Abstract: The present invention relates to a reel (10) for winding up and unwinding filaments, comprising a circular middle element (3), circular flanges (1,2) positioned on either side of said middle element (3), wherein the diameter of said middle element (3) is smaller than the diameter of said flanges (1,2), which middle element (3) is suitable for winding up and unwinding filaments, wherein said middle element (3) and flanges (1,2) are manufactured from a biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of PLA beads, more particularly expanded PLA bead foams. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of moldings by sintering PLA beads. The method comprises the following steps: A) providing unfoamed PLA pellets, B) heating said unfoamed PLA pellets to an annealing temperature and saturating with a blowing agent, C) maintaining said PLA pellets on the annealing temperature and saturating with said blowing agent, D) depressurizing and cooling the saturated PLA pellets of step C) to room temperature to form expanded PLA bead foams.

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: A growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid, wherein the polylactic acid is particulate polylactic acid foam. A method for preparing a growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid foam, the method including providing particulate expandable polylactic acid and exposing the particulate expandable polylactic acid to predetermined temperature and pressure conditions to obtain particulate polylactic acid foam.

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: The present invention relates to a particulate expandable polylactic acid which functions as a starting material for producing foamed moulded products. The present particulate expandable polylactic acid is provided with a coating so as to improve the fusion properties. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a particulate expandable polylactic acid as well as to a method for producing a foamed moulded product and to the moulded product obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate expandable polystyrene (EPS) that can be processed into a foam with a fine cell structure and a low density and contains a material for increasing the thermal insulation value, to improve the thermal insulation value hereof. The present invention also relates to a method for the production of a particulate expandable polystyrene (EPS) and to a foam material based on polystyrene.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed expand and fuse.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed to expand and fuse.