Abstract: The present invention relates to polymerisable compounds, to processes and intermediates for the preparation thereof, to liquid-crystal (LC) media comprising them, and to the use of the polymerisable compounds and LC media for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in LC displays of the polymer sustained alignment type.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide-reversibly-protected chain extension-crosslinking agents and a preparation method and use thereof are disclosed, The carbon dioxide-reversibly-protected chain extension-crosslinking agents have chemical structures represented by Formula I, Formula II, Formula III or Formula IV, wherein, n, m and p are integers, R is either OCH2CH(CH3) or OCH2CH2, 1?n?20, 1?m?10, and 1?p?10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-adhesive article comprising a non-random fabric of bundles of carbon fibres and a thermosetting epoxy resin composition. The self-adhesive article exhibits high surface adhesion and excellent dimensional stability at room temperature. The self-adhesive article is ideally suited to reinforce structural components, particularly vehicles or ancillary vehicle components. The structural components reinforced by the self-adhesive article exhibit improved impact and torsional strength.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present application is a thermally expandable preparation that can be pumped at application temperatures below 70° C., containing (a) at least one first epoxy resin E1 that has an epoxy equivalent weight of at most 280 g/eq and a viscosity of at most 1250 Pa*s at 25° C., (b) at least one second epoxy resin E2 that has an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 300 g/eq and a viscosity of at most 250 Pa*s at 25° C., (c) at least one hardener that can be thermally activated, (d) at least one propellant that can be thermally activated, and (e) at least 1 wt. % of organic fibres having a fibre length of 0.2 mm to 10 mm.

Abstract: Biomedical and tissue engineering devices, such as surgical sutures and microporous scaffolds, respectively, which undergo swelling and increase in dimensions when placed in aqueous environments such as living tissues, are produced by the melt-spinning or electrostatic spinning into strong monofilament and multifilament yarns or microfibrous fabrics, respectively. Such devices are formed from especially high molecular weight crystalline polyether-esters having a minimum inherent viscosity of 0.8 dL/g and heat of fusion of at least 5 J/g, wherein the polyether-esters are made by grafting to a polyester component a polyether glycol component having a minimum molecular weight of about 11 kDa with at least one cyclic monomer.

Abstract: A composition for sportswear, includes a rubber component (a) which contains an epihalohydrin rubber, a vulcanizing agent (b) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (a), and a foaming agent (c) in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by weight therefor. The composition for sportswear is preferably includes a colorant (d).

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: A thermally curable adhesive in strip or film form, having a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm, containing: a) at least one reactive epoxy prepolymer, b) at least one latent hardener for epoxies, and c) one or more elastomers that are selected from: c1) thermoplastic polyurethanes, c2) thermoplastic isocyanates, and c3) block copolymers having thermoplastic polymer blocks. Further components can additionally be contained, for example a blowing agent for foaming. The adhesive in the uncured state at 22° C. is bendable or wrappable and can be extended at least 100% before tearing. It can be laid onto a foil. It can be used, for example, for adhesive bonding of planar, tubular, or cylindrical components, preferably components made of metal, wood, ceramic, or ferrites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat-curable compositions containing a mixture of reactive epoxy resins that contains, based on the mass of all epoxy resins, a) at least 10 wt % of an epoxy group-containing reaction product of epichlorohydrin with polypropylene glycol which has an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 250 g/eq, and b) at least 10 wt % of an epoxy group-containing reaction product of epichlorohydrin with a novolac resin which has an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 175 g/eq, and at least one latent hardener.

Abstract: The invention relates to foam derived from natural oils, e.g. plant and animal oils. The oils are functionalized to allow for the preparation of foams with desired chemical and physical properties, such as density and robustness. The foam may contain a triglyceride having a first set of functional groups, and a second compound or chain extender (e.g., a second triglyceride, a fatty acid or polyethylene glycol) having a second set of functional groups capable of reacting with the first set of functional groups to form a covalent bond.

Abstract: A resin component for a one- or two-component adhesive, a matrix resin, or a structural foam, comprising: C1) at least one epoxy resin, having an average of more than one epoxy group per molecule, that does not correspond to the definition of component C2); C2) at least one oligomeric or polymeric urethane-group-free polyether compound. A one- or two-component epoxy adhesive, structural foam, or matrix material for composites, comprising the aforesaid resin components.

