Abstract: Polymer foams containing nanoclay are provided, the foams having improved properties such as thermal insulation values.

Abstract: By blending acicular conductive titanium oxide and an antistatic agent having a metal ion-containing moiety in an organopolysiloxane having at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups, there is obtained a silicone rubber composition which is curable with an organic peroxide and/or an organohydrogenpolysiloxane/platinum group catalyst. The composition cures into silicone rubber having a stabilized resistivity in the semiconductive region, especially in the range of 1×103 to 1×1012 &OHgr;-cm, even under high voltages. The composition is thus suitable as a semiconductive roll material for use as charging rolls, transfer rolls and developing rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel titanium/zirconium catalysts, and to a process for the preparation of these titanium/zirconium catalysts. The process comprises reacting orthoesters or condensed orthoesters of titanium and/or zirconium, with one or more polyalcohols. Suitable polyalcohols comprise those compounds having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight of at least 180 g/mol. The invention also relates to a process for preparing (poly)esters from these novel catalysts, which exhibit little discoloration and are suitable to be used as a reaction component in the preparation of polyurethane (PUR) foams.

Abstract: A flexible, metallized, polyurethane foam has, incorporated therein, particles selected from copper and copper oxide in an amount, based on metallic copper, of at least 1% by weight of the total weight of the metallized foam. The copper can be incorporated into the foam by (a) mixing the particles with a polyol and reacting the polyol with a polyisocyanate in the presence of a foaming agent to form the flexible polyurethane foam, whereby the particles are incorporated in-situ within the foam; or (b) forming a slurry of the particles in a polymer latex medium and treating the foam with the said slurry to allow impregnation of the particles into the foam. An article for alleviation of discomfort from an ailment associated with a joint, limb or muscle contains the flexible polyurethane foam covered by a fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyurethane foams (PUR foams) which uses reactive amines of the formula 1

Abstract: By blending acicular conductive titanium oxide and an antistatic agent having a metal ion-containing moiety in an organopolysiloxane having at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups, there is obtained a silicone rubber composition which is curable with an organic peroxide and/or an organohydrogenpolysiloxane/platinum group catalyst. The composition cures into silicone rubber having a stabilized resistivity in the semiconductive region, especially in the range of 1×103 to 1×1012 &OHgr;-cm, even under high voltages. The composition is thus suitable as a semiconductive roll material for use as charging rolls, transfer rolls and developing rolls.

Abstract: A composition comprising aqueous fluid absorbent polymer particles which have been heat-treated at temperatures greater than 170° C. for more than 10 minutes, wherein the composition has been remoisturized, after the heat-treatment, with an aqueous additive solution, in the absence of an organic solvent or water-insoluble, non-swellable powder, and comprises 1 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, water and wherein the composition is characterized by the ability to absorb at least 20 grams of a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution under a pressure of 0.3 psi (21,000 dynes/cm2), that is, a 60 minute 0.3 psi (21,000 dynes/cm2) AUL greater than 20 grams/gram. A process for preparing such a composition.

Abstract: The object is to obtain a foam, an interior material, and a molded article destined for an interior automotive or other vehicular material which can inhibit the formation of crystals in the fogging test.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition for fabricating antimicrobial based products such as polyurethane foam carpet backing materials and carpets having a polyurethane foam carpet backing material. The polyurethane composition includes a plurality of particles comprising an antimicrobial agent which are at least partially encapsulated by a plasticizer material before being dispersed within a polyurethane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing porous polymer materials by a combination of gas forming and particulate leaching steps. The invention is also directed to porous polymer material prepared by the process, particularly having a characteristic interconnected pore structure, and to methods for using such porous polymer material, particularly for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Method for obtaining the foamed organosilicon compositions, involving mixing of organosiloxane rubber (OR), organosilicon joining agent (JA) and modifier (M). Agents acting like (OR) are represented by polyorganosiloxane block-copolymers having formula as follows: {[R1SiO1.5]a[R2(OH)SiO]b, [R3R4SiO]c}n, where: R1R2R3R4 are aliphatic, aromatic radicals having from 1 to 6 atoms carbon; n is an integer from 30 to 360; c=1; a is selected from the 0.019-3.760 interval; b is selected from the 0.008-0.240 interval; or the mixture of the above block-copolymer with the “&agr;”, “&ohgr;”-dihydroxypolydiorganosiloxane in the ratio of (0.05-0.

