Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer foam with density in the range from 5 to 120 kg/m3 composed of a polymer component including at least one styrene polymer and from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a flame retardant mixture including at least one phosphorus compound of the formula PR1R2R3. A process for producing the polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-functional microcapsules comprising a core material including a major portion of one or more functional additives and a shell material including at least one functional additive, a method of manufacturing such multifunctional microcapsules and polymeric products incorporating such multifunctional microcapsules are provided.

Abstract: Flame retardant polyolefin pre-expanded particles made of a resin composition comprising a polyolefin resin and a sterically hindered amine ether flame retardant, which can be molded with good moldability to give in-mold foamed articles which have an excellent flame resistance and do not generate harmful gas at the time of burning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for forming styrenic polymers, and their related end uses. In particular, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing patterns for use in metal castings.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a foam outstanding in electrification and heat insulating and sound insulating properties and has high compressive strength even when it has low density. The present invention relates to a foam comprising an organic polymer expanded matrix (I) and at least one kind of inorganic substance (II) selected from the group consisting of metals, metal compounds and non-metal inorganic fillers, wherein said expanded matrix (I) contains metal salt-crosslinks and the relation between the weight percentage (M) of the metal forming said metal salt-crosslinks in the expanded matrix (I) based on the total weight of the expanded matrix (I) and the inorganic substance (II) and the weight percentage (S) of the inorganic substance (II) based on the total weight of the expanded matrix (I) and the inorganic substance (II) satisfies the following expression. M≧10−S/4  (1) wherein M≦50 and S≧5.

Abstract: Flame-retardant foam slabs are based on styrene polymers wherein from 1 to 12% by weight of expanded graphite and also, if desired, from 1 to 12% by weight of a phosphorus compound are present as flame retardants.

Abstract: Particulate expandable styrene polymers contain homogeneously distributed graphite particles and can be processed to give self-extinguishing foams having a density of ≦35 g/l.

Abstract: The evaporative casting of molten metals has been shown to produce castings having smooth surfaces with significantly less signs of carbon deposits thereon by using an expandable vinyl aromatic polymer containing a bromine-attached aliphatic or aromatic flame retardant.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a fire retardant composition comprising a dispersion of a solid fire retardant such as melamine, ammonium polyphosphate or guanidine carbonate in a liquid organic polyisocyanate which contains dispersed polymer particles. The preferred content of solid fire retardant is from 10 to 100% by weight and the preferred content of polymer particles is from 2 to 30% by weight. The compositions of the invention are suitable for the preparation of flexible and rigid polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A cured silicone foam exhibiting high flame resistance and forming hard chars on burning, contains from about 1 to 60 percent by weight of wollastonite mineral, based on the weight of the composition. The silicone foam can be formed from any of the curable polyorganosiloxane foam-forming compositions known in the art. Preferred are those polyorganosiloxane foams cured using a platinum group metal catalyst. In a preferred composition the silicone foam is formed by curing a composition comprising a liquid polyorganosiloxane containing an average of at least two alkenyl radicals per molecule, an organohydrogensiloxane containing at least three silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, a hydroxyl-containing compound, wollastonite, and a platinum catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamed material for fireproofing and/or insulating purposes, consisting of 30 to 90 parts by weight of a solution that contains 20 to 70 wt-% Al (H.sub.2 PO.sub.4).sub.3 and 30 to 80 wt-% water, 5 to 55 parts by weight of a mixture that contains 10 to 70 wt-% MgO, 0 to 70 wt-% mica, 0 to 70 wt-% aluminium hydroxide and 1 to 20 wt-% MnO.sub.2, as well as 1 to 30 parts by weight of a foaming agent that contains 3 to 33 wt-% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and 67 to 97 wt-% water. In accordance with the invention, the term "insulating purposes" refers to the use of the inventive foamed material for heat and sound insulation.

Abstract: A flexible closed cell polymeric foam contains expandable graphite as fire retardant. The foam is prepared by mixing a polymer, a curing agent, at least one blowing agent and an expandable graphite at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. but below a temperature causing activation of the blowing agent to foam a foamable mixture and thereafter heating the foamable mixture to activate the blowing agent and cause foaming. The method of preparation may additionally include a curing step in which the foamable mixture is heated under pressure to activate simultaneously each of a curing agent, which is preferably a free radical curing agent, and a foaming agent. The foams are capable of meeting the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority Standards, especially the oil burner test of FAR 25 Appendix F, part II.

