Abstract: EPDM and/or EPR rubber/silicone compositions having improved thermal properties, well adapted for the production of a wide variety of useful shaped articles, e.g., automotive seals, gaskets and belts, include a 2-mercapto-benzimidazole or salt thereof, preferably the zinc salt, an antioxidant comprising a secondary amine function, a diorganopolysiloxane oil, appropriate filler material and a peroxide crosslinking catalyst.

Abstract: A continuous process for making rigid PVC foam objects by extruding a preform from an initial PVC mixture, optionally cutting the preform into blanks, and expanding the preform or the blanks in water heated to a temperature above 70.degree. C. The initial mixture contains polyvinyl chloride, at least a first blowing agent capable of generating a gas, for example an isocyanate or a polyisocyanate, and at least one organic anhydride (and does not contain any added inert particles finely divided therein). The initial mixture may also contain less than one weight percent of a second blowing agent, for example azobisisobutyronitrile or azodicarbonamide. The objects produced possess heat- and sound-insulating properties.

Abstract: Acrylic multipolymer-vinyl chloride polymer compositions are rendered flame-retardant by the incorporation therein of dicyclopentadienyl iron or chromium acetyl acetonate.