Abstract: Heat-expandable molded synthetic resin seal and baffle components adapted for use in automobile body cavities or the like are provided which are designed to preferentially expand upon heating in desired directions and to a desired degree, in order to properly seal irregular or special cavity shapes. The molded components of the invention have selected body surface portions thereof UV crosslinked to a depth of up to about 0.5 mm, while other portions of the molded body are not crosslinked; upon heating, the crosslinked portions expand at a slower rate and to a lesser extent than non-crosslinked body portions. The preferred synthetic resin includes a grafted anhydride polymer, a terminal epoxide polymer additive, a blowing agent, a UV photoinitiator and a UV crosslinkable resin system.

Abstract: An expansible reinforcer for reinforcing a hollow structural member of an automobile, aircraft, boat, etc. is provided. The reinforcer is flexible/bendable and comprises a synthetic, resin-based expansible reinforcing material secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcer comprises a plurality of supports pivotally connected to one another in a train-like arrangement. The reinforcing material is formed of a thermally expansible composition which preferably has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of a particular manufacturing process (e.g., such as the temperature at which the paint bake or powder bake stage is carried out in the automobile manufacturing process). The inventive reinforcer is capable of being fed into the opening of a tight cavity on a structural member so as to provide uniform reinforcement of the structural member.

Abstract: An expansible reinforcer for reinforcing a hollow structural member of an automobile, aircraft, boat, etc. is provided. The reinforcer is flexible/bendable and comprises a synthetic, resin-based expansible reinforcing material secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcer comprises a plurality of supports pivotally connected to one another in a train-like arrangement. The reinforcing material is formed of a thermally expansible composition which preferably has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of a particular manufacturing process (e.g., such as the temperature at which the paint bake or powder bake stage is carried out in the automobile manufacturing process). The inventive reinforcer is capable of being fed into the opening of a tight cavity on a structural member so as to provide uniform reinforcement of the structural member.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member is provided which includes a reinforcing member received in the cavity of a structural member. The reinforcing member includes a carrier having divergent, intersecting legs which preferably engage and rest upon the structural member, a thermally expandable reinforcing material, and a fastener for coupling the reinforcing material to the carrier. The thermally expandable reinforcing material is preferably provided as separate elements positioned on the carrier, whereby upon activation by heat, the expandable material melts, foams and expands so that after curing, the structural member is bonded to the carrier. The shape of the carrier in combination with the expanded reinforcing material serves to stiffen and reinforce the structural member. The thermally expandable material is preferably initially dry and non-tacky, and the fasteners serves to maintain the relative position of the reinforcing material elements on the carrier prior to activation of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: Heat-expandable molded synthetic resin seal and baffle components adapted for use in automobile body cavities or the like are provided which are designed to preferentially expand upon heating in desired directions and to a desired degree, in order to properly seal irregular or special cavity shapes. The molded components of the invention have selected body surface portions thereof UV crosslinked to a depth of up to about 0.5 mm, while other portions of the molded body are not crosslinked; upon heating, the crosslinked portions expand at a slower rate and to a lesser extent than non-crosslinked body portions. The preferred synthetic resin includes a grafted anhydride polymer, a terminal epoxide polymer additive, a blowing agent, a UV photoinitiator and a UV crosslinkable resin system.

Abstract: An expansible reinforcer for reinforcing a hollow structural member of an automobile, aircraft, boat, etc. is provided. The reinforcer is flexible/bendable and comprises a synthetic, resin-based expansible reinforcing material secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcer comprises a plurality of supports pivotally connected to one another in a train-like arrangement. The reinforcing material is formed of a thermally expansible composition which preferably has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of a particular manufacturing process (e.g., such as the temperature at which the paint bake or powder bake stage is carried out in the automobile manufacturing process).

Abstract: Heat-expandable molded synthetic resin seal and baffle components adapted for use in automobile body cavities or the like are provided which are designed to preferentially expand upon heating in desired directions and to a desired degree, in order to properly seal irregular or special cavity shapes. The molded components of the invention have selected body surface portions thereof UV crosslinked to a depth of up to about 0.5 mm, while other portions of the molded body are not crosslinked; upon heating, the crosslinked portions expand at a slower rate and to a lesser extent than non-crosslinked body portions. The preferred synthetic resin includes a grafted anhydride polymer, a terminal epoxide polymer additive, a blowing agent, a UV photoinitiator and a UV crosslinkable resin system.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for a structural component such as a rail or channel of a vehicle is provided which includes a carrier and a thermally expansible structural reinforcing material element which is fastened to the carrier by mechanical fixation or an adhesive. The mechanical fixation may be provided by a flange or other mechanical connection on the carrier or by a fastener such as a push pin extending through aligned holes and openings in the carrier and foamable material. The push pins are preferably of a synthetic resin material which more closely approximates the heat conductivity of the foamable material when the latter is activated by heat, and is sufficiently yieldable to absorb impacts to the foamable material during installation.

