Abstract: Flame retarded, colored polyurethane foam compositions having reduced discoloration, said foam compositions comprising a foam, which is the reaction product of a polyol and an isocyanate, a colorant, a flame retardant of the type that normally causes scorch and a benzofuranone derivative, as an anti-scorch stabilizer.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the durability of and/or the amount of air in concrete formulations that include combining cement, water, and optionally aggregates, admixtures and/or additives to form a cement mixture; and adding prepuff particles to the cement mixture to form a concrete formulation. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 3 mm, a bulk density of from 0.015 g/cc to 0.35 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and a smooth continuous outer surface. The cured and hardened concrete formulation typically has a relative dynamic modulus of at least 70% determined according to Procedure A of ASTM C666 (2003). The amount of air in the concrete typically increases over the amount of air in similar formulations not containing prepuff particles, as determined according to ASTM C231, based on the volume percent of prepuff. The concrete formulations can be used to make articles.

Abstract: A hydrophilic vinylidene fluoride resin composition, comprising: porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles and a hydrophilic polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 2×105 contained in the pores of the porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles. The composition is preferably obtained by subjecting a slurry containing porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles after suspension polymerization to an appropriate degree of heat treatment for adjusting the amount of residual polymerization initiator, then impregnating the Polymer particles with a hydrophilic monomer and polymerizing the monomer. The thus-obtained vinylidene fluoride resin composition exhibits persistent hydrophilicity and good processability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water dispersible polymer particle stabilized by a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide dispersant. The present invention also discloses a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic phase comprising at least one monomer dispersed in a continuous water phase and a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide, and polymerizing said organic phase to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide. Also disclosed in the present invention is a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic dispersed in a continuous water phase, polymerizing said organic phase, and adding bydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a porous, hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hemocompatible substance. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the providing of expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) with one or more complexes of heparin, typically containing heparin in combination with a hydrophobic counter ion. The hemocompatible substance is dissolved in a mixture of solvents in which a first solvent wets the polymer substrate to be coated and the second solvent enhances the solubility of the hemocompatible substance material in the solvent mixture. Typical first solvents wetting a hydrophobic polymer substrate include non-polar such as hydrocholorofluorocarbons. Typical second solvents include polar solvents such as organic alcohols and ketones. Azeotropic mixtures of the second solvent in the first solvent are used in some embodiments of the present invention although second solvents may be employed in a range of concentration ranges from less than 0.1% up to saturation.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for hollowing a composite microparticle made of high-density grafted chains attached to a microparticle surface without compromising characteristics of prior art, high-density polymer particles of having a narrow particle size distribution and an excellent dispersion stability and to provide, by such a process, a hollow microparticle comprising a high-density polymer brush layer and a hollow portion. The present inventions provides a process for hollowing a microparticle, by eluting only a microparticle from a composite microparticle made of high-density grafted chains attached to a microparticle surface and provides, by such a process, a hollow microparticle comprising a hollow portion and a high-density polymer brush layer enclosing the hollow portion.

Abstract: Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles having thin shells in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles that are gas-filled in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of different-sized polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbents for water and aqueous liquids, which absorbents are based on water-swellable, yet water-insoluble polymers wherein zeolites high in silicon have been incorporated ionically and/or as a result of mechanical inclusion.

Abstract: An artificial soil includes a plurality of foam plastic fragments. A gel coating is disposed about substantially each of the fragments. Minerals are disposed within the gel coating.

Abstract: Low density polymeric beads made by polymerizing monomeric building blocks into large crosslinked polymer molecules in porous, spherical bead form by droplet or suspension polymerization in the presence of a porogen.

Abstract: An aromatic monovinyl resin composition comprising (a) a polymer comprising an aromatic monovinyl monomer and having a weight average molecular weight of 150,000-700,000 and (b) a 3-arylbenzofuranone, the amount of the 3-arylbenzofuranone being 0.006-0.5% by weight based on the weight of the polymer and the residual amount of the aromatic monovinyl monomer in the aromatic monovinyl resin composition being not more than 100 ppm. According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an aromatic monovinyl resin composition which is excellent in heat stability, gives molded products of good color tone, develops little odor and is excellent in moldability.

