Abstract: A lightweight, thermal insulation and temperature-adjusting modified polymer aerogel composite material and a preparation method thereof are provided. The composite material includes a heat insulation matrix with a topological and closed-cell foaming structure; And an enhanced thermal insulation low thermal conductivity element embedded in the bubble wall of the thermal insulation matrix, i.e. the non-porous part. Due to the special foaming process, the aerogel phase change thermal insulation composite material has a tiny closed-cell structure similar to that of aerogel materials, and aerogel particles and phase change microcapsules are added, so that the internal cell structure and porosity are further improved, and the aerogel phase change thermal insulation composite material has a certain phase change temperature regulation function and excellent thermal insulation performance.

Abstract: A polymer foam system comprises a polyaldehyde, an inorganic powder, a polycarbamate, a blowing agent and an acid catalyst wherein the polyaldehyde is in an A-side of the polymer foam system and the polycarbamate is in a B-side of the polymer foam system wherein the inorganic powder is selected from a group consisting of Group II oxides and hydroxides, the polyaldehyde has an average functionality of more than one and three or less, the polycarbamate has an average functionality of 3.4 or more and 4.2 or less, the polycarbamate has an average equivalent weight of 200 grams per equivalent or more and 325 grams per equivalent or less, and the average particle size of the inorganic powder in micrometers divided by the ratio of concentration in millimoles of inorganic powder to acid catalyst is 2.5 or more an 9.3 or less.

Abstract: The present invention is a solvent composition including: a solvent including 1-chloro-2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene; and at least one type of stabilizer selected from a group consisting of phenols, ethers, epoxides, amines, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, and is a solvent composition which is excellent in solubility of various organic substances and has no adverse effect on a global environment, and is excellent in stability, and this solvent composition can be used for a wide range of industrial uses such as cleaning, coating uses, and a heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A composition comprising a heat transfer portion and a lubricating portion, wherein the lubricating portion comprises one or more compounds according to formula (I) of the present disclosure, wherein W is H; Y is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I; Z is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, (CW2)PCW3, CY3, OCW3, O(CW2)pCW3, OCW((CY2)mCY3)CWCW2, polyalkylene glycol and polyolester; n is an integer from 2 to 250; m is an integer from 0 to 3; and p is an integer from 0 to 9.

Abstract: A thermal insulation component according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes a matrix, a crosslinking precursor, and a crosslinking initiator. The matrix includes a thermal insulation material having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 5 W/mK. The crosslinking precursor is embedded in the matrix. The crosslinking precursor includes at least one of an acrylate functional group or a methacrylate functional group. The crosslinking initiator is embedded in the matrix. The crosslinking initiator is configured to decompose to initiate crosslinking of the crosslinking precursor. In certain aspects, the present disclosure also provides an electronics assembly including an electronic component and a thermal insulation material in thermal communication with the electronic component. In certain aspects, the present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the thermal insulation component.

Abstract: A skin material-coated foamed particle molded body includes a skin material made of a polypropylene-based resin molded body and a polypropylene-based resin foamed particle molded body coated with the skin material. The skin material has a multilayer structure including an inner layer adhered to the foamed particle molded body and an outer layer outside the inner layer. The outer layer contains a polypropylene-based resin and a reinforcement fiber. The inner layer contains the polypropylene-based resin and a reinforcement fiber in a lower content ratio than a content ratio of the reinforcement fiber contained in the outer layer or contains the polypropylene-based resin and substantially no reinforcement fiber. An average value of the outer layer thickness ratio to a sum of the outer and inner layer thicknesses is 0.20 or more and 0.65 or less, and a coefficient of variation Cv of the ratio is 30% or less.

