Abstract: A method of making a silicone gel adhesive is described comprising providing an acrylic polymer, the acrylic polymer comprising at least 50 wt.-% of polymerized units of C1-C32 (meth)acrylate ester monomer; providing at least one non-functional polydiorganosiloxane, hydroxy-functional polydiorganosiloxane, or a mixture thereof; combining the acrylic polymer and polydiorganosiloxane into a mixture; coating the mixture onto a substrate, and subjecting the mixture to radiation thereby crosslinking the mixture. Also described is a silicone gel adhesive comprising a crosslinked material at least one non-functional polydiorganosiloxane, hydroxy-functional polydiorganosiloxane, or a mixture thereof; and an acrylic polymer comprising at least 50 wt.-% of polymerized units of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers and a gel content of at least 20 wt.-%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, comprising obtaining a lecithin-containing material, in some aspects derived from a crude refining stream, comprising 20-80 wt % acetone insoluble matter, 1-30 wt % free fatty acid, and less than 10 wt % water, adding a fatty acid or carboxylic source to the lecithin-containing material to obtain a lecithin fatty acid blend or lecithin carboxylic acid blend and incorporating the blend into asphalt or oil field applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition of matter includes a crystalline porous structure having a density in a range from about 30 to about 50 mg/cm3. In another embodiment, a kit includes an amorphous, porous material, an inert pressure medium, a heating source, and a sample chamber configured to withstand an applied pressure of at least about 20 GPa. Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, comprising obtaining a lecithin-containing material, in some aspects derived from a crude refining stream, comprising 20-80 wt % acetone insoluble matter, 1-30 wt % free fatty acid, and less than 10 wt % water, adding a fatty acid or carboxylic source to the lecithin-containing material to obtain a lecithin fatty acid blend or lecithin carboxylic acid blend and incorporating the blend into asphalt or oil field applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aerogel processing and production via vacuum-assisted solvent exchange and ambient pressure drying. In one example, a method includes injecting a solvent at each of a top surface and a base of a saturated aerogel and applying a vacuum-assisted pressure differential across the saturated aerogel to achieve solvent exchange. In some examples, following solvent exchange, the aerogel may be dried in ambient pressure and integrated in a vehicle component. In this way, a rate of solvent exchange may be increased, concomitantly increasing aerogel production efficiency. Further, in some examples, the aerogel may be protected from premature drying during solvent exchange.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a support film, and a polymer layer. The display panel includes a display area comprising a first area that is bendable, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area. The support film is coupled to a bottom surface of the display panel. The support film includes a first groove overlapping with the first area. The polymer layer is disposed in the first groove. The polymer layer includes a material with higher flexibility than the support film. Angles formed by a top surface of the support film and inner sides of the support film defining the first groove are acute angles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, comprising obtaining a lecithin-containing material, in some aspects derived from a crude refining stream, comprising 20-80 wt % acetone insoluble matter, 1-30 wt % free fatty acid, and less than 10 wt % water, adding a fatty acid or carboxylic source to the lecithin-containing material to obtain a lecithin fatty acid blend or lecithin carboxylic acid blend and incorporating the blend into asphalt or oil field applications.

Abstract: Described herein are polyurethane compositions based on natural materials, as well as methods for making and using the compositions. Also described herein are biofoams made from the polyurethane compositions. The biofoams described herein are resistant to degradation by acid and heat and are able to recover their original shapes after the application of pressure.

Abstract: Porous three-dimensional networks of polyimide and porous three-dimensional networks of carbon and methods of their manufacture are described. For example, polyimide aerogels are prepared by mixing a dianhydride and a diisocyanate in a solvent comprising a pyrrolidone and acetonitrile at room temperature to form a sol-gel material and supercritically drying the sol-gel material to form the polyimide aerogel. Porous three-dimensional polyimide networks, such as polyimide aerogels, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology. Having a porous three-dimensional polyimide network undergo an additional step of pyrolysis may result in the three dimensional network being converted to a purely carbon skeleton, yielding a porous three-dimensional carbon network. The carbon network, having been derived from a fibrous polyimide network, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology.