Abstract: A flexible closed cell polymeric foam contains expandable graphite as fire retardant. The foam is prepared by mixing a polymer, a curing agent, at least one blowing agent and an expandable graphite at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. but below a temperature causing activation of the blowing agent to foam a foamable mixture and thereafter heating the foamable mixture to activate the blowing agent and cause foaming. The method of preparation may additionally include a curing step in which the foamable mixture is heated under pressure to activate simultaneously each of a curing agent, which is preferably a free radical curing agent, and a foaming agent. The foams are capable of meeting the US Federal Aviation Authority Standards, especially the oil burner test of FAR 25 Appendix F, part II.

Abstract: The invention provides pyrotechnic sheet material comprising a substrate of porous, vapour-permeable oxidizing polymeric film, for example a halogenopolymeric film, having a layer of oxidizable material for example magnesium, on at least part of its surface, the substrate and the oxidizable material being conjointly capable of reacting together on ignition. Advantageously at least part of the oxidizing material is accommodated within the polymer pores.The pyrotechnic sheet material burns faster than material comprising solid polymeric film.

Abstract: Polymeric foams with novel chemical compositions are prepared by the condensation of specially-synthesized precursors, which contain (in addition to carbon and hydrogen) one or more of the following elements: oxygen, fluorine, nitrogen (in structures with stable chemical bonds), silicon, boron, phosphorus (in high oxidation states), and certain metals (and/or their oxides and hydroxides). Upon mixing in the proper proportions and/or heating these precursors react rapidly to generate polymeric networks, consisting of heterocyclic crosslink centers, connected with heterochain segments; hydrogen is largely eliminated or replaced by fluorine. These structures possess inherent nonflammability and high thermoxidative stability. Foaming is effected by the gaseous by-products of the condensation reactions, as well as by the addition of foaming agents. The resulting foam products can be formulated to have a wide range of densities and flexibilities.

Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Water-based, intumescent, fire retardant material is made from, on a dry basis by weight, 100 parts of a latex such as polychloroprene latex and from 50 to 200 parts of water-insoluble intumescent mineral granules such as hydrated alkali metal silicate granules incorporating an oxy boron compound. This water-based intumescent material dries to an elastomeric state that has a Volume Expansion Factor (as defined) of at least two. It chars into a substantially rigid refractory thermal insulator to prevent fire from penetrating through voids into which the novel intumescent material has expanded.

Abstract: New particularly effective fire retardent elements based on foams and expandable graphite are characterized in that they additionally contain one or more components from the group consisting of phosphate-containing polyols, borates and amine salts.

Abstract: Flame retardant vinylaromatic thermoplastic resin compositions are provided comprising 100 parts vinylaromatic polymer, 0.1 to 2.0 parts of at least one brominated aliphatic compound, 0.5 to 3.0 parts of at least one other and different brominated organic compound having a higher volatilization temperature and greater heat stability than said brominated aliphatic compound and from 0.05 to 5 parts of at least one melt flow promoter.

Abstract: The invention pertains to drip retardant flexible polyurethane foams prepared by the reaction of an isocyanate with a polyol resin containing a drip retardant made of either a trialkyl end-capped amine functional silicone polymer or a trialkyl end-capped carbinol functional silicone polymer to effectively prevent the foam from dripping while burning and encourage char formation.

Abstract: The present invention is a flame retarded thermoplastic resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, optional adjuvants for the resin, and a flame retardant; the flame retardant is an amine salt of a phosphorus acid in an effective amount.

Abstract: A method of treating hazardous material or other substrate with an aqueous air foam, comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising (a) water-soluble polyhydroxy polymer having a plurality of hydrogen-bondable 1,2- and/or 1,3-diol structures capable of complexation with the borate anion, B(OH).sub.4.sup.

Abstract: A polystyrene polymer as well as an expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer having a particular molecular weight distribution. The polymer itself exhibits a polydispersity of from about 1 to less than 2.0, a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 200,000 to about 300,000, and an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to less than about 3.0. Furthermore, the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.The expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer exhibiting a polydispersity of from about 1.0 to less than 2.5, a weight average molecular weight of from greater than about 180,000 to about 300,000, an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to about 4.5. The polystyrene polymer is present in an amount of from about 94.5 weight percent to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulation, and the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intumescent curable composition which contains as a resinous binder a flexible polyepoxide resin. The polyepoxide is cured with an appropriate curing agent adapted for the particular resin. An additive component is present which contains a mixture of materials which provide a source of(i) zinc,(ii) boron,(iii) phosphorus, and(iv) an expansion gas upon thermal decomposition. The composition is capable of forming a carbonaceous char upon exposure to heat or flame, with the proviso that the cured, unburned composition has sufficient flexibility that is passes at least 10 continuous cycles of a cold cycle test without cracking. The cold cycle test involves the following steps: the composition is applied at a thickness of 0.5 inch (12.7 millimeters) to a 10 inch (0.0254 meter) section of a 4W13 I-beam having two thermocouples attached to the surface, allowed to cure at ambient temperature for 16 hours, force cured for 5 days at about 60.degree. C. and subjected to the cold cycle test.