Abstract: The use of a tin salt together with a salt of a protic acid having at least 2 acidic hydrogen atoms and a pKa in water of 2-10 in preparing water-blown polyurethane foams.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomer for grafting to thermoplastic and thermoset substrates is disclosed. If the substrate is a thermoset substrate, the electrically conductive elastomer comprises a mixture of an elastic material, a quantity of electrically conductive flakes, a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a thermoset material. If the substrate is a thermoplastic substrate, the electrically conductive elastomer comprises a mixture of an elastic material, a quantity of electrically conductive flakes, a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a thermoplastic material. The electrically conductive elastomer may further comprise a quantity of electrically conductive particles interspersed within the mixture. Alternatively, a quantity of electrically conductive particles may be imbedded in an outer surface of the electrically conductive elastomer. The electrically conductive elastomer is typically grafted to the substrate by a thermal process.

Abstract: Naturally occurring bauxites are suitable as flame retardants and can be incorporated into polymeric carpet backings, when they are ground or pulverized to obtain a generally uniform distribution of particles predominantly less than 250 micrometers in size and containing up to 45 wt. % of fines (less than 3 micrometers in size), and then used in combination with an appropriate wetting agent, dispersant, froth aid, latex, and thickener package to wet-out and disperse the particles and provide adequate control of viscosity build. The bauxite should preferably have a high gibbsite content and should preferably have a pH range of from 4.5 to 8. Mechanical stirring can be used to aid in viscosity control. Lowering the specified percent solids in a formulation by adding small amounts of water allows for even finer ground bauxite (up to 55 wt. % of fines) to be used as filler for carpet backings.

Abstract: Polymer polyols and polymer-modified polyols having substantially no transition metal content in the polyol continuous phase may be prepared from encapsulative double metal cyanide complex-catalyzed polyoxyalkylene polyether base polyols without substantial removal of double metal cyanide complex catalyst residues from the base polyol and subsequent in situ polymerization of one or more polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: Modified or filled rebond polyurethane foam structures having desired plushness and compression without adversely affected tensile strength at a given density as compared to unfilled rebond polyurethane foams are formed from an admixture of shredded or chopped polyurethane foam particles and a finely divided inorganic mineral filler, such as barium sulfate or calcium carbonate or mixtures of these and like mineral fillers, that is further mixed with a substantially non-foam forming liquid prepolymer binder that is free of surfactants in foam-stabilizing amounts. A portion of the polyurethane foam particles, from about 10 to about 60 parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight, is replaced with filler. For each 100 parts by weight of the combined foam particles and filler, about 10 to about 30 parts by weight of prepolymer is added. After the wetted admixture is compressed to the required density, the prepolymer binder is cured with heat and/or steam.

Abstract: When it is intended to obtain foamed particles having a high expansion ratio upon the production of foamed particles of a polyolefin resin, there has been a problem that foamed particles uneven in cell diameter are produced. Any molded article produced with such foamed particles has involved a drawback that it is poor in dimensional stability, and its surface profile becomes uneven.The invention relates to foamed particles comprising a polyolefin resin as a base resin, wherein the base resin contains a metal salt (excluding alkali metal salts) of boric acid in such a manner that the content of the metal salt of boric acid in the raw resin amounts to 50-50,000 ppm. Zinc borate, magnesium borate or the like is used as the metal salt of boric acid.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomer for grafting to an elastic substrate is disclosed. The conductive elastomer comprises a non-conductive elastic material having a quantity of conductive flakes interspersed therein. The conductive elastomer may further comprise a quantity of conductive particles interspersed in the non-conductive elastic material. Alternatively, a quantity of conductive particles may be imbedded in an outer surface of the conductive elastomer. The conductive elastomer is typically grafted to an elastic substrate by a thermal process.

