Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition foam body is provided that includes, in sequence, a step of injecting by an injection molding machine into a cavity of a mold for injection molding a foaming agent and a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising component (A), component (B), and component (C) below, component (B) having a content of 5 to 150 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of component (A) and component (C) having a content of 5 to 300 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of component (A), a step of holding for not less than 4 seconds after completion of the injection, and a step of enlarging the volume of the cavity by moving a wall face of the cavity to a predetermined position. (A): A hydrogenated product of a block copolymer comprising a block composed of an aromatic vinyl compound-based monomer unit and a block composed of a conjugated diene compound-based monomer unit, (B): a propylene resin, and (C): a mineral oil.

Abstract: A nano-cellular polymer foam is disclosed, which has an average pore size from about 10 nanometers to about 500 nanometers; and a foam density that is from about 1 percent to about 50 percent of the bulk density of the material of the nano-cellular foam.

Abstract: An exemplary magnesium alloy member superior in corrosion resistance includes a magnesium alloy base, at least one resin coating layer formed in at least one portion of the magnesium alloy base. Methods for making the magnesium alloy member are also provided.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a foam sheet, a patterned laminate and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film, a second plastic film and a pattern. The first plastic film is laminated on top of the foam sheet. The second plastic film is laminated on top of the first plastic film. The pattern is placed in between the first plastic film and the second plastic film and visible from outside of the sports mat. The skid proof layer is coated over the top surface of the second plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the pattern laminate and the second foam layer defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions spread over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc., at which the foam material has an absorption rate at wetting of at least 0.4 ml/s for a round sample having the diameter 50 mm, a liquid distribution capacity at an inclination of 30° of at least 15 g/g and a liquid storage capacity of at least 9% measured through CRC (centrifuge retention capacity), at which the test liquid in all cases is synthetic urine. There is further referred to an absorbent structure containing the foam material.

Abstract: Nanoporous substrate with fine pores having a diameter from 3 to 40 nm arranged with less than 60 nm periodicity is prepared by a method comprising the steps of coating amphipathic block copolymer on a substrate, forming a film containing hydrophilic cylinders aligned perpendicularly to the surface of the film on a substrate, and immersing the substrate into a solution containing an etchant.

Abstract: A composite board including: at least one glass fiber mat having an upper surface and a lower surface; a foam layer attached to the glass fiber mat; and a first binding composition applied to the upper surface of the at least one glass fiber mat and a second binding composition applied to the lower surface of the at least one glass fiber mat, the first and second binding compositions being the same or different compositions.

Abstract: The microporous polyolefin membrane obtained by stretching a gel molding comprising a polyolefin and a membrane-forming solvent at least uniaxially, heat-setting it, removing the membrane-forming solvent, and re-stretching it at least uniaxially has a large pore diameter and excellent air permeability, mechanical strength and compression resistance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane capable of achieving both a high collection efficiency and a low pressure drop, though it has a larger average pore size and a greater thickness than conventional porous PTFE membranes. This manufacturing method includes: stretching an unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene sheet by a factor of 5 to 30 in a predetermined direction at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of polytetrafluoroethylene; further stretching the stretched sheet by a factor of 5 to 40 in a direction different from the predetermined direction at a temperature lower than the melting point; and after the stretchings, heating the stretched sheet at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point.

Abstract: An improved embossing, in the form of a sinusoidal wave on the sidewall of a thermoformed foam polymeric article, not only gives the article the enhanced vertical strength of embossed arches, but additionally provides enhanced radial strength. This results in an embossed article having both improved vertical strength and improved radial strength, which is desirable for many applications, including food containers.

Abstract: A delamination development preventable structure is provided to prevent the development of delamination in a sandwich panel including a core and surface plates attached to the opposite surfaces of the core with respect to the thickness of the core. Arresters 5 are protruded inward with respect to directions parallel to the thickness of a core 3 from surface plates 4a and 4b. The development of a delaminated part formed by the separation of a part of the surface plate 4a from the core 3 and that of a delaminated part formed by the separation of a part of the surface plate 4b from the core 3 beyond the arresters 5 can be prevented. Thus delamination can be limited to a narrow local region and the spread of the delaminated part over the entire sandwich panel 2 can be prevented. Thus the development of delamination in the sandwich panel 2 can be prevented and the durability of the sandwich panel 2 can be enhanced.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a first foam layer, a second foam layer laminated on the first foam layer and a patterned laminate bonded on the second foam layer. The first and second foam layers are both made of polyethylene foam containing material of elastic resin and have a density in the range of 2 to 8 pcf and a total thickness in the range of 2 to 8 mm. In addition, the first foam layer is embossed therebottom with a plurality of elongated ridges parallel to one another. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film laminated to the second foam layer, a second plastic film laminated to the first plastic film, and a pattern placed in between the first and second plastic films and visible through the second plastic film. Additionally, the pattern laminate together with the second foam layer is embossed to define a plurality of concaves in an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: Rigid PVC melt bondable thermoplastic elastomer compositions are disclosed. The melt bonded composites made from these compositions have rigid vinyl chloride polymer layers extruded with thermoplastic elastomer layers or with foam thermoplastic elastomer layers. The composites may be used as PVC siding, backing and sealants for PVC siding; vinyl flooring, window and door fenestrations; PVC conveyor belt outer grip layers; window and door sliding seals; window and door water dams; and PVC pipe seals.

