Abstract: A photocurable liquid composition capable of forming a cured product in which localization of metal oxide nanoparticles is suppressed, a cured product of the photocurable liquid composition, and a method for producing a cured product using the photocurable liquid composition. As a photopolymerizable monomer, a polyfunctional monomer having 3 or more ethylenically unsaturated double bond is added to the photocurable liquid composition including the photopolymerizable monomer, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: A polymer formed from a first monomer of vinylene carbonate and at least one second monomer different form the first monomer that does not contain a glycidyl group, wherein the molar ratio of the first monomer to the second monomer is from 4:1 to 99:1. The polymer, preferably the copolymer, dissolves metal salts and the composition of the copolymer and metal salt may have an ionic conductivity greater than 0.01 mS/cm. The polymer is suitable for use in various components of solid state batteries.

Abstract: A formulation for cellulosic materials comprises a polyvinyl alcohol terpolymer comprising a polyvinyl alcohol modified with about 1 mol % to about 10 mol % of a hydrophilic comonomer, and with about 1 mol % to about 5 mol % of a hydrophobic comonomer, and having a degree of hydrolysis of about 92% to about 98%.

Abstract: A liquid, radiation curable composition with a viscosity of 1500 cps or lower, said composition comprising 5 to 50 weight percent of monomeric or oligomeric component a) with at least two aromatic (meth)acrylate groups, 0 to 20 weight percent of monomeric or oligomeric component b) with at least two (meth)acrylate groups comprising an alicyclic moiety having at least three rings that are fused or condensed, 10 to 45 weight percent of aliphatic oligomeric or polymeric component c) with at least two (meth)acrylate groups comprising at least one urethane linkage, 10 to 30 weight percent of monomeric component d) with one (meth)acrylate group having at least one hydroxyl moiety, 0.5 to 6 weight percent of one or more photo-initiators capable of forming radicals and 0 to 5 weight percent of color pigments, with components a), b), c) and d) being different from each other.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for making flame retardant fibers comprising the steps of combining a flame retardant masterbatch with a polymer to form a polymer composition and forming the flame retardant fibers from the polymer composition. The masterbatch comprises greater than 10 wt % of a nitrogen compound having a melting point less than 400° C.; and a masterbatch polymer, with the weight percentages based on the total weight of the masterbatch. The flame retardant fibers pass the flame retardancy standards of ASTM D6413 (current year).

Abstract: There are provided: a resin composition that has low elasticity, is curable at low temperature, and has a long pot life; an electrically conductive adhesive that contains the resin composition; a cured product of the resin composition; and a semiconductor device that contains the electrically conductive adhesive or the cured product of the resin composition. The resin composition contains (A) a radically polymerizable curable resin, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, and (C) a radical polymerization inhibitor. The (C) component contains (C1) a nitrosamine compound. The (A) component contains (A1) a urethane acrylate oligomer. The (A1) component has a mass average molecular weight of 1,600 or more and 20,000 or less. The resin composition is useful as an electrically conductive adhesive, a material for mounting components or a sealing material for protecting components, and an insulating material for reinforcement which are used in the FHE field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polycarbonate diol and a polyurethane using the polycarbonate diol as raw materials. The novel polycarbonate diol produces polycarbonate diol-based polyurethane which has a high degree of hardness, superior abrasion resistance, and superior hydrophilicity, and is usable for an application such as a paint, a coating agent, a synthetic leather, an artificial leather, and a highly-functional elastomers, or the like. The present invention also provides an active-energy radiation curable polymer composition giving a cured film having a superior contamination resistance and high degree of hardness. The present invention is obtained, for example, by reacting specific two types of diols with diester carbonate in the presence of a transesterification catalyst being a compound using a metal of Group 1 or 2 on the periodic table.

Abstract: A negative-type photosensitive polymer of the present invention is a solvent-soluble negative-type photosensitive polymer which has a structural unit containing an imide ring, the negative-type photosensitive polymer containing a group having a terminal double bond, in which an average value of positive electric charges (?+) of two carbonyl carbons of the imide ring is equal to or less than 0.099 as calculated by a charge equilibration method.