Abstract: The use of a tin salt together with a salt of a protic acid having at least 2 acidic hydrogen atoms and a pK.sub.a in water of 2-10 in preparing water-blown polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A process for improving the thermal insulation properties of articles such as jackets or slabs made of open cells polymeric foam material is disclosed. A viscous solution is prepared, capable of coating the inner walls of the passages interconnecting the cells. Particles of a size less than the minimum diametrical length of the passages are mixed with the solution. The article is soaked with the mixed solution, squeezed and dried, so that the particles dispersed within the passages partly block the flow of air between adjacent cells.

Abstract: A low density polymer composition including a polymer component capable of being cured, a low density filler in an amount sufficient to reduce the density of the polymer and a thixotrope present in a sufficient amount to impart a sufficient viscosity and to inhibit separation of the filler from the polymer until after the polymer is cured. The resulting lightweight, filled polymer composition is a strong electrical insulator, has low shrinkage, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, low cured density and a soft filler that does not harden the polymer. Methods of preparing and using the low density polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Foamed in place polymer compositions are made from monomer-in-polymer solutions containing free radical polymerization catalysts and foaming agents.

Abstract: Premixes intended for the preparation of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams comprising at least one polyol, at least one hydrofluoroalkane corresponding to the general formula CF.sub.3 --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --CF.sub.2 --R.sup.3, where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent, independently, a hydrogen atom or an optionally fluorinated C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group and where R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and at least one stabilizer chosen from nitroalkanes, diketones, alkaline-earth metal salts and brominated compounds.

Abstract: Method for obtaining the foamed organosilicon compositions, involving mixing of organosiloxane rubber (OR), organosilicon joining (JA) and modifier (M). Agents acting like (OR) are represented by polyorganosiloxane block-copolymers having formula as follows: {?R.sup.1 SiO.sub.1.5 !.sub.a ?R.sup.2 (OH)SiO!.sub.b, ?R.sup.3 R.sup.4 SiO!.sub.c }.sub.n, where: R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 are aliphatic, aromatic radicals having from 1 to 6 atoms carbon; n is an integer from 30 to 360; c=1; a is selected from the 0.019-3.760 interval; b is selected from the 0.008-0.240 interval; or the mixture of the above block-copolymer with the ".alpha.", ".omega."-dihydroxypolydiorganosiloxane in the ratio of (0.05-0.5): 1, respectively; while the individual compositions or mixtures of polyorganohydridesiloxanes act as (JA), having general formula as follows: R.sub.3 SiO?R.sup.1 (H)SiO!.sub.m --?R.sub.2 SiO!.sub.n SiR.sub.3 or at least one substance from the compositions having general formula as follows: RSiX.sub.

Abstract: Modified or filled rebond polyurethane foam structures having desired plushness and compression without adversely affected tensile strength at a given density as compared to unfilled rebond polyurethane foams are formed from an admixture of shredded or chopped polyurethane foam particles and a finely divided inorganic mineral filler, such as barium sulfate or calcium carbonate or mixtures of these and like mineral fillers, that is further mixed with a substantially non-foam forming liquid prepolymer binder. A portion of the polyurethane foam particles, from about 10 to about 60 parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight, is replaced with filler. For each 100 parts by weight of the combined foam particles and filler, about 10 to about 30 parts by weight of prepolymer is added. After the wetted admixture is compressed to the required density, the prepolymer binder is cured with heat and/or steam.

Abstract: A method for producing water-blown molded flexible polyurethane foam which comprises reacting and foaming in one step in a mold a reaction mixture comprising a polyol, an organic polyisocyanate, a urethane catalyst composition and water and a trimerization catalyst which is a quaternary ammonium salt or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a Bronsted acid having a pKa of >1, characterized in that the trimerization catalyst is present in an amount from about 0.005 to 0.04 gram milliequivalents per 100 grams of polyol. The preferred trimerization catalyst is an alkali metal N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl glycinate, especially an alkali metal N-(2-hydroxy-5-nonylphenyl)methyl-N-methyl glycinate.

Abstract: A process for activating double metal cyanide catalysts is disclosed. A polyol starter or starter/catalyst mixture is heated under vacuum under conditions effective to achieve improved stripping compared with that which can be achieved through conventional vacuum stripping. Coupling vacuum stripping with inert gas sparging or stripping in the presence of an organic solvent gives a starter/catalyst mixture that activates rapidly in an epoxide polymerization process. Rapid activation makes process start-ups reliable and reduces cycle time. The process gives polyols with lower viscosity, lower polydispersity, and lower unsaturation for better polyurethanes.