Abstract: A method for forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite is disclosed. The method includes distributing graphite microparticles into a molten thermoplastic polymer phase; and applying a succession of shear strain events to the molten polymer phase so that the molten polymer phase exfoliates the graphite successively with each event until at least 50% of the graphite is exfoliated to form a distribution in the molten polymer phase of single- and multi-layer graphene nanoparticles less than 50 nanometers thick along the c-axis direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing the initial heating phase for a thick wall reactor, such as a hydroprocessing reactor, by using heat tracing to heat the exterior walls of the reactor. Instead of attempting to initially heat the reactor by passing a low pressure heat transfer gas through the interior of the reactor, external heater(s) placed under the reactor insulation can be used to heat the exterior of the reactor. An example of a suitable external heater is a heat tracing blanket, where heat is provided by passing steam through pipes in contact with the external surface or by electrical heaters in contact with the external surface. This can allow for more rapid heating of the reactor, so that a target temperature can be achieved in a time of 5.0 hours or less.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of flame retardants and relates to use of sulfenamides as flame retardants, in particular in polymeric substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to production of a porous microstructure using the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating technology. The invented method involves subjecting an emulsion prepared by emulsification of two immiscible phases to forced sedimentation, such as subjecting the emulsion to centrifugation, so as to increase the volume ratio of the dispersed phase to the continuous phase to obtain a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE), following by curing the continuous phase, whereby the porous microstructure thus produced has an increased porosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a hierarchically porous polymer and a hierarchically porous polymer prepared thereby. The method comprises the steps of: (a) polymerizing an external oil phase of a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) consisting aqueous droplets to produce a cross-linked block copolymer; (b) obtaining a macroporous polymer with interconnected macropores by removing the aqueous droplets; and (c) treating the obtained porous polymer with a base, thereby obtaining a hierarchically porous polymer having three-dimensional mesopores formed in the macroporous walls. According to the method, the macropore size and mesopore size of the hierarchically porous polymer can all be controlled. The hierarchically porous polymer prepared by the method can easily separate polymers having different sizes, and thus is highly useful in the polymer separation field.

Abstract: Expandable styrene resin particles include 2.0 wt % to 8.0 wt % of graphite, and the graphite has a mean particle size of 2.5 ?m to 9 ?m. The expandable styrene resin particles satisfy (i) a laser scattering intensity per unit solution concentration of the graphite is not less than 5 {%/(mg/ml)}/wt %, (ii) an area of the graphite per unit solution concentration of the graphite in 1 mm2 is not less than 55 ({mm2/mm2}/{g/g}), or (iii) when the expandable styrene resin particles are pre-expanded and are made into an expanded molded product having an expansion ratio of 40 times, a value (%/wt %) obtained by dividing, by the content of the graphite (wt %), a percentage of an area occupied by the graphite in a surface layer of the expanded molded product (%), a quotient of which is further multiplied by 100, is not less than 100.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials for use as a vehicle arresting system (also referred to as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). Specific embodiments may use modified polymeric foams composites. The polymeric foams may include additives, coatings, combinations of both, or other features than render them useful for an EMAS. The polymeric foams may also have one or more modified surfaces that provide a protective crust. For example, the one or more surface may be modified by application of heat in order to help close the polymeric foam cells and/or to create an encapsulative surface. These features can provide enhanced weather resistance, fire resistance, moisture absorption, jet blast resistance, improve their energy absorbing properties, or other desired features.

Abstract: Compositions based on self-extinguishing expandable vinyl aromatic polymers in granules comprising: a. a polymeric matrix and, homogeneously englobed in the polymeric matrix, b. 3-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding system; c. 0.005-5% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a brominated flame-retardant agent; d. 0.001-2% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a synergic additive; e. 0.005-5% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of at least one stabilizing additive selected from: i. pyrophosphates of alkaline or alkaline earth metals, an ammonium group or a unit deriving from melamine; ii. melamine polyphosphate; iii. partially or completely salified polycarboxylic acids; iv. citrates of alkaline or alkaline earth metals; v. polyfunctional alcohols with 2 or more alcohol functions; vi. esters of poly-functional alcohols.

Abstract: A size-selective hemocompatible porous polymeric adsorbent system is provided, the polymer system comprises at least one crosslinking agent and at least one dispersing agent, and the polymer has a plurality of pores with diameters in the range from about 17 to about 40,000 Angstroms.

Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polymer component containing styrenic polymer, a brominated vinyl aromatic/butadiene copolymer and a polyethylene wax, concentration of the polyethylene wax is 0.02 to 1.0 weight percent based on weight of the polymer component, the polyethylene wax has average molecular weight of 10,000 g/mol or less than 10,000 g/mol. The polymer composition can be a polymeric foam.

