of the TPU material is above the supercritical temperature of the at least one gaseous fluid b) placing the TPU material in an autoclave together with a colorant and/or a fluorescent whitening agent (FWA), wherein the colorant is selected from at least one of a disperse dye, an acid dye and a pigment; c) increasing the pressure in the autoclave by introducing the at least one gaseous fluid at a temperature below the melting point of the TPU material and at least above the supercritical temperature of the at least one gaseous fluid at the applied pressure (saturation step); and d) allowing the non-expanded TPU material to saturate; and e) decreasing the pressure in the autoclave down to ambient pressure at a temperature between the melting temperatur

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold comprising a stationary outer mold with a substantially tubular mold cavity, a moveable end mold with an end mold cavity alignable with the tubular mold cavity, and a stationary elongated mold core with a fluid channel therethrough, the mold core extending through the tubular cavity into the end mold cavity. A method of using the apparatus includes injecting a molding material at a material flow rate into the mold, moving the end mold at a speed in a linear direction from a first position to a second position, supplying a fluid at a fluid flow rate to the fluid channel, and varying at least one of the material flow rate, the end mold speed and the fluid flow rate as the end mold moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Aspects hereof provide methods for molding a single-phase solution comprised of a polymer composition and a gas. The polymer composition and the gas are maintained under pressure during the molding operation to prevent a cellular structure from being formed by the dissolved gas in the polymer composition coming out of solution. The mold cavity in which the single-phase solution is introduced for molding purposes is pressurized to a mold pressure that is sufficient to maintain the single-phase solution as a single-phase solution as the mold cavity is filled. Subsequent to filling the mold cavity with the single-phase solution under pressure, the resulting article may solidify entrapping the compressed gas, or the article may be exposed to a reduction in pressure causing the entrapped gas to form a cellular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compositions-of-matter comprising a cross-linked polymer, the cross-linked polymer comprising a plurality of resilin polypeptide moieties, and at least one polymeric moiety covalently cross-linked to a plurality of the resilin polypeptide moieties via at least one cross-linking moiety, the cross-linking moiety being devoid of a biphenyl moiety. Further disclosed herein is a process for preparing the composition-of-matter, a composite material comprising the composition-of-matter and at least one additional polymeric substance bound to the cross-linked polymer, an article-of-manufacturing comprising the composition-of-matter and/or composite material, and a method of treating tissue damage or loss by implanting said article-of-manufacturing in a subject.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tufted surface covering includes incorporating tuft fiber into a backing to form the tufted surface covering, wherein the tufted surface covering includes an underside and a pile surface; coating the underside with a colloidal latex coating, wherein the colloidal latex coating has an exposed surface; wetting the exposed surface with an anti-blistering agent; and heating at least the underside to cure the colloidal latex coating into a solid latex coating.

Abstract: A gas mixing apparatus includes: a discharge port of gas provided near conduit space through which the high-viscosity material can flow; a piston pump including a cylinder that can communicate with the conduit space through the discharge port, a piston arranged inside the cylinder, and a drive device for moving the piston between a top dead center and a bottom dead center inside the cylinder; a discharge valve that opens and closes the discharge port; and a suction valve that opens and closes a suction port of the gas into a cylinder space, in which the cylinder forms the cylinder space having a predetermined volume when the piston is located at the top dead center, and in which a tip of the piston approaches the discharge port when the piston is moved toward the bottom dead center.

Abstract: There is provided a method which includes: plasticizing and melting a thermoplastic resin to provide a molten resin in a plasticization zone of a plasticizing cylinder; allowing the molten resin to be in a starved state in a starvation zone of the plasticizing cylinder; introducing a pressurized fluid containing a physical foaming agent having a fixed pressure into the starvation zone to retain the starvation zone at the fixed pressure; bringing the molten resin in the starved state in contact with the pressurized fluid containing the physical foaming agent having the fixed pressure in the starvation zone in a state in which the starvation zone is retained at the fixed pressure; and molding the molten resin having been brought in contact with the pressurized fluid containing the physical foaming agent into the foam-molded product.

