Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous graphene/graphite stabilized composites (e.g., graphene/graphite stabilized emulsion-templated foam composites), and improved methods for fabricating such graphene/graphite stabilized composites. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved methods for fabricating pristine, graphene/graphite/polymer composite foams derived from emulsions stabilized by graphene/graphite kinetic trapping. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides that, instead of viewing the insolubility of pristine graphene/graphite as an obstacle to be overcome, it is utilized as a means to create or fabricate water/oil emulsions, with graphene/graphite stabilizing the spheres formed. These emulsions are then the frameworks used to make foam composites that have shown bulk conductivities up to about 2 S/m, as well as compressive moduli up to about 100 MPa and breaking strengths of over 1200 psi, with densities as low as about 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions that can be used for producing packaging with dynamic cushioning, with a pleasant touch, with reduced abrasive power, in which the expanded particles constituting the packaging adhere well to one another and do not come detached during use. Said compositions comprise: a) from 70% to 90% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and/or copolymer, calculated with respect to (a)+(b); b) from 10% to 30% by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing a percentage that ranges from 10% to 30% by weight of vinyl acetate, calculated with respect to (a)+(b); c) from 3 to 10 parts by weight of a blowing agent, calculated on 100 parts of component a) added to component b); said copolymer (b) being distributed in the polymer (a) in the form of particles having an average volumetric diameter ranging from 1 nm to 2000 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having a comonomer in the copolymer selected from ethylene, C4-C20-alpha olefin, said propylene homopolymer or copolymer being free of phthalic compound. It further relates to a long-chain branched propylene homopolymer or copolymer (b-PP) having a comonomer in the copolymer selected from ethylene, C4-C20-alpha olefins, said long-chain branched propylene homopolymer or copolymer (b-PP) being free of phthalic compound. As well as their production processes and uses.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer compound has a high strain recovery rate and a high strain fixity rate to provide shape memory, preferably manageable shape memory. The thermoplastic elastomer compound includes a maleated styrenic block copolymer and polycaprolactone to achieve the shape memory. Shape modes of articles made from the thermoplastic elastomer compound can be altered by at least one thermo-mechanical event to cause deformation of the compound from a first shape to a second shape with retention of the compound in the second shape for any reasonable time interval.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device including: an anode and a cathode; and at least one organic thin film layer between the anode and the cathode, wherein one of the organic thin film layer(s) comprises a polymer represented by the following formula (1).

Abstract: Cellular and multi-cellular polystyrene and polystyrenic foams and methods of forming such foams are disclosed. The foams include an expanded polystyrene formed from expansion of an expandable polystyrene including an adsorbent comprising alumina, wherein the multi-cellular polystyrene exhibits a multi-cellular size distribution. The process for forming a foamed article includes providing a formed styrenic polymer and contacting the formed styrenic polymer with a first blowing agent and an adsorbent comprising alumina to form extrusion polystyrene. The process further includes forming the extrusion styrenic polymer into an expanded styrenic polymer and forming the expanded styrenic polymer into a foamed article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foamed molded article production method that can produce polycarbonate resin foamed blow-molded articles, etc. Which are good over a wide range of densities. The present invention is a method for producing a foamed molded article including extruding a foamable molten resin, formed by kneading a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin in an amount of 5 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polycarbonate resin and a foaming agent, from a die to obtain a foamed parison, and molding the foamed parison in a softened state in a mold. The polyester resin is a polyester copolymer containing diol component units, 10 to 80 mol % of which are glycol component units each having a cyclic ether structure, and dicarboxylic acid component units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a resin composition foam comprising dissolving a supercritical fluid in a resin composition containing polytetrafluoroethylene and another resin other than polytetrafluoroethylene at a temperature equal to or higher than a glass transition point of the other resin, then foaming the resin composition by removing the supercritical fluid at a temperature lower than a temperature obtained by adding 15° C. to a thermal deformation starting temperature of the other resin, and subsequently cooling. In addition, the present invention relates to a resin composition foam, wherein the resin composition foam has a pore size of less than 50 ?m, and the resin composition foam is any one of an open cell, a closed cell and a monolith type.

