Abstract: Fossil-fuel and rubber-derived waste stream conversion to composite lumber substitutes or barrier members; the composites having material properties and uses of greater value than the solid waste stream components separately or together. Preferred combinations including waste materials derived from waste carpet, waste tires, and waste bituminous roofing shingles, all enormous problems for landfill disposal. In a range of formulation ratios, when combined with a binder, new and marketable products are made from solid waste. Improved resistance to rot, to water, and to weathering is exhibited in synergy with improved compressive and flexural strength, enabling production of a wide variety of useful and environmentally-friendly structural products, for example. Product weight and strength can be engineered to suit and may be structural members for architectural, engineering or agricultural use.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a luxury vinyl tile. The system includes a heater, a belt, and a wrapping machine. The heater is configured to heat a base layer of the luxury vinyl tile. The belt is configured to support and transfer the base layer through the system. The wrapping machine is configured to receive the base layer on the belt therethrough. The wrapping machine includes an adhesive dispenser and a series of rollers. The adhesive dispenser is configured to apply an adhesive onto a top surface of the base layer as the base layer travels through the wrapping machine. The series of rollers is configured to apply a decorative layer on top of the adhesive to bond the decorative layer to the top surface of the base layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for servicing subterranean wells, in particular, fluid compositions and methods for remedial operations during which the fluid compositions are pumped into a wellbore and make contact with well cements placed during primary cementing or previous remedial cementing operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials, containing (i) a nanoporous polymer foam, which can be obtained by reacting one or more epoxy resins with one or more amphiphilic epoxy resin hardeners in water in a phase inversion polymerization process, and (ii) one or more inorganic fillers and/or inorganic fibers, with the stipulation that hollow glass balls are excluded as fillers. Said composite materials are suitable as heat-insulating materials.

Abstract: A composite building material includes carpet waste having carpet fibers and adhesive, and an inorganic filler that includes fly ash. The composite building material may be produced by providing the carpet waste, mixing the carpet waste with the inorganic filler to produce a homogeneous blend, and forming the homogeneous blend into the composite building material. The composite building material may optionally include a base polymer, slack wax, and/or calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rigid polyurethane foam which can be obtained by mixing (a) isocyanates, (b) compounds having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates, (c) blowing agents comprising water, (d) catalysts and optionally (e) further additives to form a reaction mixture, applying the reaction mixture to a reinforcing material and curing the reaction mixture, where the isocyanates (a) have a viscosity of not more than 500 mPas at 25° C. and the compounds (b) having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates comprise a polyetherol (b1) having a functionality of 4 or more and a viscosity at 25° C. of 10 000 mPas or less, a polyetherol (b2) having a functionality of 3.5 or less and a viscosity at 25° C. of 600 mPas or less, a polyesterol (b3) having a viscosity at 25° C. of 2000 mPas or less, chain extenders (b4) comprising at least 30% secondary OH groups and optionally a crosslinker (b5).

Abstract: The use of a mixture consisting of a) alkaline hydraulic binder, b) cellulose ether, c) blowing agent, d) filler as a tile adhesive is claimed, wherein the blowing agent c) comprises peroxo compounds and/or percarbonates and/or aluminum powder and wherein the tile adhesive mixture has a maximum and stable volume increase of 50% by volume within five minutes after admixing of water. This mixture, which may also comprise further additives such as, for example, retardants, antifoams and polymer dispersion powders, in addition to said four components, has the advantage that the blowing agent used reacts virtually completely within 5 min and thus leads to a volume increase of the tile adhesive mixture of not more than 50% by volume. After it has hardened, the mixture has a high intrinsic strength but also sufficient bonding strength and adhesive strengths with respect to the tile/substrate system.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibres comprises a water-soluble binder component obtainable by reacting, in one or more steps, at least one alkanolamine, at least one carboxylic anhydride and at least one polyalkylene glycol component selected from polyalkylene glycols, copolymers and derivates thereof and, optionally, treating the reaction product with a base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular substance, the method of preparation and uses thereof, in particular as an absorbent substance, and in particular for the manufacture of sponges and other products for household use. The cellular substance of the invention comprises a mixture of fibers of a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one elastomer, and has a cellular structure formed by cells whose size is between 0.2 ?m and 10 mm, at least 1% of the cells, by volume as compared to the total cell volume, having a size of between 0.2 ?m and 10 ?m. The invention has application, particularly, in the area of absorbent products.