Abstract: A method for cleaning surfaces using aminoplast foam pieces produced from (a) open-cell aminoplast foams having a density in the range from 5 to 500 kg/m3 and a mean pore diameter in the range from 1 ?m to 1 mm or (b) open-cell aminoplast foams having a density in the range from 5 to 500 kg/m3 and a mean pore diameter in the range from 1 ?m to 1 mm, which have been treated (b1) with an aqueous formulation of at least one compound (b-1) having at least one hemiaminal or aminal group per molecule or at least one copolymer which comprises, incorporated in the form of polymerized units, at least one comonomer containing OH groups or ?-dicarbonyl groups or epoxide groups, or (b2) with at least one polymer (c-1) which is solid at room temperature, contains carboxyl groups and/or carboxylic ester groups and has a molecular weight Mn in the range from 1000 to 1 000 000 g/mol, the aminoplast foam pieces used having an average diameter in the range from 0.1 mm to 50 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical mechanical polishing pad comprising, a polymeric matrix having microspheres dispersed therein, the polymeric matrix being formed of a water-based polymer or blends thereof, wherein the pad comprises: a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70; a void volume fraction of 0.2 to 80 percent; a tensile strength of 1 mPa to 5 mPa; and a percent elongation of 200 to 400.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer film comprising the following sequence of layers: A) a polyolefin foam base layer containing 0.5 to 25 percent by weight of at least one nucleation agent; B) a layer based on at least one polyolefin of foam layer A); C) an optional polyolefin-based connecting layer; D) an optional bonding layer; E) an optional gas-tight and/or odor-proof barrier layer; F) a bonding layer; G) an optionally sealable and/or peelable surface layer. The total thickness of layers A) and B) ranges between 0.5 and 2 mm while the thickness of layer B) ranges between one sixth and one half of the thickness of layer A).

Abstract: A surgical floormat arranged to shed fluids has a topside and an underside. The floormat is placed where a surgeon is expected to stand during surgery. Fluids released during surgery are allowed to fall onto and be shed off the floormat before being removed. The floormat may be discarded before starting another surgery. The mat is formed, at least in part, of compressible and resilient material. The topside of the mat has a spaced plurality of channels. In one instance, each of the channels has a floor sloping in opposite directions from a central peak. In another instance, the mat has a tapered apron bordering a central section that is convexly crowned to shed fluids. Crossing the apron but not the crowned center section are a plurality of channels that are sloped to shed fluids off the floormat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure which is made of synthetic material with characteristics similar to or even better than those of cork and which can therefore be used in all applications in which a cork closure is normally used. In particular, the closure according to the present invention is a stopper for containers for wine or liquors. In particular, the present invention relates to a container closure made of an expanded elastomer by means of a thermal moulding method, characterized in that the expanded elastomer can be produced by means of a step of expansion by a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a headliner assembly for use in the interior compartment of an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of: placing a mold release film onto a concave mold surface of a lower mold assembly for providing a barrier against the mold surface; placing a fiber mat on the mold release film; applying a foamable material directly onto the fiber mat; expanding the foamable material around the fiber mat to embed the fiber mat therein; placing an adhesive film onto a convex mold surface of an upper mold assembly; positioning the lower mold assembly directly beneath the upper mold assembly; moving the upper mold assembly in mating engagement with the lower mold assembly to define a mold cavity between the convex mold surface and concave mold surface; curing the foamable material within the mold cavity; and bonding the mold release film and adhesive film to the foamable material with the fiber mat embedded therebetween.

Abstract: A backing material is made of low-density and/or high-density polyethylene(s) and/or a flexibilizer to provide high-strength, low-cost, and recyclable backing material for fabrics. The backing material can incorporate polypropylene(s), additional flexibilizers, fillers, flame-retardants, anti-microbials, odor minimizers/eliminators, scent, and protectants for further desired properties.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: An insulative, lightweight building panel is provided with a lightweight, insulative foam core and which includes one or more carbon fiber or steel reinforcements and an exterior concrete face which are manufactured in a controlled environment and can be easily transported and erected at a building site.