Abstract: A method for creating a foam from a solid thermoplastic material is disclosed. The method includes heating a solid, noncellular thermoplastic material to a temperature greater than the material's glass transition temperature, and below the melting temperature, and then allowing the material to cool; after the material has cooled, saturating the cooled thermoplastic material with a non-reacting gas to provide a gas-saturated material; and heating the gas-saturated material below the melting temperature of the material so that the material remains a solid, and causes nucleation of bubbles, and creation of cells in the material.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate material comprising porous polymeric microparticles having a mesoporous structure. A process for making the particles is also presented. The process comprises impregnating a porous microparticulate template material with a liquid comprising one or more monomers. The one or more monomers are then polymerized in and/or on the template material to form a polymer, and the template material is then removed to produce the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition Z comprising a component B1, a component B2, a component D, a component E and a component P, wherein the component B1 is a polyethylene glycol having a hydroxyl number of from 25 to 600 mg KOH/g and an average molecular weight of 200 to 4000 g/mol; the component B2 is a polyethylene glycol having a hydroxyl number of from 0.1 to 24 mg KOH/g and an average molecular weight of higher than 4000 to about 10,000,000 g/mol; the component D is an earth alkali carbonate, the component E is a phyllosilicate, and the component P is a polystyrene and/or an alloy thereof. Composition Z is suitable to increase the hydrophilic properties of processed solid or foamed polystyrene material, especially for making a film, sheet or food tray.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation block, preferably an insulation plate, in which method the casting mould is adjusted to a desired size by moving at least one wall of the casting mould, the pre-expanded polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene beads are led to the casting mould, the pre-expanded polymer beads are steamed in the casting mould, and the formed finished insulation block is removed from the mould. In a method according to the invention at least one wall of the casting mould is moved during the steaming and/or during the cooling phase after the steaming.

Abstract: A thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite comprises a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene and polystyrene; and a sulfur element. Such sulfur element functions as passive sulfur filler in this composite. The thermoplastic polymer is a polymer matrix; and the sulfur filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix. There is no chemical reaction occurs after the addition of the sulfur filler into the host polymer and no chemical bond formed between the polymer and the sulfur filler. The thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite can be a nanocomposite by either adding certain nanofillers into the composite or making the sulfur filler as sulfur nanoparticles. With its similar physical properties and lower manufacturing costs, the thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composites are good alternatives of the respective pure polymers.

Abstract: There are provided expandable polystyrene resin particles formed by granulating a polystyrene resin containing an expanding agent, wherein the weight-average molecular weight Mw of the polystyrene resin is in the range of 120,000 to 270,000, and the expanding agent contains, as an essential component, pentane at a proportion of 3 to 8 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the polystyrene resin, while the composition of the pentane is in the range of isopentane:normal pentane=10:90 to 80:20 by mass ratio. These expandable polystyrene resin particles can utilize a recycled raw material, and can produce a molded foam product having sufficient mechanical strength, while the expandable polystyrene resin particles have a long bead life and excellent low pressure moldability.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to present principles enhance aspects of applied plaster coats. In particular, the materials include a synthetic substitute aggregate (SSA), added to a cementitious base coat, for a plastering step prior to application of stucco or acrylic synthetic finishes or finish coats. The addition of SSA to a pre-blended cementitious base coat creates a light weight product which in some implementations is highly advantageous for the plastering industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to azeotrope-like compositions, methods and systems having utility in numerous applications, and in particular, uses for azeotrope-like compositions comprising effective amounts of the compound cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (Z-HFO-1336mzzm), which has the following structure: and another material selected from the group consisting of water, fluoroketones, alcohols, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, and combinations of two or more thereof. These compositions may be used in a wide variety of applications such as, blowing agents, refrigerants, heating agents, power cycle agents, cleaning agents, aerosol propellants, sterilization agents, lubricants, flavor and fragrance extractants, flammability reducing agents, and flame suppression agents.

