Abstract: The invention provides for sprayable powder comprising friable granules of agglomerated primary particles of non-fibrillatable fluoropolymer and, optionally, at least one other component, the powder having a bulk density of at least 20 g/100 cc and average particle size of 5 to 100 micrometers. The sprayable powder is preferably free of water immiscible liquid, and more preferably free of halocarbon liquid. Included among the other components are inorganic fillers, pigments, high temperature resistant polymer binders. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a sprayable powder comprising friable granules of agglomerated primary particles of a first non-fibrillatable fluoropolymer and at least one other non-fibrillatable component. The invention further provides for a process for preparing the sprayable powder by spray drying a liquid dispersion. In a preferred embodiment, the process includes densifying the granules of agglomerated primary particles that result from spray drying.

Abstract: A fire retardant ligno-cellulosic panel made from a mixture of (i) ligno-cellulosic material, (ii) at least one polymeric binder resin, and (iii) fire retardant solid particles containing fire retardant inorganic materials and a synthetic polymeric material, wherein the mixture is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the panel. Preferably, the fire retardant solid particles are a fine particle size sanding dust produced during the manufacture and finishing of synthetic particle filled resin materials.

Abstract: A one-part curable epoxy adhesive composition is provided. The adhesive comprises curable epoxy resin, a latent curative system comprising (a) at least one first curative encapsulated in thermoplastic polymeric microcapsules and (b) a second latent curative admixed in the curable epoxy resin, and sufficient particulate thermoplastic polymeric material to at least partially regionally plasticize the cured epoxy resin wherein up to all of the particulate thermoplastic polymeric material may be provided by the walls of the microcapsules. A method of curing the adhesive by heating the composition is also provided. A joint made by adhering members together with the adhesive composition and a method of making the joint are also provided.

Abstract: An antistatic composition is provided for use with a label construction which includes an organic cationic polyelectrolyte, a binder, and a surfactant. The composition is preferably used in a label construction comprising a polymer film substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive on its second surface, a release liner overlying the pressure sensitive adhesive, with the antistatic composition being provided on the second surface of release liner. The antistatic composition reduces the surface resistivity of the second surface of said release liner. The antistatic composition may also be used in combination with a toner adhesion-enhancing coating which is provided on the first surface of the substrate to improve print quality. The labels may be stacked or provided in roll form such that the antistatic composition reduces the coefficient of friction between adjacent labels and prevents the build-up of static charges on the labels.

Abstract: A frictionally stressed plastic component, particularly an elastomer component, includes microcapsules which, when damaged, release at least one tribologically effective content substance.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an organic-inorganic composite material which shows high mechanical strength and high water resistance, requires low cost for preparation, and is preferred to be used as a high performance and a high functional plastic material. The present invention provides an organic-inorganic composite material which comprises a matrix of an organic polymer (E), metal oxide particles (C) dispersed uniformly in the organic polymer (E), and a surface modifier for allowing the metal oxide particles (C) to disperse uniformly in the organic polymer (E), wherein the surface modifier is another organic polymer (A) which has a functional group formable of a covalent bond to a surface of the metal oxide particles (C).

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved-drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a favorable feel coating film having gently soft feel (comfortable feel), a coating composition for forming the coating film, and fine particles of a polymer for incorporation in the coating composition, and concerns with fine particles of lanolin-deposited polyurethane resin obtainable by reacting at least one of polyesters and polyethers with polyisocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups in a poor solvent in the presence of a lanolin derivative; a coating composition comprising (i) at least one binder resin selected from the group consisting of polyester resins and polyether resins, the binder resin having a specific glass transition temperature, a specific number average molecular weight and a specific hydroxyl value, (ii) polyisocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups, (iii) the fine particles of polyurethane resin as described above, and (iv) an organic solvent; and an article coated with the coating composition.