Abstract: Composite foam based on expandable microspheres reinforced with fibers is described. Also disclosed are methods of making microsphere foam reinforced with fibers and methods of use thereof. The disclosure provides foam that performs equally and better than the performance of most thermoplastic foams commercially available.

Abstract: An improved material for use in resilient conforming pads, cushions, impact resistance padding and the like is described. The material comprises a liquid or semi-solid matrix phase and an expanded Perlite included phase. The material is useful for providing low weight contour conforming resilent padding for garments, athletic equipment, prosthetic devices, surgical, medical or vehicular cushions, positioning devices, mattresses, impact protective padding and the like.

Abstract: A foam profile prepared by a process comprising the steps of foaming a thermoplastic vulcanizate, where the thermoplastic vulcanizate is prepared by a process comprising the step of dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a mixture that includes from about 15 to about 95 percent by weight of the rubber and from about 5 to about 85 percent by weight of a thermoplastic component based upon the total weight the rubber and thermoplastic component combined, where the thermoplastic component includes from about 65 to about 90 percent by weight of a conventional thermoplastic resin and from about 10 to about 35 percent by weight of a random propylene copolymer based upon the total weight of the thermoplastic component.

Abstract: A method of purification of physiological liquids of organism has the step of passing a physiological liquid through a material which has a size, a shape, and a structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds from the physiological liquid and is composed of a partially chloromethylated porous highly crosslinked styrene or divinylbenzene copolymer which initially have surface exposed chloromethyl groups in which thereafter chlorine is replaced with an element which forms different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than that of the chloromethyl group.

Abstract: A synthetic aggregate having a multiplicity of uses such as for mixing with a cementing material to form concrete, mortar or plaster is disclosed. The aggregate includes crushed fragments of a size which are capable of passing through mesh screen having sieve openings ranging from between about 19 mm and 75 microns. The aggregate fragments are made by curing and then crushing a compressed product. The compressed product is made by compressing an aqueous cementitious mixture comprising cement and at least one member selected from the group consisting of bottom ash and non-cementitious fly ash. The compressed product is cured so that it has a compressive strength of at least 600 psi.

Abstract: This invention provides deformable low density trauma mitigation or pressure reducing composition comprising a viscous fluid and a plurality of macroparticulates and, optionally, microparticulates dispersed within the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid can comprise a water/oil emulsion, a glycerin/water mixture, a plasticizer or the like. In a further embodiment the composition comprises a viscous fluid and an enhancer which is a polytetrafluoroethylene-molybdenum disulfide combination.

Abstract: A method for producing an at least partially open-celled foam foil on a basis of styrene polymers, nucleating agents, surfactants, physical foaming agents and, if required, further additives, such as foreign polymers and auxiliary materials, comprising a twin-screw extruder with identical parallel screws rotating in the same direction, wherein the twin-screw extruder has a length of at least 25 D (D=screw diameter), in particular 30 to 42 D, with a draw-in and plastification zone of a length of 10 to 15 D, and a mixing zone of a length of 3 to 6 D, and a following cooling zone.

Abstract: There is obtained a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin composition from which a siding molded article having good appearance and excellent heat resistance, impact resistance and weatherability is obtained. A chlorinated vinyl chloride resin composition for siding extrusion molding is obtained and a siding molded article is prepared therefrom, said chlorinated vinyl chloride resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin and 3 to 20 parts by weight of an acrylic graft rubber copolymer, wherein the acrylic graft rubber copolymer has a glass transition temperature of at most 0° C. and contains 30 to 90% by weight of acrylic hollow rubber particles whose average void ratio is 3 to 90% by volume in a latex state.

Abstract: A pulp forming machine includes a forming head including a platen and plurality of mould carriers. The mould carriers are connected to the platen by mould carrier support means which allow the mould carrier and the platen to transmit forces perpendicular to the general plane of the platen but allow movement and expansion of each mould carrier in the general plane of the platen. Mould carrier to mould carrier locating means locate the mould carriers of opposing platens during the forming process to align moulds carried on the mould carriers with cooperating moulds of the cooperating platen.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal salts of ricinoleic acid or solutions thereof in water or in organic solvents in producing polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Three-phase composite materials system having a low dielectric constant and physico-chemical properties suitable for IC fabrication conditions, and a method for making such materials, are disclosed. The three-phase composite material includes an organic phase, an inorganic phase and a void phase. The organic phase is in the form of an organic polymer matrix, the void phase is represented by microporosity present in the matrix, and the inorganic phase is implemented as inorganic particles that are coupled, via a coupling agent, to the organic matrix. The low dielectric constant of the composite is attributable to the microporous organic polymer matrix. The inorganic particles are responsible, at least in part, for providing thermal stability and other required physico-chemical properties to the composite.