Abstract: What is provided is a RAFT polymerization reaction solution containing a RAFT agent represented by a specific chemical formula, water, and a water-soluble inorganic base, in which the RAFT polymerization reaction solution may further contain a polymerization initiator as an optional component, the RAFT agent has an acid group, the acid group forms a salt, and a molar ratio represented by M3/(M1+M2) is 1.0 to 10, in which the number of moles of the acid group forming the salt is indicated as M1, the number of moles of an acid group of the polymerization initiator, which may form a salt, is indicated as M2, and the number of moles of the water-soluble inorganic base is indicated as M3.

Abstract: Bimodal high density polyethylene compositions can achieve an improved balance of stress crack resistance and processability by selecting the higher molecular weight and lower molecular weight components such that (1) the lower molecular weight component has a relatively high complementary density, which is a calculated property shown by the formula below, and (2) the higher molecular weight component of the composition has a moderately-low density and narrow molecular weight distribution. This combination of properties provides improved balance of stress crack resistance and processability without having to modify the properties of the higher molecular weight component.

Abstract: A substance may include polymers that include reagent end-capped poly(acetal)s, where a differential scanning calorimetry process exhibits no endothermic peaks for monomers for a first heat cycle of a heat-cool process applied to the reagent end-capped poly(acetal)s and for a second heat cycle of the heat-cool process. The disclosed polyacetals are stable at 23° C., open to the air, for at least 1 month.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane obtained from a reaction mixture comprising: (a) at least one cyclic polyisocyanate, and (b) at least one polyol, in which the thermoplastic polyurethane has gas barrier characteristics which are better than the gas barrier characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) measured under the same circumstances, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane is an essentially amorphous material based on the absence of a melting peak in a DSC curve, and the thermoplastic polyurethane has a glass transition temperature Tg situated between 60° C. and 99.5° C. in a DSC curve, and both curves were obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as mentioned in the description. Hollow and hard bottles can be obtained from this material and as well as methods for obtaining the material and bottles.

Abstract: A composition for forming polyurethane foam including a polyol mixture containing two or more polyols having different melting points, an isocyanate compound, and a blowing agent, wherein the two or more polyols are respectively included in the same weight ratio. A foam for a vehicle seat including a polyurethane foam manufactured from the composition for forming polyurethane foam described above. A method of manufacturing a foam for a vehicle seat including manufacturing a polyurethane foam from the composition for forming polyurethane foam described above, and coating a coating layer composition containing 1 to 5 wt % of carbon nanotubes on at least one surface of the polyurethane foam. A vehicle seat including the foam for a vehicle seat described above.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of preparing a bio-based waterborne polyurethane intermediate. The method comprises the following steps:(a) mixing bio-based isocyanate polymer, sorbitol, fatty acid-substituted glycolipid copolymer, dihydroxyl-terminated polydialkylsiloxane, and a solvent; (b) adding a first initiator to a mixture of step (a) to carry out polymerization; and (c) adding water, an emulsifier, and acetic acid to the product of step (b) to form the bio-based waterborne polyurethane intermediate. The present disclosure also provides a method of preparing a bio-based polyurethane-acrylic hybrid fluorine-free water repellent. The bio-based polyurethane-acrylic hybrid fluorine-free water repellent is derived from aforesaid bio-based waterborne polyurethane intermediate and an acrylic-based fluorine-free water repellent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified polyisocyanate and use thereof, especially as a crosslinking component in a water-soluble or water-dispersible coating composition. The modified polyisocyanate comprises iminooxadiazinedione structure and isocyanurate structure, wherein the weight ratio of the iminooxadiazinedione structure to the isocyanurate structure is not less than 1: 5; and relative to the total weight of the modified polyisocyanate, the total amount of molecules with a number average molecular weight greater than 2700 g/mol in the modified polyisocyanate is 4.1% by weight to 22% by weight; and the modified polyisocyanate is obtainable by the reaction of: an aminosulfonic acid, a polyisocyanate; a tertiary amine; and optionally a polyether alcohol containing ethylene oxide groups.