Abstract: A sprayable polymeric material and a process for preparing the material which contains a fibrous material, dispersed throughout the polymeric material. A restriction free spray nozzle is provided for mixing and spraying the polymeric material having a fibrous material, the nozzle having a restriction free check valve. A reinforced structure, and a method of making the structure are provided, the structure having layers of the polymeric material (both film and foam) containing the fibrous material. A flexible liner is provided of a porous geotextile fabric and a polyurethane composition comprising the fibrous material sprayed over the geotextile fabric.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an aqueous dispersion having good adhesiveness, especially airtight adhesiveness to various substrates, and having good storage stability, good weather resistance and good hydrophobicity. The aqueous dispersion comprises a block copolymer composed of polymer blocks (A) consisting essentially of olefin monomer units and polymer blocks (B) comprising from 2 to 100 mol % of units of vinyl monomers having a carboxyl group or a carboxylic acid anhydride group and from 0 to 98 mol % of units of other vinyl comonomers capable of copolymerizing with the vinyl monomers, dispersed in an aqueous solution of at least 0.05 equivalents, relative to the carboxyl group or the carboxylic acid anhydride group, of a basic substance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition containing inorganic particles, wherein (i) the inorganic particles have pore volume of 0.1 to 3 ml/g and (ii) the inorganic particles are treated at the surfaces with a hydrophilic polyester of 0.05 to 10 times the weight of the inorganic particles or with a silicon-containing organic compound. This composition can be obtained by feeding a dispersion of the above-mentioned surface-treated inorganic particles into a vented double-screw kneader and extruder to mix it with a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition comprising a blend of polyolefin with the reaction of a functionalized polyolefin and polyetheramine in which the polyetheramine is grafted into the functionalized polyolefin in a customary mixing apparatus. A process for producing the reaction product of functionalized polypropylene and polyetheramine by melting with polypropylene in a customary mixing apparatus is also disclosed. Blends of the present invention are advantageously useful to prepare paintable automotive body parts. This invention further includes dyeable polyolefin compositions containing the reaction product of functionalized polyolefin and polyetheramine. Dyeable polyolefin fibers, including polypropylene fibers, are disclosed, which may be made by melt spinning, and which may be employed to make woven. and non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A blended solid composition is provided containing a fibrillatable microparticulate PTFE polymer in an unfibrillated state and at least one elastomeric and/or fluoroplastic component. The composition is useful in making microfiber-reinforced solid compositions and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous composition and method for applying additives to polymeric particles includes a water-dissipatable polyester derived from a dicarboxylic acid component and a diol component and a difunctional monomer containing a SO3M moiety attached to an aromatic nucleus to at least partially disperse the additive. A method for dispersing a hydrophobic additive in an aqueous media includes the step of contacting the hydrophobic additive with an effective amount of the water-dissipatable polyester to form a mixture and agitating the mixture sufficiently to produce a homogenous blend is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrically conductive microgel and preparation thereof. The electrically conductive microgel is prepared by adding 3 to 30 weight % of a monomer for synthesizing electrically conductive polymer and 1 to 20 weight % of a dopant to 15 to 80 weight % of an organic solution containing 5 to 60 weight % of microgel particles and polymerizing said monomer at a temperature of 0 to 80 ° C. under the addition of 2 to 40 weight % of an aqueous solution containing 1 to 40 weight % of an oxidative polymerization catalyst, in which the polymer adsorbed on the surface of the microgel particles. The electrically conductive microgel takes a core/shell structure in which electrically conductive polymers or oligomers are physically adsorbed onto the internal crosslinked microgel particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite made by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 30 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to less than 10% by weight of the composite; and (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.9 to 60% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(c) is equal to 100%, wherein the polymer (a) is not a polyamide. The invention further relates to a composite prepared by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 25 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composite; (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.8 to 60% by weight of the composite, and (d) an epoxy compound at from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(d) is equal to 100%.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a dispersion composition which is free from the precipitation problem because of its improved dispersion stability, permits employment of various kinds of organic solvents and insoluble granular materials, is widely utilizable, and is useful as, in particular, a liquid developer or a jet printing ink, in which electrostatic force is utilized. The present invention provides a dispersion composition comprising a dispersion of a granular material in an organic solvent and further comprising a high-molecular weight compound having acidic groups and a high-molecular weight compound having basic groups, at least a part of said high-molecular compounds being insoluble in the organic solvent, and said high-molecular weight compounds being adsorbed on at least a portion of the granular material.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber treatment agent composition capable of providing synthetic fibers, particularly synthetic fiber padding, with a better hand, smoothness, repulsion, and the like. The composition comprises an amino group-containing polyorganosiloxane with a high amino group content and specific terminal groups, and an amino group-containing polydiorganosiloxane with a low amino group content or a polydiorganosiloxane with no amino groups.