Abstract: Provided is a core material of a seat cushion for a vehicle. The core material includes: a thermoplastic resin expanded beads molded article 2 that has a substantially rectangular shape in a top view, the rectangular shape having a long side and a short side; and an annular reinforcing member 3 that is insert-molded in the peripheral edge part of the expanded beads molded article. A missing part 4 is formed in the expanded beads molded article, the missing part passing through in the thickness direction. A slit 7 is formed in at least one corner of the lightening part, the slit being oriented outward from the expanded beads molded article from the vicinity of the corner part.

Abstract: A constituent for producing a shock-absorbing composite material comprises 50-80 wt % primary matrix including vinyl acetate; ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer; 10-40 wt % secondary matrix including polyethylene; styrene-butadiene rubber; a thermoplastic elastomer; and 1-20 wt % additive. A shock-absorbing composite material which contains the constituent and a production method thereof are further introduced. The shock-absorbing composite material is applicable to sports equipment (say, shoe pads, clubs and rackets), medical care (say, care-oriented clothes for the elderly, the sick, the injured, and the handicapped), and applications related to impact protection (say, helmets and bumpers.) The shock-absorbing composite material is applied to defense industry.

Abstract: A foamable aqueous composition can be used to form foamed, opacifying elements. These compositions have: (a) 0.5 to 20 weight % of porous particles having a continuous polymeric phase and discrete pores dispersed therein. The porous particles have a mode particle size of 2 to 50 ?m; (b) at least 20 weight % of a binder material; (c) 0.1 to 30 weight % of additives including dispersants, plasticizers, inorganic or organic pigments and dyes, thickeners, flame retardants, biocides, fungicides, optical brighteners, tinting colorants, metal flakes, and inorganic or organic fillers; (d) water; and (e) at least 0.001 weight % of an opacifying colorant different from (c). The foamable aqueous composition is suitably aerated, disposed on a porous substrate, dried, and crushed on the porous substrate. The method can be used to provide such elements with one or more dry foamed layers.

Abstract: A cable core includes: an internal conductor; a foamed dielectric that includes a fluororesin and is formed on the internal conductor by extrusion molding; and a skin layer that covers the foamed dielectric, and is configured such that a foaming rate of the foamed dielectric is 80% or more, an average foamed cell diameter of the foamed dielectric is 10 ?m or less, and a standard deviation of a foamed cell diameter of the foamed dielectric is 2.5 or less.

Abstract: Sound damping structures and methods for additively manufacturing composite structures having sound damping properties. In some embodiments, sound damping structures may be manufactured according to methods that may include selecting a desired sound damping geometry, inputting a three-dimensional computer-aided design model of the geometry into an additive manufacturing machine, and additively manufacturing a three-dimensional sound damping structure corresponding to the computer-aided design model.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a polymer, comprising: a chamber having a predetermined pressure and storing a molten polymer resin; a foaming agent injection portion connected to the chamber and supplying a foaming agent, which is supplied from the outside, into the chamber by forming a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure inside the chamber; and a polymer backflow prevention portion provided at the foaming agent injection portion, and through which the supplied foaming agent passes so as to increase a contact surface area with the polymer resin, thereby preventing the backflow of the polymer resin.

Abstract: Rigid foam insulating products and processes for making such insulation products are disclosed. The foam products are formed from a polymer, a blowing agent, and nano-graphite. The nano-graphite has a size in at least one dimension less than about 100 nm and, in exemplary embodiments may be an intercalated, expanded nano-graphite. In addition, the nano-graphite may include a plurality of nanosheets having a thickness between about 10 to about 100 nanometers. The nano-graphite acts as a process additive to improve the physical properties of the foam product, such as thermal insulation and compressive strength. In addition, the nano-graphite in the foam controls cell morphology and acts as a nucleating agent in the foaming process. Further, the nano-graphite exhibits overall compound effects on foam properties including improved insulating value (increased R-value) for a given thickness and density and improved ultraviolet (UV) stability.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polylactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of expanded pellets from a polymer melt comprising a blowing agent, said process comprising the steps of: a) pressing the polymer melt comprising a blowing agent through a perforated disk controlled to a temperature between 150° C. and 280° C. and into a pelletizing chamber, b) using a cutting device to comminute the polymer melt pressed through the temperature-controlled perforated disk into individual expanding pellets, c) discharging the pellets from the pelletizing chamber using a liquid stream, wherein the blowing agent comprises CO2 or N2 or a combination of CO2 and N2 and the pelletizing chamber is traversed by a stream of liquid which is controlled to a temperature between 10° C. and 60° C. and the pressure of which is from 0.