Abstract: A porous article wherein a sulfur containing atomic group is introduced onto at least a part of outer-inner surfaces of the article, a ratio (S/C) of the number of sulfur atoms (S) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 7×10−4 or more, a ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 0.2 or more, and the ratio (S/C) and the ratio (O/C) are determined by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of purification of physiological liquids of organism has the step of passing a physiological liquid through a material which has a size, a shape, and a structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds from the physiological liquid and is composed of a partially chloromethylated porous highly crosslinked styrene or divinylbenzene copolymerwhich initially have surface exposed chloromethyl groups in which thereafter chlorine is replaced with an element which forms different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than that of the chloromethyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the water content of an oil or fat sample, which are carried out by treating the sample with a lipolytic enzyme. Substances that are insoluble in oil or fat, which are precipitated as a result of the water-removing method, may then be removed to purify the oil or fat. The purified oil or fat may also be hydrolyzed to produce hydrolysates of oil or fat.

Abstract: A thixotropic agent is blended in a silicone rubber composition comprising an alkenyl radical-containing organopolysiloxane, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, an addition reaction catalyst, and filler balloons having a specific gravity of 0.01-0.40 and a mean particle size of 1-300 .mu.m. The resulting composition effectively restrains floating and separation of the filler, remains stable and is thus suitable for injection molding.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of water-absorbent agent powders of the present invention is a method of a reducing an amount of a residue of an epoxy crosslinking agent remaining therein by adding a nucleophilic reagent in a form of powder to surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders having a carboxyl group under an applied heat in which the residue of the crosslinking agent remains. Since the method permits an amount of the residue of the crosslinking agent to be reduced by adding a nucleophilic reagent to the heated water-absorbent resin powders, the water-absorbent agent powders exhibiting well-balanced properties which are mutually negatively correlated from one another, i.e., high absorbency under pressure, a reduced amount of a residue of the epoxy crosslinking agent and a high absorbing rate compared with the conventional surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders can be achieved.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene and the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: Three-phase composite materials system having a low dielectric constant and physico-chemical properties suitable for IC fabrication conditions, and a method for making such materials, are disclosed. The three-phase composite material includes an organic phase, an inorganic phase and a void phase. The organic phase is in the form of an organic polymer matrix, the void phase is represented by microporosity present in the matrix, and the inorganic phase is implemented as inorganic particles that are coupled, via a coupling agent, to the organic matrix. The low dielectric constant of the composite is attributable to the microporous organic polymer matrix. The inorganic particles are responsible, at least in part, for providing thermal stability and other required physico-chemical properties to the composite.

Abstract: A small amount of a non-yellowing surface-forming polyurethane material containing a polyether polyol, a hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer, a coloring agent and an organic bismuth catalyst is initially injected into a mold cavity under reduced pressure to form e.g. the surface portion of a polyurethane covering for a steering wheel. An inner-forming polyurethane material is subsequently injected into the cavity under reduced pressure to form an inner portion of the covering.

Abstract: A flexible, flame-bondable polyurethane-polyether block foam is prepared by a process in which at least one diol is added to the block foam.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene an the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic article formed from several foamed thermoplastic elastomers, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer based on polypropylene and a vulcanized elastomer at least one of an elastomeric styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer, an elastomeric styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer based on polypropylene and an elastomeric styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer based on polypropylene and an elastomeric styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer. The present invention further provides plastic articles based on a blend of thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic elastomer olefins. The invention further provides a process for making these articles.

Abstract: Biodegradable foamed articles having density comprised from 5 to 300 kg/m.sup.3 obtained by agglomeration of foamed particles having composition comprising a thermoplastic starchy material or a thermoplastic natural polymer capable of absorbing water when converted into the thermoplastic state, a thermoplastic polymer, and water.