Abstract: A production method of a blocked isocyanate composition, including a step of mixing and reacting a polyisocyanate and an oxime-based blocking agent, in which a ratio of an amount of the oxime-based blocking agent mixed to an amount of the polyisocyanate mixed is 0.91 to 0.99 in terms of an equivalent ratio.

Abstract: Polyurea Copolymer Presently claimed invention is directed to a process for treating polyurethane, polyurea and/or polyurethane-polyurea copolymers comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one component (A) selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurea and polyurethane-polyurea copolymers; and b) providing at least one secondary amine of formula (B); c) reacting the at least one component (A) with the at least one secondary amine of formula (B) to obtain a first reaction product (D); d) proving at least one isocyanate component (C); e) reacting the first reaction product (D) obtained in step c. with the at least one isocyanate component (C) to obtain a product, wherein the at least one isocyanate component (C) has an average NCO functionality of ?2.0.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to epoxidized lignin prepolymers, related methods of making the prepolymers, cured epoxy resins formed from the prepolymers, articles including a coating of the cured epoxy resins, and related curing methods and compositions. The epoxidized lignin prepolymer has an epoxide functionality in a range of 2 to 8 and a high solubility in various common organic solvents. The high solubility permits incorporation of the epoxidized lignin prepolymer into an epoxy system which cures after addition of curing agents at high enough concentrations to allow replacement of conventional epoxide prepolymers at levels up to 100% replacement. Using other biobased materials in addition to lignin, for example biobased epichlorohydrin to epoxidize the lignin and a biobased hardener to cure the prepolymer, can provide a corresponding cured epoxy resin that is formed from completely biobased materials.

Abstract: A protective film-forming composition including good mask (protection) function against a wet etching liquid and a high dry etching rate during processing of semiconductor substrates, including good coverage even in stepped substrates, and from which flat films can be formed due to a small difference in film thickness after embedding; a protective film produced using said composition; a substrate with a resist pattern; and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. A protective film-forming composition which protects against a semiconductor wet etching liquid, wherein a reaction product (P) of a diepoxy compound (B) and an bifunctional proton-generating compound (C) contains a structure represented by formula (1) (in formula (1), Ar represents a C6-40 aryl group, n represents an integer of 2-10, —Y— represents—OCO—, —O— or —S—, and * represents the bonding site with the reaction product (P) molecule terminal). The protective film-forming composition further includes an organic solvent (S).

Abstract: An epoxy terminated polyester; an adhesive formulation including the epoxy terminated polyester and a curative composition; a laminating adhesive prepared from the above adhesive formulation; a process of making a laminate; a laminate made by the above process; and a flexible package prepared from the above laminate.

Abstract: An epoxy material that provides a cured product having a reduced modulus of elasticity and thereby maintaining reliability even under conditions of wide environmental variation. The epoxy resin composition provided includes (A) an epoxy compound A of formula (1) below, (B) phenyl glycidyl ether substituted with a C6-20 hydrocarbon group, and (C) a curing agent. In formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent C2-4 alkylene; R3 represents methylene or —C(CH3)2—; and a and b each independently represent a number of 1 to 10.

Abstract: Thermosetting resin compositions in a flowable state useful for liquid compression molding (“LCM”) or stencil printing application are provided, reaction products of which become non-flowable after exposure to an elevated temperature and are then platable upon exposure to laser energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of boronic acids to increase the storage stability of epoxy resin compositions and epoxy resin compositions comprising an epoxy resin and a curing agent and a boronic acid.

