Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foam rubber by foaming a polymer latex is provided, wherein the polymer latex used has a solids content of 60.0 wt % or more, has a volume particle size distribution where the volume cumulative particle size d10 is more than 140 nm, and comprises 0.001 to 1.0 part by weight of antifoaming agent relative to 100 parts by weight of polymer in the polymer latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce or prevent agglomeration of particles of halogenated rubbers in aqueous media by LCST compounds as well as highly pure halogenated rubbers. The invention further relates to halogenated elastomer products comprising the same or derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.

Abstract: Methods for producing or regenerating an iodinated resin are presented. The methods include converting iodide residues on a surface of and in pores of an iodide loaded anion exchange resin to iodine and iodine intermediates using a source of active halogen to form an iodinated resin having iodine and iodine intermediate residues on the surface of and in the pores of the iodinated resin. The iodinated resins show reduced and stable levels of iodine elution compared to conventional iodinated anion exchange resins and may utilizes less iodine raw materials during the manufacturing process. The iodinated resin can also act as an end-of life indicator in a water purification system that incorporates the iodinated resin to reduce microbial, including bacterial and viral, contamination in drinking water sources. Methods and systems for purifying water are also presented.

Abstract: A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized A-B-A triblock copolymer resin and/or an A-B diblock copolymer resin into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form the gelatinous elastomer in-situ while simultaneously polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate to form polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to melt the styrene-portion of the A-B-A triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the A-B-A triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The combination has a marbled appearance. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. Another advantage of in situ gel-foam is that the gel component provides higher support factors compared to the base foam alone.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as “phase change gel”, and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking.

Abstract: A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: A foam composition for building purposes, particularly for filling joints or connecting construction parts, contains a foamable aqueous phase and a propellant which foam when sprayed together through a nozzle. The foamable aqueous phase contains at least one organic polymer and inorganic components, which include a silicate chemically dissolved in the aqueous phase, the solution of which is film-forming. The organic polymer is present in the form of a dispersion or aqueous solution and produces a silicate-polymer-foam when foamed together with the silicate solution. The organic polymer is contained at ?3% by weight, the water-soluble silicate is contained at ?3% by weight, and the organic polymer and the water-soluble silicate are contained at a weight ratio of 20:1 to 1:20, based in each case on their dry substance in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A spray latex foam for filling wall cavities to enhance the sealing and insulating properties of a building is provided. The spray latex foam includes a latex system and a gaseous coagulating component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, carbon dioxide is included as a gaseous coagulating agent. One latex suitable for use in the spray foam is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), which possesses fire retardancy and environmental durability. However, a preferred latex is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The latex system may also include a thixotropic agent, such as Laponite® RD synthetic clay. The spray latex foam is polyurethane-free. A method of preparing a spray latex foam that includes supplying a latex system and adding a gaseous coagulating component to the latex system is also provided.

Abstract: Co-agglomerated dispersions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The co-agglomerated dispersions are prepared by co-agglomerating an anionic polymer dispersion and inert particles. The polymers for use in the co-agglomerated dispersions are derived from one or more monomers including at least one conjugated diene monomer. The inert particles have a particle size of less than 2 ?m. Also described herein is an aqueous dispersion including co-agglomerated particles formed from at least one polymer and at least one inert material. Further described herein are foamed polymers, latex-based adhesives, waterproofing membranes, sound absorbing coatings, and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reinforced rubber dispersion comprising: a) 51 to 90 wt-% of base latex polymer particles; and b) 10 to 49 wt-% of reinforcing latex polymer particles comprising structural units of aromatic vinyl monomers and conjugated diene monomers, the reinforcing latex polymer particles having a single glass transition temperature (Tg) from ?25° C. to 28° C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereby the weight percentages are based on the total weight of polymer particles in the rubber dispersion and the base latex polymer particles have a Tg as measured by DSC that is lower than the Tg of the reinforcing latex particles, to the use of the rubber dispersion for making latex foam, to a method for making latex foam and to an article comprising the latex foam obtained from the rubber dispersion of the present invention.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions, particularly medical adhesive compositions, often include several components that may react differently to different sterilization processes, particularly when combined with one another. The present invention is directed to methods of sterilizing different components or groups of components of a final adhesive composition. The different components or groups of components may be sterilized in separate containers before packaging the components or groups of components within a kit, and thereafter sterilizing the kit.