Abstract: There is provided a surface-active material that comprises fibres which have been modified so as to impart surface-active properties onto said fibres and giving it a contact angle between 60° and 120°, wherein the fibres have an aspect ratio of more than 10 to 1,000. The surface-active material can be used for foam and emulsion formation and stabilisation, coatings, encapsulation and drug delivery. It can for example be used in the following industries: foods, home and personal care, oilfield, agriculture, textile, construction, emulsion polymerisation, leather, plastic, pulp, paper and pharma.

Abstract: Superabsorbent foam comprising superabsorbent fiber and/or fruit fiber, processes for producing superabsorbent foam having improved wet strength by foaming a crosslinkable aqueous mixture comprising at least 50 mol % neutralized acid-functional monoethylenically unsaturated monomer or at least one basic polymer, crosslinker, superabsorbent synthetic fiber and/or fruit fiber and at least one surfactant and subsequently polymerizing the monomer in the foamed mixture or crosslinking the basic polymer to form a hydrogel foam and use of the thus obtainable foam in hygiene articles to absorb body fluids, in dressing material to cover wounds, as a sealing material, as a packaging material, as a soil improver, as a soil substitute, to dewater sludges, to thicken waterborne paints or coatings in the course of disposing of residual quantities thereof, to dewater water-containing oils or hydrocarbons or as a material for filters in ventilation systems.

Abstract: An acoustical panel formed from a fibrous, open-celled material comprised of up to about 50% by weight fibers, between about 3% and about 10% by weight binder, between about 20% and about 75% by weight filler and about 0.01% to about 2.0% by weight surfactant. Additionally, voids are formed within the panel having an average distribution size diameter of about 50 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m. The acoustic panel achieves very high sound absorption properties without the need for additional surface perforations, while maintaining a very high surface hardness.

Abstract: The invention concerns a porous material, a method for making same and its applications. Said porous material comprises a mixture of cellulose fibres and at least an elastomer and is characterised in that it has a honeycomb structure having cells with a size ranging between 0.1 and 10 mm, a density of the order of 0.03 to 0.1, water absorbing capacity not less than 750%, and water holding capacity after manual wringing less than 100%. The invention is applicable for making in particular sponges and household goods comprising a spongy element such as brushes and squeegees for cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic light weight molding products which are useful as heat insulator, shock absorber, sound absorber and so on and have open-celled foam-structure are mainly composed of lignocellulose that is able to use in not only fibrous shape but also other various shapes. They are at least composed of four components shown hereunder; (1) lignocellulose, (2) water soluble high polymer containing not less than two OH groups in a molecule and having the film properties of tensile strength 10 to 300 MPa and surface tension 30 to 65 mN/m in 0.4 wt % aqueous solution at 20.degree. C., (3) water soluble high polymer containing not less than two carboxyl groups in a molecule and/or anionic surfactant, and (4) high polymer having the film properties of tensile strength 0.1 to 10 MPa and ultimate elongation 200 to 2000%, 2nd transition point 30.degree. to 40.degree. C. and cohesion energy density 30 to 200 cal/cc.

Abstract: A novel processing technique is reported to bond non-woven fibers and, thus, prepare structural interconnecting fiber networks with different shapes for organ implants. The fibers are physically joined without any surface or bulk modification and have their initial diameter.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a fiber-reinforced, starch-bound cellular matrix. Suitable mixtures used to form the articles are prepared by first preparing a viscous preblended mixture comprising water, a gelatinized starch-based binder, and fibers having an average length greater than about 2 mm. The highly viscous preblended mixture effectively transfers the shearing forces of the mixer to the fibers. The final moldable mixture is then prepared by mixing into the preblended mixture the remaining starch-based binder, water, and other desired admixtures, e.g., mold-releasing agents, inorganic filler rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structure matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: Novel aerated fibrous slurry comprising fibrous material, foaming agent, stabilizer, water and gas, which when dried to a water content of not more than 10% by weight, forms a dry, resilient fibrous foam composition. The dry, resilient fibrous foam composition is useful as an inexpensive cushioning filler, as a heat insulating material and as an absorbent of liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable plant fiber composition made from short plant fiber, plant fiber powder, gelling material, water, foaming agent and (if necessary) aids by a certain process, and the foamed material and shaped article thereof. The composition has a good processability, and the shaped article made from it is light, and is biodegradable without pollution. It can replace the plastics to make non-reused tablewares and cushioning materials, etc. the price of it is only one fifth that of the plastics ones.

