Abstract: The present invention relates to relatively inexpensive multi-purpose expandable vibration damping material compositions particularly useful in constrained layer applications. The composition essentially includes an elastomeric polymer, plasticizer, thermoplastic polymer, foaming agent, adhesion promoters and filler. In addition to the aforementioned, under certain embodiments, the expandable vibration damping material compositions may also employ rheological modifiers such as cross-linking agents and epoxy curing agents.

Abstract: A coating composition is based on polyvinyl chloride plastisol containing thermoplastic microspheres and is suitable for use as underbody compound for vehicles. The coating composition contains a mixture of expandable and expanded microspheres, in which the expandable microspheres expand at a temperature in the vicinity of the temperature at which the expanded microspheres begin to collapse. The mixture of microspheres solves the problem of a varying density of the coating when the plastisol is gelatinated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the production of hopper feedable thermoplastic pellets having zones or compartments which contain physically separated reactants which react only after being melt-mixed, as in a screw type extruder, reciproscrew injection machine, or similar device which heat forms pellets into a larger mass. This new class of thermoplastic molding materials relies mainly on the relatively slow reaction kinetics of contained large molecule molding materials to provide a time interval after melt-mixing of zoned pelletized reactants in an extruder barrel or inflection molding machine. During this time period, the thermoplastic molding material is easily filled into injection molds. As the reaction progresses, the material becomes more viscous and such flow is difficult or impossible. The involved reactions may continue after demolding at room temperature during a post molding cure, or appliance service generated heat may cause post molding cure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the treating of surfaces of thermoplastic additives having the propensity to be hydrophilic by blending glycerol tristearate with the additive in a high intensity mixer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.

Abstract: Milk derived whey protein-based microencapsulating agents and a method for microencapsulation of volatile or non-volatile core materials. Milk derived whey protein concentrates or whey protein isolate alone or in admixture with other milk or non-milk derived products are used for microencapsulation of active ingredients cores. Whey proteins microencapsulated cores are easy to handle and store, have higher stability, protect the encapsulated core from deteriorating factors, prevent evaporation of volatile cores, transform liquid cores into free flowing powders, and provide greater versatility of microencapsulated products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting, at a reaction temperature within a temperature range of between about 70.degree. F. and about 150.degree. F., a reaction mixture comprised of a polyol, an organic isocyanate, water, an encapsulated blowing agent, and a reaction catalyst, wherein the encapsulated blowing agent comprises a shell and a core, said shell comprising a polymer having a melting point above the initial reaction temperature, and said core comprising a gaseous blowing agent or blowing agent precursor for blowing said reaction mixture at said reaction temperature. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for cooling a hot polyurethane foam utilizing encapsulated water contained in the foam forming reaction mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing a composition material which embodies both physical and chemical properties of a physically expanded polymer and specific structural and/or chemical properties of solid particles fully encapsulated within membranes in the expanded polymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer based on an amount of water and an amount of catalyst, the process comprising the steps of: providing a first stream comprising a particulate, non-cellular filler material surrounded by a mixture comprising less than 100% by weight of the amount of water and less than 100% by weight of the amount catalyst; providing a second stream comprising an active hydrogen-containing compound and the remainder of the amount of water and the amount of catalyst; providing a thin stream comprising an isocyanate; feeding each of the first stream, the second stream and the third stream-independently of one another to a mixing device; mixing the first stream, the second stream and the third stream in the mixing device to produce a reaction mixture; and allowing the reaction mixture to expand to produce the foamed isocyanate-based polymer. A system for alternating between production of filled or untilled isocyanate-base foam is also provided.

Abstract: A coating composition suitable as an undercoating for cars contains vinyl-chloride-polymer-based plastisol and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The expandable thermoplastic microspheres have a substantially halogen-free polymer shell which comprises a copolymer of halogen-free monomers and, in an amount of at least about 80% by weight, nitrile-containing monomers. Preferably, the polymer shell of the thermoplastic microspheres contains from about 85% by weight to about 97% by weight of nitrile-containing monomer. A method for spray-coating a surface with the coating composition by airless spraying is also disclosed.