Abstract: A thermally conductive silicone rubber composition comprising (A) a curable organopolysiloxane, (B) a curing agent, and (C) a thermally conductive filler surface treated with (D) a silalkylene oligosiloxane described by formula 1

Abstract: A raw material for injection molding comprising a metal powder or a ceramic powder, and a binder containing at least two types of resins, obtained by coating or encapsulating the metal powder or ceramic powder particles with a resin insoluble in a predetermined solvent and having a high softening temperature, and subsequently kneading the resultant powder and a resin soluble in the solvent and having a low softening temperature.

Abstract: A polymeric amphipathic stabiliser is formed of hydrophobic monomer units and hydrophilic monomer units which comprise carboxylic free acid or acid salt units and glycidyl or anhydride units. The glycidyl or anhydride units react onto reactive groups on polymer particles when dispersed in non-aqueous liquid and provide improved stability when the particles are subsequently dispersed in liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: A colorant composition capable of giving a coating film excellent in heat resistance and weather resistance which not only can have a single clear color, such as, blue, green, yellow, or the like, and be used for forgery prevention based on discrimination by means other than visible light rays, but also does not suffer color fading even at a high temperature of 350° C. to 600° C. The colorant composition comprises at least a powder comprising a base particle coated with a multilayered film comprising layers differing from each other in refractive index to make the base particle have an interference color, wherein the powder is dispersed in a dispersion medium.

Abstract: By use of polymeric color effect pigment, comprising a plurality of particles essentially free from metallic material, preferably free from inorganic material, and formed from a large number of layers of polymeric materials whose refractive indices differ from each other, metallic, reflective, or colored appearance is provided to coatings or other polymeric products without the use of relatively dense pigments.

Abstract: A process for the warp-free pigmenting of polyolefins, wherein an organic pigment is used whose particles are coated on the surface by one or more films of polar polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of composite wood products. This process comprises a) applying a thixotropic binder composition to wood particles, and b) molding or compressing the wood particles treated with the binder to form a composite wood product. Suitable thixotropic binder compositions comprise a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate) and a thixotropic agent having a viscosity of less than 1,000 cps at high shear.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer article containing functionalized fluoropolymer is reinforced with fibrous liquid-crystal polymer.

Abstract: A heat absorbing coating having a plurality of micro-capsules each being an encapsulant shell and a heat absorbing material within the shell, and a carrier adherable to a substrate and throughout which the micro-capsules are dispersed. The heat absorbing material is preferably a phase change material and can be non-limitedly chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polywax, and combinations thereof. Shell material can be a metal such as copper, for example, or a polymer. The carrier can be a sprayable polymer mix which provides significant efficacy in uniform application to a substrate. An inventive substrate structure, such as an aircraft structure for example, has thereon the above-defined coating in an amount sufficient to absorb a sufficient amount of heat from the substrate to substantially inhibit thermal erosion in normal operating environments.

Abstract: A method of making a composite product includes the steps of impregnating particles of an exfoliated vermiculite or a lignocellulosic material with an impregnating composition comprising a first thermosetting resin, an extending liquid for the thermosetting resin, if necessary a catalyst for the thermosetting resin and a coloring agent for the particles; removing the extending liquid; subjecting the impregnated particles to suitable conditions, generally of temperature and for pressure, to polymerize or cross-link the first thermosetting resin; coating the particles so produced with a binder composition comprising a second thermosetting resin and if necessary a catalyst for the second thermosetting resin; forming the particles into a desired shape, either in a mould or on a plate of a press; and subjecting the particles to suitable conditions to polymerize, condense or cross-link the second thermosetting resin to bind the particles together to form the composite product.

Abstract: To provide a fluorine-containing resin composition useful as a molding material for parts of electronic and electrical equipment which assures well-balanced enhancement of dielectric property, heat resistance, mold-processability (precise processability) and mechanical properties and the parts of electronic and electrical equipment. The fluorine-containing resin composition for parts of electronic and electrical equipment comprises 70 to 95% by weight of (I) fluorine-containing resin mixture comprising (a) a fluorine-containing resin containing polytetrafluoroethylene not to be fibrillated and (b) a thermoplastic resin other than the fluorine-containing resin and 5 to 30% by weight of (II) a metal compound whisker having a single bond strength of not less than 190 KJ/mol calculated from a dissociation energy of bond between a metal element and oxygen. The parts of electronic and electrical equipment which are obtained from the composition have a dielectric constant of not more than 3.5.