Abstract: Water-soluble photoactive polymers, included polymer tandem dyes, as described as well as methods for their preparation and use. The photoactive polymers can be prepared by direct modification of core polymers (e.g., violet excitable polymers) with dyes or other functional groups. Methods of detecting analytes using the polymers are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of n-type semiconductor materials. Disclosed are an n-type conjugated polymer, a preparation method therefor, and a use thereof. In the method, using a solvent as a reaction medium, a reaction monomer is reacted under the action of a substance having oxidability to obtain an n-type conjugated polymer. The n-type conjugated polymer comprises one or more polymerization units, and the polymerization unit are of a structure of formula (I) and/or a structure of formula (II), and/or in an enol-type transformation form corresponding thereto. According to the present invention, an aromatic diketone substance having active methylene is a raw material, and is subjected to a direct polymerization reaction by means of the substance having the oxidability.

Abstract: A resin including a unit of Chemical Formula 1, a method for preparing the same, a resin composition including the same, and a molded article including the resin composition are described: wherein all the variables are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides new classes of phenol compounds, including those derived from tyrosol and analogues, useful as monomers for preparation of biocompatible polymers, and biocompatible polymers prepared from these monomeric phenol compounds, including novel biodegradable and/or bioresorbable polymers. These biocompatible polymers or polymer compositions with enhanced bioresorbabilty and processibility are useful in a variety of medical applications, such as in medical devices and controlled-release therapeutic formulations. The invention also provides methods for preparing these monomeric phenol compounds and biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polycarbonate and a preparation method therefor and an application thereof. The polycarbonate comprises at least one of structural units selected from a structural unit represented by formula (I) and a structural unit represented by formula (II). The polycarbonate provided by the present application has a high refractive index, and the obtained polycarbonate has a refractive index of 1.673-1.794, which can satisfy performance requirements of polycarbonate as an optical resin in optical components.

Abstract: A family of ether amines that uses alkoxylates allows for the easy adjustment of rheology of greases while providing enhanced durability over the present grease thickeners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly pure pH-responsive polymer represented by the following formula (I), a production method thereof, and the like: (in the formula (I), each symbol is as described in the specification).

Abstract: Effective polymeric transfection reagents for delivery of nucleic acids and their complexes to modify host cells, particularly hematopoietic cells including myeloid and lymphoid cells, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of preparing and using same are provided. An effective compound comprises a low molecular weight polymer and aliphatic lipid-thioester or lipid-ester groups. A nanoparticle comprises the compound complexed with a nucleic acid and/or an additive. A composition or pharmaceutical composition comprises the nanoparticle and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of treating, preventing, or ameliorating a disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the nanoparticle or the composition or pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A material for melt processing contains a polyimide having a repeating unit represented by general formula (1) below. wherein each R1 independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkyl halide group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, each m independently represents 0, 1, or 2, and X represents a divalent chemical group represented by general formula (2) below, wherein the polyimide is made to have high heat resistance and high melt flowability.

Abstract: It is provided a process for modifying an aromatic polyether backbone for obtaining a modified polyether comprising the steps of: a) providing the at least one aromatic polyether to be modified in dissolved state in an inert organic solvent, b) adding at least one modification reagent, c) adding at least one catalyst, d) carrying out the process until a desired degree of functionalization of said aromatic polyether backbone is reached, e) recovery of the modified aromatic polyether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone polymer compound, a method for preparing same, a composition for transdermal delivery comprising same, and an anti-cancer composition comprising same, wherein a cyclic silane is used as a monomer, and the molecular weight, viscosity, contact angle, moisture content, drug encapsulation ratio, and release behavior of a synthesized silicone polymer compound can be controlled by controlling polymerization conditions such as the type of initiator, ratio of initiator to monomer, and polymerization temperature, and the synthesized silicone polymer compound can thus be used as a transdermal delivery system loaded with a drug and various active substances. In addition, by encapsulating an anticancer agent in the silicone polymer compound of the present invention, the effect of the anticancer agent can be enhanced, and the silicone polymer compound can thus also be utilized for an anticancer use.

Abstract: Provided are an organopolysiloxane in which arrangements of diphenylsiloxy units in the siloxane sequence are controlled to achieve a low proportion of arrangements where the diphenylsiloxy unit-containing siloxanes are consecutive; and a method for producing such organopolysiloxane. The organopolysiloxane is such that low-molecular siloxanes having a weight-average molecular weight of not higher than 700 are contained at a ratio of not larger than 10% by mass, and that a proportion of arrangements where diphenylsiloxy units are consecutive relative to all diphenylsiloxy units is not higher than 5 mol %.