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: This invention is directed to a fire-resistant, essentially halogen-free epoxy composition that emits low amounts of smoke and toxic gas while burning. The one-part composition is particularly useful in aerospace applications for bonding, sealing and/or insulating metal, plastic and composite parts.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer containing a filler material, the filler material being present at a level greater than 30% by weight of the polymer and having a specific gravity of less than about 2.0 with the provisio that the filler material is not melamine. A process for producing the a foamed isocyanate-based polymer is also disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: providing a first mixture comprising water, a catalyst and a substantially inert filler material, the filler material being wetted by the water and the catalyst; providing a second mixture comprising an isocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing compound; mixing the first mixture and the second mixture to provide a reaction mixture; allowing the reaction mixture to expand to produce the foamed isocyanate-based polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: A method of entrapping a water-soluble substance in vesicles formed from a siloxane surfactant is carried out by dissolving the substance to be entrapped in water, adding a siloxane surfactant, mildly agitating the mixture, and removing excess of water and substance. Water-insoluble substances can be entrapped in the vesicles by dissolving the substance to be entrapped in the siloxane surfactant, and mildly agitating the substance and the siloxane surfactant. Suitable siloxane surfactants are R--[Si(Me).sub.2 O].sub.14 --Si(Me).sub.2 --R in which R is --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.7 OH, R--[Si(Me).sub.2 O].sub.14 --Si(Me).sub.2 --R in which R is --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.12 OH, Me.sub.3 SiO[Si(Me).sub.2 O].sub.22 --[SiMeRO].sub.2 --SiMe.sub.3 in which R is --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.12 OH, and Me.sub.3 SiO[Si(Me).sub.2 O].sub.103 --[SiMeRO].sub.10 --SiMe.sub.3 in which R is --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.12 OH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: A method for production of a crosslinked, foamed vinyl chloride containing polymer, by adding a blowing agent to a copolymer produced by a copolymerisation of a monomer composition comprising vinyl chloride and glycidyl containing monomer, and optionally other monomers, foaming the copolymer, where the decomposition products of the blowing agent or decomposition products of reaction produces from the blowing agent, are chemically reactive with epoxy groups of the copolymer or its reaction products, and crosslinking the copolymer when the blowing agent or the reaction product of the blowing agent is decomposed.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld line that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilized the particular blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen as the active foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: An insulating material formed from a network of hollow gas-filled microspheres embedded in a cured three-dimensional cross-linked polymer network of copolymerized unsaturated fluorinated monomers and acrylic monomers reacted in a fluorinated organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for producing expandable thermoplastic microspheres by polymerisation in a reaction vessel of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a mixture of monomers in an aqueous suspension in the presence of a condensed propellant. In the method, the monomer or monomer mixture is suspended in the aqueous medium in the presence of a powder stabilizer which consists of a salt or hydroxide of any of the metals Ca, Mg, Ba, Fe, Zn, Ni or Mn. The powder stabilizer is insoluble in the aqueous medium at the pH the aqueous medium has at the polymerisation. The aqueous medium has at the polymerization. The aqueous medium may also contain a co-stabilizer. The method further comprises the step of washing off the powder stabilizer from the microspheres after the polymerization by lowering the pH of the aqueous medium by the addition of acid. Alternatively, amphoteric hydroxides can also be dissolved by a pH increase.

Abstract: A high temperature endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, the polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymer and used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: The disadvantages associated with using a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to prepare sponge products from curable organosiloxane compositions can be overcome by microencapsulating the platinum-containing catalyst in a thermoplastic organic or organosilicone polymer.

Abstract: A stabilized powdered endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, the polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymeric concentrate used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable tape for use in making cables. The expandable tape comprises a carrier material carrying thermally expanding microcapsules therein or thereon. The invention also relates to the use of the tape in the manufacture of cables, and to the cables incorporating such tape.

Abstract: An electrically conductive flexible polyurethane foam having fine and homogeneous cells, being low in swelling by water and superior in dimensional stability can be prepared by mixing an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer holding isocyanate monomers therein prepared by reacting polyether polyol(s) holding poly(oxypropylene) chains and not more than 30 weight % of poly(oxyethylene) chains therein with a stoichiometrically excessive amount of an isocyanate component with an aqueous dispersion of electrically conductive carbon particles containing water in excess of the stoichiometric amount necessary to react with the isocyanate monomers in the urethane prepolymer and foaming the mixture in a closed mold having a capacity smaller than the volume of a foam which can be obtained by conducting the foaming of the said mixture of the urethane prepolymer and the aqueous dispersion of electrically conductive carbon particles freely under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include additives and blowing agents which cause the surface treatment additives to migrate to the surfaces of foamed products. The products produced from the compositions require less additives because the incorporated additives are concentrated at the surface thereof.

Abstract: Flame-resistant, expandable styrene polymers containing a styrene (co)polymer, from 0.4 to 6% by weight of hexabromocyclododecane having a mean particle size of from 1 to 50 .mu.m, the particles being provided with a firm coating which has a thickness of from 1/100 to 1/10 of the particle diameter and is insoluble in water and styrene, from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired, customary additives, are distinguished by a reduced internal water content and can be processed to form foams which have an improved foam structure and high UV stability.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld line that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilize the particular blowing agents.

Abstract: A stabilized powdered endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, and polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymeric concentrate used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: A high temperature endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, the polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymer and used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: Flame-resistant, expandable styrene polymers containing a styrene (co)polymer, from 0.4 to 6% by weight of hexabromocyclododecane having a mean particle size of from 1 to 50 .mu.m, the particles being provided with a firm coating which has a thickness of from 1/100 to 1/10 of the particle diameter and is insoluble in water and styrene, from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired, customary additives, are distinguished by a reduced internal water content and can be processed to form foams which have an improved foam structure and high UV stability.

Abstract: A filler of non-metallic, light transparent material is formed into particles or flakes and coated with opaque material and dispersed in closed cell foam to reduce overall thermal conductivity and, specifically, to reduce radiation heat transfer.

