Abstract: The present invention is directed to biodegradable microporous materials and multi-layer articles containing them. The biodegradable microporous materials comprise: (a) a polyolefin matrix, (b) finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix, (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material, and (d) a biodegradation promoting material distributed throughout the matrix. Also provided are multilayer articles prepared from the above-described microporous materials.

Abstract: A foam comprising a nanocomposite comprising a bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin containing no cross-links or branched polymers; an organoclay; and a polymeric compatibilizer for enhancing physical interactions between the bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin and the organoclay, wherein the linear semi-crystalline polyolefin combines with the organoclay to form the nanocomposite is provided. Novel nanocomposites and methods of producing the nanocomposites and foams, such as flexible foams, are also provided. The resulting products are useful in a variety of applications, including thermoplastic flexible foam seals, thermoplastic foamed panels in vehicles, and thin-walled blow molded bottles.

Abstract: It has been found that basalt particles, when combined with a resin binder and a reinforcing material, such as fiberglass, provide unexpected strength, fire-resistance, radiation impermeability, and projectile shielding for ballistic armor/shields, fire-resistant building panels, construction blocks and protective coatings on substrates. The armor panels can be worn, as in a bullet-proof vest, or can be used as a shield to protect a vehicle, aircraft or other structures as projectile penetration-resistant and fire and radiation resistant materials.

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A production process for heat-expanded microspheres includes the step of providing a gaseous fluid containing heat-expandable microspheres, which includes a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 ?m. The gaseous fluid is fed through a gas-introducing tube having a dispersion nozzle on its outlet that is fixed inside a conduit having a hot gas flow flowing therethrough. A jet of the gaseous fluid is emitted through the dispersion nozzle. Further, the gaseous fluid is collided on a collision plate fixed under the dispersion nozzle so as to disperse the heat-expandable microspheres in the hot gas flow. The dispersed heat-expandable microspheres are heated in the hot gas flow at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature and thus expanded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet that has excellent flexibility even compressed to a thickness as thin as about 0.05 mm, and a method for producing the same. The stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet of the present invention is producible by stretching a thermoplastic resin foam sheet and has a compressive strength of 1 to 500 kPa as measured in accordance with JIS K6767 when compressed in a thickness direction thereof to a thickness of 0.05 mm. Accordingly, the stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet has excellent flexibility even compressed to a thickness as thin as about 0.05 mm and is suitably used as a sealing material for a small electronic device such as mobile phones.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a foam comprising a polypropylene material. The polypropylene material is produced in the presence of a metallocene catalyst, and the foam and/or the polypropylene has a branching index g? of less than 1.00 and a strain hardening index (SHI@1 s?1) of at least 0.30 measured by a deformation rate d?/dt of 1.00 s?1 at a temperature of 180° C., where the strain hardening index (SHI) is defined as the slope of the logarithm to the basis 10 of the tensile stress growth function (log(?E+)) as a function of the logarithm to the basis 10 of the Hencky strain (log(?)) in the range of Hencky strains between 1 and 3.

Abstract: A constrained layer damping structure is provided, including a panel to be damped, a constraining layer and a layer of foam vibration damping material sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the foam vibration damping material is provided from a composition including 5-50 weight percent polyvinyl butyral, 2-20 weight percent plasticizer, 25-65 weight percent filler, 1-15 weight percent tackifier, and 0.1-8 weight percent blowing agent, wherein the composition includes 15-65 weight percent total thermoplastic inclusive of polyvinyl butyral. In a further embodiment, the polyvinyl butyral is provided as recycled material from recycled auto glass, and includes a small quantity of plasticizer, typically but not necessarily of the phthalate-type or hexanoate-type.