Abstract: A method for producing resin foam including: melting a resin composition including a polyolefin resin and a thermoplastic elastomer; impregnating the molten resin composition with a material that is a gas at normal temperature and normal pressure, in a supercritical state, under a condition in which the supercritical state of the material is maintained; foaming the resin composition impregnated with the material by arranging the resin composition under a condition in which the supercritical state of the material is not maintained; and hot-pressing the foamed resin composition.

Abstract: Extrusion blown film comprising a polypropylene composition, said polypropylene composition comprises a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene, a polypropylene and optionally a clarifier, wherein • the random propylene copolymer comprises units derived from propylene and at least another C2 to C20 ?-olefin, • the high melt strength polypropylene has a branching index g? of less than 1.0, the polypropylene (B) has a MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 400 g/10 min, • the clarifier comprises at least one ?-nucleating agent, and wherein further • the branching index g? of the random propylene copolymer and the branching index g? of the polypropylene are higher than the branching index g? of the high melt strength polypropylene, • the random propylene copolymer has lower melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) than the polypropylene, • the extrusion melt blown film and/or the polypropylene composition (i) fulfill(s) the equation (I) Tm?Tc<30 (I) wherein Tm is the melting tempareture [° C.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Extrusion blown film comprising a polypropylene composition, said polypropylene composition comprises a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene, and optionally a clarifier, wherein • the random propylene copolymer comprises units derived from propylene and at least another C2 to C20 ?-olefin. • the high melt strength polypropylene has a branching index g? of less than 1.0. • the clarifier comprises at least one ?-nucleating agent, and wherein further • the branching index g? of the random propylene copolymer is higher than the branching index g? of the high melt strength polypropylene, • the extrusion melt blown film and/or the polypropylene composition, (i) fulfill(s) the equation (I) Tm?Tc?30 wherein Tm is the melting temperature [° C.] making up more than 50% of the total melting enthalpy Hm of the extrusion melt blown film or of the polypropylene composition measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-3; Tc is the crystallization temperature [° C.

Abstract: A formulation includes a polymeric material, a nucleating agent, and a surface active agent. The formulation can be used to form an insulated container.

Abstract: A foam material made from a composition (C) comprising a polyetherimide (PEI) and a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) (P2).

Abstract: A resin foam having fine foam cells is provided at low cost. A method of producing the foam includes preparing a molten resin composition and continuous extrusion foaming of the molten resin composition. The molten resin composition is prepared by melting a resin mixture of resins (A) and (B) by dissolving a foaming agent into the resin mixture. Resins (A) and (B) respectively have appropriately selected glass transition temperatures and resin (B) particles of appropriate diameter are dispersed in resin (A).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a production method of a foamed electric wire, whereby a foamed electric wire is obtained via a foamed insulation layer formation step of forming a foamed insulation layer on a conductor, wherein the foamed insulation layer formation step includes: a step of introducing a base resin into an extruding machine, a step of introducing a foaming agent into the extruding machine, and a step of extruding a mixture containing the base resin and the foaming agent from the extruding machine and forming the foamed insulation layer on the conductor, and wherein the resin contained in the mixture has a shear stress of 0.40 to 0.80 Mpa, and the base resin is a propylene-based resin.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an infrared attenuating agent, and a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent contains an HFC. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide increases the cell size of the polymer foam and offsets or even negates the decreased cell size caused by an HFC blowing agent and/or infrared attenuating agents. In addition, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: A formulation includes a polymeric material, a nucleating agent, a blowing, and a surface active agent. The formulation can be used to form a container.