Abstract: A structured film of a semi-crystalline polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent is disclosed. The structured film has a backing and upstanding posts attached to the backing. At least a portion of the film typically includes beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the backing is microporous while the upstanding posts have lower porosity. A method of making a structured film is also disclosed. The method includes extruding a melt of a polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent in the presence of a tool to provide the structured film having upstanding posts on a backing and cooling at least a portion of the structured film to a temperature sufficient to form beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the method further includes stretching the structured film containing beta-spherulites to provide micropores in the backing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an expandable vinyl aromatic polymer comprising: a) a matrix of a vinyl aromatic polymer, b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a blowing agent embedded in the polymeric matrix, c) 0.1 to 5% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of talcum having a D50 particle size, measured by sedigraph (ISO 13317-3), of between 2.3 and 5 ?m and a BET specific surface area, measured according to DIN 66131/2, of between 4.2 and 9.5 m2/g, d) 0.1 to 6% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer of carbon black with a BET specific surface area, measured according to ASTM D-6556, of between 9 and 65 m2/g, e) 0.1 to 1% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of polyethylene wax homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Use of a phosphorus compound of the formula (I) as flame retardant, where the definitions of the symbols in the formula (I) are as follows: A is one of the following groups: Y is —P(?X2)SR3R4, H, a straight-chain or branched C1-C12-alkyl group, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C12-aryl, or benzyl, where the four last-mentioned groups are unsubstituted or have substitution by one or more radicals from the group of C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkenyl; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are identical or different and are hydrogen, OH, C1-C16-alkyl, C1-C16-alkenyl, C1-C16-alkoxy, C1-C16-alkenoxy, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C3-C10-cycloalkoxy, C6-C10-aryl, C6-C10-aryloxy, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C16-alkyl, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C16-alkoxy, SR9 COR10, COOR11, CONR12R13 or two radicals R1, R2, R3, or R4 form, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bonded, or the P—O-A-O—P group, a ring system; R5, R6, R7, and R8 are identical or different and are H, C1-C16-alkyl, C1-C16-alkenyl, C1-C16-alkoxy, C1-C16-alkenoxy; R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 are identical or

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin foam includes dissolving a blowing agent into a mixture of a resin C and a resin D having a difference of solubility with respect to the blowing agent in an amount of more than 0% and less than 5%; subjecting the mixture to heat-melting for extrusion; and evaporating the blowing agent such that the resin foam has a porosity (X) of not less than 80%, a cell (L) with a cell diameter of not less than 1 ?m and not more than 1000 ?m, and a cell (S) with a cell diameter of not less than 0.01 ?m and less than 1 ?m, in which two peaks are present in cell diameter distribution, one peak thereof being present in not less than 10 ?m and not more than 500 ?m and the other peak being present in not less than 0.01 ?m and less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is prepared from a reaction mixture that includes specific amounts of a polyol, an aromatic isocyanate compound, a particulate poly(phenylene ether), and a blowing agent. The polyurethane foam exhibits one or more of increased compressive force deflection, increased flame retardancy, and increased rate of formation. A method of preparing the foam and articles incorporating the foam are described.

Abstract: A film that is formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase tensile elongation. To even further increase the ability of the film to dissipate energy in this manner, the present inventors have discovered that an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus reduces the stiffness (tensile modulus) of the film.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive is provided. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in the deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase impact strength. To even further increase the ability of the composition to dissipate energy in this manner, an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus enhances the degree and uniformity of debonding.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modified starch composition. The modified starch composition includes starch with a terminal siloxane having 100 parts by weight, water having 30-70 parts by weight, and a polyol having 5-35 parts by weight. The present disclosure also provides a starch composite foam material and method for preparing the same.

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: Particulate, expandable polymer which can be processed into a foam having a fine cell structure and a low density and which, in order to improve the thermal insulation value thereof, contains a carbon-based thermal insulation value-increasing material. A method for preparing particulate, expandable polymer as well as to a foam material obtained therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polylactide stereocomplex with improved thermal stability and thus improved processability and a method for preparing the same. In order to confer flexibility to polymer chains, D-type polylactide polymer containing a small amount of caprolactone (poly D-lactide-caprolactone copolymer) is synthesized and it is uniformly mixed with L-type single-phase polylactide to prepare a flexible polylactide stereocomplex. Since the polylactide stereocomplex having flexible polymer chains has superior heat resistance and mechanical stability and experiences little decrease of the degree of stereocomplex formation even after thermal processing, the polylactide stereocomplex having improved thermal stability can be advantageously used for engineering plastics requiring high strength and good thermal stability, alternative materials for general-use plastics, high-performance medical materials, or the like because of its remarkably improved processability.

Abstract: Provided are porogen compositions and methods of using such porogen compositions in the manufacture of porous materials, for example, porous silicone elastomers. The porogens generally include comprising a core material and shell material different from the core material. The porogens can be used to form a scaffold for making a resulting porous elastomer when the scaffold is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for manufacturing a foamed article, which comprises providing a composition comprising a melt-processable perfluoropolymer and talc, said perfluoropolymer comprising at least 50 percent by weight of said composition and said talc comprising about 2 percent to 3 percent by weight of said composition; wherein said melt-processable perfluoropolymer is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylent/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP), and perfluroralkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof. The composition is heated to a processing temperature of at least 600° F. at which talc functions as a foaming agent, thereby causing the foaming of said composition at a foaming rate in a range from 20% to 50% so as to form a foamed article. The talc is the only foaming agent in said composition and the foaming is achieved without gas injection.