Abstract: A foamed rubber composition for tire comprises a particular amount of particles having specified hardness and average particle size and containing aluminum-bonded hydroxy group and/or silicon-bonded hydroxy group at its surface, and a particular amount of at least one specified silane coupling agent, and develops excellent performances on ice. Further, pneumatic tires contain the foamed rubber composition as a tread rubber.

Abstract: A thermal insulating foamed material is a polyurethane foam having closed cells, and produced by mixing, agitating and foaming a polyol, a polyisocyanate, a foam stabilizer, a catalyst, a blowing agent and a carbon dioxide adsorbent. The carbon dioxide adsorbent is produced by mixing and granulating powders of at least one member of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline-earth metal hydroxides and organic or inorganic powders having a water absorbing property and soaked with water in advance, and formed by a resin film, such as a methacrylic acid ester, which is permeable to carbon dioxide but hardly permeable to water.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a stock solution composition for use in production of hard polyurethane foam, which composition can disperse the flame retardant filler component stably therein when allowed to stand and, when subjected to stirring or an external pressure, has a reduced viscosity, promising easy transfer of the composition and easy foaming in production of hard polyurethane foam at the site. The present invention provides a stock solution composition for use in production of hard polyurethane foam, which comprises, as the essential components, a polyol, a foaming agent, a flame retardant filler, a flame retarder and a solvent-swollen clay mineral. The swollen clay mineral has thixotropy; that is, it is a gel owing to the interaction between molecules when allowed to stand and, when subjected to an external pressure or the like, said interaction between molecules is cut and the gel changes into a liquid sol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of flame-resistant soft polyurethane foams which produce less smoke in the event of fire involves reactinga) an organic polyisocyanate and/or a modified organic polyisocyanate withb) a high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms and, if desired,c) a chain extender and/or crosslinking agent, in the presence ofd) a mixture of flameproofing agents which contains:di) melaminedii) expandable graphite and, if desired,diii) at least one further flameproofing agent, preferably a modified or unmodified ammonium polyphosphate,e) a blowing agent,f) a catalyst and, if desired,g) assistants and/or additives, and melamine/expandable graphite/polyether-polyol dispersions which are suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: The flame-resistant polyurea foam of the invention contains calcium sulfate dihydrate as filler and ammonium polyphosphate as flame retardant. Its bulk density is from 25 to 250 kg/m.sup.3 and the number of open cells is above 80% of all its cells. The polyurea has been formed from a reaction of prepolymers of diphenylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate with water.The polyurea foam of the invention can be used as a block foam or on-site foam for sound and/or heat insulation.

Abstract: A resin composition for low expansion moldings which comprises (A) 20 to 80 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin having an average degree of polymerization of from 500 to 1700 and (B) correspondingly from 80 to 20 parts by weight of a copolymer made of 60 to 90 parts by weight a polymerizable monomer mixture consisting of 20 to 40 wt % of acrylonitrile, 20 to 60 wt % of .alpha.-methylstyrene and 20 to 40 wt % of styrene and, correspondingly, 40 to 10 parts by weight of a crosslinked acrylic rubber. The resin composition further comprises (C) 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of an acrylic resin having a reduced viscosity of not less than 3.0 dl/g when measured by use of a chloroform solution of the acrylic resin at a concentration of 0.1 g/100 ml, (D) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a thermally decomposable rosining agent, and (E) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of a stabilizer, each based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a low weight, low density rigid polyurethane-polyurea reinforced reaction injection molded (RRIM) part having flaked glass reinforcing fibers dispersed throughout a matrix made by reacting polyisocyanates with a resin containing hydroxy group tertiary amine polyether polyols, a blowing agent, and optionally surfactants, chain extenders, and urethane promoting catalysts. The low density RRIM part using flaked glass and the tertiary amine polyether polyols is a low cost alternative to glass fiber reinforced low density parts and the part exhibits a relatively low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and relatively/high temperature deflection properties as compared to other known fillers.