Abstract: Porous organic microspheres for use in HPLC are formed by coacervating a colloidal silica sol in a uniform mixture of the sol and a polymerizable organic material. The silica particles which formed the sol are removed from the microspheres with ammonium bifluoride. The remaining organic microspheres are rigid, have uniform pore sizes and distribution, and do not swell or shrink in the presence of the solvents used in HPLC.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomeric foam for use in EMI/RFI shielding applications, especially as a gap filler or caulk. The foam is based upon a polyurethane system wherein the electrically conductive filler is intermixed with either the isocyanate or active hydrogen containing component before reacting the two components to create the foam. The foam is lightweight, flexible, highly conductive, capable of withstanding cyclical vibration and is capable of adhering to various conductive surfaces such as metal, composites and glass. The foam is preferably room temperature curable and consists of a water activable prepolymer or quasi prepolymer system.

Abstract: Porous organic microspheres for use in HPLC are formed by coacervating a colloidal silica sol in a uniform mixture of the sol and a polymerizable organic material. The silica particles which formed the sol are removed from the microspheres with ammonium bifluoride. The remaining organic microspheres are rigid, have uniform pore sizes and distribution, and do not swell or shrink in the presence of the solvents used in HPLC.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of microencapsulated blowing agents in the bulk polymerization of cycloolefin monomers by ring-opening polymerization. These microencapsulated blowing agents aid in filling molds during reaction injection molding procedures such that both surfaces of the article being molded remain in contact with their respective mold surfaces eliminating sink marks in these surfaces. In addition, the microencapsulants may be introduced at higher levels which provide structural foams with the polymers from cycloolefin monomers.

Abstract: Foamed microbeads with a shell and an encased core are characterized in that the shell is a reaction product of an NCO-containing carbodiimide and a polyamine, and the core is at least partly filled with a polymeric carbodiimide or its reaction product with a polyamine, and in that the foamed microbeads are self-supporting and can be laden with hydrophilic and if appropriate hydrophobic liquids.

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: Microcapsules, and especially suspensions of microencapsulated colorants well adapted for the manufacture of carbonless papers, are produced by emulsifying a hydrophobic organic fluid which includes an aliphatic diisocyanate and an isocyanurate ring trimer of an aliphatic diisocyanate, and optionally a dissolved organic material, in an essentially aqueous liquid containing a protective colloid, a surfactant, or both, wherein the weight ratio of aliphatic diisocyanate/trimer ranges from 0.05/l to 0.70/l and the surface tension between the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic organic phase ranges from 0 to 20 mN/m, and then forming microcapsules by interfacially reacting a polyamine with the emulsion which results, thereby constituting polyurea walls of said microcapsules by polyaddition.

Abstract: An improved mineral filler fire retardant composition and method are provided wherein the filler is surface treated with a polyfunctional isocyanate. This surface treatment reacts to form a polymeric coating thereby reducing both the free moisture and soluble soda level. This improved filler results in superior physical properties in polymer resins and improved processing characteristics in urethane foams.

Abstract: A method of making a foam injection molded article is disclosed wherein corrosion of the mold element is significantly reduced or substantially eliminated. The method comprises dispersing effective amounts of a primary chemical blowing agent of sodium borohydride and an activation system of sodium bicarbonate/citric acid mix into a polymer resin to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated whereby the activation system releases water and the sodium borohydride reacts with the water to produce hydrogen gas. The mixture is subsequently injected into a mold to obtain expansion of the polymer resin to form the foam article. The invention also comprehends a corresponding chemical blowing agent composition.

Abstract: A method of making a foam injection molded article is disclosed wherein corrosion of the mold element is significantly reduced or substantially eliminated. The method comprises dispersing effective amounts of a primary chemical blowing agent of sodium borohydride and an activation system of sodium bicarbonate/citric acid mix into a polymer resin to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated whereby the activation system releases water and the sodium borohydride reacts with the water to produce hydrogen gas. The mixture is subsequently injected into a mold to obtain expansion of the polymer resin to form the foam article. The invention also comprehends a corresponding chemical blowing agent composition.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams having a particulate resin carrying a fragrance incorporated therein during formation of the foam are described. The physical characteristics of the foams are not detrimentally affected by the incorporation of the resin while providing a foam which will release fragrance over an extended time period.

Abstract: Reinforced cellular or noncellular molded polyurethane parts are prepared by heating a mixture of reinforcing materials and a heat-curable composition of polyisocyanates and polyols in an open or closed mold, said composition being storage-stable at room temperature and containing, optionally, auxiliaries and additives. In said composition, the polyisocyanate is dispersed in the form of discreet particles having particle diameters from 0.1 to 150 .mu.m in the polyol and the polyisocyanate particles are deactivated on their surfaces such that from 0.01 to 20 equivalent percent of the total available isocyanate groups are deactivated and such that the ratio of free isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups is from 0.7:1 to 2.5:1.The polyurethane molded parts are suitable for use as self-supporting trim parts, reinforcement parts, or molded parts for various applications.

Abstract: A stabilized powdered endothermic blowing agent .[.which.]. is a mixture or a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, .[.and.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymeric concentrate used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld .[.line.]. .Iadd.lines .Iaddend.that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilize the particular blowing agents.