Abstract: A foamed polyolefin composition comprising (all percent amounts being by weight): A) 50%-90% of a polypropylene component; and B) 10%-50% of a copolymer component of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 ?-olefin, the copolymer containing from 15% to 50% of ethylene, and optionally minor amounts of a diene; the said amounts of (A) and (B) being referred to the total weight of (A) and (B); said composition having at least one of the following features i) and ii), or both: i) a Polydispersity Index of component (A) of 4 or more; ii) a value of viscosity [?] of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature equal to or higher than 3.5 dl/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded thermoplastic resin foam, particularly relates to a board extruded thermoplastic resin which has low heat conductivity, an excellent heat insulating property over a long period of time, high flame retardancy, and excellent mechanical strength. The extruded thermoplastic resin foam having an apparent density of 20 to 50 kg/m3, a closed cells ratio of 85% or more and a thickness of 10 to 150 mm, and containing a non-halogen organic physical blowing agent, wherein the thermoplastic resin composing the extruded foam contains a mixture of 100 parts by weight of a polystyrene resin (A) and 5 to 150 parts by weight of a polyester resin (B), and an endothermic calorific value of the polyester resin (B) less than 5 J/g (including 0) for fusion of the polyester resin on a DSC curve obtained by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry based on JIS K7122 (1987).

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Brominated styrene-butadiene copolymers are recovered from solutions in a halogenated solvent by an anti-solvent precipitation process. The precipitation process is performed by adding the anti-solvent to the brominated styrene-butadiene copolymer solution. By performing the precipitation using this specific order of addition, a denser product is obtained that is easier to dry. The recovered product shows a reduced tendency to act as a nucleating agent when it is used as a flame retardant additive in an extrusion foaming process.

Abstract: A foamable composition, foamed product and method of forming a foamed product are disclosed. The foamed product includes an epoxy resin crosslinked with a polycarboxylic acid to form a polymeric foam having cells filled with a blowing agent. The reaction between the epoxy resin and the carboxylic acid is catalyzed by a chromium (III) catalyst, particularly an active, carboxylated chromium salt, so as to speed the reaction at ambient temperature to allow the foam to set and cure so rapidly that, when applied to a vertical surface, the effects of gravity do not destroy the foam by pulling it down before the foam sets. Other ingredients preferably include a rheology modifier or thixotrope. The foams may be used for a wide variety of applications including sealing and/or insulating building structures.

Abstract: A foamable fluoropolymer composition containing foam cell nucleating agent is provided, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene-/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, wherein the alkyl contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer is no more than 35° C. greater than the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and/or wherein said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer each have a melt flow rate (MFR) within the range of 1 to 40 g/10 min and the MFR of one of said copolymers is at least twice that of the other of said copolymers.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an infrared attenuating agent, and a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent contains an HFC. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide increases the cell size of the polymer foam and offsets or even negates the decreased cell size caused by an HFC blowing agent and/or infrared attenuating agents. In addition, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: Prepare a polymeric foam from a foamable polymer composition containing a thermoplastic polymer composition and a blowing agent wherein 75 percent or more by weight of all non-halogenated polymers in the foamable polymer composition is a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer composition having a polymerized acrylonitrile content distribution with a positive skew in a copolymerized AN content distribution and a positive percent difference between the mean and the median copolymerized AN content distribution.

Abstract: Extrusion blown film comprising a polypropylene composition, said polypropylene composition comprises a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene, a polypropylene and optionally a clarifier, wherein • the random propylene copolymer comprises units derived from propylene and at least another C2 to C20 ?-olefin, • the high melt strength polypropylene has a branching index g? of less than 1.0, the polypropylene (B) has a MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 400 g/10 min, • the clarifier comprises at least one ?-nucleating agent, and wherein further • the branching index g? of the random propylene copolymer and the branching index g? of the polypropylene are higher than the branching index g? of the high melt strength polypropylene, • the random propylene copolymer has lower melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) than the polypropylene, • the extrusion melt blown film and/or the polypropylene composition (i) fulfill(s) the equation (I) Tm?Tc<30 (I) wherein Tm is the melting tempareture [° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to extruded foam based on thermoplastic polymers. The foam contains at least one styrene copolymer which contains copolymerized maleic anhydride units or copolymerized maleimide units, and optionally styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), and thermoplastic polymers and at least one halogen-containing polymer as flame retardant, and at least one flame retardant synergist selected from antimony trioxide and dicumyl. The invention also relates to a process for producing the foam with introducing carbon dioxide as blowing agent, and acetone as coblowing agent; into the polymer melt in order to form a foamable melt, and extruding the foamable melt into a region of relatively low pressure with foaming to give the extruded foam. The invention also relates to the use of said foam as insulation material and as structural foam.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film which is made of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by mass of a polypropylene resin and (b) 5 to 90 parts by mass of a polyphenylene ether resin, and which has a sea island structure comprising a sea portion comprising the polypropylene resin as a principal component and an island portion comprising the polyphenylene ether resin as a principal component, wherein pores are formed at an interface between the sea portion and the island portion and within the sea portion.