Abstract: A fire resistant resin for use as a binder in reinforced plastics and a resultant reinforced plastic includes the reaction product of (a) at least one resorcinol component selected from the group consisting of resorcinol and resorcinol formaldehyde novolak resin, and (b) a phenolic resole resin. The reaction may be achieved in the presence of an alkaline catalyst.A method of making a fire resistant resin binder for reinforced plastics and the method of making such reinforced plastics including, (a) at least one resorcinol component selected from the group consisting of resorcinol and resorcinol formaldehyde novolak resin, and (b) a phenolic resole resin. The reaction may be achieved in the presence of an alkaline catalyst.

Abstract: A fire resistant resin for use as a binder in reinforced plastics and a resultant reinforced plastic includes the reaction product of (a) at least one resorcinol component selected from the group consisting of resorcinol and resorcinol formaldehyde novolak resin, and (b) a phenolic resole resin. The reaction may be achieved in the presence of an alkaline catalyst.A method of making a fire resistant resin binder for reinforced plastics and the method of making such reinforced plastics including, (a) at least one resorcinol component selected from the group consisting of resorcinol and resorcinol formaldehyde novolak resin, and (b) a phenolic resole resin. The reaction may be achieved in the presence of an alkaline catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intumescent curable composition which contains as a resinous binder a flexible polyepoxide resin. The polyepoxide is cured with an appropriate curing agent adapted for the particular resin. An additive component is present which contains a mixture of materials which provide a source of(i) zinc,(ii) boron,(iii) phosphorus, and(iv) an expansion gas upon thermal decomposition. The composition is capable of forming a carbonaceous char upon exposure to heat or flame, with the proviso that the cured, unburned composition has sufficient flexibility that it passes at least 10 continuous cycles of a cold cycle test without cracking. The cold cycle test involves the following steps; the composition is applied at a thickness of 0.5 inch (12.7 millimeters) to a 10 inch (0.254 meter) section of a 4W13 I-beam having two thermocouples attached to the surface, allowed to cure at ambient temperature for 16 hours, force cured for 5 days at about 60.degree. C. an subjected to the cold cycle test.

Abstract: An improved lightweight, ablative coating that may be spray applied and cured without the development of appreciable shrinkage cracks. The ablative mixture consists essentially of phenolic microballoons, hollow glass spheres, glass fibers, ground cork, a flexibilized resin binder, and an activated colloidal clay.

Abstract: A water-base endothermic fire protective material comprising a heat curable thermosetting resin, inorganic fibers, an endothermic inorganic filler, and thermoplastic binder resin is disclosed. The material can vary in viscosity from a putty that is moldable or trowelable into place to a thin paste that can be sprayed to form a flexible and stable fire stop seal or coating. The material with essentially no shrinkage retains strength and adhesion qualities before and after exposure to fire and retains superior resistance to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a hose stream used to combat a fire.

Abstract: Novel polymeric blends comprising from 45-90% by weight of at least one vinylaromatic resinous material, 10-55% by weight of at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and, optionally but preferably, an effective amount of at least one blowing or expansion agent. The invention blends provide products having improved oxygen and water permeability, improved toughness, and improved flammability resistance.

Abstract: This material, essentially characterized in that it is flexible, employs simultaneously the two phenomena of in tumescence and endothermicity to obtain optimal protection characteristics maintaining the element to be protected at a temperature below or in the order of 150.degree. C. when it is subjected to thermal attack corresponding to a flame temperature of 700.degree. to 1000.degree. for a duration of at least one hour for a thickness of the material between 10 and 20 mm, comprises a binder (silicone elastomer) in a proportion of 30 to 35% by weight; a reinforcing charge (a metal oxide compatible with said silicone elastomer) in a proportion of 17 to 23% by weight; an active charge (an intumescent agent) in a production of 38 to 45% by weight; and an insulative charge in a proportion of 5 to 10% by weight, these proportions being relative to the total weight of said material.

Abstract: Fire-retardant expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads are prepared by an aqueous suspension method whereby a bromophenyl allyl ether fire-retardant agent and a volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon foaming agents are incorporated into particles of a thermoplastic such as polystyrene. The beads are useful in the preparation of molded foam articles having excellent resistance to flame.

Abstract: A method of treating hazardous material or other substrate with an aqueous air foam, comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising (a) water-soluble polyhydroxy polymer having a plurality of hydrogen-bondable 1,2- and/or 1,3-diol structures capable of complexation with the borate anion, B(OH).sub.4.sup.

