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: Rapid set cellular articles can be prepared from a latex by the steps of: a) frothing a latex that contains a dispersed polymer having pendant cationic groups or adsorbing cationic molecules or both, and pendant acid groups; and b) rendering the frothed latex sufficiently basic to make the cellular article. The cellular articles of the present invention are advantageously prepared at ambient temperatures and pressures, and in the absence of organic solvents or CFCs.

Abstract: A composition of a vinyl acetate acrylic copolymer or a carboxylated acrylic copolymer with or without additional latices, about 1 to 6 parts of a non-ionic surfactant, from 0 to 4 parts of a coalescing agent and from 0 to 5 parts of a co-surfactant, with about 15 to 100 parts of starch. A propellant is from about 2% to 10% by weight of the entire composition, and the composition is contained in an aerosol can. A method is also described.

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 object of the present invention is to provide a thermoexpandable microcapsule which can be expanded at a lower temperature without decrease of various properties such as chemical resistance and heat resistance; said thermoexpandable microcapsule contains at least two kinds of volatile expanding agents having different boiling points lower than softening temperature of a polymeric material forming a shell, production thereof; and a method of expanding the microcapsule in which it is subjected to first heating below the starting temperature of expanding and then to the second heating.

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: Expandable styrene resin beads are described, which, when expanded to a bulk density of 20 g/l, give pre-expanded beads in which the number of cells present along those surface parts of radii which range from the bead surface to a depth of 0.2 mm from the surface is from 3 to 20 per mm and to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of the number of cells present along those inner parts of the radii which range from a depth of 1 mm from the bead surface to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of cells present along said surface parts being smaller than the number of cells present along said inner parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdery, water-swellable, cross-linked polymers having a high absorption capacity for aqueous liquids, in particular body fluids, under load, which polymers are formed of:a) 55-99.9%-wt. acid-groups-containing monomers which are neutralized to the extent of at least 50 mole-%,b) 0-40%-wt. of monomers which are copolymerizable with a),c) 0.1-5.0%-wt. of at least one cross-linking agent,d) 0-30%-wt. of a water-soluble polymer.The cations of the salts according to a) are Li.sup.+, Na.sup.+, preferably K.sup.+, Cs.sup.+, Rb.sup.+, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary methyl ammonium ions, either alone or in combination. The polymers are manufactured in that a blowing agent based on carbon dioxide is added to the monomers, followed by polymerization, that the polymer is dried and then heated to a temperature of 100.degree.-300.degree. C. with one or several compounds which are reactive for surface cross-linkage.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Stable and water-resistant aqueous foam composition containing (1) a long chain cationic organic compound and (2) a long-chain anionic organic compound in a weight ratio of from 0.05:1 to 15:1. The stable foam composition of the invention may be mixed with various water-soluble or water-dispersible organic, polymeric, or inorganic substances and used in applications where lightweight, heat, sound or other insulative, barrier properties or homogeneous material distribution are needed. Such applications include cementitious or gypsum containing substances, adhesives, binders, paper treating materials, coatings, ceramics, landfills, geofills, and firefighting and fireproofing materials.

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 process for the preparation of expandable thermoplastic polymers by post-impregnation with a blowing agent in aqueous suspension in the presence of a mixture of magnesium pyrophosphate and a sulfonate group-containing extender as suspension stabilizer, in a reactor comprisesa) preparing the magnesium pyrophosphate in the same reactor at below 50.degree. C. by adding a solid magnesium salt in an amount corresponding to an at least 3% stoichiometric excess, based on pyrophosphate, to an aqueous solution of the pyrophosphate,b) heating the suspension medium to from 70.degree. to 140.degree. C. andc) adding the blowing agent in this temperature range.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

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: A process of fabricating a porous silicone product utilizing a silicone emulsion capable of forming an elastomer by removal of water therefrom. The silicone emulsion comprises a water emulsion of an organopolysiloxane, a cross-linking agent, and a curing catalyst. The process comprises the steps of freezing the silicone emulsion, and drying the frozen silicone emulsion, whereby water is sublimed therefrom and the porous silicone product is obtained. The resulting porous silicone product is best utilized as a selective permeable membrane for separation of a liquid component from a liquid solution containing two or more liquid components.

Abstract: An expandable aqueous coating composition includes a polymeric binder including latex particles wherein the latex particles include a copolymer having a glass transition temperature of about -20.degree. C. to about +60.degree. C. and a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 500,000 and including expandable particles having a liquid blowing agent contained within a thermoplastic shell.