Abstract: A method of producing a foam is disclosed. The method includes providing an epoxy-containing compound, a cationic catalyst, an optional blowing agent, and at least one additive. The method further includes combining the epoxy-containing compound with the cationic catalyst, the optional blowing agent, and the at least one additive, wherein the epoxy-containing compound and the cationic catalyst react to polymerize the epoxy-containing compound to provide the foam having a density from about 0.3 lbs/ft3 to about 5.0 lbs/ft3 as measured by ASTM D1622. Further disclosed are the foam and a method for installing the foam.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising: (i) trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)); (ii) a second component selected from difluoromethane (R-32), propene (R-1270)propane (R290) and mixtures thereof; (iii) a third component selected from pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), and mixtures thereof; and optionally (iv) a fourth component selected from fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions containing polymers and one or more heat labile and/or incompatible components adsorbed on carrier materials are provided. The heat labile components include materials that are inactivated, that volatilize, decompose, or undergo a chemical reaction or transformation at the polymer's processing temperatures (heat labile biocides). Incompatible components are materials that generally react or form gels or precipitates upon mixing. The carrier materials generally include inorganic or organic porous materials capable of remaining solid during processing temperatures. Methods for preparing the polymer compositions are provided.

Abstract: Polymer-based materials and processes suitable for producing panels, for example, panels for use in a fan shroud abradable seal of a turbofan engine. Such a process includes introducing constituents of an expandable foam material into a continuous forming apparatus that continuously compounds the constituents into a partially-cured compounded polymeric material, which is then continuously formed with the continuous forming apparatus to produce a continuous form having a constant cross-sectional shape transverse to a continuous forming direction of the continuous forming apparatus. A portion of the continuous form is then deformed to produce a preform, and the preform is cured within a restricted volume to cause the preform to expand and produce the panel.

Abstract: Expandable, thermally curable compositions containing at least one epoxy resin, at least one polyester, at least one blowing agent, and at least one curing agent are useful as adhesives and structural reinforcement materials. When foamed and adhered to a metal substrate surface, such polyester-modified foamable compositions can exhibit improved adhesion to the substrate surface after exposure to a corrosive environment, as compared to compositions that do not contain polyester. Furthermore, these compositions can exhibit improved flow properties in the uncured state at temperatures between 50 and 100° C. They are granulatable, with the granules produced thereby having non-tacky surfaces at room temperature and being capable of being readily processed into molded objects by injection molding processes.

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: Processes for lowering the glass transition temperature of a polymeric compound relative to the glass transition temperature of a control polymeric compound are disclosed. The methods include the formation of a precursor composition comprising precursor compounds to the polymeric compound dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. The compounds are partially or fully cured in the presence of the solvent system, which is then substantially removed. After further curing, where necessary, the resulting cured polymeric compound is essentially free of plasticizers, but still has a decreased glass transition temperature relative to the glass transition temperature of a control polymeric compound. Articles of manufacture comprising such polymeric compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing flexible polyurethane foams by reacting a) polyisocyanates with b) compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanate groups in the presence of c) blowing agents, wherein the component b) comprises at least one polyether carbonate polyol bi) which can be prepared by addition of carbon dioxide and alkylene oxides onto H-functional starter substances using DMC catalysts and has a functionality of at least 2, a hydroxyl number in the range from 10 to 500 mg KOH/g and a content of incorporated carbon dioxide in the form of carbonate units of at least 2% by weight.

Abstract: A barrier for reduction of a shock wave. The barrier has a spatially graded structure in which a density of the structure varies across a thickness thereof. The graded structure includes a polymer having hollow containers dispersed in the polymer to provide the density of the graded structure. The barrier can be included in at least one of 1) an explosive device, 2) a war head, 3) a demolition charge, and 4) an explosive containment. These devices have an exterior housing and at least one partitioned segment inside the housing with the partitioned segment including the barrier for reduction of the shock wave. Partitioned sections of the explosive devices are selectively or in total detonated.