Abstract: The invention provides a redispersible polymer powder based on a mixture of water-insoluble polymer and a water-soluble atomized protective colloid which can be de-activated through a pH change. In addition, the invention concerns aqueous dispersions that can be prepared with the polymer powder and the use of the polymer powder or its aqueous dispersions as a bonding agent in adhesives, plasters or paints.

Abstract: A blended solid composition is provided containing a fibrillatable microparticulate PTFE polymer in an unfibrillated state and at least one elastomeric and/or fluoroplastic component. The composition is useful in making microfiber-reinforced solid compositions and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: An electrically conducting member (2) is insulated with a thin coating (6) of a resinous insulation composition containing a resin interactive with and bonded to an oligomer containing a metal of at least one of Cr, Sn and Zn, where the oligomer is within a silicate type mica or clay structure.

Abstract: A composition comprising a plurality of multicomponent particles, one component of each of the particles being melt fabricable fluoropolymer and another component of each of the particles being a high temperature resistant non-dispersed polymer binder. The components of the particles are bound together by mechanical engagement, or alternatively, by chemical interaction. The composition is preferably in the form of a free-flowing powder which is not subject to segregation of component resins during shipping or processing.

Abstract: A composition comprising a thermoset resin which may or may not contain fluorine, bromine or both and containing at least one bromine-containing homo- or multicomponent thermoplastic polymer modifier optionally containing a different halogen which is soluble in the thermoset. Said thermoplastic polymer undergoes an in-situ phase separation process during cure to form a microphase-separated multiphase thermoset material.

Abstract: A substrate with an organic undercoat as bonding layer for a printing medium to be deposited subsequently on the substrate in a printing process is such that the organic undercoat contains fine grained constituents of organic and/or inorganic substances, whereby the surface of the inorganic constituents is treated or provided with a coating of organic substances. Suitable inorganic constituents are e.g. highly dispersed silica, the surface of which is treated with a resin or a polymer. Suitable compositions for the organic undercoat layer on the substrate are organic coatings based on many commercially available organic coating materials with an addition of e.g. 0.3 to 20 wt. % silica. By adding highly dispersed silica to the undercoat the adhesion between the undercoat and the printing medium can be greatly improved, also in the case of laser printing methods with small thermal energy.

Abstract: Solid blends of rubbery polymers and amorphous or crystalline polymers, said blends being free-flowing at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature of the amorphous or crystalline polymer, are prepared by intimate mixing procedures. In general, said mixing conditions include high shear conditions sufficient to convert polymer A to dispersed particles coated with polymer B and produce a free-flowing blend.

Abstract: Physical properties of polymer resins, particularly amorphous resins such as ABS or SAN copolymers, are markedly improved by dispersing therein a filler-reinforced engineering thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the warp-free pigmenting of polyolefins, which process comprises admixing coated pigment particles with a polyolefin, wherein said coated pigment particles are prepared by coating organic pigment particles with one or more films of a preformed polymer by adsorption thereon of from 1 to 10% by weight of the polymer, based on the pigment particles, at room temperature, the polymer being selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone homopolymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent polymer composition comprisinga) a particulate mineral carrier of high specific surface area andb) a polymer dispersion applied to the carrier, andto a process for preparing this pulverulent polymer composition, to its use for preparing building materials, and to polymer-modified building materials, such as bitumen, dry mortars, powder adhesives, pulverulent coating formulations and filling compounds, all of which comprise such polymer compositions.

Abstract: A laser-sinterable powder product has been prepared having unique properties which allow the powder to be sintered in a selective laser sintering machine to form a sintered part which is near-fully dense. For most purposes, the sintered part is indistinguishable from another part having the same dimensions made by isotropically molding the powder. In addition to being freely flowable at a temperature near its softening temperature, a useful powder is disclosed that has a two-tier distribution in which substantially no primary particles have an average diameter greater than 180 .mu.m, provided further that the number average ratio of particles smaller than 53 .mu.m is greater than 80%, the remaining larger particles being in the size range from 53 .mu.m to 180 .mu.m. A powder with slow recrystallization rates, as evidenced by non-overlapping or slightly overlapping endothermic and exothermic peaks in their differential scanning calorimetry characteristics for scan rates of on the order of 10.degree. C. to 20.