Abstract: Provided are a furanyl group-containing organopolysiloxane that is flexible due to (poly)siloxane and contains furanyl groups having photocrosslinkability. The furanyl group-containing organopolysiloxane is represented by the following average composition formula (1), and has a number average molecular weight of 500 to 40,000, wherein R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, etc., or a furanyl group expressed by the following general formula (2) or (3), in which at least one R per molecule is the furanyl group expressed by the following general formula (2) or (3); a is a number of not smaller than 2, b is a number of not smaller than 0, c is a number of not smaller than 0, d is a number of not smaller than 0, and a, b, c and d satisfy 2?a+b+c+d?1,000, wherein R2 or R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, etc.; the broken lines represent bonds.

Abstract: An object of this disclosure is to provide a laminate body where an organopolysiloxane cured material film which is a dielectric layer is laminated onto an electrode layer or base material layer, in which the adhesion of the interface of the cured material film is improved and the problems of peeling and defects caused by lack of adhesive strength and insufficient tracking do not readily occur, as well as a use thereof and a manufacturing method. A curable organopolysiloxane composition for a transducer, containing at least: (A) a polysiloxane having a C?C type curable reactive group; (B1) a side chain SiH type organohydrogenpolysiloxane; (B2) a terminated SiH type organohydrogenpolysiloxane; (C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst; (D) a reinforcing filler; and (E) an adhesion imparting agent. A value of: px1={HB1/HB2}/{(HB1+HB2)/Vi} is within a range of 0.1 to 6.0.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming solid-state ionically conductive composite materials that include particles of an inorganic phase in a matrix of an organic phase. The methods involve forming the composite materials from a precursor that is polymerized in-situ after being mixed with the particles. The polymerization occurs under applied pressure that causes particle-to-particle contact. In some embodiments, once polymerized, the applied pressure may be removed with the particles immobilized by the polymer matrix. In some implementations, the organic phase includes a cross-linked polymer network. Also provided are solid-state ionically conductive composite materials and batteries and other devices that incorporate them. In some embodiments, solid-state electrolytes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided. In some embodiments, electrodes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided.

Abstract: Polymer-nanocarbon composites, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, carbon matrix-nanocarbon composites, fiber-reinforced carbon matrix-nanocarbon composites, and methods for their manufacture are provided. The composites comprise one or more nanocarbon materials, optionally comprise fibers, and are produced from one or more polymers containing aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and/or aromatic heterocyclic moieties. The composite matrices may comprise thermoplastics or thermosets and may find use in, for example, infrastructure applications.

Abstract: A process can be used for production of trans-polyoctenamer-graphene composite material having a high filler content, from a trans-polyoctenamer and graphene material. The highly filled trans-polyoctenamer-graphene composite material is useful, for example, in the automotive sector, in heat exchangers, in housings, encapsulations, plain bearings, in 3-D printing heads for heat removal, injection moulded parts, electronics applications, hose systems, membranes, fuel cells, cable systems, indoor and sports apparel, EM protection, and orthopaedics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pellet in a pellet mill, which method comprises the steps of (A) pressing a mixture for compaction by a roller through a nozzle to obtain a strand, and (B) comminuting the strand to obtain the pellet, wherein the mixture for compaction comprises (i) 87 to 97 wt. % of a polymer stabilizer mixture polymer stabilizer mixture, which comprises the polymer stabilizers (i-1) 45 to 55 wt. % of tris(2,4-ditert-butylphenyl) phosphite (CAS-No. 31570-04-4), (i-2) 45 to 55 wt. % of tetrakis-[3-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionyloxymethyl]methane (CAS-No. 6683-19-8), and wt. % of the polymer stabilizers (i-1) and (i-2) are based on the weight of the polymer stabilizer mixture, and (ii) 3 to 13 wt. % of a processing aid, which is a propylene-ethylene copolymer and which possesses a melting enthalpy below 20 J/g at 101.32 kPa. The pellet is useful for a dust-free handling of its polymer stabilizer mixture at a manufacturing of a stabilized polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber reinforced composition (C) comprising a heterophasic polypropylene composition (HECO), fibers (F) and an adhesion promoter (AP) as well as an article comprising said fiber reinforced composition (C).