Abstract: A method for providing a foamed, opacifying element includes providing a foamable aqueous composition, aerating it to a foam density of 0.1-0.5 g/cm3, applying the foamed aqueous composition to a porous substrate, drying, and densifying the dried layer. Such foamable aqueous compositions have 0.05-15 weight % of porous particles; at least 20 weight % of a binder; at least 0.0001 weight % of additives (including a surfactant); water; and at least 0.001 weight % of an opacifying colorant. Each porous particle includes a continuous polymeric phase and discrete pores; a mode particle size of 2-50 ?m; and a porosity of 20-70 volume %. The continuous polymeric phase Tg is >80° C. and has a polymer viscosity of 80-500 centipoises at an ethyl acetate shear rate of 100 sec?1 at a concentration of 20 weight % at 25° C.

Abstract: A formulation includes a polymeric material, a nucleating agent, and a surface active agent. The formulation can be used to form an insulated container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a haemostatic material comprising a carrier layer and a material for wound contact comprising at least one haemostat in particulate, granular, powder, flake or short fibrous form. Such a haemostatic material is useful, for example, in reducing or stopping bleeding of a physiological target site in a person or animal, and can also be used to stem bleeding during medical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyolefin resin particles that are capable of producing expanded polyolefin resin beads having a favorable fine cell structure, expanded polyolefin resin beads that suffer less volume shrinkage under a high temperature environment and are excellent in recovery property on repeated compression, and a method for producing the expanded beads. The polyolefin resin particles of the present invention have a peak temperature (T1) of a melting peak on first heating in a DSC curve obtained by heating the resin particles from 20° C. to 200° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./min that is higher by 1.5° C. or more than a peak temperature (T2) of a melting peak on second heating in a DSC curve obtained by, subsequent to the first heating, cooling the resin particles from 200° C. to 20° C. at a cooling rate of 10° C./min, and then heating the resin particles from 20° C. to 200° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./min.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermal insulation. In particular, the invention describes superinsulation articles having a desired porosity, reduced pore size and cost-effective methods for manufacturing such articles. In one aspect of the present invention, the article may comprise a material system with at least about 20% porosity. In a further aspect of the invention, an article may comprise greater than about 25% of nanopores having a pore size no greater than about 1500 nanometers in its shortest axis.

Abstract: A plastication unit for an injection molding machine, combining a heated plastication barrel with an entrance port and an exit port on opposing ends of the barrel; a hopper positioned to deliver ingredients to be compounded for injection molding to the entrance port of the barrel; and a helical plastication screw rotatably carried within the barrel and running the length of the barrel between the entrance and exit ports, which is operable to rotate and transmit the ingredients along the length of the barrel; wherein the plastication screw has at least one axial fluted extensional mixing element segment and the ingredients include at least one polymer for injection molding. Methods for injection molding with the plastication unit of the present invention and articles formed by the inventive methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foamed article is made by infusing the article of thermoplastic elastomer with a supercritical fluid, then removing the article from the supercritical fluid and either (i) immersing the article in a heated fluid or (ii) irradiating the article with infrared or microwave radiation.

Abstract: Pellets, beads, particles, or other pieces of a thermoplastic elastomer having a maximum size in at least one dimension of 10 mm or less (collectively, “pellets”) are infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid or with infrared or microwave radiation to foam the pellets The pellets are prepared with at least two different densities. Pellets with different densities, thermoplastic elastomer compositions, or foam response rates are placed in different areas of a mold. The mold is filled with pellets, then the pellets are molded into a part. The part has areas of different density as a result of the placement of pellets of different density.