Abstract: Extrusion blown film comprising a polypropylene composition, said polypropylene composition comprises a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene, and optionally a clarifier, wherein • the random propylene copolymer comprises units derived from propylene and at least another C2 to C20 ?-olefin. • the high melt strength polypropylene has a branching index g? of less than 1.0. • the clarifier comprises at least one ?-nucleating agent, and wherein further • the branching index g? of the random propylene copolymer is higher than the branching index g? of the high melt strength polypropylene, • the extrusion melt blown film and/or the polypropylene composition, (i) fulfill(s) the equation (I) Tm?Tc?30 wherein Tm is the melting temperature [° C.] making up more than 50% of the total melting enthalpy Hm of the extrusion melt blown film or of the polypropylene composition measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-3; Tc is the crystallization temperature [° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foam that includes a polysiloxane block copolymer; the polysiloxane block copolymer including a first block that comprises a polysiloxane block and a second block that includes an organic polymer; the second block not containing a polysiloxane; the polysiloxane block being about 5 to about 45 repeat units; the foam having average pore sizes of less than or equal to about 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Flame-retardant polymer foams which comprise, as flame retardant, at least one halogenated polymer, for example brominated polystyrene or styrene-butadiene block copolymer having bromine content in the range from 40 to 80% by weight, or tetrabromobisphenol A compounds (TBBPA), processes for producing these, and also flame-retardant expandable styrene polymers.

Abstract: Prepare an extruded polymeric foam using a thermoplastic polymer composition of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer having a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer content of 20 weight-percent or less, a mean acrylonitrile comonomer content that exceeds its median acrylonitrile comonomer content and an average copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution having a breadth at half-height that is greater than 2.5 weight-percent as measured at half peak height of a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution curve for the styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture comprising: a) 1 to 40% by weight of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer having 1.) 60 to 95% by weight of styrene monomer and 2.) 5 to 50% by weight of diene monomer; b) 60 to 99% by weight of styrene polymer; c) 0 to 50% by weight of a filler; and d) 0.1 to 20% by weight of a foaming additive, the sum of the components a) to d) being 100% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blown rigid semi-flexible urethane material that is loaded by using a wide variety of filler materials which become encapsulated in the urethane matrix. Disclosed are sample formulation and material variations, possible products that can be manufactured from the material, and possible material processing options and methods of manufacturing the material. Disclosed are possible methods of molding the material including a new cost effective method of molding variations of many interior and exterior products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flame retardant comprising a) at least one sulfur compound of the formula (I) b) at least one halogen-free organophosphorus compound with phosphorus content in the range from 0.5 to 40% by weight, based on the phosphorus compound.

Abstract: Closed-cell extruded foam extruded foam with density in the range from 20 to 150 g/l and with a cell number in the range from 1 to 30 cells per mm is obtainable via (a) heating of a polymer component P, formed from P1) from 80 to 100% by weight (based on P) of one or more styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), comprising a1) from 18 to 40% by weight (based on SAN) of copolymerized acrylonitrile, a2) from 60 to 82% by weight (based on SAN) of copolymerized styrene, and a3) from 0 to 22% by weight (based on SAN) of at least one copolymerized monomer from the group consisting of alkyl(meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid, maleic anhydride and maleimides, P2) from 0 to 20% by weight (based on P) of one or more thermoplastic polymers from the group consisting of styrene copolymers, polyolefins, polyacrylates, polycarbonates (PC), polyesters, polyamides, polyether sulfones (PES), polyether ketones (PEK), and polyether sulfides, to form a polymer melt, (b) introduction of from 1 to 12% by weight (based on P) of

Abstract: Prepare an extruded polystyrene foam article by extruding a foamable polymer composition containing polystyrene homopolymer, a blowing agent containing 0.5 to three weight-parts water and 0.1 to five weight parts halloysite clay particles, with weight-parts relative to 100 weight-parts total polymer.