Abstract: The aerogel particles are mixed with organic solvent and dispersed to form an aerogel suspended solution containing the organic solvent, which can be uniformly aerogel/polymer solution with mixed various types of polymers or plastics solution by mixer, and then coated to form an aerogel/polymer composite film, and the steps of which comprises: organic solvent suspension dispersion, polymer solution mixing, coating film formation, drying and winding. The prepared organic solvent aerogel suspended solution can be evenly mixed with the matching polymer solution to form a uniform aerogel/polymer solution, and then the uniform aerogel/polymer solution is made into various thicknesses of aerogel/polymer composite film by the use of coating, laminating, extruding and other processes.

Abstract: A film material that is a blend of a first polymer, and a second polymer. The first polymer is synthesized from one or more bio-based monomers, and has a molecular weight that is less than or equal to 60 kilodaltons. The second polymer is one of: a carbohydrate, and a functionalised carbohydrate derived from one or more bio-based materials. The ratio of first polymer to second polymer within the film material is at least 25:75 by weight. A packaging material has a substrate, and a layer that is formed of the film material, which is assembled into a substantially continuous film on a carrying surface of the substrate. The layer is formed to a thickness that is efficacious in providing a barrier to transmission of oxygen and/or water vapour to the carrying surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-soluble film comprising more than one polyvinyl alcohol resin and at least one plasticiser present in an amount of at least 20% by weight of the film, wherein at least one polyvinyl alcohol resin has a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000 g/mol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol resin has a weight average molecular weight of less than 50,000 g/mol. The invention is further related to a direct cast extrusion process for producing a water-soluble film comprising more than one polyvinyl alcohol resin and at least one plasticiser present in an amount of at least 20% by weight of the film, wherein at least one polyvinyl alcohol resin has a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000 g/mol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol resin has a weight average molecular weight of less than 50,000 g/mol.

Abstract: The present invention provides (polymeric) compounds and a process for preparation thereof. Intended use is in field of electrochemistry. Anion-conducting properties of disclosed compounds making this material suitable for preparing anion-conducting membranes. It is object of present invention to provide an easy-to-prepare material with proper anion-conducting properties and controlled swelling. Inexpensive precursors shall be used for synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyisocyanate compositions comprising two different types of polyisocyanate, their use in the manufacture of prepregs and polyisocyanurate composited made from said prepregs.

Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to hydrogen peroxide plasma surface modification. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a mixture including hydrogen peroxide vapor from a source, wherein a concentration of the hydrogen peroxide vapor in the mixture is substantially stable over time. The method further includes forming a hydrogen peroxide plasma from the mixture and exposing a material to the hydrogen peroxide plasma in a chamber.

Abstract: A foamable resin composition for molding a polyhydroxyurethane resin foam, including: the foamable resin composition including a foamable curing agent (A) including a reaction product (a2) of an amine compound (a1), and carbon dioxide and a cyclic carbonate compound (B) having 2 or more cyclic carbonate groups; a polyhydroxyurethane resin foam obtained by foam molding the foamable resin composition; a method for producing a polyhydroxyurethane resin foam including a step of foam molding the foamable resin composition; and a foamable curing agent for molding a polyhydroxyurethane resin foam, including a reaction product (a2) of an amine compound (a1) and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Methods for forming extruded polystyrene foam comprising: (a) providing a thermoplastic melt and a blowing agent in the melt comprising: (1) from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of HCFO-1233zd(E); (2) from about 35% by weight to about 75% by weight of HFC-134a; (3) from about 10% to about 30% by weight of isobutane; and (4) optionally up to about 15% by weight of dimethyl ether; and (b) foaming the thermoplastic material.