Abstract: A novel processing technique is reported to bond non-woven fibers and, thus, prepare structural interconnecting fiber networks with different shapes for organ implants. The fibers are physically joined without any surface or bulk modification and have their initial diameter.

Abstract: A poromeric material for maintaining an electrostatic charge is provided, the material including a matrix of fibers, a polymeric binder for binding the matrix, and electrets present substantially uniformly throughout the poromeric material. Also provided are methods for making the poromeric material. In one embodiment, a polymeric binder mixture having electrets substantially uniformly contained therein is formed. The matrix of fibers is impregnated with the mixture and cured, whereby the electrets are substantially uniformly distributed throughout the matrix to produce the electrostatic poromeric material. In an alternative embodiment, the electrets are contained in the fibers of the matrix. The poromeric material may be used to encase a core to form a roller, for example, a hickey-removing roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a modified 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate containing urea and biuret groups comprising reacting(a) 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate in molten form with(b) a mixture comprising about 0.02 to about 0.5 mole of water per mole of 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate and about 1 to about 10 parts for each part of water of an organic solvent.The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of elastomeric moldings comprising reacting by the one-shot or prepolymer process at an isocyanate index of 70 to 130 a modified 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate containing urea and biuret groups with compounds containing at least two isocyanate-reactive groups and having a molecular weight in the range from about 500 to about 10,000 and, optionally, organic compounds containing isocyanate-reactive groups and having a molecular weight in the range from 60 to 499.

Abstract: A method of treating hazardous material or other substrate with an aqueous air foam, comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising (a) water-soluble polyhydroxy polymer having a plurality of hydrogen-bondable 1,2- and/or 1,3-diol structures capable of complexation with the borate anion, B(OH).sub.4.sup.

Abstract: The flame retardance of polyurethane foams is improved by dispersing in a polyol used to make the urethane foam a finely divided resin composition composed of 60-85 wt % of an aminoplast resin filled with 40 to 15 wt % of an aminoplast resin filled with 40 to 15 wt % of cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A method of treating hazardous material or other substrate with an aqueous air foam, comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising (a) water-soluble polyhydroxy polymer having a plurality of hydrogen-bondable 1,2- and/or 1,3-diol structures capable of complexation with the borate anion, B(OH).sub.4.sup.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of compact or cellular, elastomeric moldings having a compact skin based on polyurethane urea elastomers prepared from(a) organic polyisocyanates,(b) relatively high molecular weight polyhydroxyl or polyamino compounds containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms,(c) diaminodiphenyl ureas as chain-extending agents and optionally,(d) catalysts,(e) small quantities of ethylene glycol,(f) other chain-extending agents and/or cross-linking agents,(g) blowing agents and(h) auxiliaries and/or additives, which is characterized in that the chain-extending agents (c) are diaminodiphenyl ureas corresponding to formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be the same or different and represent hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl radical and wherein the NH.sub.2 groups are in the m- and/or p-position to the urea group.The present invention is also directed to the RIM elastomers produced by this process.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of gypsum plaster is stabilized by an organic, polymeric, hydrophilic stabilizer for more than 30 days without setting.Upon activation with a Lewis acid the slurry becomes hydrated. The plaster form or the hydrated form may be employed to impregnate a substrate to form insulating sheeting. The substrate may be fabric, felt, paper, nonwoven, or sponge.Open-cell, foamed gypsum may be used alone or molded to shaped articles such as bricks for a firewall.

Abstract: An insulating foam and a process for producing insulating foam, wherein a foamable first component may be made of alkyl sulfate, half ester of maleic anhydride and acrylic resin in an aqueous solution is mechanically foamed with air, and to that foam is added an aqueous solution of magnesium oxide, dispersant, acrylic resin, perlite and/or precipitated calcium carbonate. To those components is added an aqueous solution of at least one of aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sulfamic acid, sodium silicate, zinc oxide, barium metaborate, vinyl alcohol, magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride and vinyl acetate. In another embodiment a polyvinyl alcohol and dispersant first portion is foamed with air and mixed with a second cementitious portion comprising magnesium oxide and barium metaborate.