Abstract: A process for making an extruded foamable composition is disclosed where the foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The process makes a foamed product having uniform foam cell size at high speeds without loss of product quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polycarbonate resin extruded foam including a process of kneading, together with a blowing agent, and a mixture in which 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polyester copolymer, this resin including diol component units which contain therein glycol component units having a cyclic ether structure in an amount of 25 to 50% by mole of the diol component units and dicarboxylic acid component units, are blended into 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin, thereby preparing a foamable melted resin, and then extruding and foaming the foamable melted resin. The polycarbonate resin extruded foam of the invention is high in mechanical strengths, small in thermal conductivity, and very good in thermal insulation properties over a long term, and can be preferably used for architecture articles such as light structural material or a heat insulating material.

Abstract: Grafting polymer chains onto filler particles is an established methodology for creating superior polymer composite materials. Stereocomplexation is a non-bonded interaction between polymers that leads to a crystalline form having a higher melting temperature than the non-stereocomplexed form; stereocomplexed polymers often have superior properties compared to their non-stereocomplexed constituents. The present application discloses combining grafted filler particles with matrix materials in which the grafted polymer layer forms a stereocomplex with the polymer matrix. The resulting composite materials have properties which exceed both filled polymer systems and stereocomplexed polymers.

Abstract: Prepare extruded polymer foam comprising at least 50 weight-percent alkenyl aromatic polymer, a brominated flame retardant providing 0.8 to 1.4 weight percent bromide, 0.05 to 0.5 weight-percent hydrobromic acid scavenger, at least 1.5 weight-percent graphite and less than 0.1 weight-percent C—C and O—O labile organic compounds using a blowing agent composition comprising at least 0.3 weight-parts per 100 weight parts polymer and that consists of blowing agents having an ozone depletion potential of zero and a global warming potential that is less than 1000.

Abstract: A foamed polyolefin composition comprising (all percent amounts being by weight): A) 50%-90% of a polypropylene component; and B) 10%-50% of a copolymer component of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 ?-olefin, the copolymer containing from 15% to 50% of ethylene, and optionally minor amounts of a diene; the said amounts of (A) and (B) being referred to the total weight of (A) and (B); said composition having at least one of the following features i) and ii), or both: i) a Polydispersity Index of component (A) of 4 or more; ii) a value of viscosity [?] of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature equal to or higher than 3.5 dl/g.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an infrared attenuating agent, and a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent contains an HFC. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide increases the cell size of the polymer foam and offsets or even negates the decreased cell size caused by an HFC blowing agent and/or infrared attenuating agents. In addition, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aliphatic aromatic polyester comprising: i) 40 to 60 mol %, based on components i to ii, of one or more dicarboxylic acid derivatives selected from the group consisting of: sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid; ii) 60 to 40 mol %, based on components i to ii, of a terephthalic acid derivative; iii) 98 to 102 mol %, based on components i to ii, of 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol, and iv) 0.01% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of said components i to iii, of a chain extender and/or crosslinker selected from the group consisting of a polyfunctional isocyanate, isocyanurate, oxazoline, carboxylic anhydride, epoxide and/or an at least trihydric alcohol or an at least tribasic carboxylic acid. The present invention further provides a process for producing the polyesters, polyester blends comprising these polyesters and also for the use of these polyesters and polyester blends.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: A composition for forming a silica-based coating film includes a siloxane polymer and an alkali metal compound. The siloxane polymer is preferably a hydrolysis-condensation product of a silane compound having a hydrolyzable group. Sodium, lithium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium, or the like is used as the alkali metal of the alkali metal compound. Furthermore, the alkali metal compound is preferably a nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, oxide, chloride, bromide, fluoride, iodide, or hydroxide of the above alkali metal. This composition for forming a silica-based coating film may also include a pore-forming material. At least one material selected from amongst polyalkylene glycols and alkyl-terminated derivatives thereof is used as the pore-forming material.