Abstract: A durable, conformable, absorbent, hydrophilic, polymeric latex foam composition having a free absorbent capacity of at least 5 grams of a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution per gram of foam and capable of vertically wicking said aqueous saline solution to a height of greater than about 5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, after compression, the latex foam composition remains thin until wet, whereupon it expands and exhibits a high free absorbent capacity and high vertical wicking height.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition useful for preparing latex foam. The composition includes a latex and a polynitrile oxide such as 2,4,6-triethylbenzene-1,3-dintrile oxide, or a latex and an epoxy silane, or a latex and a mixture of the two crosslinkers. The composition may also contain additional components, including fillers, surfactants, cell detackifiers, froth stabilizers, froth boosters, viscosity reducers, compounds to improve resilience and antioxidants. The composition is particularly useful in the manufacture of flooring, wall covering, shoe lining and non-woven materials.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

Abstract: A durable, conformable, absorbent, hydrophilic, polymeric latex foam composition having a free absorbent capacity of at least 5 grams of a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution per gram of foam and capable of vertically wicking said aqueous saline solution to a height of greater than about 5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, after compression, the latex foam composition remains thin until wet, whereupon it expands and exhibits a high free absorbent capacity and high vertical wicking height.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion comprises rubber particles and polymer particles having a reinforcing action.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane, polyacrylic and polybutadiene foams can be obtained with cyclopentane as a blowing agent and are useful as coatings for leather or leather substitutes.

Abstract: A porous film having high strength, homogeneous porous structure, and excellent affinity for electrolytic solutions and suitable for use as a separator for batteries and capacitors; a process for producing the film; and a battery and capacitor each employing the porous film as a separator. The porous film comprises a resin composition including from 70 to 99.9% by weight of an high molecular weight polyolefin resin and from 0.1 to 30% by weight of a polymer having a polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, poly (ethylene oxide), poly (propylene oxide), poly(ethylene propylene oxide), polyphosphazene, poly(vinyl ether) or polysiloxane structure as or in a main chain and having a chain oligo (alkylene oxide) structure in side chains.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion comprises rubber particles and polymer particles having a reinforcing action.

Abstract: A textile fiber including polypropylene blended with an impact modifier. The impact modifier can be less than 10% by weight of the composition. Examples of suitable impact modifiers include ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM), styrene/ethylene-co-butadiene/styrene (SEBS), and styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) (SEPSEP). The textile fiber can be used to form a spunbond fiber, a staple fiber, a multi-fiber yarn, a knit fabric, a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric.

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: The present invention relates to tires suitable for bearing heavy loads, and to the use of a rubber composition to form the treads of such tires which delays the appearance of irregular wear on the treads of such tires during travel. The invention applies to tires for motor vehicles, such as heavy vehicles, construction vehicles or aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cyanoacrylate prepolymer compositions under E-beam irradiation conditions wherein the prepolymer remains in polymerizable form after sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous crosslinked hydrophilic polymeric material having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of the material communicate with the surface of the material. The present invention also relates to a process for producing the polymeric material. This process involves combining a hydrophilic monomer phase with an oil discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, and polymerizing the emulsion. The emulsion can be a high internal phase emulsion (i.e., a “HIPE”). The polymeric material can be produced in a variety of forms. In one embodiment the emulsion is suspended in an oil suspension medium, and emulsion droplets are polymerized to produce polymeric microbeads.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat-gellable latex composition. The composition comprises a curable natural or synthetic elastomeric latex, an amount of a curing agent sufficient to cure the latex, an amount of ammonia sufficient to prevent gellation of the latex, an amount of a gelling agent sufficient to gell the latex, the gelling agent comprising the reaction product of zinc chloride and an ammonium-containing compound, and an amount of an accelerator sufficient to accelerate vulcanization of the latex, the accelerator comprising a zinc dithiocarbamate. A method for heat-gelling a latex composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Naturally occurring bauxites are suitable as flame retardants and can be incorporated into polymeric carpet backings, when they are ground or pulverized to obtain a generally uniform distribution of particles predominantly less than 250 micrometers in size and containing up to 45 wt. % of fines (less than 3 micrometers in size), and then used in combination with an appropriate wetting agent, dispersant, froth aid, latex, and thickener package to wet-out and disperse the particles and provide adequate control of viscosity build. The bauxite should preferably have a high gibbsite content and should preferably have a pH range of from 4.5 to 8. Mechanical stirring can be used to aid in viscosity control. Lowering the specified percent solids in a formulation by adding small amounts of water allows for even finer ground bauxite (up to 55 wt. % of fines) to be used as filler for carpet backings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an expandable polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a polar water adsorbing monomer. The monomers are partially polymerized and then suspended in water so that the resulting beads contain from 3 to 40 weight % water which act as the sole or a predominant blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous crosslinked hydrophilic polymeric material having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of the material communicate with the surface of the material. The present invention also relates to a process for producing the polymeric material. This process involves combining a hydrophilic monomer phase with an oil discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, and polymerizing the emulsion. The emulsion can be a high internal phase emulsion (i.e., a "HIPE"). The polymeric material can be produced in a variety of forms. In one embodiment the emulsion is suspended in an oil suspension medium, and emulsion droplets are polymerized to produce polymeric microbeads.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin dispersion comprising a water-absorbent resin (B) or a hydrous gel thereof dispersed in a liquid or heat-meltable organic active-hydrogen compound (A), wherein said resin (B) is formed by the polymerization of a water-soluble monomer or its precursor and a cross-linker and/or a polysaccharide in the compound (A); and a process for producing a polyurethane resin by the reaction of the dispersion with an organic polyisocyanate compound. As the polyurethane resin is excellent in the capacity and rate of absorption, it is useful as absorbent articles such as paper diaper and sanitary goods, humidity modifiers, cutoff material, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing a smooth hard coating on a wood substrate. A layer of a foamed polymerized latex emulsion is applied on the surface of a wood substrate, such as an oriented strand board. The layer is dried, crushed and then cured to form the coating. If desired the cured coating may be provided with a post cure heat treatment to improve its hardness. The present invention is also directed to applying and drying the layer of the foamed polymerized latex emulsion on a mat of wood fibers or flakes and then crushing and curing the crushed layer and the mat into a hardboard having a smooth hard coating. The coating of the present invention is useful as a sealer coat on a wood substrate. By adding pigment to polymerized emulsion, the sealer coat can be used to provide a finish coat on the wood substrate.

Abstract: A flexible open-cell polyurethane is described that is the reaction product of a mixture comprising(a) a polyisocyanate component comprising monomeric or polymeric MDI, and(b) a polyol component having at least 50% of its 0H functional groups as secondary OH groups.

Abstract: A planar, solid-state electrochemical oxygen sensor having a substrate, conductive strips deposited on the substrate, and a dielectric layer insulating portions of the conductive strips except those portions which define a working electrode and at least one second electrode. The working electrode may be defined by an open printed region of the dielectric, or by a needle-punched or laser-burned hole or opening in the dielectric which exposes a small region of one of the conductive strips. A solid electrolyte contacting the electrodes is covered by a semipermeable membrane which may comprise an acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer or an acrylate-based copolymer. A sample chamber is defined by the membrane, a cover member, and a gasket therebetween, and has a volume of from about 1 to about 2 .mu.m. The gasket is formulated from the highly cross-linked polymerization product of epichlorohydrin. All sensor components are selected such that a sensor operable for at least 2 days under normal conditions is produced.

Abstract: An emulsion composition for flameproof foam sheet which comprises components (A)-(C) wherein the amount of component (B) is 5-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A) (based on solid content), and the amount of component (C) is 50-350 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A) (based on solid content):(A): An emulsion of ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer which is composed of 5-35% by weight of (a.sub.1) ethylene and 95-65% by weight of (a.sub.2) vinyl ester and, whose glass transition temperature is -25.degree. C.-+15.degree. C. and toluene-insoluble part is 30% or more by weight;(B): Thermal expansive hollow micro bead;(C): Inorganic filler.

Abstract: A method for making a cellular rubber is described, in which water is added to a high water absorption resin, followed by allowing the resulting mixture to stand and form a hydrous gel. The hydrous gel, with or without a foaming agent, is added to a rubber compound and subjected to foaming under conditions sufficient for vulcanization thereby obtaining a cellular rubber having a closed cell structure. Cosmetic puffs using the cellular rubber are also described.

