Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid Naliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

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

Abstract: A polypropylene base resin composition for foam-molding which use's a propylene•&agr;,&ohgr;-diene base copolymer containing a small amount of &agr;,&ohgr;-diene and obtained by copolymerizing propylene with a specific amount of &agr;,&ohgr;-diene in the presence of a catalyst system for polymerizing olefin comprising a metallocene supported catalyst or a pre-activated metallocene supported catalyst and an organic aluminum compound and which provides a foamed article having uniform and fine foamed cells (bubbles) and a high foaming magnification, a foamable polypropylene base resin composition comprising the propylene•&agr;,&ohgr;-diene base copolymer and a specific amount of a foaming agent, a foamed article obtained by foam-molding the above composition, a production process for the above foamed article and a foam-molded product prepared by heat-molding the above foamed article.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to foamable crystalline propylene polymers obtained from metallocene catalysis and to their methods of production. The foamed crystalline propylene polymers have molecular weight distributions and densities that fall within broad ranges. The crystalline propylene polymers may be prepared in a multiple stage polymerization process using a combination of metallocene components in at least two stages.

Abstract: A crosslinked olefin elastomer foam has a specific gravity of 0.05 to 0.2, an expansion ratio of 8 to 15, a compression set of 30 to 60% and a tear strength of 1.5 to 2.5 kg/cm. The crosslinked foam is obtained by heating an elastomer composition comprising a specific ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking auxiliary and a foaming agent. The crosslinked foam has a high expansion ratio, is free from surface roughening attributed to defoaming, realizes a soft touch, exhibits a low compression set and is excellent in mechanical strength (particularly tear strength) and heat resistance.

Abstract: A fibrillated foamed article and process for producing the same is described. The fibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A composition that has an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (A), a blowing agent (B), and optionally, an organic peroxide and a crosslinking assistant. The ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (A) has an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (A1) having a density of not less than 0.880 g/cm3 and less than 0.900 g/cm3 and MFR (190° C.) of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min and an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (A2) having a density of 0.900 to 0.930 g/cm3, MFR (190° C.) of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min and a main melting point peak at a position of not higher than 110° C., in a specific ratio. A foamed product, obtained by heat treatment of the composition, may be further subjected to secondary compression. A laminate made of the foamed product and a layer made of a polyolefin, a polyurethane, a rubber, a leather or an artificial leather. Footwear or a footwear part made of the foamed product or the laminate.

Abstract: Provided are a method for forming a foamed polypropylene resin sheet in which draw down and waving are not caused in heating the foamed sheet and in which inferior appearance such as partial thickness and wrinkles is not produced on the product, and a foamed formed article having an excellent shape obtained from the same. The method comprises a heating step for heating and softening the foamed polypropylene resin sheet and a forming step for bringing the heated foamed polypropylene resin sheet into contact with a forming mold to form it into a prescribed shape, wherein the foamed polypropylene resin sheet has an expansion ratio of 1.1 to 6 times, an open cell rate of 70% or less and a sheet thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm; and the foamed polypropylene resin sheet described above is heated in the heating step in the state that it is supported on a tabular sheet support.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene polymer having high stretchability, a fibrillatable character and a non-melt fabricable quality, which has a standard specific gravity of at most 2.160, and a tensile break strength of from 32.0 N (3.26 kgf) to 49.0 N (5.0 kgf) or an endothermic ratio of at most 0.15 as calculated from the measurement by differential thermal analysis. The tetrafluoroethylene polymer is suitable for stretching operation after paste extrusion.

Abstract: Highly crosslinked monolithic porous polymer materials for chromatographic applications. By using solvent compositions that provide not only for polymerization of acrylate monomers in such a fashion that a porous polymer network is formed prior to phase separation but also for exchanging the polymerization solvent for a running buffer using electroosmotic flow, the need for high pressure purging is eliminated. The polymer materials have been shown to be an effective capillary electrochromatographic separations medium at lower field strengths than conventional polymer media. Further, because of their highly crosslinked nature these polymer materials are structurally stable in a wide range of organic and aqueous solvents and over a pH range of 2-12.

