Abstract: A molded object having a sponge-like interior surrounded by a skin, molding composition from which it is produced, and the method for producing the article. Copolymers of vinyl-substituted aromatic compounds containing from 8-18 carbon atoms copolymerized with conjugated diene having from 4-12 carbon atoms and polymer chosen from among solid resinous polymers of vinyl-substituted aromatic compounds present in amounts ranging from about 10 to about 75 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the copolymer and solid resinous copolymers of ethylene present in an amount of about 5 to about 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the copolymer are blended with a sufficient amount of polarizing agent to achieve rapid heating through response to microwave treatment, blowing agent in an amount sufficient to provide a sponge-like, rubbery porosity to an article molded therefrom, and, optionally, cellular control agent.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., radial block butadiene/styrene copolymer, solid resinous polymer, e.g., vinyl-substituted aromatics, and one or more specific polar compounds. The specific polar compounds are chosen from among simple and polymeric alkaline glycols, their mono and dialkyl ethers; ethanolamines, isopropanolamines, and their hydrocarbylsubstituted derivatives; liquid acrylonitrile/butadiene polymers; acrylonitrile/butadiene blends with homopolymers of polyvinyl chloride and styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers; and mixtures thereof. A method using these compositions for producing molded objects at a molding pressure of up to about 200 psig. Molded objects produced from these compositions and molded objects produced by this method of molding.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, at least two sheets of a thermoplastic polyalkene are bonded to one another to form a bonded product and at least one surface of a polyalkene is formed on at least a part of a synthetic nonhydrogenated, unvulcanized elastomeric product to form a bonded product by disposing the sheets of polyalkene or at least one sheet of polyalkene on the synthetic elastomeric product, as the case may be, in a mold, closing the mold and subjecting the assembly to microwave energy at a power level, for a time and while applying a pressure sufficient to bond the two polyalkene sheets or the polyalkene sheet to the synthetic elastomeric material, as the case may be.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for sensitizing thermoplastic compositions to the heating effects of microwave energy in which the components of the composition are (1) an alcohol amine or derivative thereof; (2) a simple or polymeric alkylene glycol or derivative thereof; (3) silica; and (4) optionally, a plastomer that is a normally solid linear or radial teleblock copolymer derived from butadiene and styrene. A method for preparing this composition as a dry, free-flowing powder by preparing a liquid mixture of the polymeric alkylene glycol or derivative and the alcohol amine or derivative which mixture is then charged into a premixed combination of granulated plastomer, if used, and silica. A method for preparing flow molding compounds by admixing a non-polar thermoplastic with a sufficient amount of the sensitizer composition to provide microwave energy sensitivity. Subjecting the flow molding composition, in a mold, to microwave energy thereby producing a flow molded composition.

Abstract: A molded object having a sponge-like interior surrounded by a skin, molding composition from which it is produced, and the method for producing the article. Copolymers of vinyl-substituted aromatic compounds containing from 8-18 carbon atoms copolymerized with conjugated diene having from 4-12 carbon atoms and polymer chosen from among solid resinous polymers of vinyl-substituted aromatic compounds present in amounts ranging from about 10 to about 75 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the copolymer and solid resinous copolymers of ethylene present in an amount of about 5 to about 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the copolymer are blended with a sufficient amount of polarizing agent to achieve rapid heating through response to microwave treatment, blowing agent in an amount sufficient to provide a sponge-like, rubbery porosity to an article molded therefrom, and, optionally, cellular control agent.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., radial block butadiene/styrene copolymer, solid resinous polymer, e.g., vinyl-substituted aromatics, and one or more specific polar compounds. The specific polar compounds are chosen from among simple and polymeric alkaline glycols, their mono and dialkyl ethers; ethanolamines, isopropanolamines, and their hydrocarbyl-substituted derivatives; liquid acrylonitrile/butadiene polymers; acrylonitrile/butadiene blends with homopolymers of polyvinyl chloride and styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers; and mixtures thereof. A method using these compositions for producing molded objects at a molding pressure of up to about 200 psig. Molded objects produced from these compositions and molded objects produced by this method of molding.

Abstract: An unvulcanized, moldable composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer, at least about 10 parts by weight of an extender oil per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer and at least about 20 parts by weight of a solid, hygroscopic filler, having greater than 1 percent by weight of absorbed water and capable of retaining a substantial portion of such water at temperatures of at least 100.degree. C., per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer, the ratio of the oil to the hygroscopic filler being from about 0.3 to about 3. A method of flow molding by exposure to microwave energy while applying pressures below about 200 psi and a molded article of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A laminate in which a fabric backing is adhered to a composition containing a radial teleblock copolymer having blocks of poly(conjugated diene) and poly(monovinylaromatic) and sufficient surface dulling agent to provide a suede-like surface. A laminate as described having high air permeability and suede-like surface is used as material for uppers of shoes.

Abstract: An expanded rubber, e.g., a foam or sponge-type material is obtained by admixing with a high green strength rubber an expanding or blowing agent, causing the agent to function and then quenching the expanding product to cool and set the same for example with cold water. Various applications of the process include cushioning material, rug underlay, shoe insole, slipper-type footwearing apparel, etc.