Abstract: In an organopolysiloxane composition giving rise to elastomer foam, including at least one polyacyloxyorganopolysiloxane obtained by functionalization, with a polyacyloxysilane, of at least one reactive oil which is a polyhydroxylated polysiloxane intended to react in the presence of water to form the elastomer with formation of acid of formula R'COOH, in which R' denotes a hydrocarbon radical free from aliphatic unsaturation and which has from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, a blowing agent and optionally water, the blowing agent is at least one acidic or neutral carbonate of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, which, by reacting with the acid R'COOH, gives carbon dioxide and preferably water.Objects, especially seals, thus obtained and kit for static mixing.

Abstract: A composition which cures and foams at room temperature contains a acid-catalyzed, polymerizable resin, an acid and a filler which liberates gas in an endothermic reaction with the acid. The acid serves the dual purpose of catalyzing the polymerization reaction and generating the foaming gas.

Abstract: In the production of a flame resistant, halogen-free polyurethane/polyurea from a polyisocyanate and polyol, wherein to the mixture of polyisocyanate and polyol there is added an amine adduct of an acidic metal salt of the formulaA.sub.1-3 B.sub.0-12 P.sub.3-9 N.sub.4-12 M.sub.0-9 xH.sub.2 O(I),in whichA denotes at least one hydroxide or oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, calcium and zinc,B denotes o-boric acid,P denotes an acid containing phosphorus,N denotes at least one of an amine or ammonia,M denotes an alkali metal hydroxide andx denotes an integer from 0 to 90.The products are especially flame resistant foams.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rigid or semirigid, filled resin material having a continuous phase which is a matrix containing a complex crosslinked network having an unsaturated polyester-polyurethene containing resin having fine multisize reinforcing particles and dispersed filler particles dispersed therein. The polyester-polyurethene network of the complex crosslinked network may interact with other polymer networks in the continuous phase either by crosslinking or by forming an interpenetrating polymer network. The complex crosslinked network immobilizes the fine multisize reinforcing particles and reacts with at least a surface layer of the dispersed filler particles. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing the above rigid or semirigid, lightweight resin material, and to a composition for use in this process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kind of superfine microelemental biochemical mixture and its foamed plastic products. The mixture contains titanium oxide, zirconia, silica, yttrium oxide, cerium oxide, tin dioxide, silver phosphate and other microelements, and has certain impact on human body's micro-circulation. The plastic products comprise the mixture according to the invention and base materials which conventionally are used in preparation for foamed plastics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crosslinkable polyester/isocyanate composition suitable for preparing composite manufactured articles endowed with high structural mechanical properties, by means of injection processes, comprising:A--a polyfunctional isocyanate;B--an unsaturated polyester resin, or a vinyl ester resin, or a mixture of both said resins, wherein said resin can contain free hydroxy groups;C--a free-radical polymerization initiator;D--a promoter of decomposition of (C) initiator;E--a catalyst of (A) isocyanate trimerization.

Abstract: A foamable organic composition comprising a compound foamable to 50% or more comprising an organic polymer and a chemical foaming agent, and, as a physical foaming agent, at least one member selected from the group consisting of rare gases and carbon dioxide; and a method for producing a foamed article having a high expansion ratio by using said composition. According to the present invention, a foamed article having a uniform and fine foam structure and a high expansion ratio of not less than 75% (which is as high as when freon gas is used) can be obtained without causing environmental problems such as depletion of the ozon layer. When applied, in particular, to a foamed layer for an insulated conductor, such as foam-insulated electric wire which is required to have high performance insulation and is occasionally installed under severe conditions, the composition of the present invention advantageously provides an insulated conductor with no potential buckling.

Abstract: Insulating foam for refrigerators and the like is prepared by blowing in the presence of carbon dioxide as the sole or principal blowing agent. The thermal conductivity of the foam is decreased by sealing said foam in a gas-impervious enclosure with at least one getter, such as an alkaline material, capable of removing carbon dioxide and at least one drying agent which will produce a relative humidity greater than the equilibrium relative humidity over a saturated aqueous solution of the getter, thus removing water without rendering the getter anhydrous. For example, calcium chloride dihydrate may be used when the getter is sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three-dimensional expanded polyurethane foam materials, such as flexible reticulated polyurethane foam compositions, that are electrically conductive and have antistatic properties. More specifically, the invention relates to a polyurethane foam having long-lasting and reliable electrical conductivity characteristics and a volume resistivity of approximately 10.sup.12 ohm.multidot.cm or less at ambient room temperature (about 70.degree. F.). This foam is produced by combining conventional polyurethane foam-forming reactants and an effective amount of an antistatic agent such as tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) or sodium perchlorate under foam-forming conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the conductive foam is subsequently reticulated by momentary exposure to a flame front.