Abstract: An interior lining component for a vehicle, in particular an inside roof lining, is provided. The interior lining includes at least one decorative layer forming a facing of the interior lining component, an intermediate layer covered by the decorative layer, and at least one support layer having a comparatively high flexural strength. The support layer includes at least one lower and one upper foam panel which are interconnected by pressing or press-moulding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior comprising a base portion and a speaker grille wherein at least the base portion has a foamed layer and the foamed layer in the base portion has a density ? of not greater than 0.7 g/cm3 and an average expansion ratio of the speaker grille is 1 to 1.3 times, said molding being lightweight and being strong even in its speaker grille part so that it can be used as a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior such as a door trim and an instrument panel.

Abstract: An impact absorbing composite structure (10), the impact absorbing composite structure including a plurality of impact absorbing members (18) and a flexible layer (16), each impact absorbing member (18) integral with the flexible layer (16).

Abstract: A spacer for retrofitting corrugated metal roofs. The spacer includes a foam block having a notched bottom for receiving the corrugations of a metal roof. The opposite ends of the foam block are respectively provided with tongue and groove fittings. An adhesive layer is applied to the bottom surface of the foam block for securing the foam block to the metal roof. A high-density foam strip is affixed to the top of the foam block for supporting a corrugated, metal panel above.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer films, sheets, or coatings wherein at least on layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure (1), a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such film, sheet, or coating.

Abstract: A method for producing a fabric-elastomer sandwich, consisting in providing a fabric with at least minute gaps between its fibers, in placing the fabric on a mold having at least resting portions for the fabric and at least regions which are recessed with respect to the resting portions, in applying an elastomer to the side of the fabric that lies opposite to the side directed toward the mold, in applying pressure to make the elastomer flow through the minute gaps located at the recessed regions in order to fill the recessed regions with the elastomer, and in extracting the sandwich from the mold.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a resin molded article, resin including a foaming agent is injected into a cavity defined in a mold assembly. Then, a movable mold of the mold assembly is moved to partly expand the cavity so that the foaming is promoted at the part where the cavity is expanded. Therefore, a high foamed portion having voids therein and a low foamed portion having an expansion ratio less than that of the high foamed portion are integrally formed in the resin molded article.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate having a foam layer and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the projection hardly separates from the substrate and they are firmly jointed together. The invention provides a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the substrate has a foam layer and a skin layer containing no voids wherein the ratio (R/L) of the curvature R of a joint between the projection and the substrate to the thickness L of the skin layer is from 3 to 50.

Abstract: Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microeombossed patterns produce microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: An ?SiH/?SiOH silicone composition polymerizable/crosslinkable by dehydrogenating condensation in the presence of a catalyst judiciously selected to achieve at least one of the following: kinetics, concentration/efficiency ratio of the catalyst, cost, lowering of the catalyst activation temperature (room temperature), control of the release of gaseous hydrogen and the quality of the polymerized product and the crosslinked network, and finally limitation of the secondary reactions. This composition includes: —A— at least one ?SiH POS; —B— at least one ?SiOH POS; —C— at least one metal catalyst selected from the group of organometallic complexes including at least one of the following metals: Ir, Ru, Mn; —D— optionally at least one crosslinking inhibitor; —E— optionally at least one POS resin; and —F— optionally at least one filler. Also disclosed is the catalyst —C— and processes which involve crosslinking of silicone by dehydrogenating condensation (non-stick coating on paper).

Abstract: A flooring system for floors exhibiting surface movement, and/or for cushioning hard floors, which includes an epoxy or polyurethane primer, a two-component ambient temperature cured polyurethane membrane substrate base atop the primer of a urethane grade castor oil, polyether based polyol, a tin catalyst and a thickening agent, along with a polymeric isocyanate activator, and a polyurethane or polyurea, aromatic or aliphatic coating atop the substrate base, in providing a very tough, but flexibly soft non-cracking overlay which moves with the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer profiles or moldings wherein at least one layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure, a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such profile or molding.

Abstract: A process for making a textured coating on a substrate and compositions for such coatings are disclosed wherein coating mixtures comprising un-expanded micro-capsules and a plastisol or other suitable resins are applied to the substrate and subsequently heat treated to expand the micro-capsules within the coating. The expanded micro-capsules create an aesthetically pleasing surface texture in the coating while retaining the desired wear-resistant properties of the coating.

Abstract: A film for optical applications comprising (A) a hard coat layer which comprises a metal oxide and a substance cured by heat or by an ionizing radiation and has a thickness in a range of 2 to 20 ?m and (B) a low refractivity layer which comprises porous silica and a polysiloxane-based polymer and has a refractive index in a range of 1.30 to 1.45 and a thickness in a range of 40 to 200 nm, layers (A) and (B) being successively laminated at least on one face of a substrate film. The film exhibits an excellent property for preventing reflection of light and excellent scratch resistance and can be produced at a low cost.

Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).

Abstract: A panel comprising at least one layer of thermoformable plastics material having separate regions of different thickness, is obtained by a method comprising the steps of: extruding of a sheet of plastics material with the addition to the said material of an expansion agent, the extrusion being conducted in conditions such as to avoid expansion of the material or to cause only partial expansion thereof; heating the thus-obtained sheet to a temperature such as to cause post expansion of the material; and thermoforming the sheet in a thermoforming cavity of complementary shape to the desired panel so that the thermoformed panel produced has in the regions of greater thickness an expanded cellular structure where the material has a lower density than the density of the material in the regions of lesser thickness.

Abstract: A coated freestanding film, a surface covering and a method of manufacturing such coated freestanding film and surface covering are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coated freestanding film and surface covering include a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. The film may be a rigid or semirigid film. In another embodiment, the coated freestanding film and surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon®-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat.

Abstract: A mat has fabric layer (4) and a rubber backing (6) bonded to the fabric layer. The fabric layer (4) includes a microknitted plush polyester fabric that is chemically treated to render it hydrophilic. The fabric layer (4) may also have a textured surface that includes raised and/or recessed surface formations (14).

Abstract: A sandwich structure does not permit the permeation of water and a sandwich structure repairing method is capable of easily repairing the sandwich structure. A sandwich structure (1) includes a core (4) formed of a closed-cell foam plastic material, and surface plates (2, 3) formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material containing hydrophobic inorganic fibers as reinforcing fibers and bonded to the opposite surfaces of the core (4). Water is unable to permeate the sandwich structure.

Abstract: A moulding material comprising a fibrous layer carrying resinous material to have at lest one area of relatively high resin content and at least one other area of relatively low resin content defined on a surface of the fibrous layer such that upon curing or partial curing resin from the said relatively high resin content area(s) moves over the relatively low resin content area(s) to provide a substantially even distribution of resin between the areas.

Abstract: An upholstery pad has a panel with a hinging axis that divides a fixed portion of the panel from a flap of the panel. The flap is continuously pivotable about the hinging axis between a relaxed position and a biased position. The panel assembled into the upholstery pad along with one or more padding members and a sheet of an upholstery-type material, a force is created within the upholstery pad which urges the flap to pivot toward the relaxed position when the flap is pivoted toward the biased position. This force, in combination with friction between the sheet and a substructure, retains the upholstery pad in place with minimal other mechanical fastening, if any.

Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grip-enhancing material for preventing two objects in contact with each other from slipping is disclosed herein. The grip-enhancing material of the present invention includes a plurality of recesses, such as suction cups, positioned on a base material. The suction cups may be connected to the base material by a stem or may be connected directly to the base material. The base material can be affixed to a first object with adhesive and the grip-enhancing material engages a second object upon contact through suction and/or friction forces. In one application, the grip-enhancing material may be applied to prevent heavy objects placed on smooth surfaces from slipping. In another application, the grip-enhancing material is used to enhance the frictional characteristics of gripping surfaces on certain objects. Further, the grip-enhancing material may be affixed directly to various body parts to enhance a person's ability to grip various objects.

Abstract: A multilayer product which comprises a first element consisting of a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A), impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and inserted between two layers of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C) coupled with the central layer (B) (A) (B), wherein the first element is coupled with at least a second element comprising a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A) , wherein the second element is impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and wherein the second element is coupled with an additional layer of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C).

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer composed of a polymeric matrix and liquid microelements embedded in the polymeric matrix. Open pores defined by the embedded liquid microelements are distributed across a surface of the polishing layer. Due to the microstructural open pores uniformly distributed across a surface of the polishing pad, a polishing operation can be performed at high precision. The polishing pad shows constant polishing performance during the polishing operation, can be stably used, and does not cause a wafer to be scratched. In addition, a method of manufacturing the polishing pad is provided. Since all components used to manufacture the polishing pad are in a liquid phase, manufacturing can be easily performed.

Abstract: It comprises three layers: a first layer of plastic material that provides the whole with mechanical strength, a second intermediate layer of foam forming a union between the first and second layer, and a third layer of impermeable plastic material and is characterised in that the first layer (2) is mase on an elastomeric polyolefin of high strength and elasticity, in that the second layer (3) is of closed-cell, physically or chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, and in that the third layer (4) is of polyolefin with high tear resistance. A light waterproofing sheet is obtained which withstands extreme meteorological conditions, is resistant to chemical agents, while it also has optimum mechanical properties at a lower thickness thanks to the material of which the first layer is comprised and unlike other sheets existing it has no ageing limit, which measn that once the sheets have been fitted they do not have to be replaced.