Abstract: A process for the production of bulky, fiber-containing textile sheet material fills a material of loose fibers with a binding agent of an aqueous polymer dispersion containing a foaming adjuvant and puffs it up to a multiple of its original volume by the action of radiofrequency radiation in the range from 30 kHz to 30 GHz. The volume increase is then made permanent by drying. Even cellulosic fibers which formerly matted down when wet can be treated in the stated manner. The puffed textile sheet material is usable as padding for articles of clothing, for sound and heat insulation soft and resilient packing materials, clothing, protective padding and the like, but especially for products which are to absorb liquids to a relatively great extent.

Abstract: A wet process for the manufacture of shaped fibrous products such as acoustical ceiling board is disclosed. The ceiling board binder is foamed prior to being combined with the solids. Substantial reductions in water requirements are obtained accompanied by substantial energy savings in the drying operation.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing a silicone elastomer from an emulsion. When the ingredients are mixed together, the resulting latex can be used immediately. Removing the water from the latex results in a silicone elastomer. The method combines (A) an anionically stabilized, hydroxyl endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, present as an emulsion of dispersed particles in water, the emulsion having a pH of greater than 9, (B) dialkyltindicarboxylate, (C) alkylorthosilicate, (D) colloidal silica, and optionally (E) water, admixing (A) and (B) only in the presence of (C) to produce a dispersion of the ingredients in water. The ingredients can be distributed into a two-part system for storage. One embodiment includes fibers, lauryl alcohol, or a mixture of both in the emulsion; then forms an open-cell, elastomeric foam by forming a froth from the emulsion and removing the water from the froth.

Abstract: A composition useful in producing an open-cell, elastomeric silicone foam combines a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which forms an elastomer upon removal of the water, with an aerosol propellant. When the composition is discharged to atmospheric pressure, a froth is formed. Removing water from the froth yields an open-cell foam. The froth is stabilized by surfactants, thickeners, or froth stabilizers selected from fibers or lauryl alcohol.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced silicone foam is described. An aqueous silicone emulsion that cures upon drying at ambient temperature to an elastomeric film is combined with inorganic fibers having a diameter of less than 25 micrometers and a length of less than 10 mm to form a mixture. Air is dispersed through the mixture to form a stable froth. Removing the water from the stable froth yields an open-cell foam having cell walls comprising a thin layer of silicone elastomer reinforced with fibers. If electrically conductive fibers are used, the foam can be electrically conductive.

Abstract: A composition useful in producing an open-cell, elastomeric silicone foam combines a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which forms an elastomer upon removal of the water, with an aerosol propellant. When the composition is discharged to atmospheric pressure, a froth is formed. Removing water from the froth yields an open-cell foam. The froth is stabilized by surfactants, thickeners, or froth stabilizers selected from fibers or lauryl alcohol.

Abstract: A process for preparing pre-expanded particles of a thermoplastic resin which comprises; heating under an elevated pressure an aqueous dispersion comprising thermoplastic resin particles containing a volatile foaming agent and an aqueous medium in a pressure vessel; releasing the dispersion from the pressure vessel into a space within a sealed low-pressure vessel wherein the pressure is lower than that in the pressure vessel and the space is sealed with an aqueous medium which exists in the lower portion of the vessel and communicates with the outside of the vessel, whereby expanding the thermoplastic resin particles to give pre-expanded particles; and sinking the resulting pre-expanded particles under the aqueous medium by means of a rotary impeller provided in the pressure vessel so that the pre-expanded particles are taken out of the low-pressure vessel through the aqueous medium towards the outside of the vessel, while recovering the foaming agent volatilized from the thermoplastic resin particles by disc

Abstract: A composition comprising mineral wool and polyolefin fibers is adaptable for spraying onto a ceiling or wall or the like to form a textured acoustical coating.

Abstract: A novel tire sealant and inflator composition comprising a resin, a latex sealant, alkylene glycol, fibers, an alkanolamine, a foaming agent, and water. The composition is packaged in aerosol cans with a chlorofluorocarbon propellant/inflator and used to seal and inflate punctured tires. The composition is applied to the punctured tire through the valve stem, and acts to seal the puncture and inflate the tire sufficiently to support the weight of the car.