Abstract: A method of making a foamable polystyrene composition includes combining a styrenic monomer and a co-monomer containing a polar functional group to obtain a mixture, subjecting the mixture to polymerization to obtain a styrenic co-polymer, and combining the styrenic co-polymer with a blowing agent in a foaming process to obtain foamed articles.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing polystyrene having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 120,000-160,000 g/mol, a polydispersity in the range of 4-6 and a melt flow rate of at least 40 g/10 minutes by feeding styrene into a reaction system through which the styrene passes as a component of a reaction mixture as it is polymerized, the reaction system including an initial reaction zone (100) and a downstream reaction zone (200), comprising the steps of: polymerizing styrene in the initial reaction zone to form polystyrene having a Mw of greater than 300,000 g/mol and a polydispersity in the range 1.5-2.5, 10-30 wt. % of the styrene fed to the initial reaction zone being polymerized there, —and polymerizing styrene remaining in the reaction mixture in the downstream reaction zone, a chain transfer agent being mixed with the reaction mixture at the commencement of this reaction zone and optionally at one or more additional locations within this reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of two components in the joint extrusion with a polystyrene in order to increase the hydrophilic properties of the processed solid or foamed polystyrene film, sheet or food tray. The first component being an alkyl sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate or olefin sulfonate, the second component is a polyethylene glycol, the two components can also be used in form of a composition, the composition being in the form of a masterbatch or of a Compound.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing polystyrene having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 120,000- 160,000 gmol, a polydispersity in the range of 4-6 and a melt flow rate of at least 40 g/10 minutes by feeding styrene into a reaction system through which the styrene passes as a component of a reaction mixture as it is polymerized, the reaction system including an initial reaction zone (100) and a downstream reaction zone (200), comprising the steps of: polymerizing styrene in the initial reaction zone to form polystyrene having a Mw of greater than 300,000 gmol and a polydispersity in the range 1,5-2.5, 10-30 wt. % of the styrene fed to the initial reaction zone being polymerized there,—and polymerizing styrene remaining in the reaction mixture in the downstream reaction zone, a chain transfer agent being mixed with the reaction mixture at the commencement of this reaction zone and optionally at one or more additional locations within this reaction zone.

Abstract: Particulate, expandable polymer which can be processed into a foam having a fine cell structure and a low density and which, in order to improve the thermal insulation value thereof, contains a carbon-based thermal insulation value-increasing material. A method for preparing particulate, expandable polymer as well as to a foam material obtained therewith.

Abstract: A composition including an effective amount of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene component combined with an effective amount of an alcohol selected from the group of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol and any combination thereof, where the composition has azeotropic properties.

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

Abstract: Provided are porogen compositions and methods of using such porogen compositions in the manufacture of porous materials, for example, porous silicone elastomers. The porogens generally include comprising a core material and shell material different from the core material. The porogens can be used to form a scaffold for making a resulting porous elastomer when the scaffold is removed.

Abstract: A structural three dimensional nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties is provided. The structural three dimensional nanocomposite includes (a) spherical shaped nanoparticles, (b) a matrix, and (c) an inter phase structure. The matrix may be selected from at least one of (a) polymer matrix, and (b) a nano metal matrix. The spherical shaped nanoparticles are reinforced with the matrix. The spherical shaped nanoparticles are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. The inter phase structure transfers stress from the matrix to obtain the spherical shaped nanoparticles with improved mechanical properties. The structural three dimensional nanocomposite have high and equal mechanical strength in three dimensions when the structural three dimensional nanocomposite is at least one of (a) volume compressive stress condition, and (b) volume expansive stress condition.

Abstract: A gypsum composition for making lightweight blocks, panels, boards, coatings or other user defined shapes that are specially beneficial to the building construction industry. The novel gypsum composition comprises one to five volume percent starch; one to five volume percent crystalline silica; one to ten volume percent cellulose; ten to eighty volume percent gypsum; and ten to eighty volume percent Styrofoam particles, hard plastic particles, rubber particles or a combination thereof, wherein the particles have an average particle size in a range of about 15 to about 150 mesh. The particles can be from a virgin source, a recycled source or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for development of sustainable materials based upon a method of thermoplastic polymer recycling with a solvent that is also a monomer for renewable polymer synthesis. By combining petroleum-derived polymers with bio-based monomer feedstocks, biphasic, blended polymer products are produced and are shown to exhibit facile tunability of physical and material properties. This one-pot, solvent-based recycling approach yields neat recycled products without the use of solvent evaporation or solute precipitation, and the functional utility of the resulting polymer blends greatly exceeds that of either homopolymer alone.

Abstract: A carbon-containing modified polystyrene type resin particle of the present invention includes: a carbon-containing polypropylene type resin, and a polystyrene type resin in an amount of not less than 100 parts by weight but less than 400 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the carbon-containing polypropylene type resin, wherein the polystyrene type resin ratio at the central part of the particle is at least 1.2 times the polystyrene type resin ratio of the overall particle, the polystyrene type resin ratio being calculated by using the ratio (D698/D1376) of absorbances at 698 cm?1 and 1376 cm?1 which are obtained by infrared absorption spectra measured by ATR infrared spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: Heat transfer compositions, methods and use wherein the composition comprising: (a) from about 5 to about 20% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 70% to about 90% by weight of HFO-1234ze; and (c) from about 5% to less than about 20% by weight of HFC-152a and/or HFC-134a.

