Abstract: Swollen core/sheath polymeric particles are disclosed having one or more voids in the core formed by reaction with a base such as sodium hydroxide. The sheath contains styrene or similar monomer polymerized in an amount greater than 25 mole percent and the polymer is free of acid groups. The core contains acid groups. Swelling is effected at an elevated temperature and in the absence of an organic solvent.The swollen particles on drying in a paint or other composition have air in the voids and act then as opacifying agents.

Abstract: Microsphere wet cake is mixed with a processing aid efective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres, and thereafter removing water by drying with continuous mixing, optionally also under reduced pressure, i.e. vacuum drying. By the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and the mixing, and optionally also the reduced pressure, it is possible to also control expansion of the microspheres from substantially none to substantially theoretical limits of expansion.The processing aid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, dry inorganic pigments or filler materials, and the like, and related organic materials.

Abstract: Microsphere wet cake is mixed with a processing aid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres, and thereafter removing water by drying with continuous mixing, optionally also under reduced pressure, i.e. vacuum drying. By the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and the mixing, and optionally also the reduced pressure, it is possible to also control expansion of the microspheres from substantially none to substantially theoretical limits of expansion.The processing aid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e. to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, dry inorganic pigments or filler materials, and the like, and related organic materials.

Abstract: Substantially static-free, cellular expanded or foamed thermoplastic articles, including cups and containers, and processes for the manufacture of these articles including the manufacture of intermediate materials suitable for use in such manufacture.

Abstract: Particulate expandable styrene polymers are coated with a distilled acetylated monoglyceride product to reduce the cooling time of articles molded from such expandable styrene polymers. Coating of the expandable particulate styrene polymer is obtained by contacting the polymer with an emulsion of a distilled acetylated monoglyceride and water with a suitable surfactant. The distilled acetylated monoglyceride is a liquid at room temperature and is substantially completely acetylated.

Abstract: Various rubber polymers and copolymers have been added as a coating to seed beads of vinyl aromatic polymers. Cups molded from these beads were coffee leak tested and generally exhibited enhanced retention of coffee.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts which act as antistatic agents for styrene polymers are coated on the expandable polymer particles in the form of an organosol. The hydrocarbon medium from the organosol is removed under vacuum and the coated polymer particles are molded.

Abstract: Substantially static-free, cellular expanded or foamed thermoplastic articles, including cups and containers, and processes for the manufacture of these articles including the manufacture of intermediate materials suitable for use in such manufacture.

Abstract: Polystyrene beads or beads of other thermoplastic material are expanded to a consolidated foam structure in a hollow cavity of a marine float or other structure by providing the beads with a uniform coating of a saturated brine solution or other aqueous solution of water-soluble salt and exposing the solution to microwave energy to boil the solutioln and thereby heat the beads to cause expansion and fusion to a foam structure.

Abstract: Porous particles of vinyl resin are disclosed where said particles are non-spherical in shape, highly porous, skinless and friable. Processes are also disclosed for producing these novel particles. The particles are preferably PVC and exhibit an ability to absorb large amounts of plasticizer in a short time.

Abstract: Porous particles of vinyl resin are disclosed where said particles are non-spherical in shape, highly porous, skinless and friable. Processes are also disclosed for producing these novel particles. The particles are preferably PVC and exhibit an ability to absorb large amounts of plasticizer in a short time.

Abstract: Porous particles of vinyl resin are disclosed where said particles are non-spherical in shape, highly porous, skinless and friable. Processes are also disclosed for producing these novel particles. The particles are preferably PVC and exhibit an ability to absorb large amounts of plasticizer in a short time.

Abstract: Polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region, which are prepared by irradiating ultraviolet rays to an aqueous dispersion of polyolefin particles in the presence of a halogen gas. The polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region have an improved property of retaining volatile blowing agents and can provide expandable particles having an improved storability in the open state.

Abstract: Porous particles of crosslinked PVC are disclosed. the particles are skinless and have a fast powder mix time. Processes to produce the novel particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microsphere wet cake is mixed with a processing aid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres, and thereafter removing water by drying with continuous mixing, optionally also under reduced pressure, i.e. vacuum drying. By the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and the mixing, and optionally also the reduced pressure, it is possible to also control expansion of the microspheres from substantially none to substantially theoretical limits of expansion.The processing aid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, dry inorganic pigments or filler materials, and the like, and related organic materials.