Abstract: A foam comprising a propylene copolymer material comprising at least 50 weight percent of units derived from propylene, based on the total propylene copolymer material, and units derived from ethylenically unsaturated comonomers and having a melt flow rate in the range of from 0.5 to 8 g/10 min, a melt strength of at least 5 cN, and a melt drawability of at least 20 mm/s, process for making a foam using such a propylene copolymer material, process for making a foam in the form of thermoplastic foam beads using such a propylene copolymer material, and an expandable composition comprising such a propylene copolymer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration reducing grip material that includes a closed-cell poly(vinyl chloride) foam material having a Shore durometer of about 50 to about 70. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vibration reducing handle cover for an impact tool.

Abstract: A foam includes a blend of low density polyethylene and polypropylene having a melt tension of greater than about 20 centinewtons at 200° C.

Abstract: Composites of at least two different plastics materials joined directly to one another, wherein A) is a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic mixture of polymers which contain at least one polar compound of at least one of the metals of the 1st to the 5th main group or of the 1st to 8th subsidiary group of the Periodic System as an extremely finely divided powder, and B) is polyurethane.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a foamed rubber comprising a step of foaming a rubber composition, which composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer rubber, (B) 10 to 100 parts by weight of mica, and (C) 2 to 10 parts by weight of a foaming agent.

Abstract: An expandable composition comprising: (A) about 60 to about 98 percent by weight of a polyolefin or mixture of polyolefins wherein the polyolefin or mixture has an &eegr;0 of less than about 9.0 kilopascal.seconds (kPa.s), a Jr greater than about 50×10−5/pascals (Pa), and an Ea greater than about 6.7 kilocalories per mole (kcal/mol); and (B) about 2 to about 40 percent by weight of a polyolefin or mixture of polyolefins having an nRSI greater than about 4.5, and no greater than about 19; or (C) a polyolefin or mixture of polyolefins wherein the polymer or mixture has an &eegr;0 of less than about 9.0 kilopascal.seconds, a Jr greater than about 50×10−5/pascals, an Ea greater than about 6.7 kilocalories/mole, and an nRSI greater than about 9.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam which is obtained by reacting an addition-polymerizable active hydrogen component comprising a compound having a group containing active hydrogen and an addition-polymerizable functional group or comprising both this compound and a compound containing at least 2.5 groups (on the average) containing active hydrogen and not containing addition-polymerizable functional groups with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence or absence of at least one auxiliary selected from the group consisting of foaming agents and additives to polymerize the addition-polymerizable functional group and simultaneously form a polyurethane, and which has a structure in which the chains formed by the addition polymerization have been cross-linked to the polyurethane chains. The polyurethane foam is useful as a rigid polyurethane foam excellent in hardness, dimensional stability, etc. and usable as a heat insulator, shock-absorbing material, synthetic wood, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spongy rubber body or, in particular, spongy silicone rubber body useful for forming the semiconductive rubber layer of a rubber roller in photocopying machines and the like as well as for use as a spongy rubber puff in cosmetic makeup. Characteristically, the inventive spongy rubber is compounded with, besides ordinary ingredients in spongy silicone rubbers, a specified amount of globular particles of, preferably, a silicone rubber having a specified average particle diameter. Compounding of globular particles in a spongy rubber has an effect to give a uniformized and decreased average cell diameter of the spongy rubber and also to greatly decrease the permanent compression set of the spongy rubber as required in the rubber layer of a spongy rubber roller. Cosmetic puffs can be imparted with improved touch feeling to the human skin and improved evenness in spreading of a cosmetic composition over the skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to functional breakable crosslinkers and polymer networks made of functional breakable crosslinkers. The polymer networks show high selectivity or molecular recognition and are suitable for the use in separation materials and sensors. A representative functional crosslinker is 2,3-Dihydroxy-N,N,N′N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-bis{3-[(2-methylacryloyl)amino]propyl}-1,4-butanediaminium dihalide (“Imprinter-Q”). Imprinter-Q comprises three functional parts: two polymerizable double bonds; two cationic groups; and a 1,2-glycol link between the cationic groups that is easily cleavable. Imprinter-Q can be polymerized with other polymerizable monomers and cross-linkers to obtain polymer networks. After breaking the 1,2-glycol bond, the polymer network has receptor sites that present high affinity for divalent anionic molecules or ions.