Abstract: Newly developed polymeric materials are presented in a form of pellet, thread, sponge, rubber, or plate acting as a damper for shear mode and an absorber against outside noise. These materials provide multiple functions of damping, sound absorbency and insulation performance at audio frequency.

Abstract: A composite article is prepared by intimately bonding a latex foam with a thermoplastic molded part containing polyphenylene ether, the latex consisting of the following components, relative to its total rubber content:I. 20-100% by weight of SBR latex with a minimum proportion of more than 15% by weight of styrene in the solid polymer, andII. 80-0% by weight of natural-rubber latex or other, synthetic latexes.The combination is vulcanized to form a product which exhibits cohesive rupture within the foam body, when the foam body is subjected to separation.

Abstract: An aqueous contact adhesive composition comprising an aqueous adhesive copolymer emulsion, the adhesive composition having a durometer hardness measured on the type A scale by ASTM D2240 of at least 20, and a blowing agent. The aqueous contact adhesive composition is applied as a coating to a surface of each of two substrates, then foamed, and substantially dried to provide a dry cellular adhesive coating. The adhesive-coated surfaces are then joined. The preferred contact adhesive composition comprises a vinyl acetate/ethylene/N-methylolacrylamide copolymer emulsion.

Abstract: A stryrene/butadiene graft copolymer latex has a graft substrate component with a comparatively high content of repeating units obtained by polymerization of styrene. The graft copolymer exhibits correspondingly comparatively hard and soft regions with a high and a low Tg, respectively.Vulcanizable compositions based thereon can be used for production of latex foams distinguished by a low compression set in a temperature range from 20.degree. to 70.degree. C., a high tensile strength, and a high elongation at break, and by a high compression resistance.

Abstract: A gas barrier film-surfaced foamed sealant composition, especially useful for application to mine stoppings and other geological formations, is derived from a foamed sealant-forming medium comprising an aqueous elastomeric latex binder such as a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex, a particulate filler such as clay, a gelling agent such as ammonium sulfamate and a gaseous foaming agent such as air dispersed therein. The foamed sealant possesses a gas-impervious barrier film or coating on its exposed surface, e.g., one obtained from the aforesaid sealant-forming composition but which has not been foamed or frothed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for preparing hollow polymer latexes by a one stage emulsion polymerization. The first step invloves introducing an effective amount of a first charge of a organic phase to an aqueous phase. The first charge of the organic phase comprises monomer which is vertually insoluble in the aqeuous phase and an inert-nonpolymerizable hydrocarbon. The polymer formed from polymerizing the monomer is virtually insoluble in the hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbon is virtually insoluble in the aqueous phase and the monomer is miscible with the hydrocarbon. The monomer is polymerized to produce a low molecular weight polymer such that the low molecular weight polymer will phase separate from the organic phase and conentrates at the surface of the introduced organic phase forming a low molecular weight polymer phase.

Abstract: The method of the kind, comprising: incorporating vulcanizing substances to natural rubber latex, leaving the mixture to react and vulcanize, filling a mask mold with the vulcanized product, pouring the product out of the mold when a product film of the desired thickness has adhered to the surface of the mold, and stripping the film off the mold. According to the invention, the method further comprises: centrifuging the vulcanized latex to remove the chemicals which have not been incorporated during the reaction; performing a foaming by mechanical or chemical means after the maceration step, and performing a drying after pouring the product out the mold, by heating to from 50.degree. to 90.degree. C. to facilitate stripping the mask off the mold.

Abstract: A foamable, gelable and heat-vulcanizable composition for the manufacture of latex foam having, e.g., the following properties:(a) the indentation hardness must be sufficiently high;(b) the pore structure is to be uniformly fine for an adequate layer thickness,comprises a mixture of a rubber latex and a filler/rubber powder, a vulcanizing agent and conventional additives.The latex foams according to the invention are excellently suited as vibration damping materials, the mass to volume ratio and correspondingly the hardness being adjustable depending on the intended use to a high or low value.

Abstract: A solid flexible polymeric material is formed by solidifying a water-based latex which contains an inorganic filler. The filler is sand and this may be stabilized in the latex with xanthan gum. The solid material may be a foamed or non-foamed layer which may be used as integral carpet backing, as carpet underlay, or as an adhesive for bonding a reinforcing fabric to the back of carpeting.

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.