Abstract: A composition for sportswear, includes a rubber component (a) which contains an epihalohydrin rubber, a vulcanizing agent (b) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (a), and a foaming agent (c) in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by weight therefor. The composition for sportswear is preferably includes a colorant (d).

Abstract: An odor-absorbing foam composition comprising a cyclodextrin crosslinked with a polyurethane prepolymer. In one embodiment, the foam includes a ratio of the cyclodextrin to the polyurethane prepolymer selected to result in formation of the foam. The odor-absorbing foam may be used in a personal care product or wound care. A process for preparing a foam, including providing a cyclodextrin; providing a polyurethane prepolymer; combining the cyclodextrin with the polyurethane prepolymer; and allowing the polyurethane prepolymer to react with water and crosslink the cyclodextrin to form the foam. A process for preparing an odor-absorbing foam article such as a personal care product, including preparing the foam and applying it or the components thereof to a suitable substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-component, moisture-curing foam consisting of 10 to 60% by volume of at least one gas and of a one-component, moisture-curing composition Z comprising at least one polymer P having isocycanate groups and/or alkoxysilane groups and 5 to 50% by weight of carbon black, based on the total weight of the one-component, moisture-curing foam. Such foams are suitable as adhesives or sealants, for the production of coatings or for the film-filling of hollow structures, in particular in vehicle construction.

Abstract: A vehicle tyre includes a tread formed of a heat-expandable rubber composition when in an unvulcanized state. The composition includes: from 50 to 100 phr of a copolymer based on styrene and butadiene; optionally from 0 to 50 phr of another diene elastomer, such as a polybutadiene or natural rubber; more than 50 phr of a reinforcing filler, such as silica and/or carbon black; between 5 and 25 phr of a blowing agent, such as an azodicarbonamide compound; and between 5 and 25 phr of a heat-fusible compound having a melting point between 70° C. and 150° C., such as urea or a heat-fusible urea derivative. A total content of the blowing agent and the heat-fusible compound is greater than 15 phr. Use of the composition enables, after the tyre is vulcanized, a significant reduction in noise emitted by the tyre during running.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an article comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and an IPN comprising article e.g. obtainable by this method. The method comprises providing a polymer substrate e.g. shaped to provide the desired article and applying it in a reaction chamber, providing at least one monomer for an interpenetrating polymer, exposing said polymer substrate in said reaction chamber to said at least one monomer in the presence of an impregnation solvent comprising CO2 under conditions wherein said CO2 is in its liquid or supercritical state and polymerizing and optionally cross linking said at least one monomer to form an interpenetrating polymer in the presence of a polymerization solvent under conditions wherein at least a part of said at least one monomer is dissolved in said polymerization solvent.

Abstract: A method for producing a biopolymeric material includes milling a non-edible vegetable fiber into a fiber grain; mixing the fiber grain with a solvent to form a slurry; purifying the fiber grain of the slurry to form a purified fiber; esterifying the purified fiber to form an esterified fiber; drying the esterified fiber to form a modified fiber; and mixing the modified fiber with a plastic material to form the biopolymeric material.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as foam composition is disclosed, which comprises or is produced from an ethylene acrylate dipolymer, an acid copolymer, and optionally a soft ethylene polymer. The ethylene acrylate dipolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene and at least one alkylacrylate. The acid copolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene and acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or combinations thereof. The soft ethylene polymer comprises ethylene and an ?-olefin, vinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.

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: The present invention relates to methods for preparing biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes using a supercritical fluid-organic solvent system and polymer stereocomplexes prepared by such methods. The method of the present invention involves introducing two types of homopolymers having different stereostructures and a small amount of organic solvent into a reactor, adding a supercritical fluid thereto, followed by applying a specific temperature and pressure to form a polymer stereocomplex having a crystalline structure. According to the method of the present invention, biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes in the form of powder or porous foam having excellent thermal and mechanical stabilities can be prepared in a simple, economical and environmentally-friendly manner in a single process.

Abstract: There is provided a polyimide precursor which can alter the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the surface of a cured film formed readily even by a low level of ultraviolet ray irradiation; and a polyimide produced from the polyimide precursor. The polyimide precursor having a structure represented by the following formula (1): (where A represents a tetravalent organic group; B represents a bivalent organic group having a thiol ester bond in its main chain; R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a univalent organic group; and n represents a natural number).

Abstract: An aerogel-foam composite includes an open cell foam and an aerogel matrix polymer disposed in the open cell foam. The aerogel-foam composite has compression strength of about 15 megaPascals (MPa) or more. The open cell foam may be a polyurethane foam including a carbonate group (—OC(O)O—).