Abstract: Enhanced coffee retention properties are achieved in thermoplastic polymer foam cups molded from thermoplastic polymer particles by coating at least a portion of the surfaces of the particles before molding with a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: A urea adsorbent and a method for its production are disclosed, the adsorbent comprising hollow microspheres each having an outer layer formed of a urea-permeable polymer and an inner layer formed of a polymer containing a polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative expressed by the following formula:--(CH.sub.2).sub.n -O--.sub.m Rwherein R stands for hydrogen or a methyl group and n is an integer of 2-5 and m is an integer of at least 3. The adsorbent can selectively adsorb urea with a high adsorbing activity and does not interact with other substances than urea and, therefore, is useful as a artificial kidney. The adsorbent may be prepared by subjecting a w/o/w type emulsion to polymerization wherein a radical polymerizable polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative is dissolved in the inner aqueous phase of the emulsion and an oil-soluble radical polymerizable monomer is used as the outer oil phase.

Abstract: Porous particles of vinyl resin are disclosed where said particles are non-spherical in shape, highly porous, skinless and friable. Processes are also disclosed for producing these novel particles. The particles are preferably PVC and exhibit an ability to absorb large amounts of plasticizer in a short time.

Abstract: A microporous biocompatible material is formed by preparing a segmented polyether urethane urea solution containing 25%.+-.1.5% solids dissolved in a solvent. The solution has sufficient viscosity to be preshaped and formed into the desired thickness of the finished article, then immediately immersed into a precipitation bath in which the solvent in the solution is miscible for a time interval sufficient to cause the solution to set up into an opaque elastomeric article. The article is immediately removed from the bath, any excess solvent extracted and then dried at a temperature on the order of 35.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. followed by heat treating by annealing for approximately sixty minutes at a temperature at 100.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The void volume of the membrane solution is controlled to within the 50% to 80% range and the pore size from ca <0.1 to several mms.

Abstract: Polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region, which are prepared by irradiating ultraviolet rays to an aqueous dispersion of polyolefin particles in the presence of a halogen gas. The polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region have an improved property of retaining volatile blowing agents and can provide expandable particles having an improved storability in the open state.

Abstract: Enhanced coffee retention properties are achieved in thermoplastic polymer foam cups molded from thermoplastic polymer particles by coating at least a portion of the surfaces of the particles before molding with a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic resin particles comprising a thermoplastic resin and a hydrocarbon having the lower boiling point than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin in which a copolymer composed of a fluorinated vinyl polymer part and a hydrophilic vinyl polymer part covers or is included on the surface or in the surface layer of the expandable thermoplastic particle, said resin particles are useful for producing package vessels and containers for oily or fatty foods.

Abstract: Substantially static-free, cellular expanded or foamed thermoplastic articles, including cups and containers, and processes for the manufacture of these articles including the manufacture of intermediate materials suitable for use in such manufacture.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of alkyl and alkylaryl ethers of polyethoxyethanol mono- and diesters of phosphoric acid per 100 parts of polymer particles during impregnation of the polymer particles with blowing agents. The esters may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fast-cool and antilump properties.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particles are suspended in water or other suspending fluids with a suspending aid(s) to prevent agglomeration of the beads, pellets or particles. To this suspension is added monomer(s) containing a multifunctional initiator(s). The monomer and initiator(s) are preemulsified in water or other fluid(s) before the addition in order to improve distribution of the monomer(s) and initiator(s) in or on the particles. After or during the addition(s), the suspension temperature is raised to cause polymerization. The procedures may be repeated to increase the coating or penetrated polymer content. New compositions of matter are made by this technique wherein the new compositions are plastic resins either coated or penetrated, or both, with a thermoplastic(s) of very high molecular weight not obtainable by present, commercial polymerization techniques. The compositions are superior to the feed resins because of the enhancement of physical properties brought about by the high molecular weights phase(s).

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region, which are prepared by irradiating ultraviolet rays to an aqueous dispersion of polyolefin particles in the presence of a halogen gas. The polyolefin particles having a halogenated surface region have an improved property of retaining volatile blowing agents and can provide expandable particles having an improved storability in the open state.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particles are suspended in water or other suspending fluids with a suspending aid(s) to prevent agglomeration of the beads, pellets or particles. To this suspension is added monomer(s) containing a multifunctional initiator(s). The monomer and initiator(s) are pre-emulsified in water or other fluid(s) before the addition in order to improve distribution of the monomer(s) and initiator(s) in or on the particles. After or during the addition(s), the suspension temperature is raised to cause polymerization. The procedures may be repeated to increase the coating or penetrated polymer content. New compositions of matter are made by this technique wherein the new compositions are plastic resins either coated or penetrated, or both, with a thermoplastic(s) of very high molecular weight not obtainable by present, commercial polymerization techniques. The compositions are superior to the feed resins because of the enhancement of physical properties brought about by the high molecular weights phase(s).