Abstract: Rheology modification of an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer is achieved by blending the interpolymer with at least one branched polyolefin. The polyolefins can be homopolymers or interpolymers and have a branching index of less than 1. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer is a block copolymer having at least a hard block and at least a soft block. The soft block comprises a higher amount of comonomers than the hard block. The block interpolymer has a number of unique characteristics disclosed here. Rheology-modified ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, i.e., the resulting polymer blends, can be extruded or molded into many useful articles, such as films, sheets, profiles, gaskets, foams, etc.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a foam thermal interface material comprising a foamed film, the film comprising a blend of polymeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive having a number average molecular weight of greater than 25,000 and at least 25 percent by weight of thermally conductive filler, said film having a void volume of at least 5 percent of the volume of said foamed film.

Abstract: A game ball is disclosed that includes a polymer foam layer processed with an inert fluid blowing agent, such as nitrogen. The polymer foam may be a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylvinylacetate, and the inert fluid blowing agent may have a relatively high-purity. The polymer foam may be manufactured with a process that includes impregnating a polymer with the inert fluid blowing agent and expanding the polymer by heating the polymer above a softening temperature of the polymer, reducing a fluid pressure surrounding the polymer, and cooling the polymer. The game ball may be a soccerball, football, or volleyball, for example, that includes the polymer foam.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polymer resin comprising at least one copolymer with hydrolysable groups, a water-generating metal salt hydrate, and a catalyst that comprises a metal atom and at least two ligands taken from the set alkyjoxy and carboxylate are used to form articles that moisture-cure through in-situ generation of water via dehydration of the metal hydrate. The compositions are melt mixed to promote the dehydration and start the cure process during the mixing step. The curing compositions are formed and allowed to harden.

Abstract: A foaming composition comprising a melt processible fluoropolymer, and a chemical foaming agent, where the chemical foaming agent is ammonium polyphosphate.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided expandable beads of a styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin comprising a volatile blowing agent and a base resin, the base resin containing more than 300 parts by weight and less than 1000 parts by weight of a polystyrene-based resin component relative to 100 parts by weight of a non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin component, wherein the base resin contains 2 to 40 wt % of a gel component comprising a graft copolymer of the polystyrene-based resin component and the low-density polyethylene-based resin component.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided expandable beads of a styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin comprising a volatile blowing agent and a base resin, the base resin containing more than 50 to 1000 parts by weight of a polystyrene-based resin component relative to 100 parts by weight of a non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin component, wherein the base resin contains less than 2 wt % of a gel component comprising a graft polymer of the polystyrene-based resin component and the low-density polyethylene-based resin component.

Abstract: Foam a polymer blend of (a) a high melt strength polypropylene (HMS PP); (b) a linear or substantially linear polypropylene that has a melting point within ten degrees Celsius of (a), a melt flow rate that is significantly different than (a) and that is miscible with (a); and, optionally, (c) a polyethylene that is immiscible with (a) produces a polymeric foam having an average cell size of at least four millimeters and that has an inherent open-celled content of at least 40 percent. The HMS PP makes up 60 weight percent (wt %) or more and 90 wt % or less of the total combined weight of (a) and (b). Component (c) makes up 60 wt % or less of the total polymer blend weight.

Abstract: A composite material and a related method of manufacturing a component. The composite material may be comprised of plastic material in an amount between about 60% and about 70% by weight, cellulosic material in an amount between about 20% and about 30% by weight, and glass material in an amount up to about 20% by weight. The composite material may be injection molded to form a component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked polyolefin aerogels in simple and fiber-reinforced composite form. Of particular interest are polybutadiene aerogels. Especially aerogels derived from polybutadienes functionalized with anhydrides, amines, hydroxyls, thiols, epoxies, isocyanates or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth-whitening composition comprising (i) a substantially water-insoluble and substantially non-degradable polymer matrix component capable of adhering to the surface of a tooth, provided that if the polymer matrix component is in non-solid form, it is solidifable by chemical alteration; and (ii) gas- or liquid-filled pores embedded in said polymer matrix component, wherein at least a portion of said gas- or liquid-filled pores have at least one size dimension in the range of about 70 nm to about 5 microns, and wherein the gas- or liquid-filled pores and polymer matrix component possess a difference in refractive index of at least 0.1. The invention is also directed to a tooth-whitening system containing the above composition in combination with an applicator device. The invention is also directed to methods for applying the tooth-whitening composition onto teeth.

