Abstract: A composition comprising at least one expandable styrene polymer component and at least one cyclohexanecarboxylic ester and also optionally further components can be processed to mechanically robust foam materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing expandable styrene polymers which comprises the steps of: (a) adding an aqueous phase comprising a suspension stabilizer and an organic phase comprising styrene and an initiator to a reactor, (b) commencing the addition of a blowing agent at a styrene conversion in the range from 40 to 70% and adding the blowing agent over a period ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, (c) adding a stabilizer to stabilize the bead size distribution of the expandable styrene polymer at a styrene conversion in the range from 65 to 99%.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one expandable styrene polymer component and at least one cyclohexanecarboxylic ester and also optionally further components can be processed to mechanically robust foam materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing expandable styrene polymers which comprises the steps of: (a) adding an aqueous phase comprising a suspension stabilizer and an organic phase comprising styrene and an initiator to a reactor, (b) commencing the addition of a blowing agent at a styrene conversion in the range from 40 to 70% and adding the blowing agent over a period ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, (c) adding a stabilizer to stabilize the bead size distribution of the expandable styrene polymer at a styrene conversion in the range from 65 to 99%.

Abstract: A coating formulation intended for expandable particulate styrene polymer and comprising (A) from 10 to 90% by weight of a tristearyl ester whose melting point is in the range from 60 to 65° C., (B) from 10 to 90% by weight of a triglyceride of a hydroxy-C16-C18 oleic acid whose melting point is in the range from 70 to 95° C., and also expandable particulate styrene polymer which has at least one coating composed of said coating-composition formulation.

Abstract: In a process for preparing expandable styrene polymers containing graphite particles, styrene is polymerized in aqueous suspension in the presence of graphite particles.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing bead-form expandable styrene polymers in which the styrene is prepolymerized in bulk to a conversion of 10 to 80%, the prepolymer is dispersed in liquid form in an aqueous phase in the presence of suspension stabilizers, and the polymerization of the prepolymer is completed in an aqueous suspension to a residual styrene content of less than 2000 ppm.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers containing recycled polystyrene have a content of recycled material of up to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the polystyrene, wherein, in the course of the polymerization of the reaction mixture, from 100 to 500 ppm of a molecular weight regulator and/or from 0.05 to 1.0% by weight, based in each case on the polymerization solution, of a finely divided polyethylene wax are added.

Abstract: Bead-form, expandable styrene polymers containing, based on the styrene polymer, from 0.005 to 1.5% by weight of polyethylene wax and from 0.005 to 1% by weight of dimeric .alpha.-methylstyrene, and a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: An expandable styrene polymer comprisinga) a styrene polymer,b) from 1 to 10% by weight, based on a), of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired,c) conventional assistants in effective amounts, has a benzene content of less than 1 ppm and a styrene content of less than 2000 ppm.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers of high expandability comprisea) a styrene polymer having a viscosity, measured in toluene, of from 55 to 80 [ml/g] and a melt flow index MFI (190.degree. C., 3.8 kp) of from 7.5 to 30 [g/10 min],b) from 1 to 10% by weight, based on a), of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired,c) conventional assistants in effective amounts.