Abstract: An expandable aqueous coating composition includes a polymeric binder including latex particles wherein the latex particles include a copolymer having a glass transition temperature of about -20.degree. C. to about +60.degree. C. and a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 500,000 and including expandable particles having a liquid blowing agent contained within a thermoplastic shell.

Abstract: A process for producing a high quality silicone foam by free foaming, in which a two-component addition crosslinking system is used, comprised of a component A which contains a silicone polymer having at least two double bonds per molecule, preferably vinyl groups, a complexed organo-platinum for example with butanol, fumed silica, and water, as well as further additives, if appropriate, and a component B which contains a silicone polymer having at least two double bonds per molecule, preferably vinyl groups, fumed silica, and polydimethyl hydrogen siloxane as SiH crosslinking agent. The two components A and B are mixed, and the reaction mixture is subsequently pressurized, preferably using compressed air or nitrogen, in a storage vessel over several hours so that the gas is present in the mixture in a dissolved form.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: To arrive at an economical method of producing water-expanded polymer resin moldings, it is proposed that a monomer component and a cross-linker on an acrylate basis and/or a PMMA prepolymer be used as resin-forming components of a curable mixture.

Abstract: A process for making porous polymeric particles having high surface area includes suspending a discontinuous organic phase in an continuous aqueous phase, wherein the organic phase includes an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a water soluble phase extender and a surfactant in an amount effective to solubilize the water soluble phase extender in the monomer and wherein the aqueous phase includes a diffusion barrier agent for limiting mass transfer of the phase extender from the organic phase to the aqueous phase, and then polymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated monomer to form the porous polymeric particles.

Abstract: A method of making an improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer having improved absorption under pressure and fast absorption rate is obtained by first providing a solution containing carboxylic acid monomers or water soluble salts thereof, and a crosslinking agent. A carbonate blowing agent and a polymerization initiator are added, individually or in combination, to the solution to form a carbonated monomer solution. A polymerization initiator is then added to the carbonated monomer solution which is then polymerized at temperatures ranging from about 0.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C., forming a microcellular hydrogel. The microcellular hydrogel is chopped or ground into gel pieces having a particle diameter ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 cm. The gel pieces are dried at temperatures ranging from about 85.degree. C. to about 210.degree. C., and are then ground to form a polymer having a particle size of from about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm. A mixture is formed from 100 parts by weight of the polymer and about 0.

Abstract: To arrive at an economical method of producing water-expanded polymer resin moldings, it is proposed that a monomer component and a cross-linker on an acrylate basis and/or a PMMA prepolymer be used as resin-forming components of a curable mixture, with the weight ratio of the water component to the resin-forming component being at least 1:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable polyurethane powder preparations containing blowing agents and to their use for the production of foamed polyurethane moldings.

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: An aqueous, foam-retarding, printing ink composition consists essentially of:(A) an aqueous thermoplastic or thermosetting printing ink;(B) benzotriazole, fumaric acid, malic acid, hydroquinone, dodecanethiol, succinic anhydride, or adipic acid as foaming or blowing agent modifiers or inhibitors;(C) optionally a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 water soluble or water dispersible alcohol; and(D) water.The printing ink composition has a pH of about 3 to about 5. The composition is useful for chemically embossing heat expandable or heat foamable resinous materials. The embossed materials are useful, for example, as floor coverings.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing of unsaturated polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers containing an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkylene glycol and dispersion-stabilizing amounts of magnesium aluminum silicate and a cellulose ether compound is disclosed. Also disclosed are the curing of polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers using the dispersion.

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 storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing of unsaturated polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers containing an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkylene glycol and dispersion-stabilizing amounts of magnesium aluminum silicate and a cellulose ether compound is disclosed. Also disclosed are the curing of polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers using the dispersion.

Abstract: An aqueous compact composition comprising an aqueous adhesive copolymer emulsion, the adhesive composition having a durometer 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 and contains colloidal silica.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins comprising an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, dispersion-stabilizing amount of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, glycerol and water. As an optional component this composition can also contain an anionic dispersing agent. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

