Abstract: Described is a water-absorbent composition containing from 30 to 100% by weight, based on the water-absorbent composition, of water-insoluble water-swellable hydrogels characterized by the following features: Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) of at least 24 g/g, Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) of at least 80×10?7 cm3 s/g and Free Swell Rate (FSR) of at least 0.15 g/g s and/or Vortex Time of not more than 160 s.

Abstract: Described is a water-absorbent composition containing from 30 to 100% by weight, based on the water-absorbent composition, of water-insoluble water-swellable hydrogels characterized by the following features:

Abstract: Described are water-insoluble water-swellable hydrogels which have been coated with steric or electrostatic spacers and which have the following pre-coating features:

Abstract: A polystyrene polymer as well as an expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer having a particular molecular weight distribution. The polymer itself exhibits a polydispersity of from about 1 to less tha 2.0, a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 200,000 to about 300,000, and an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to less than about 3.0. Furthermore, the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.The expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer exhibiting a polydispersity of from about 1.0 to less than 2.5, a weight average molecular weight of from greater than about 180,000 to about 300,000, an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to about 4.5. The polystyrene polymer is present in an amount of from about 94.5 weight percent to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulation, and the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.

Abstract: A polystyrene polymer as well as an expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer having a particular molecular weight distribution. The polymer itself exhibits a polydispersity of from about 1 to less than 2.0, a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 200,000 to about 300,000, and an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to less than about 3.0. Furthermore, the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.The expandable polystyrene formulation comprises a polystyrene polymer exhibiting a polydispersity of from about 1.0 to less than 2.5, a weight average molecular weight of from greater than about 180,000 to about 300,000, an M.sub.z :M.sub.n of from about 2 to about 4.5. The polystyrene polymer is present in an amount of from about 94.5 weight percent to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulation, and the polystyrene polymer is branched to from 0 to less than 5 weight percent.

Abstract: A method for making low density (0.8-1.1 lb/cu. ft.) expanded polymeric products uses blowing agent in an amount of only from 2 to 4.4 weight percent. The process uses 2 to 5 expansion steps together with a polymer having a particular polydispersity, weight average molecular weight and M.sub.z :M.sub.n, this polymer having a greater expandability than conventional polymers. The process requires only about half of the amount of blowing agent currently being used in commercially viable processes for making expanded polystyrene products. The process can be used with or without a molding step.

Abstract: A method for making low density (0.8-1.1 lb/cu.ft.) expanded polymeric products uses blowing agent in an amount of only from 2 to 4.4 weight percent. The process uses 2 to 5 expansion steps together with a polymer having a particular polydispersity, weight average molecular weight and M.sub.z :M.sub.n, this polymer having a greater expandability than conventional polymers. The process requires only about half of the amount of blowing agent currently being used in commercially viable processes for making expanded polystyrene products. The process can be used with or without a molding step.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for utilizing the sediments in pure MDI which comprises(a) heating the sediments at temperatures of 180.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for 0.25 hour to 6 hours in the presence of crude MDI; and(b) cooling the product to a temperature of 60.degree. C. or less within 5 minutes.The sediment-free crude MDI which results can then be used for the preparation of polyurethane products.

Abstract: Reaction products of an organic polyisocyanate with a reactive diamine such as bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane and isophorone diamine, prepared at a temperature of between 135.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., are used to prepare polyurethanes useful for comfort cushioning applications such as automotive seating, furniture, mattresses, and large automotive body panels.