Abstract: Ethylene-vinylsilane copolymers are moisture-cured under ambient conditions using a synergistic combination of at least one Lewis acid and at least one Brønsted acid or at least one Lewis base and at least one Brønsted base. Preferably the catalyst system comprises a Lewis acid, e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate, in combination with a Brønsted acid, e.g., sulfonic acid. The Lewis acid or base and the Brønsted acid or base is present in the catalyst system at a molar ratio of Lewis acid/base to Brønsted acid/base of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: To provide porous monodispersed particles obtained by preparing, as seed particles, poly(methyl methacrylate) particles or acrylic resin particles comprising 70% by mass or more of methyl methacrylate as a copolymerization component, swelling the seed particles 20 to 80 times the size of the original seed particles by mass using a swelling solution comprising an oil-soluble polymerization initiator and a monomer mixture containing 70% by mass or more of methyl methacrylate and 3 to 8% by mass of divinylbenzene, and polymerizing the monomers. The particles are porous particles with a diameter of the order of micrometers and a narrow particle-size distribution and are monodispersed. Colored monodispersed particles obtained by agglomerating a pigment in the porous monodispersed particles are monodispersed and spherical, and contain a large amount of pigment therein.

Abstract: A game ball is disclosed that includes a polymer foam layer processed with an inert fluid blowing agent, such as nitrogen. The polymer foam may be a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylvinylacetate, and the inert fluid blowing agent may have a relatively high-purity. The polymer foam may be manufactured with a process that includes impregnating a polymer with the inert fluid blowing agent and expanding the polymer by heating the polymer above a softening temperature of the polymer, reducing a fluid pressure surrounding the polymer, and cooling the polymer. The game ball may be a soccerball, football, or volleyball, for example, that includes the polymer foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked polyolefin aerogels in simple and fiber-reinforced composite form. Of particular interest are polybutadiene aerogels. Especially aerogels derived from polybutadienes functionalized with anhydrides, amines, hydroxyls, thiols, epoxies, isocyanates or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Oilfield elements and assemblies are described comprising, in one embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising the reaction product of a linear or branched polymer having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety selected from acid, acid anhydride, and acid salt, the elastomeric composition formed into an oilfield element. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A pre-expanded beads of olefin-modified polystyrene-based resin comprising a pie-expanded beads of a polystyrene-based resin modified with a polyolefin-based resin, wherein a styrene-based monomer forming a polystyrene-based resin in the beads is used in the range of 100 to 1,000 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin-based resin, a bulk density of each bead is 0.012 to 0.20 g/cm3, and an absorbance ratio at 698 cm?1 and 2850 cm?1 (D698/D2850) obtained from an infrared absorption spectrum of each bead surface measured by ATR method infrared spectroscopy is in the range of 0.1 to 2.5.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded structure includes the provisioning of a first mixture which includes microparticles and a liquid-phase mixture of resin and curing agent. The first mixture is centrifuged to extract a volume of the liquid-phase resin and curing agent mixture from the first mixture, the centrifuging process resulting in the formation of a liquid-phase matrix of microparticles which are at least partially-coated with liquid-phase resin and curing agent. The liquid-phase matrix of at least partially coated microparticles is cured to form a solid-phase matrix of microparticles, thereby providing the molded structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing emulsion polymer particles having a core/shell structure and also to their use in paints, paper coatings, foams, and cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of vesiculated polymer particles, the method comprising: preparing a dispersion of polymerisable particles within a continuous aqueous phase, the polymerisable particles having a structure that is defined by an outer organic phase that comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers and surrounds an inner aqueous phase, said inner aqueous phase defining a single void within the polymerisable particle, wherein a RAFT agent functions as a stabiliser for the outer organic phase within the continuous aqueous phase, and wherein a RAFT agent functions as a stabiliser for the inner aqueous phase within the outer organic phase; and polymerising the one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers under the control of a RAFT agent functioning as said stabiliser to form the aqueous dispersion of vesiculated polymer particles.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular substance, the method of preparation and uses thereof, in particular as an absorbent substance, and in particular for the manufacture of sponges and other products for household use. The cellular substance of the invention comprises a mixture of fibers of a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one elastomer, and has a cellular structure formed by cells whose size is between 0.2 ?m and 10 mm, at least 1% of the cells, by volume as compared to the total cell volume, having a size of between 0.2 ?m and 10 ?m. The invention has application, particularly, in the area of absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing high strength composites. In one embodiment, a polymer matrix and a naturally-occurring inorganic material are melt processed to produce a high strength composite. In a preferred embodiment, the naturally-occurring inorganic material is volcanic ash. High strength composites of this invention have particular utility as building materials and automotive components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active ingredient composition which has a high content in thermosensitive foaming agents and one or more polyolefin resins, the portion which is larger in quantity being a metallocene and optionally the remaining resins being polar or nonpolar nonmetallocene polyolefin resins. All polyolefin resins add up to at least 10% by weight of the formulation and have a melting point between 80 and 170° C. The reduced dust active ingredient composition according to the invention is used for the masterbatch production of foamed plastics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing multi-layered nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foam sheet made of a biodegradable resin composition. The biodegradable resin composition contains a wax and/or a polyolefin resin. The biodegradable resin is mainly composed of polylactic acid. Natural candelilla wax or paraffin wax is preferable as the wax. Polyethylene is preferable as the polyolefin resin. Also disclosed are a foam article and a molded container made of such a foam sheet wherein the degree of crystallinity of the biodegradable resin is 10% or more.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a speaker is made by forming acrylic foam. As the material of the acrylic foam, using maleic anhydride and methacrylic amide are contained. Thereby, the coefficient of saturated water absorption can be reduced. When the diaphragm thus manufactured is used for a speaker device, the decrease of strength due to the water absorption and the deterioration of the sound quality can be prevented even in a humid environment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ethylene-?-olefin copolymer excellent in crosslinking properties; a foamed molded article having a low specific gravity and a low compression set (CS) and a composition capable of producing the foamed molded article, footwear parts composed of a foamed molded article; an ethylenic copolymer composition excellent in balance between weather resistance and mechanical strength, and an electric wire coating material and an electric wire sheath using the ethylenic copolymer composition; and a thermoplastic elastomer capable of producing a molded article excellent in balance between mechanical strength and toughness. The ethylenic copolymer (A) of the present invention is a copolymer composed of only ethylene and an ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and is characterized in that vinyl-group content (a) per 1000 carbon atoms as measured by infrared absorption spectroscopy, MFR10/MFR2.16 (b), and the specific gravity (c) are within a specific range.