Abstract: An expansion temperature tolerant, dry, expandable sealant and baffle is provided which is capable of undergoing a desired degree of full expansion when an automobile body containing the sealant and baffle product is conveyed through a conventional bake and/or curing oven. The sealant and baffle product is fully expandable over a wider temperature and time range than heretofore available expandable baffle products. The composition for preparation of a molded expandable sealant and baffle component includes a grafted anhydride polymer, an epoxide terminated additive polymer which are capable of reacting with the grafted anhydride polymer and a blowing agent.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for receiving thereon a thermally expansible reinforcing material includes a tubular carrier and a fastener mechanically affixing the reinforcing material to the carrier. The tubular carrier preferably has a continuous arcuate wall with the reinforcing material received on the exterior thereof. The reinforcing material may be provided as a plurality of longitudinally spaced annular elements, an elongated sleeve, or a plurality of prism-shaped elements. Upon heating, the reinforcing material expands and bonds the carrier to the structural member to provide additional strength and stiffness.

Abstract: An expansion temperature tolerant, dry, expandable sealant and baffle is provided which is capable of undergoing a desired degree of full expansion when an automobile body containing the sealant and baffle product is conveyed through a conventional bake and/or curing oven. The sealant and baffle product is fully expandable over a wider temperature and time range than heretofore available expandable baffle products. The composition for preparation of a molded expandable sealant and baffle component includes a grafted anhydride polymer, an epoxide terminated additive polymer which are capable of reacting with the grafted anhydride polymer and a blowing agent.

Abstract: A reactive hot melt adhesive contains, as resin component, a reaction product ofa) 30 to 50 wt-% of an epoxy resin, solid at root temperature, prepared from bisphenol A and/or bisphenol F and epichlorhydrin with an epoxide equivalent weight of 400 to 700,b) 10 to 25 wt-% of an epoxy resin, liquid at room temperature, prepared from bisphenol A and/or bisphenol F and epichlorhydrin with an epoxide equivalent weight of 150 to 220 andc) 35 to 50 wt-% amino-terminated polyethylene and/or polypropylene glycols.

Abstract: Two-component adhesive-, sealing- or coating compositions are being described which are separately packed, and comprise the component A and the component D, whereby the component A is curing as soon as it gets in touch with water or the component D which contains the curing agent for the component A.The component D can be, or a component B containing an ingredient which is curing at the contact of water, or, possibly, at the contact with the component A, orthe component D can also be a mixture of solid matter and a volatile ingredient which is causing the cross-linking of the component A.The advantage of the novel two-component systems is that the component D is working as a curing agent for the component A, however, a surplus thereof is, or self-curing, or it does not leave a nuissance residue in the cured composition.

Abstract: Interpenetrating network polymers (IPN's) are made by admixing polyols, polyisocyanate, and a poly(vinylchloride) plastisol, followed by heating to complete the cure. The resulting polyurethane/poly(vinylchloride) IPN has superior properties as sealant, especially for automotive parts.

Abstract: The component polyol/polyisocyanate composition useful in forming an abrasion resistant polyurethane automotive undercoating. The polyol component is unmodified castor oil or castor oil modified with cyclohexanone-formaldehyde condensate. The modified castor oil may be further modified by adding the reaction product of neopentyl glycol and adipic acid. The polyisocyanate component comprises an MDI-based mixture containing polyisocyanate prepolymers based on alkylene oxides.

Abstract: Novel polyurethane formulations especially useful as membranes for the protection of bridge deckings. The polurethane is prepared by mixing two components, A and B. Component A consists essentially of a low-molecular weight polyol, e.g., glycerol; a poly(oxypropylene) triol; and an elastomer. Component B is a special MDI, either a mix of 4,4'- and 2,4'-isomers of diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a mix of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and its reaction product with a low molecular weight poly(oxypropylene).

Abstract: Novel polyurethane formulations especially useful as membranes for the protection of bridge deckings. The polyurethane is prepared by mixing two components, A and B. Component A consists essentially of a low-molecular weight polyol, e.g., glycerol; a poly(oxypropylene) triol; and an elastomer. Component B is a special MDI, either a mix of 4,4'- and 2,4'-isomers of diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a mix of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and its reaction product with a low molecular weight poly(oxypropylene).