Abstract: A moldable pulp material, which contains a main constituent of pulp comprising strips of paper having a size of millimeters and a fibrous component defibrated from waste paper, a starch binder in which a portion of the hydroxyl group in molecules of starch is modified, and thermally expandable hollow particles, is mixed with water which is effective to gelatinize the starch binder. The moldable pulp material is filled in a mold assembly and compressed in the mold assembly. The compressed moldable pulp material is then heated to at least a gelatinization temperature at which the starch binder is gelatinized, for thereby gelatinizing the starch binder to produce a molded pulp product for use as a shock absorbing material.

Abstract: A novel and environmentally friendly well cementing composition comprising hydraulic cement and ground-up recycled expanded polystyrene having a low density, good compressive strength, good thermal conductivity, and the ability to float, and methods for cementing well bores with said cementing composition.

Abstract: A separating agent which, when used as the packing material for reverse-phase liquid chromatography, has excellent baseline stability in the mobile phase and an increased number of steps of the detected peak in the measurement is provided. The agent comprises a polysaccharide derivative supported on a silica gel having surface silanol groups treated with a silylating agent having an aralkyl group.

Abstract: A material that is a mixture of polystyrene beads, type III cement, an acrylic latex bond and water. The mixed material is placed in a mold and compressed prior to curing to increase the density, to provide a uniform surface finish and to increase the strength of the end product. The insulating value of the end product is substantially the same as a product formed without compressing the material.

Abstract: A low-density, porous material is prepared by mixing together microballoons and an oligomeric precursor to a polyesterimide polymer. The oligomeric precursor has an initial viscosity sufficiently low that it can flow and wet the microballoons when first heated to a polymerization processing temperature, and thereafter polymerize. Fibers may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to impart specific properties, and air may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to further decrease its density.

Abstract: Biodegradable foamed articles having density comprised from 5 to 300 kg/m.sup.3 obtained by agglomeration of foamed particles having composition comprising a thermoplastic starchy material or a thermoplastic natural polymer capable of absorbing water when converted into the thermoplastic state, a thermoplastic polymer, and water.

Abstract: A low-density, porous material is prepared by mixing together microballoons and an oligomeric precursor to a polyetherimide polymer. The oligomeric precursor has an initial viscosity sufficiently low that it can flow and wet the microballoons when first heated to a polymerization processing temperature, and thereafter polymerize. Fibers may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to impart specific properties, and air may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to further decrease its density.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer particles that are acid-free in the swellable polymer core and to hollow polymer particles derived therefrom, and to a process for the production of these particles. The acid-free core advantageously decreases the polymer particle's affinity to water. Applicants have discovered that non-carboxylated latexes having a variety of Tg's will swell at temperatures higher than the Tg of the polymer. These latex particles are useful as opacifying plastic pigments for various coatings and particularly as gloss-enhancing plastic pigments for paper and paperboard coatings. Preparation of the hollow polymer particle comprises the use of (meth)acrylate ester monomers, vinyl esters of carboxylic acids or a mixture thereof which are hydrolyzable and swellable at higher temperatures in alkaline environments. The particles may be encapsulated with a hard shell.

Abstract: Easily removable, environmentally safe, low-density, syntactic foams are disclosed which are prepared by mixing insoluble microballoons with a solution of water and/or alcohol-soluble polymer to produce a pourable slurry, optionally vacuum filtering the slurry in varying degrees to remove unwanted solvent and solute polymer, and drying to remove residual solvent. The properties of the foams can be controlled by the concentration and physical properties of the polymer, and by the size and properties of the microballoons. The suggested solute polymers are non-toxic and soluble in environmentally safe solvents such as water or low-molecular weight alcohols.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicon carbide foam by impregnating a polyurethane foam with a suspension of silicon powder in an organic resin, heating progressively to polymerize the resin, heating further to carbonize the polyurethane foam and resin, and finally further heating to carburize the silicon contained in the resin suspension by means of carbon obtained from the carbonization of the foam and resin. The foam obtained is characterized by high macroporosity and a mesoporosity which is variable according to the carburizing temperature.

Abstract: Sandwich-like lightweight shaped articles consist of a core material containing expandable graphite expanded according to the mould and if appropriate a binder, and at least one covering layer of thermoplastic material.