Abstract: Polymer foams incorporating fibrous ingredients are disclosed. The fibrous ingredients act as service temperature enhancing agents, increasing the maximum service temperature of the polymer foams as compared to comparable polymer foams that do not incorporate fibrous ingredients. Particularly useful fibrous ingredients include glass fibers and polyaramides having a branched fibrous structure, an example of which is poly para-phenyleneterephthalamide pulp.

Abstract: A method of producing vinyl polymer particles by suspension polymerization comprising: combining an aqueous media and a tricalcium phosphate to a reaction vessel; adding a pH stabilizing agent to the reaction vessel; adding a vinyl monomer to the reaction vessel; adding a peroxide initiator, e.g., which also generates CO2 as a result of primary or secondary decomposition, to the reaction vessel; adding surfactant or a water soluble free radical initiator to generate surfactant in situ to the reaction vessel; maintaining the reactor contents at greater than or equal to 90° C. until a density of a dispersed phase becomes substantially equal to that of a continuous phase; adding a blowing agent to the reaction vessel; raising the temperature of the reaction vessel to greater than or equal to 100° C.; and collecting polymer particles having a particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention provides a universal linker capable of synthesizing nucleic acid having a hydroxy group at the 3? terminal, a universal support carrying the linker, and a synthesis method of nucleic acid using the universal support. The linker contains a compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of monodisperse polymer particles which are formed by contacting monomers with aqueous dispersions comprising monodisperse swellable seed polymers/oligomers, and initiating polymerization in the presence of a steric stabilizer. The resulting swollen seed particles are characterized by the particle mode diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous resin bead containing a first aromatic monovinyl compound-divinyl compound-(meth)acrylonitrile-second aromatic monovinyl compound copolymer, in which the second aromatic monovinyl compound contains a group capable of binding with a carboxyl group by dehydration condensation reaction, and in which the porous resin bead has a swelling volume in acetonitrile of from 3 to 6 ml/g.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A mixture and method for forming molded products includes, in a preferred embodiment, Portland cement, shredded polystyrene, chopped fiberglass fibers, a waterproof coating agent, and water. These components may be mixed together, preferably in a large capacity mixer, to form a slurry, which may then be poured into a mold. The slurry is allowed to dry within the mold, and is then removed from the mold. The final product is a precast, molded item that is formed into a desired shape for use in the construction industry, and may be attached to a structure using screws, nails, adhesive, or any other suitable means of attachment.

Abstract: A composition including an effective amount of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene component combined with an effective amount of an alcohol selected from the group of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol and any combination thereof, where the composition has azeotropic properties.

Abstract: Prepare a closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam by an extrusion process using a blowing agent composition that contains at least 30 weight-percent of the chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent such that the foam has a density of 48 kilograms per cubic meter or less, contains more than 50 weight-percent styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer based on total polymer weight and at least eight weight-percent of a chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent that has a lower solubility in polystyrene than 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134).

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

Abstract: A coating composition adapted for application on a fastener, the coating composition composed of a binder component composed of a polymeric resin present in the composition at a concentration between 1.0% and 15.0% by total composition weight, wherein the binder component is composed of at least one of a solvent dispersible compound; a reactive cross-linking component present in the composition in an amount between 1.0% and 80.0%; at least one curing agent; optionally at least one expansion agent, wherein at least one of the curing agent or the reactive cross-linking component are physically and reactively isolated from other components of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition capable of providing foams (non-crosslinked and crosslinked foams) which have low specific gravity and low compression set (CS) and are excellent in tensile strength properties, tear strength properties and vibration-damping properties at room temperature to high temperatures, and a foam of the resin composition. The resin composition for foams of the present invention comprises 5 to 95 parts by weight of an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A) and 5 to 95 parts by weight of a hydrogenated copolymer (B) obtained by hydrogenating a copolymer comprising a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound, and is characterized in that the hydrogenated copolymer (B) does not have a glass transition point of not higher than ?10° C. when measured at a frequency of 1 Hz in accordance with JIS-K7198.

Abstract: Process for producing a thermoplastic polymer foam article includes preparing an expandable polymeric formulation comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a blowing agent blend, forming the formulation into an expandable bead, and expanding the expandable bead to form a thermoplastic polymer foam article. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate, hydrocarbon, and either carbon dioxide or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a). The blowing agent blend has a higher effective volatility than that of methyl formate alone. A thermoplastic polymer foam article prepared by a process is also provided.