Abstract: A kneading apparatus for a thermoplastic resin, includes: a plasticizing cylinder which has a high pressure kneading zone and a pressure reduction zone; a screw in the plasticizing cylinder; a downstream side seal mechanism which shuts off communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone; and a pressure reduction zone pressure adjusting mechanism which is connected to the pressure reduction zone and which controls a pressure of the pressure reduction zone so that the pressure is not less than an atmospheric pressure and the pressure is not more than a maximum pressure of the high pressure kneading zone that is achieved when kneading a molten resin with a pressurized fluid, when the downstream side seal mechanism shuts off the communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a blow-molded foam which has homogeneous foamed cells in size, is light in weight, and is excellent in surface smoothness, and a process for producing the same. The invention is directed to a blow-molded foam 1 having a wall portion formed in such a manner that a thermoplastic resin containing a foaming agent mixed therewith is subjected to blow molding. Herein, the wall portion has a closed cell structure in which a plurality of foamed cells are contained. The wall portion has an expansion ratio of not less than 2.0 times. The wall portion has an outer face having a center-line average surface roughness Ra of less than 9.0 ?m. The foamed cell has a cell diameter having a standard deviation of less than 40 ?m in a thickness direction of the wall portion.

Abstract: A resin foam having excellent dustproofness not only at ordinary temperatures but also particularly at high temperatures as well as having excellent flexibility. The resin foam has a thickness recovery ratio at high temperatures as defined below of not less than 25%, an average cell diameter of 10 to 200 ?m, and a maximum cell diameter of not more than 300 ?m, wherein the thickness recovery ratio at high temperatures is defined as follows: a resin foam in a sheet form is compressed, in an atmosphere of 80° C., for 22 hours in a thickness direction so as to have a thickness of 20% of the initial thickness; then, the compression state is released in an atmosphere of 23° C.; and a ratio of a thickness 24 hours after the release of the compression state to the initial thickness is defined as the thickness recovery ratio at high temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches a 3D printer in combination with one or more additional dispensing nozzles. One or more additional dispensing nozzles are combined with the 3D for filling cavities with other compounds such as foam, sterilizing parts by spraying printed mold with disinfectant or antibacterial treatments, and embedding parts or other materials such as paper, fiberglass, or carbon fiber within the printing layers for additional strength and changing mold properties of a final product. In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with a robotic packaging mechanism for bagging sterilized parts for shipment.

Abstract: A kneading apparatus for a thermoplastic resin, includes: a plasticizing cylinder which has a high pressure kneading zone and a pressure reduction zone; a screw in the plasticizing cylinder; a downstream side seal mechanism which shuts off communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone; and a pressure reduction zone pressure adjusting mechanism which is connected to the pressure reduction zone and which controls a pressure of the pressure reduction zone so that the pressure is not less than an atmospheric pressure and the pressure is not more than a maximum pressure of the high pressure kneading zone that is achieved when kneading a molten resin with a pressurized fluid, when the downstream side seal mechanism shuts off the communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing sustainable products with a blown, foam structure, wherein a mass comprising at least natural polymers such as starch is passed under pressure into a mould cavity (4) or through a mould die, and the mass is heated in the mould in a manner such as to stabilize the foamed structure to form the product, wherein the method comprises prefoaming of the mass prior to injection in the mould. Preferably, the prefoamed mass is kept under pressure until insertion in the mould. The invention further relates to an apparatus to be used in said method.

Abstract: A method for infusing gas into a thermoplastic material includes positioning a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a vertical or substantially vertical position; positioning a sheet of a gas-permeable material into a vertical or substantially vertical position; and winding together the positioned sheet of thermoplastic material sheet and the positioned sheet of gas-permeable material to form a roll of the thermoplastic material interleaved with the gas-permeable material, the interleaved roll having a longitudinal axis oriented in a vertical or substantially vertical position. The method also includes exposing the interleaved roll to an atmosphere of a gas pressurized to infuse the thermoplastic material with the gas, while the longitudinal axis of the interleaved roll is oriented in a vertical or substantially vertical position; and then unwinding the gas-infused interleaved roll, while the longitudinal axis of the interleaved roll remains in a vertical or substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic dielectric having a plurality of holes and a plastic dielectric manufactured thereby. The method for manufacturing a plastic dielectric includes the steps of: (a) injecting a plastic material into an airtight container; (b) injecting inert gas into the airtight container at pressure of 5 to 9 MPa; (c) maintaining the temperature inside the airtight container at 20 to 50° C.; (d) leaving the airtight container for a predetermined period till an amount of inert gas dissolved in the plastic material becomes 6% wt or more and drawing the plastic material out of the airtight container; and (e) heating the plastic material at temperature of 40 to 110° C.