Abstract: The invention relates to prepolymers containing isocyanate groups which can be prepared by reactinga) organic isocyanates withb) polyetherols containing at least 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule and having molecular weights of greater than 400 and/or polyesterols containing at least 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule and having molecular weights of greater than 400,c) isocyanate-reactive compounds which are at least difunctional and have molecular weights of from 18 to 399, and, if desired,d) Lewis and/or Bronsted acidic compounds ande) conventional auxiliaries and additives, such as antioxidants, light stabilizers or fillers,wherein at least one aromatic aminopolyether alcohol of the formula ##STR1## where R is aryl, alkylaryl containing one or more C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl groups, haloaryl, nitroaryl or cyanoaryl,R' and R" are identical or different and are, independently of one another, hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyaryl or aroxyaryl,x and y are independent of one another andx+y.gtoreq.

Abstract: This composition comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two SiOH groups in its molecule, (B) an organopolysiloxane having at least two SiH groups in its molecule, (C) a platinum family metal catalyst, and (D) a hydroperoxide. By using the hydroperoxide as a catalyst-retarding agent in cure reaction of a dehydrogenation system in which hydrogen is a foaming agent, this composition has a long pot life and can be cured and foamed to produce a foamed cured product in the form of a sponge having uniform cells.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyurethane foams, preferably semirigid polyurethane foams, having an improved foam structure involves reactinga) organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanates withb) polyhydroxyl compounds containing at least 2 reactive hydrogen atoms andc) crosslinking agents which comprise at least one polyoxyalkylene-polyol having a mean functionality of from 3 to 8 and a hydroxyl number of from 200 to 1300 ppm and a content of alkali metal ions of from 150 to 1200 ppm,in the presence ofd) blowing agents,e) if desired catalysts,f) inorganic and/or organic acids as additives andg) if desired auxiliaries.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rigid, lightweight filled resin foam having voids dispersed in a continuous phase which is formed from a polyester hybrid resin having reinforcing particles dispersed therein. The hybrid resin forms a complex crosslinked network which may interact with other polymer networks in the continuous phase either by crosslinking or by forming an interpenetrating polymer network. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing the above rigid, lightweight resin foam, and to a composition for use in this process. The foam of the present invention is useful in building materials and the like requiring high tensile and compressive strength and corrosion and thermal resistance.

Abstract: Polyisocyanate based organic aerogels having pore sizes less than 100 nm, densities in the range 10 to 800 kg/m.sup.3 and surface areas in the range 10 to 1500 m.sup.2 /g are provided.

Abstract: Low thermal conductivity insulation for refrigerators and the like is produced by blowing a resinous foam in an inert (e.g., nitrogen) atmosphere with a mixture of carbon dioxide and a low thermal conductivity inert gas such as krypton or xenon. The foam is then sealed in a gas-impervious enclosure and carbon dioxide is removed therefrom, typically by inclusion in said enclosure of a solid material reacted therewith such as an alkaline reagent. The final partial pressure of the low thermal conductivity gas in the enclosure is in the range of about 20-200 torr, and the total pressure is up to 110% of said partial pressure.

Abstract: Foamed polyurethanes substantially free from non-uniform density distribution are obtained by dispersing an inert gas with mechanical stirring into a foamed polyurethane-forming composition containing substantially no blowing agent and comprising (1) an organic polyisocyanate component, (2) a polyol component comprising a high molecular weight polyol (A1) and a low molecular weight polyol (A2), (3) a dehydrating agent (B) and optionally organic microballoons, and curing the resulting composition containing therein the inert gas substantially homogeneously distributed. Foamed polyurethanes thus obtained are lightweight and of reduced warpage after processing and are suitable for model materials.