Abstract: An expanded molded article having a void percentage of 5 to 50%, the molded article comprising 50 to 800 parts by weight of styrene-based resin relative to 100 parts by weight of non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin which can be obtained by using a metallocene catalyst, wherein the molded article is obtained by impregnating styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin beads with a volatile blowing agent to provide expandable beads, pre-expanding the expandable beads and then subjecting the obtained pre-expanded beads to expansion molding, the styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin beads each have the styrene-based resin dispersed in the form of particles, and a diameter of particle is 0.8 ?m or smaller in a surface region within at least 5 ?m from the bead surface and in a center region within a 5 ?m radius from the bead center.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried porous crumbs of a hydrogenated block copolymer which is obtained by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising (a) at least one polymer block composed mainly of aromatic vinyl monomer units and (b) at least one polymer block composed mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and which has a molecular weight of 70,000 or more. The dried porous crumbs have a water content of 1% by weight or less and having the capability of absorbing an oil in an amount of 1.0 or more, in terms of the ratio of the weight of an oil, which is absorbed by the dried porous crumbs when the dried porous crumbs are immersed in the oil at 25° C. under atmospheric pressure for 1 minute, to the weight of the dried porous crumbs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A process of producing a foamed molding, wherein expanded, substantially non-crosslinked polypropylene-based resin beads are heated in a mold to fuse-bond the beads together into a unitary body. Each of the expanded beads has been surface-modified with an organic peroxide.