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Expanded perlite coated with an amino-functional siloxane and a silicone wetting agent, and a joint compound incorporating same, which, when applied to gypsum wallboard, has improved bonding properties and greater uniformity in paint gloss appearance between the surface of the joint compound and the surface of the wallboard.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Spherical particles of vinyl resins having high bulk density can be prepared by the suspension polymerization process by using as a dispersant an alkyl hydroxy cellulose having a viscosity of from about 1000 to about 100,000 cps. A suitable dispersant is a hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose polymer having the formula: ##STR1## where n is from about 300 to about 1500.

Abstract: In the case of a process for producing pourable spherical-segment-shaped packing material particles (18) made of plastic which have an external convex and an internal concave surface, the plastic material is mixed with additives, such as bubble forming agents, coloring pigments and similar agents. The plastic material is fed, by means of a feeding funnel (17) into an extruder (14) through an opening in a bush (13) surrounding the extrusion screw. The plastic material plasticizes over the course of the extruder (14) and, because of the difference in speed existing over the cross section of the mass, comes out of an opening (15) in the die with a bent surface. The plastic material is cut off directly at the opening (15) of the die and before any considerable expansion has taken place. Before the processing of the plastic granules in the extruder (14) a bubble-forming agent (nucleation agent) is applied to their surface in a drum (5).

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of dialkyl bisalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fastcool and antilump properties.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A metal-containing polyaldehyde microsphere composed of a polyaldehyde microsphere to which a transition metal, e.g. Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Tc, Fe, Ni or Co, is bound may be obtained in accordance with this invention. The polyaldehyde, e.g. polyacrolein or polyglutaraldehyde, may be encapsulated in agarose, and the microsphere may be radioactive or magnetic. The microphere may additionally have a compound having at least one amine group, e.g. a drug, antibody, antigen, enzyme or other protein, bound to its surface.In one embodiment a transition metal is bound to a polyaldehyde microsphere by contacting the polyaldehyde microsphere with a suitable amount of an appropriate salt or acid of the transition metal under suitable conditions so as to cause the salt or acid to be reduced to a lower valence state and to bind to the microsphere. Some salts or acids may thus be reduced to the elemental state; others are further reduced with an appropriate reducing agent.

Abstract: Expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads comprise an aggregate having coated thereon a solid, expandable resin composition comprising a solid, phenolic resin initial condensation product, a foaming agent and, if necessary, a hardening agent. The expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads provide composite cellular moldings in which the aggregates are uniformly dispersed in a phenolic resin-expanded layer and are firmly adhered to the expanded layer. The composite cellular moldings can be adhered to a face plate to form integral laminates.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of trialkyl alkylalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fast-cool and anti-lump properties.

Abstract: Open-cell foamed particles and molded shapes having up to 99% porosity are formed from fumed oxides, for example SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, with or without functional groups, in 30-99%, by weight, and polymers, for example polyvinyl chloride and copolymers thereof, and styrene. The resulting structures are thermally insulating. The structures can be formed by beating small amounts of a liquid polymerizable monomer into the fumed oxide or by immersing a formed shape of the oxide in a liquid monomer and thereafter polymerizing the monomer to a solid polymer. The oxide is believed to have a microfibrous nature and the polymer is believed to coat the oxide, without destroying the open-nature configuration of the oxide, and cements the oxide particles together in the microfibrous condition.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-stratification and anti-lumping properties during expansion are produced by dry blending styrene polymer particles in the presence of 0.01-0.04 parts of alkyl and alkylaryl ethers of polyethoxyethanol mono- and diesters of phosphoric acid per 100 parts of polymer particles. The esters may be added as sole anti-stratification or anti-lumping agent or in addition to known anti-lumping agents.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of alkyl and alkylaryl ethers of polyethoxyethanol mono- and diesters of phosphoric acid per 100 parts of polymer particles during impregnation of the polymer particles with blowing agents. The esters may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fast-cool and anti-lump properties.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of dialkyl bisalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fastcool and antilump properties.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of trialkyl alkylalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fast-cool and anti-lump properties.

Abstract: Substantially non-crosslinked polypropylene foamed particles having a bulk density of from 8 to 100 g/l and a particle diameter of from 1 to 5 mm and containing an organic sodium phosphate represented by the formula: ##STR1##

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-stratification and anti-lumping properties during expansion are produced by dry blending styrene polymer particles in the presence of 0.01-0.04 parts of alkyl and alkylaryl ethers of polyethoxyethanol mono- and diesters of phosphoric acid per 100 parts of polymer particles. The esters may be added as sole anti-stratification or anti-lumping agent or in addition to known anti-lumping agents.