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. The present invention is a foam, an interior material and a molded article destined for an interior vehicular material, comprising a fogging inhibitor, to keep the amount of the precipitate detected by the fogging test at 0.8 mg or less. The foam and the interior material obtained according to the present invention can be suitably used as a dash board in front of the driver's seat, an interior material at the door and as an interior material of the ceiling in an automobile.

Abstract: A foam composition and method of making the same. The foam of the present invention comprises a mixture of glutarate ester plasticizer, adipate ester plasticizer, alcohol carboxylic acid ester, cell stabilizer, barium/zinc activator stabilizer, potassium/zinc activator stabilizer or zinc stabilizer, azodicarbonamide blowing agent, low-fogging vinyl dispersion resin, vinyl blending resin, and black acrylic pigment dispersion. The foam is made by the process of mixing the ingredients until a homogenous liquid mixture is present, de-airing the homogeneous liquid mixture, casting the liquid mixture on a non-fogging release-coated surface, expanding the cast liquid mixture by exposing it to an elevated temperature for a prescribed duration of time, and then either cooling the expanded mixture and winding it into rolls, or coating the stabilized composition with pressure sensitive adhesive, cooling it, and then winding it into rolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam, a process for preparing the foam and an article containing the foam. The foam contains a coupled propylene polymer and has a density in of from 9.6 to 801 kg/m3 and has either a foamability factor of more than 1.8 to less than 2.8 and an open cell content less than 20 percent, or a foamability factor of at least 2.8 and less than 15 and an open cell content of less than 50 percent. The process includes heating a coupled propylene polymer having a melt flow rate from 0.2 to 20 g/10 min and a melt strength of at least 39 cN to a molten state to produce a molten polymer material and mixing said molten polymer material with a blowing agent under conditions to produce a foamed material having a density in the range of from 9.6 to 801 kg/m3.

Abstract: Foams prepared from a blend of a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) resin and a foamable thermoplastic polymer resin are provided which exhibit a combination of desirable properties which have heretofore been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. The foams of the present invention are useful in applications such as thermal insulation, packaging, and the formation of molded articles such as cups, and trays.

Abstract: A high-expanded crosslinked foam having excellent flexibility, toughness, heat resistance and compressibility, a smooth surface and uniform cells, and a polyolefin resin composition to be used therefore are provided.

Abstract: A method of making a novel composition of a porous medium comprising volume elements of both voids and pores wherein the voids are much larger than the mean size of the pores. The method includes a first step of preparation of a porous medium comprising solid particles the approximate size selected for the voids and pores as volume elements and a second step of removing the particles by etching out with hydrofluoric acid or other means to form a porous medium comprising both voids and pores. In another embodiment, the voids are prepared from Bow etching out of a polymeric hydrogel silica particles which were allowed to self-assemble as a crystalline colloidal array prior to formation of the polymeric hydrogel around them, thereby forming a porous medium containing a crystalline colloidal array of voids containing aqueous solution. In another embodiment, a method of partitioning macromolecules between a solution comprising the macromolecules, and the voids and pores of a porous medium.

Abstract: A high-expanded crosslinked foam having excellent flexibility, toughness, heat resistance and compressibility, a smooth surface and uniform cells, and a polyolefin resin composition to be used therefore are provided. A polyolefin-based crosslinked foam has the following characteristics (a) to (c) and is obtained by the crosslinked foaming of a foaming polyolefin resin composition comprising a polyolefin resin composition and a foaming agent: (a) Gel fraction is from 10% to 90%; (b) Degree of swelling is 30 or less; and (c) When glass transition point determined from the temperature dependence of dynamic viscoelasticity is represented by the peak of tan &dgr; determined by the measurement of dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 Hz, there is observed no peak or one peak, if any, and the ratio &agr; of storage modulus at 0° C. (E′0) to storage modulus at 100° C. (E′100) (&agr;=log E′0/E′100) is from 10 to 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam, a process for preparing the foam and an article containing the foam.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: Provided is a polyolefin base porous film comprising a polyolefin composition in which calcium carbonate particles, preferably calcium carbonate particles subjected to surface treatment with chain carboxylic acid having 3 to 6 carbon atoms are dispersed. This polyolefin base porous film is characterized by that the leached solution with water has a pH which falls in the vicinity of neutrality and has a low stimulation to the skin, and therefore it is useful for goods contacting human bodies, particularly a back sheet for a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing polyolefin foam beads by a continuous process is disclosed by which the polyolefin foam beads can be produced with increased efficiency and productivity. The method comprises a step of impregnating foaming agent into polyolefin resin by mixing polyolefin resin particles, water and the foaming agent in a impregnation chamber under heat and pressure, followed by a step of storing the polyolefin resin containing the foaming agent in a storing chamber under heat and pressure. Thereafter, the resin particles are subjected to a foaming step by continuously or intermittently discharging the resin particles from the storing chamber to a low pressure expansion chamber by utilizing a discharging device, in the same time period when a next batch of polyolefin resin is added and mixed in the impregnation chamber after being supplied with the resin particles from a resin supply chamber.