Abstract: A flame retardant resin composition including 100 parts by weight of component (A) or (B) and 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of red phosphorus (C) shows excellent flame retardancy even if the molding obtained from it is thin, and is excellent in mechanical properties, wet heat resistance and electric properties, being suitable for mechanical parts, electric and electronic parts, automobile parts, and housings and other parts of office automation apparatuses and household electric appliances. Component (A) may be a thermoplastic resin polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene terephthalate copolymers, and polyethylene terephthalate and/or ethylene terephthalate copolymer, and component (B) may be a thermoplastic resin selected from ##STR1## (O--R.sup.2 --O), (O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O) and ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are divalent aromatic residues.

Abstract: The present invention discloses solventless composition suitable for application as a hot melt to a substrate, said composition comprising a mixture or alloy of resins, selected such that the averaged glass transition temperature (Tg) of the combined unreacted resins is greater than -30.degree. and less than +60.degree. C. The melt viscosity of the unreacted resins are selected so that the combined resin mix has a melt viscosity of from about 0.05 to 25 Poise when measured at 180.degree. C. and at a shear rate of 10,000 Hz.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-absorbing agent, which has high absorption capacity and excellent absorption efficiency under increased pressure and can display excellent water absorption properties when used for sanitary materials even if the resin concentration of a water-absorbent resin is high. The water-absorbing agent has an absorption capacity of 30 (g/g) or more and the below-defined absorption efficiency of 0.7 or more under increased pressure. This agent can be obtained by heating in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent a water-absorbent resin having an absorption capacity of 40 (g/g) or more and an amount of an eluting component of 1 wt % or less relative to the water-absorbent resin, or by: polymerizing a water-absorbent resin in the presence of a chain transfer agent; treating the polymerized resin with a hydrophilic solution; and heating the treated resin in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An adhesive film comprising (a) a liquid epoxy resin, (b) a solid resin having one or more functional groups, (c) a microcapsule type curing agent, and if necessary (d) a coupling agent, is effective for connecting semiconductor chips and wiring boards under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A crosslinkable aqueous polyester-containing emulsion and a process for preparing the same. The emulsion is obtained by polymerizing unsaturated monomers of acrylic, using a crosslinkable, sulfonated polyester emulsifier having an acid number less than 80 mg KOH/g and an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.1 dl/g as an emulsifier. The emulsion has the chemical characteristics of both polyester and acrylic resin, i.e. has low volatile organic compounds, good mechanical stability, and good storage stability. Since the emulsion is crosslinkable, a film formed by the emulsion has excellent adhesion, water and heat resistance. Thus, the emulsion is useful for coating and printing on Nylon, PET, OPP films, as well as for high performance industrial surface coating and adhesion for which good heat-, water-, and weather-resistance are required.

Abstract: New plastic articles are disclosed and claimed having flame retardant properties which contain a core of a plastic polymeric material (thermoplastic, thermoset, rigid foam or semi-flexible foam polymeric material) which is coated with a protective, flame retardant layer comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric material and a flame retardant, char-forming, intumescent system. The new articles are suitable for the manufacture of e.g. rods, beams, pipes, hoses, non-tubular profiles and panels which are useful in various industries such as the building, automotive and mining industries.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-absorbing agent, which has high absorption capacity and excellent absorption efficiency under increased pressure and can display excellent water absorption properties when used for sanitary materials even if the resin concentration of a water-absorbent resin is high. The water-absorbing agent has an absorption capacity of 30 (g/g) or more and the below-defined absorption efficiency of 0.7 or more under increased pressure. This agent can be obtained by heating in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent a water-absorbent resin having an absorption capacity of 40 (g/g) or more and an amount of an eluting component of 1 wt % or less relative to the water-absorbent resin, or by: polymerizing a water-absorbent resin in the presence of a chain transfer agent; treating the polymerized resin with a hydrophilic solution; and heating the treated resin in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete composition, a formulation method therefor, an elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete structure using the composition, and a method for constructing the structure. The polymeric concrete composition is formulated by integrating a rubber powder ground from waste tires or waste rubber and an aggregate using a polymeric binder, and if required, by adding a pigment and aromatic capsules capable of providing remedial and psychological effects. The polymeric concrete structure manufactured using such polymeric concrete composition has appropriate elasticity, water permeability, strength and a pleasant aroma. Thus, the polymeric concrete composition is useful for paving a footpath, a roadway, a bikeway, a railway crossing, a parking lot, a stadium, a racing track, a landing strip, etc., and as a material for civil engineering and constructions such as blocks, tile sound-absorbing plates, soundproofing plates, soundproofing walls and retaining walls.