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is the use of low boiling point, low vapor pressure blowing agents with froth polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams to fill cavity voids when compared to higher vapor pressure or more ozone-depleting blowing agents.

Abstract: This invention is made to provide a formed article which ensures, for example, that an active substance included therein and a substance outside capsules can effectively come in contact with each other without suffering influences such as a pressure loss. This invention is a formed article having a plurality of cells formed in a polymer (A), (1) each cell including an active substance, (2) the polymer (A) having pores, each pore communicating with other pores and having a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 1 ?m, and (3) the internal wall of each cell and the active substance being substantially not in contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of producing a HIPE foam using Ultraviolet (UV) light to polymerize a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) having two or more layers. The method uses UV light to polymerize HIPEs having two or more layers wherein each of the layers comprises a continuous oil phase containing monomers, photoinitiator, and an aqueous phase.

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: {Problems} The present invention is contemplated for providing a thermoplastic resin foam and a light reflecting material having a high reflectivity when being made thin, as well as a method of producing the thermoplastic resin foam. {Means to Solve} A thermoplastic resin foam, prepared by using a thermoplastic resin composition containing a melt-type crystallization nucleating agent (B) in a crystalline thermoplastic resin (A), which foam comprises a bubble having a mean bubble diameter of less than 1 ?m in the inside thereof.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing three dimensional scaffolds are described. The materials, as improved high internal phase emulsions (HIPES), and the polymerization thereof may be suitable for injection prior to curing and when in an injectable form may be for site-directed in vivo use, curing after injection. In addition, said materials before curing may be engineered as a tissue substitution or enhancement and/or to include cell encapsulation. Said materials described herein form a monolith after curing and are biodegradable and porous after curing. Said materials are made from starting molecules using a process that does not rely on toxic solvents or monomers. Making of said materials to form the emulsion take advantage of one or more surfactants for HIPE stability. In addition, said materials cure at temperatures appropriate for use in an in vivo or in situ environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogel which contains a polyol selected from polyvinyl alcohol or galactomannan and a co-polymer of Formula I: The cryogel is formed by mixing the monomers of the co-polymer of Formula I at a temperature of less about 5 degrees C. with the polyol and a free radical initiator in an aqueous solution and polymerizing the solution to form the cryogel. The cryogel is used for culturing cells and can be decomposed by contact with a monosaccharide.

Abstract: Systems for bone fracture repair are disclosed. One system includes a biocompatible putty that may be packed about a bone fracture to provide full loadbearing capabilities within days. The disclosed putties create an osteoconductive scaffold for bone regeneration and degrade over time to harmless 5 resorbable byproducts. Fixation devices for contacting an endosteal wall of an intramedullary (IM) canal of a fractured bone are also disclosed. One such fixation device includes a woven elongated structure fabricated from resorbable polymer filaments. The woven elongated structure has resilient properties that allow the woven 10 structure to be radially compressed and delivered to the IM canal using an insertion tube. When the insertion tube is removed, the woven structure expands towards its relaxed cross-sectional width to engage the endosteal wall. The woven elongated structure is impregnated with a resorbable polymer resin that cures in situ, or in the IM canal.

Abstract: A biodegradable starch film is provided. The biodegradable starch film includes a starch which is cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent comprises glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA), or dodecyl succinic anhydride (DDSA) or combinations thereof. The cross-linking agent is 1 to 10 weight parts based on the starch of 100 weight parts. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing starch foam is also provided.

Abstract: Molded article prepared by in-mold forming of pre-expanded polyolefin particles, wherein the pre-expanded poly-olefin particles contain carbon black and powdered activated carbon. The invention is also directed to pre-expanded polyolefin particles containing carbon black and powdered activated carbon and a process for producing pre-expanded polyolefin product.

Abstract: Synthesis of polystyrene and/or other thermoplastic polymers or polymer blends which, for example, contain activated carbon and/or bamboo carbon carrying a co-blowing agent such as water and/or at least one of 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional nano/micro-materials in suspension polymerization without using the inverse emulsion process. CO2 or other blowing agent based foaming processes such as extrusion, batch foaming, and injection molding may then be carried out to produce polymer foams that have low density, high-R value, bimodal structures, good mechanical properties, and high fire retardance.

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: Described is a process for making closed cell fluoropolymer foam, and the foam so made. The process includes subjecting a fluoropolymer resin an inert gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric to drive gas into the resin, raising the temperature of the resin to or above its softening point, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at or above the softening point of the resin, in order to expand the resin to result in closed cell fluoropolymer foam. The resin is cross-linked prior to expansion. The resulting foams can be used in various applications, such as in flotation devices and for making thermal and/or acoustic insulation.