Abstract: A monolith separation medium comprising a skeletal phase and continuous pores forming a three-dimensional network structure, which has a functional group enabling the introduction of a new functional group on the surface of the skeletal phase. The skeletal phase has an average diameter of a submicron to micrometer size and is in a co-continuous structure of the non-particle-aggregation type. It is composed of an addition polymer of 1,3-bis(N,N?-diglycidylaminomethyl)cyclohexane as an epoxy compound with a bifunctional or higher amine compound, is rich in organic matters and is free from any aromatic-origin carbon atom. Thus, it is an organic polymer monolith separation medium of the non-particle-aggregation type.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes grafting a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive material to a shape memory polymer surface.

Abstract: An epoxy resin mixture with at least one epoxy resin of between approximately 50 wt % and 100 wt %, an anhydride cure agent of between approximately 0 wt % and approximately 50 wt %, a tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride foaming agent of between proximately 0.1-20 wt %, a surfactant and an imidazole or similar catalyst of less than approximately 2 wt %, where the resin mixture is formed from at least one epoxy resin with a 1-10 wt % tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride compound and an imidazole catalyst at a temperature sufficient to keep the resin in a suitable viscosity range, the resin mixture reacting to form a foaming resin which in the presence of an epoxy curative can then be cured at a temperature greater than 50° C. to form an epoxy foam.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising: (i) 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234ze, CF3CH?CHF) (ii) a second component comprising R-1243zf, (3,3,3 trifluoropropene) or a difluoropropene (R-1252) selected from R-1252zf, R-1252yf, R-1252ye R-1252ze and R-1252zc, and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a third component selected from R32 (difluoromethane), R744 (CO2), R41 (fluoromethane), R1270 (propene), R290 (propane), R161 (fluoroethane) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A resin component for a one- or two-component adhesive, a matrix resin, or a structural foam, comprising: C1) at least one epoxy resin, having an average of more than one epoxy group per molecule, that does not correspond to the definition of component C2); C2) at least one oligomeric or polymeric urethane-group-free polyether compound. A one- or two-component epoxy adhesive, structural foam, or matrix material for composites, comprising the aforesaid resin components.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing material and method of making the same is disclosed and described. The material is prepared by coating glass reinforcing fibers with a molten epoxy-based composition. The glass fiber reinforced material can then be formed into a preform suitable for injection molding into an expandable sealing baffle.

Abstract: Derivatized solid epoxy resins of the formula (I), which are outstandingly suitable as impact modifiers; and compositions which include such derivatized solid epoxy resins and are outstandingly suitable as one-component heat-curable adhesives, and as structural foams which have a high impact resistance and high mechanical stability.

Abstract: Polymer foams comprising macropores, the macropores having average cross sections of above 500 nm, are obtainable by reacting one or more epoxy resins with one or more amphiphilic epoxy resin hardeners in water in a phase inversion polymerization, where, during the phase inversion polymerization, but after phase inversion has taken place, a volume increase of the internal voids which form initially, and which are present predominantly as micropores having average cross sections of below 500 nm, is induced such that the fraction of the macropores—relative to the entirety of micropores and macropores present in the polymer foam—at the end of the phase inversion polymerization is above 50% by volume. Polymer foams of the present invention are suitable for use as acoustic insulation materials in means of transport and in industrial and plant construction.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in the field of heat-curing and two-component epoxy resin compositions, which may be used as adhesion promoters or adhesion promoter ingredients and methods of producing such compounds. Such compounds may be prepared as liquids. A heat-curing epoxy resin composition including at least one epoxy resin with more than one epoxy group per molecule on the average; at least one curing agent for epoxy resins, which is activated by elevated temperature; and at least one compound of formula (I).

Abstract: A method of preparing a rigid foam material is presented, the method comprising: providing a curable liquid matrix material; mixing the liquid matrix material with a plurality of microspheres; adding nanoparticles to the matrix material; and curing a mixture comprising the matrix material, the microspheres and the nanoparticles. The addition of nanoparticles to the matrix material may significantly reduce the viscosity of the mixture comprising the liquid matrix material and the microspheres. Thereby, even a mixture comprising a very high content of microspheres in access of 60 Vol.-% can still be handled and e.g. filled in a mould and/or be de-gassed. Thus, a rigid foam material having low specific weight and high electrically insulating properties can be produced. Furthermore, a method of preparing a liquid material with reduced viscosity is proposed, the method comprising: providing a liquid material; adding nanoparticles to the liquid material.