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 process for producing hollow polymer latex particles, which comprises(1) adding a base to a carboxyl-containing polymer latex obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture composed of at least 0.1% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and another ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerization with the carboxylic acid to adjust the pH of the polymer latex to at least 7 and swell the polymer latex particles, and(2) adding an acid to the polymer latex formed in (1) to adjust the pH of the latex to not more than 7.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins comprising an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, dispersion-stabilizing amount of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, glycerol and water. As an optional component this composition can also contain an anionic dispersing agent. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a coagulated material by impregnating a textile cloth in an impregnating bath containing at least a coagulable polymer latex followed by coagulation in a coagulating bath.The process of the invention is characterized in that the coagulation is carried out from the water phase, whereas the impregnating bath contains a (chemical or physical) foaming agent, wherein foaming occurs simultaneously with the coagulation or immediately thereafter.It is surprisingly found that according to the present process a high quality coagulated material is obtained, which is comparable with the coagulated material, obtained according to conventional processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coagulable composition, to a process for the preparation of a coagulated material by impregnating a textile cloth in an impregnating bath containing the coagulable composition followed by coagulation in a coagulating bath and to the resulting coagulated material.The process of the invention is characterized in that the coagulation is carried out from the water phase, and the impregnating bath contains a chemical or physical foaming agent, wherein foaming occurs simultaneously with the coagulation or immediately thereafter.It is surprisingly found that according to the present invention a high quality coagulated material is obtained, having properties comparable with the coagulated material obtained according to conventional solvent based processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins containing an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate and dispersion-stabilizing amounts of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

Abstract: A storage-stable container sealing composition which is fluid and comprises an aqueous dispersion of a visco elastic, generally elastomeric, polymer and hollow microspheres of a thermoplastic polymeric material containing a liquid blowing agent. The compositions are applied as gaskets to container closures and are heated to volatilize the blowing agent and expand the microspheres.

Abstract: A foam polyvinyl product prepared from a composition comprising a vinyl polymer and an alkali carbonate foaming agent.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins containing an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate and dispersion-stabilizing amounts of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

Abstract: A method of mechanically frothing and casting an aqueous ionic polyurethane dispersion to yield a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam. The method comprises admixing an aqueous ionic polyurethane dispersion with a stearate stabilizer and an optional aziridine crosslinking agent, and frothing the low viscosity admixture. The polyurethane dispersion contains particles having an average size of less than one micron, and contains between 35 and 70 percent by weight dispersed polyurethane solids. Preferably, each polyurethane particle in the aqueous dispersion is crosslinked. Before frothing, the low viscosity admixture contains between 33 and 87 percent by weight of the polyurethane dispersion, up to 33 percent by weight of an azirdine composition and between 13 and 50 percent by weight of a 33 percent aqueous dispersion of a stearate salt and has, as a result, a viscosity in the range of 100 to 200 centipoise. After frothing, the frothed admixture is knife-coated and cured into a flexible foam sheet.

Abstract: Foamed water-swellable polymeric water absorbent materials are prepared by contacting a polymer capable of having a water-swellable character and containing acid moieties in acid form with a blowing agent such as sodium bicarbonate, which blowing agent is capable of neutralizing the acid moieties of the polymer. The foamed polymers are useful in a wide variety of water absorbent applications.

Abstract: The solution-saturation (13,26) is produced in a countercurrent manner under low pressure of the gas (19) in a chlorofluorohydrocarbon (1) which is sprayed (12A,12B), previously compressed (3), and supercooled (5) to a temperature in the neighborhood of or lower than the temperature chosen for the chlorofluorohydrocarbon dissolved gas mixture at the outlet (30), the first gas-liquid chlorofluorohydrocarbon contact being effected by a bubbling (25) under pressure of the gas in the chlorofluorohydrocarbon (26) under conditions of temperature and pressure lower than the critical conditions, with a strict thermal regulation (31) throughout the dissolving stage so as to effect it below the critical conditions, thereafter the chlorofluorohydrocarbon mixture having a high content of dissolved gas is compressed (28A,28B) under high pressure. Application in the chlorofluorohydrocarbon solutions and in particular dichlorodifluoromethane having a high content of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, solids are recovered from a latex stabilized with a pH sensitive emulsifier by passing carbon dioxide through the latex to lower the pH and thereby destabilize the latex and then subjecting the latex to high shear.

Abstract: A process for producing a high quality silicone foam by free foaming, in which a two-component addition crosslinking system is used, comprised of a component A which contains a silicone polymer having at least two double bonds per molecule, preferably vinyl groups, a complexed organo-platinum for example with butanol, fumed silica, and water, as well as further additives, if appropriate, and a component B which contains a silicone polymer having at least two double bonds per molecule, preferably vinyl groups, fumed silica, and polydimethyl hydrogen siloxane as SiH crosslinking; agent. The two components A and B are mixed, and the reaction mixture is subsequently pressurized, preferably using compressed air or nitrogen, in a storage vessel over several hours so that the gas is present in the mixture in a dissolved form.