Abstract: The invention is a depositing device for depositing flowable food containing gas comprising a pressurized feed N line conveying flowable food containing gas under pressure into the food; piston means operatively connected to the feed line comprising a piston and a chamber; an outlet to deliver food at the atmospheric pressure into moulds. The device comprises a pressure retaining means arranged to retain the product in the chamber at the same pressure as the line pressure and to deliver the product through the outlet as pressure in the chamber increases from the line pressure upon descent of the piston in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injection molding a foamed product. A short shot of formable resin is injected into a cavity (124) defined by respective inner surfaces (134,136) of a plurality of molding plates (120,122) at an amount less than a volume of the cavity (124), the resin comprising a chemical foaming agent. The injected resin is allowed to foam for a predetermined period of time, during which the injected foamable resin foams and expands to substantially fill the cavity (124) and a portion of an outer surface face of the foamable resin contacts the respective inner surfaces (134,136) of the molding plates (120,122). Pressurized gas is injected into the cavity (124) after the predetermined time has elapsed to urge the skinned outer surface of the foamed resin against the inner surfaces (134,136) of the molding plates (120,122).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous manganese oxide-based lithium absorbent and a method for preparing the same. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture by mixing a reactant for the synthesis of a lithium-manganese oxide precursor powder with an inorganic binder, molding the mixture, preparing a porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by heat-treating the molded mixture, and acid-treating the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body such that lithium ions of the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor are exchanged with hydrogen ions, wherein pores are formed in the lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by gas generated in the heat treatment. The porous manganese oxide-based lithium adsorbent according to the present invention is easy to handle and has many more adsorption reaction sites compared to existing molded adsorbents, thus providing high lithium adsorption efficiency.

Abstract: A method for making a shapeable article from poly(lactic acid) includes treating solid poly(lactic acid) that results in the solid poly(lactic acid) having a crystallinity of at least 20% by weight based on the weight of the solid poly(lactic acid) and a gas concentration of 6% to 16% by weight based on the weight of the solid poly(lactic acid); and heating the solid poly(lactic acid) having said minimum crystallinity and gas concentration to produce a cellular poly(lactic acid) article that is shapeable. The shapeable cellular poly(lactic acid) article is advantageous in that the article can be further shaped by heat and/or pressure (or vacuum), such as via thermoforming, into a variety of useful products.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for generating, processing, handling and forming plastic materials into an end product such as, but not limited to, consumables and packaging. The plastic materials are made into preforms or preform sheets, which in turn may be selectively masked to expose desired regions of the same for a saturation process, a heating process, or both. In addition, the various processes may be sufficiently controlled to obtain a desired micro-structure, and in turn obtain desired mechanical, structural, and aesthetic properties in the end product. By way of example, an embodiment of the present invention results in consumable, plastic cups that are lighter weight and more structurally robust less than conventional plastic cups. Further to one or more embodiments of the present invention, various systems for material handling may be utilized to efficiently, timely and cost effectively produce the preforms.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a composite fan inlet housing are disclosed. The methods include inserting a first piece of composite material and a second piece of composite material into a molding tool, inserting an inflatable bladder between the first piece and the second piece, and pressurizing the inflatable bladder to a curing pressure for a length of time sufficient to allow the first piece and second piece to cure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method for making a polymer article comprises: orienting polymer chains in one direction more than any other direction to form an oriented article, contacting the oriented article with a foaming agent, and foaming the material to form the reflective polymer article comprising planar cell structures having a length “l” and a thickness “t”.

Abstract: A foam molded product includes a mixture resin including, as base resins, a polypropylene-based resin with a long-chain branching structure and a weight mixing ratio of 60 to 80%, a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer with a styrene content of 15 to 40% and a weight mixing ratio of 15 to 35%, and a polyethylene-based resin with a long-chain branching structure, which has a density of not more than 0.930 g/cm3 and a weight mixing ratio of 5 to 25%.