Abstract: A heat-curing epoxy resin composition that includes an epoxy resin, a curing agent, an accelerator, and an optional toughener. The epoxy resin compositions are suitable in particular for use as bodyshell adhesives and for preparation of structural foams. An accelerator of formula (I) results in increased impact strength the of heat-curing epoxy resin compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a filling foam composition for filling a gap between members by foaming. The filling foam composition has a heat sagged length of 14 mm or less in (1) heat sag test without any breakage caused by (2) impact test.

Abstract: A method for making a composite panel, wherein the composite panel has a honeycomb core sandwiched between a pair of facing sheets, includes the steps of (a) coating the interior walls of the cells with a unexpanded thermo-expandable material; (b) bonding a pair of facing sheets to the opposite sides of the honeycomb core; and (c) heating the honeycomb core while the honeycomb core is sandwiched between the pair of facing sheets with sufficient heat to cause the thermo-expandable material to expand and to substantially fill the cells.

Abstract: Syntactic foams and thermal insulation as described containing epoxy resin, hollow microspheres, and dried sol-gel or fumed metal oxide for forming a thermal insulating layer on a substrate such as a pipeline. Methods for forming such thermal insulating layers are also described, which can include formulating with blowing agents for forming closed cells in the finished insulating foam.

Abstract: A dielectric material that includes an epoxy matrix and a high-voltage dielectric insulating fluid. The epoxy matrix includes a porosity of at least 20% by volume and at least 90% of the porosity is in the matrix is accessible to the insulating fluid. Also, a method of forming a dielectric material with such high porosity and impregnability by an insulating fluid.

Abstract: A monolith separation medium comprising a skeletal phase and continuous pores forming a three-dimensional network structure, which has a functional group enabling the introduction of a new functional group on the surface of the skeletal phase. The skeletal phase has an average diameter of a submicron to micrometer size and is in a co-continuous structure of the non-particle-aggregation type. It is composed of an addition polymer of 1,3-bis(N,N?-diglycidylaminomethyl)cyclohexane as an epoxy compound with a bifunctional or higher amine compound, is rich in organic matters and is free from any aromatic-origin carbon atom. Thus, it is an organic polymer monolith separation medium of the non-particle-aggregation type.

Abstract: An expandable sealant is provided for a fastener including a threaded defining surface. The fastener includes the expandable sealant as a coating adhered to at least a portion of the thread-defining surface to lock the fastener in place and to expand to fill space between the thread-defining surface of the fastener and an aperture through which the fastener is passed to seal the aperture to prevent fluid and gases from passing therethrough.

Abstract: Compositions containing at least one liquid epoxy resin, at least one solid epoxy resin, at least one propellant, at least one curing agent and at least one mica-containing filler produce expandable, thermally curable binder systems which may be used without the addition of hollow glass beads for the production of stiffening and reinforcing laminates and for the production of stiffening and reinforcing moldings. Said laminates according to the invention are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of components, in particular in the automotive industry, such as car body frames, doors, boot lids, engine bonnets and/or roof parts. In addition, the mouldings that may be produced from said binders are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of hollow metal structures, in particular of hollow car body parts such as body frames, body supports and posts or doors in the automotive industry.

Abstract: By reaction of one or more epoxy resins with an amphiphilic epoxy resin hardener in water in a phase inversion polymerization, nanoporous polymer foams are obtained. These foams are suitable as filter materials.

Abstract: Precursor of a toughened foamed film comprising a. 30-60 wt. % of at least one epoxy compound with an average epoxy equivalent weight of at least 350 g, b. 10-25 wt. % of at least one epoxy compound with an average epoxy equivalent weight of less than 200 g, c. 2-40 wt. % of at least one epoxy curing agent, d. 10-30 wt. % of at least one toughening agent, and e. at least one blowing agent wherein the mass ratio of the epoxy components a and b and the amount of the toughening component d is selected to provide a floating roller peel strength of the cured film of at least 150 N/25 mm at 23° C. and/or a shear impact strength of at least 12 kN/m2 at 23° C.