Abstract: Composites of at least two different plastics materials joined directly to one another, wherein

Abstract: The product made of crosslinked polyolefin foam of the invention is characterized by a compression of at most 7 N/cm2, measured according to the ASTM D 1667 standard with a degree of compression of 30% and a rate of compression of 10 mm/minute, for a density of at least 100 kg/m3, it being understood that this maximum compression may decrease for lower densities and increase for higher densities. The invention comprises, moreover, the application of this product as a seal.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is furniture comprised of a closed-cell foam known as ethylene vinyl acetate, hereafter known as E.V.A. This new use of E.V.A. material provides structural integrity when various shapes are laminated together. The designs are based upon modular units that provide efficiency in fabrication as well as versatility in use.

Abstract: Foamable polypropylene composition comprising a polypropylene resin having an D1238L melt flow rate of from about 0.5 to about 30 g/10 min, and a method for extruding rigid, foamed polypropylene sheet with improved surface appearance having a density in the range 0.4 to about 0.8 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing foamed polyolefin-based plastics blocks by first crosslinking a matrix comprising a) from 51 to 97% by weight of one or more polyolefins, selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and ethylene copolymer, b) from 3 to 20% by weight of a foaming agent, using &bgr;-radiation of energy >6 MeV. The thickness of the matrix is from 25 to 45 mm. The radiation dose is from 20 to 150 kJ/kg. During the irradiation, atmospheric oxygen is at least substantially prevented from reaching the surface of the matrix. After crosslinking, the crosslinked matrix is foamed by heating to a temperature >160° C. and decomposing the blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a pressurized container for providing insulating foams including a foamable composition adapted for delivery from pressure cans and on the basis of an aqueous plastic dispersion, which comprises an aqueous dispersion of at least one film forming plastic with a content of 30 to 80% by weight of film forming aqueous plastic dispersion, a blowing gas in an amount equal to 3 to 25% of the weight of the total composition, and at least one anionic foam stabilizer for stabilizing the foams and emulsifying the blowing gas in the aqueous plastic dispersion in an amount equal to 0.3 to 6% of the weight of the total composition. The foamed compositions are able to be employed as sealing, caulking and insulating materials.

Abstract: A process for making a macrocellular acoustic foam is disclosed in which a foamable gel made of a blowing agent and a polymeric resin composition is subjected to an extrusion process at a die pressure greater than the prefoaming critical die pressure but less than or equal to four times that of said prefoaming critical die pressure and macrocellular foams obtainable by that process are also disclosed which are made of:

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygenator membrane based on organically modified silicic-acid polycondensates into a process for preparation thereof. The oxygenator membrane is obtainable by processing a viscous to resinous liquid by conventional methods to form a membrane, drying this membrane, if desired, and subjecting it to curing induced thermally and/or radiatively and/or chemically. The viscous to resinous liquid is obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of one or more compounds of the general formula I and/or II and/or III and/or IV and/or of precondensates derived from these compound by hydrolytic condensation and, if desired, of one or more compounds of the general formula V, and, if desired, by addition of one or more monomers and/or oligomers which are capable of undergoing addition copolymerization and/or (poly)addition reaction and/or of one or more curing catalysts.