Abstract: A composition comprising mineral wool and polyolefin fibers is adaptable for spraying onto a ceiling or wall or the like to form a textured acoustical coating.The fibers are mixed with a binder, water and foaming agent to form a foamy composition. The composition is confined under pressure and released through a nozzle to form a steam. Compressed gas is introduced into the stream to atomize the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a low density fibrous composition that is suitable for use as an insulation material. The method comprises first forming an aqueous mixture comprising fibers and a synthetic rubber binder for the fibers and a foamed detergent to a consistency ranging from about 4 to about 15 weight percent solids. The mixture is then foamed to homogeneously suspend all of its components therein and then dried to form the low density fibrous composition.

Abstract: A process for making a lightweight structural member or insulating coating uses an initial mixture of hydrated lime, a dispersible additive, rock wool and, optionally an aggregate. This mixture has added to it water, and the water/solids mixture is agitated at high speed to produce a castable slurry having 60-80 volume percent air bubbles. The mixing is desirably conducted in a mixer having a cylindrical chamber and using paddles which rotate about their own axis and wherein there is movement of the chamber wall relative thereto, and the blades desirably scrape the chamber wall during such relative rotation.

Abstract: In the cultivation of mushrooms from an underlying bed containing mushroom spores, novel compositions and processes are provided for a casing layer which is placed over the compost layer containing spawning mycelium. A hydrophilic, thermosetting prepolymer resin is mixed in with a casing substrate, preferably Canadian peat, other optional additives and sufficient amount of water to form a slurry, and the mixture is allowed to cure to a spongy block. The cured material is then pulverized and deposited as a casing layer over the compost layer. Because of the high water retention qualities of this material, watering the mushroom beds is reduced by a factor of three or more, thereby reducing operation and production costs, as also the incidence and severity of disease and displeasing blemishes.

Abstract: Additive of the cellular plastic type, method for manufacturing the additive and use of the additive. The additive is intended to be mixed with a hardening or air-drying component, preferably, liquid paint. The additive of this invention is characterized in that a mixture of closed cellular plastic particles, disintegrated foamed urea formaldehyde resin and chopped fiberglass filaments or strands from part of the additive.

Abstract: A sealant for the remedial sealing of self-sealing coke oven doors, or ordinary coke oven doors sealed with a conventional lute, or for sealing spigot joints in off-gas pipe lines in coke oven installations comprises a mixture of from 25 to 45% of a latex, (preferably a PVA-based latex) from 10 to 25% water, from 25 to 45% of a particulate filler (preferably a talc) and from 5 to 15% of an inorganic fiber (preferably an asbestos fiber). At least 40% of the fiber should pass through a British standard 100-mesh sieve.The sealant may vary from a flowable to a putty or paste-like consistency and may be applied by spraying or trowelling as appropriate. If the inorganic fiber is not an asbestos the sealant may also include a proportion of a water soluble thickener to enhance the compatibility of the mixture.

Abstract: A sealant for the remedial sealing of self-sealing coke oven doors, or ordinary coke oven doors sealed with a conventional lute, or for sealing spigot joints in off-gas pipe lines in coke oven installations comprises a mixture of from 25 to 45% of a latex, (preferably a PVA-based latex) from 10 to 25% water, from 25 to 45% of a particulate filler (preferably a talc) and from 5 to 15% of an inorganic fibre (preferably an asbestos fibre). At least 40% of the fibre should pass through a British standard 100-mesh sieve.The sealant may vary from a flowable to a putty or paste-like consistency and may be applied by spraying or trowelling as appropriate. If the inorganic fibre is not an asbestos the sealant may also include a proportion of a water soluble thickener to enhance the compatibility of the mixture.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a fiber-reinforced, starch-bound cellular matrix. Suitable mixtures used to form the articles are prepared by first preparing a viscous preblended mixture comprising water, a gelatinized starch-based binder, and fibers having an average length greater than about 2 mm. The highly viscous preblended mixture effectively transfers the shearing forces of the mixer to the fibers. The final moldable mixture is then prepared by mixing into the preblended mixture the remaining starch-based binder, water, and other desired admixtures, e.g., mold-releasing agents, inorganic filler rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria.