Abstract: The present invention relates to asphalt generally, and more particularly to polymeric products containing asphalt-based additives to achieve various properties and/or reduce cost. In one embodiment, this invention relates the use of asphalt as a resin replacement and/or a colorant in a plastic product. In one such embodiment it relates to rigid foamed polymeric board wherein asphalt is added to increase insulating capability of the polymeric foamed board.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing multi-layered nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: A process for making closed-cell, alkenyl aromatic polymer foams using nano-particle nucleation agents to control the cell morphology of the resulting foam includes forming a polymer melt at a temperature above the polymer glass transition temperature (for crystal polymers) or the polymer melt point (for amorphous polymers); incorporating selected nano-particles into the polymer melt; incorporating blowing agents into the polymer melt at an elevated pressure; optionally incorporating other additives, such as flame retardants, into the polymer melt; and extruding the polymer melt under conditions sufficient to produce a foam product having a desired cell morphology, characterized by parameters such as reduced average cell size range and/or increased asymmetry of the cells.