Abstract: A surface decorated foam skin of cross-linked rubbery soft olefin resin, comprising rubbery soft olefin resin, characterizing by having (1) an average cell diameter of 50 to 400 &mgr;m, (2) a crystallinity of 5 to 40% (3) a hysteresis loss of 35% or lower, and (4) an embossing percentage of 40% or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally expandable microspheres comprising a thermoplastic polymer shell and a propellant entrapped therein, wherein said polymer shell is made of a homo- or co-polymer from ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising more than 85 wt % of nitrile containing monomers and said propellant comprises at least 50 wt % of isooctane. The invention further relates to preparation and use of expandable microspheres, a composition comprising expandable microspheres and articles comprising foamed material containing expanded microspheres.

Abstract: The mixture comprising a polymer, an adsorbtion agent including an expansion agent and a nucleating agent is produced before being placed in an extruder. The result is a finished product of expanded cellular polymer comprising more than 90% by volume of closed cells.

Abstract: A blowing agent for expanding an extrudable, expandable polyolefin foam product, the blowing agent including a blend of isobutane and n-butane. The isobutane is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 35 to 65 and the n-butane is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 35 to 65.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ethylene resin foamed product containing uniform cells and having excellent appearance, toughness and flexibility. The ethylene resin foamed product comprises an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer having the following properties: the density is in the range of 0.880 to 0.940 g/cm3; the melt flow rate (MFR) at 190° C. under a load of 2.16 kg is in the range of 0.1 to 20 g/10 min; the decane-soluble component fraction (W) at room temperature and the density (d) satisfy the relation W<80×exp(−100(d−0.88))+0.1 in case of MFR≦10 g/10 min and the relation W<80×(MFR-9)0.26×exp(−100(d−0.88))+0.1 in case of MFR>10 g/10 min; and the temperature (TM) at the maximum peak position in the endothermic curve as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter and the density (d) satisfy the relation Tm<400×d−250.

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: An extruded, coalesced foam strand propylene polymer material that is either open-celled and useful for sound insulation applications or close celled and useful for thermal insulation applications.

Abstract: A superporous hydrogel composite is formed by polymerizing one or more ethylenically-unsaturated monomers, and a multiolefinic crosslinking agent, in the presence of particles of a disintegrant and a blowing agent. The disintegrant, which rapidly absorbs water, serves to greatly increase the mechanical strength of the superporous hydrogel and significantly shorten the time required to absorb water and swell. Superporous hydrogel composites prepared by this method have an average pore size in the range of 10 &mgr;m to 3,000 &mgr;m. Preferred particles of disintegrant include natural and synthetic charged polymers, such as crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crosslinked sodium starch glycolate, and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone. The blowing agent is preferably a compound that releases gas bubbles upon acidification, such as NaHCO3. Improved hydrogel composites formed without a blowing agent are also provided.

Abstract: Propylene resin beads for molding expansion molded articles having improved high temperature resistance include as base resin metallocene-catalyzed copolymers of propylene with at least one or more of ethylene and ∝-olefins of 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The metallocene-catalyzed propylene copolymers are isotactic random copolymers characterized by a melting point higher than 140° C. to 160° C. and a melt flow rate (MFR) of not higher than 12 g/10 minutes, especially, 0.5 to 12 g/10 minutes. Expansion molded articles produced by expansion molding the expanded beads have a high temperature degree of deflection which is lower than that of metallocene-catalyzed propylene homopolymers and lower than that of Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed random propylene copolymers having the same comonomers and melting point.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to articles formed from polypropylene polymer foams and desirably isotactic polypropylene polymer foams. The polypropylene polymers are obtained from metallocene catalysis. The polypropylene polymer has molecular weight distributions and densities that fall within broad ranges. The polypropylene polymer foam may be prepared in a multiple stage polymerization process using the same metallocene component in at least two stages.

Abstract: Method and composition for making an expanded polyethylene material by forming a foamable melt of polyethylene, a nucleating agent, a material which retards migration of alkanes, and a blowing agent which comprises 10 to 100 mole percent ethane. In one disclosed embodiment, the melt is passed through an annular extrusion die to form an elongated tube of extruded material which is then expanded, slit lengthwise and laid flat to form a sheet of the expanded material.

Abstract: Semi-crystalline microcellular foams that include a midlevel amount of nucleating agent, and methods of their production, are provided. The microcellular foams can be produced in typical polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding and blow molding. The foams exhibit excellent mechanical properties and can be formed over a broad range of density into a number of different foam articles.