Abstract: An expandable sealant is provided for a fastener including a threaded defining surface. The fastener includes the expandable sealant as a coating adhered to at least a portion of the thread-defining surface to lock the fastener in place and to expand to fill space between the thread-defining surface of the fastener and an aperture through which the fastener is passed to seal the aperture to prevent fluid and gases from passing therethrough.

Abstract: Expandable, thermally curable compositions containing at least one epoxy resin, at least one polyester, at least one blowing agent, and at least one curing agent are useful as adhesives and structural reinforcement materials. When foamed and adhered to a metal substrate surface, such polyester-modified foamable compositions can exhibit improved adhesion to the substrate surface after exposure to a corrosive environment, as compared to compositions that do not contain polyester. Furthermore, these compositions can exhibit improved flow properties in the uncured state at temperatures between 50 and 100° C. They are granulatable, with the granules produced thereby having non-tacky surfaces at room temperature and being capable of being readily processed into molded objects by injection molding processes.

Abstract: Expandable thermosettable compositions containing at least one epoxy resin, at least one finely divided thermoplastic polymer powder, at least one blowing agent, at least one curing agent, and at least one filler are suitable for the production of thermosetting laminated bodies with a tacky surface. These laminated bodies can be produced and handled in a simple manner and are suitable for stiffening and reinforcing flat structural components, in particular vehicle body structural components, such as vehicle body frames, doors, trunk lids, engine hoods and/or roof components in automobile construction. The expandable thermosettable compositions are also suitable for the production of thermosetting, thermally expandable shaped articles for reinforcing hollow structural members by the injection molding process. In preferred embodiments, the composition is injected onto a metallic or thermoplastic carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, materials, and products for forming a foamed product, comprising the steps of combining an epoxy-based component with an amine-based component. The epoxy component is cross-linked through a polymerization reaction catalyzed by the amine formulation. In this regard, an reactive mixture or exothermic reaction is created between the epoxy component and the amine component when combined. The heat generated by the exothermic reaction softens a thermoplastic shell of a blowing agent formulated within the epoxy component thereby enabling a solvent core within the thermoplastic shell of the blowing agent to expand from the heat generated by the exothermic or reactive mixture.

Abstract: Composites, such as syntactic foams, are described. The composite contains at least one polymer and at least one aerogel. The aerogel is coated with a coating substance to at least substantially prevent the intrusion of the polymer into the pores of the aerogel. Methods of making the composite are also described, as well as uses of the composite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesis of oligomeric cyclocarbonates from epoxy compounds and carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst. Star epoxy compounds and their preparation and use in making star cyclocarbonates, star hydroxy urethane oligomers, and star NIPU and HNIPU. Acrylic epoxy compounds, acrylic cyclocarbonates, acrylic hydroxy urethane oligomers, and acrylic NIPU and HNIPU and their methods of preparation.

Abstract: An expandable material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The material includes a polymeric admixture; a blowing agent; a curing agent; a tackifier; and optionally, a filler or fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high expansion two-component structural foam that expands to about twice its original volume while maintaining good cell structure. The foam of the present invention is based on epoxy resins. Each component of the foam system exhibits storage stability, e.g., no phase separation, yet reacts when combined to provide a cured material having exceptionally good compression strength and modulus. The blowing system used to prepare the foam produces a foam which is uniform in appearance and is essentially free of the large voids often found in conventional two-part thermosettable compositions, even when a relatively large mass is utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam for purifying and filtrating air, particularly filtrating toxic compounds, such as for instance tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from tobacco smoke, and to a method to prepare this foam. The foam according to the invention is a foam comprising cavities and interstitial spaces situated outside of the cavities, the cavities being defined by walls, the walls of the cavities being composed of a crosslinked polymer and possible additives, the average largest dimension of the cavities being in the range of 30–350 ?m, a considerable part of the cavities comprising two or more perforations in their walls, the perforations having an average diameter in the range of 5–300 ?m, a considerable part of the perforations of adjacent cavities being positioned with respect to each other such that a continuous, non-linear path is formed, the foam having a porosity of at least 45 vol.