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 method of introducing flame retardants into expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads made in a one-step process is disclosed. Flame retardants with good solubility in blowing agents are introduced after monomer conversion is substantially complete, resulting in vinyl aromatic polymer beads with low residual monomer content.

Abstract: Certain organobromines are added to blends of polyphenylene ether and alkenyl aromatic polymer to reduce mold cool time of the composition. These organobromines also reduce residual blowing agent in the composition after expansion and especially following molding of the composition.

Abstract: Fire-retardant expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads are prepared by an aqueous suspension method whereby micronized hexabromocyclododecane and a volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon foaming agent are incorporated into particles of a thermoplastic such as polystyrene. The beads are useful in the preparation of molded foam articles having excellent resistance to flame.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers which contain a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as a blowing agent, an organic bromine compound as a flameproofing agent and small amounts of ammonium salt and of an organic amine give, on expansion, foams which have a particularly homogenous foam structure and a good heat insulation effect.

Abstract: A method of improving the flame resistance of foams, such as open cell polyimide foams, through the introduction of finely divided non-metallic inorganic particles which are gel forming and insoluble in water and polar organic liquids into the foam cells. A stable liquid suspension or gel, preferably aqueous is prepared using these particles. An opacifier such as finely divided titanium dioxide or tin oxide may also be added. An open cell foam product is placed in the gel until the cells fill with the gel. Excess gel is removed and the foam is dried, leaving the particles trapped in the cells. If desired, the foam may be post treated, such as by compression at the stabilizing temperature, resulting in a densified foam which further mechanically traps the particles and further improves the flame resistance.

Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture of cable comprising:(i) a crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound; and(iii) an organic peroxide crosslinking compound, which decomposes at a temperature of at least about 140.degree. C., but below the decomposition temperature of the polymer.

Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture of cable comprising:(i) a thermpolastic polymer;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound; and(iii) a blowing agent, which decomposes at a temperature in the range of about 160.degree. C. to the decomposition temperature of the thermpolastic polymer.

Abstract: A stable polyol-alkali metal silicate emulsion is produced by mixing and emulsifying an aqueous alkali metal solution, a polyol and an organic compound that will cause the aqueous alkali metal silicate solution to solidify. The polyol-alkali metal silicate emulsion may be used to react with compounds containing at least two isocyanate radicals to produce polyurethane silicate solid or foamed products which may be used for thermal and sound insulation, coating agents, adhesives, caulking agents and molded objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hard foams having foamed and hardened phenolic resins as binding agents, and in which over 90% of the filler is aluminum hudroxide. The filler content is more than 100% with respect to the resin content of the foams. The foamble, filler-containing composition used for the production of the foams is very fluid and can be used directly for the production of moldings of any desired geometry. The aluminum hydroxide used has a grain size distribution such that between 30 to 60% of the filler is in the grain size range under 5 microns. The moldings containing the hard foam can also be in the form of composites. They are characterized not only by their good insulating properties but also by improved compressive strength, extremely little shirinkage tendency and extraordinarily high fire resistance. They are used mainly in the construction industry.

Abstract: A fire-retardant coating material includes a fluid intumescent material and refractory fibers of various sizes dispersed or suspended therein for particular applications. The fluid intumescent material includes a foaming agent, a blowing agent gas source, a carbonific or charring agent, a film-forming binder, a solvent and, in some cases, a pigment or filler. The refractory fibers consist of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and one or more other metal oxides.

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: Disclosed are foam polymer compositions having outstanding resistance to expose to flame. The compositions comprise the product of reaction of a foamable composition and certain inorganic filler materials including one or more of (A) microexplodable micron-sized particles having an internal phase of a non-flammable gas releasing inorganic particulate material such as alumina trihydrate and an external phase of fusible inorganic material such as sodium silicate, (B) particulate, expandable alkali metal silicate, and (C) a particulate inorganic fire retardant such as ammonium salt of a phosphate or polyphosphate. The foams are self-extinguishing, essentially non dripping, and generate only low levels of smoke when impacted directly with the flame of a blowtorch.

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

Abstract: Alumina trihydrate particles coated with alkali metal silicate, alkaline earth metal silicate or alumino silicate are useful as fillers in paper and plastics and provide good opacity and brightness properties as well as fire retardancy. The alumina trihydrate products are prepared by reaction of alumina trihydrate with an alkali metal silicate, an alkaline earth metal silicate, or alumino silicate, or the reaction of alkali metal silicate or alkaline earth metal silicate with aluminum sulfate to produce an alumino silicate precipitate coating in situ.