Abstract: Foamable compositions and soft foams comprise at least an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer. The soft foam has a density from about 10 to 150 kg/m3. The foamable compositions further comprise a blowing agent. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are a multi-block copolymer comprising at least one soft block and at least one hard block. Methods of making the foamable compositions and soft foams; and foam articles made from the soft foams are also described.

Abstract: A material for vibration control of the invention includes a propylene polymer (A) containing a constitutional unit (a) derived from propylene in the proportion of 40 to 100 mol % and a constitutional unit (b) derived from ?-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding propylene in the proportion of 60 to 0 mol % [provided that the total of (a) and (b) is 100 mol %], and having a melting point measured by DSC of 90° C. or below or no observed melting point, and the material has excellent vibration controllability such as vibration damping property, vibration preventing property, sound insulating property, and sound absorbing property.

Abstract: A composition including a core-shell polymeric particle, the core including, when dry, at least one void and the shell including, as polymerized units, from 18% to 50%, by weight based on the weight of the shell, monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylamide, and mixtures thereof. is provided. Also provided is a composition including an organic medium and a core-shell polymeric particle, the core including, when dry, at least one void and the shell having a calculated shell-organic medium interaction parameter, XPS>1.15 and a method for providing opacity to a dry composition.

Abstract: A composition that includes first solid particles including a first polymer, second solid particles including a second polymer, and a liquid into which the first solid particles and the second solid particles are dispersed, wherein the composition is a pumpable liquid dispersion at room temperature, wherein the first polymer, the second polymer and the liquid become compatible and form a substantially homogeneous molten blend when the pumpable liquid dispersion is heated and mixed, wherein the substantially homogeneous molten blend forms a fused thermoplastic solid when the substantially homogeneous molten blend cools to a solidification temperature, wherein the liquid is retained in the fused thermoplastic solid and wherein the first polymer is at least partially incompatible with the liquid retained in the fused thermoplastic solid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ethylene copolymer by copolymerizing an ethylene and at least one comonomer selected from a compound represented by the formula H2C?CHR wherein R is an alkyl group or an aryl group, and a diene, by slurry polymerization process in the presence of a solid catalyst system comprising a support, a transition metal compound and an activator capable of converting the transition metal compound into a catalytically active transition metal complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides selectively laser sintered porous polymeric articles and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a method of the present invention comprises providing a first layer of particles of a first polymeric material, heating selected locations of the first layer to sinter particles of the first polymeric material to form a three-dimensional article, the three-dimensional article having a porosity of at least about 30 percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxial oriented film with a microporous layer, comprising a propylene polymer and at least one ?-nucleating agent the microporosity of which is generated by conversion of ?-crystalline polypropylene on drawing the film and the use thereof for the labelling of containers in blow moulding. The Gurley value for the film is 10,000 to 300,000 Gurley.

Abstract: Fluid reservoirs which are based on polymer substrates and are capable of storing large amounts of fluids. The storage is reliable and the reemergence from the liquid reservoir is readily controllable, for example, via the temperature or via mechanical actions, to achieve retardation of the fluid release. Also, processes for producing such fluid reservoirs and also their use, for example in washing or cleaning compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided. Application of these materials in transparent assemblies is also discuss.

Abstract: A fine pore formation agent for a porous resin film is provided which comprises inorganic particles satisfying (a) 0.1?D50?1.5 (?m) (D50: average particle diameter of particles in 50% cumulative total by weight from the larger particle side by micro-track FRA), (b) Da?20 (?m) (Da: maximum particle diameter by micro-track FRA), (c) 3?Sw?60 (m2/g) (Sw: BET specific surface area measured by nitrogen adsorption method), (d) Ir?1.0×105 (?·cm) (Ir: volume resistivity (?·cm). The fine pore formation agent for a porous resin film is capable of providing a resin composition giving a porous resin film useful in uses for electric parts such as capacitors and battery separators.